Shoreward · Visa guides · Vietnam

Does Vietnam Have a Digital Nomad Visa? 2026 Guide for Americans

Updated Nov 2, 20266 min read2 sources linked

Vietnam has no digital nomad visa. Most remote workers use the 90-day e-visa, which can't be extended inside the country, so they leave and reapply every 3 months.

Checked against the sources at the end on November 2, 2026. This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.

At a glance

ItemWhat to know
Visit firstNone for Americans; get an e-visa first
Route for remote workersNo digital nomad visa (90-day e-visa)
Money you need to showNo remote-work visa and no income test for the e-visa. Remote work on it isn't specifically authorized
Length90 days per e-visa
Government feesAbout $25 single-entry, $50 multiple-entry
TimelineAbout 3 working days
Where you applyOnline at Vietnam's official e-visa portal
FamilyEach family member needs their own e-visa
Long-term residenceResidence needs a work permit with a Vietnamese employer, investment or family ties
US taxesStill due every year. See our US taxes and banking guide

Who qualifies

Vietnam has no digital nomad visa. Most remote workers use the 90-day e-visa, which can't be extended inside the country, so they leave and reapply every 3 months.

  • Remote employees of companies outside Vietnam: not on this route.
  • Freelancers and business owners: not on this route; check the alternatives below.
  • Money: No remote-work visa and no income test for the e-visa. Remote work on it isn't specifically authorized.

Open question: Vietnam hasn't said whether remote work on an e-visa is allowed.

Documents

Order US documents first: apostilles and FBI checks are the slowest part.

  • Passport valid 6+ months
  • Online application and photo
  • Fee paid online

Step by step from the US

  1. Decide how long you'll stay and check the visitor rules above.
  2. Before you fly: Online at Vietnam's official e-visa portal.
  3. Buy health insurance for the whole trip.
  4. Track your days for both immigration and tax.
  5. For a longer move, look at the residence routes below with a local adviser.

Taxes

  • 183 days in a year makes you a Vietnamese tax resident
  • No US-Vietnam tax treaty in force or totalization agreement
  • US citizens still file a US return every year. The foreign earned income exclusion is up to $132,900 for 2026; the foreign tax credit is the alternative. See our US taxes guide.

Common mistakes

  • Use only the official e-visa site; copycat sites charge more
  • Leaving every 90 days adds travel costs
  • A long-discussed golden visa hasn't launched

Where to live in Vietnam

Our city guides cover costs in dollars, neighborhoods, live weather and the time difference: Ho Chi Minh City · Hanoi · Da Nang · Hoi An.

Moving with a partner or kids? See Moving abroad with family.

Sources

Checked on November 2, 2026. Where sources disagree, we say so above.

Rule-change alerts

Get an email when Vietnam's rules change

Income minimums, fees and paperwork change often, and old advice sticks around online. When the rules change for Vietnam, we'll send you one short email with what changed and the source. Nothing else.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our privacy policy.