Vietnam’s visa system is expanding. From July 1, 2026, two new Vietnam visa categories, the UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas will be available to a specific group of foreign professionals and their families. These are the first new visa codes introduced since the 2020 immigration law overhaul.
The new categories are tied to:
They are not tourist visas. They are not available to most travelers. But they mark a clear signal that Vietnam is formalising long-term residency pathways for skilled foreign workers.
This guide covers what UĐ1 and UĐ2 are, who qualifies, how they compare to existing visa types, and what they mean for the majority of travelers planning a trip to Vietnam in 2026.
What Are the UĐ1 and UĐ2 Visas?
Vietnam designed the UĐ1 visa for foreign nationals serving as key investors, experts, managers, or highly skilled workers at organizations headquartered at Vietnam’s International Financial Centre. It offers multiple-entry privileges and can be valid for up to 5 years under the general framework, or up to 10 years for holders working directly within IFC-registered entities under Decree 327/2025/NĐ-CP.
The UĐ2 visa covers the spouses and children under 18 of UĐ1 holders. Its validity matches the duration of the primary holder’s UĐ1 visa, keeping families on the same timeline.
The Vietnam Immigration Department issues all UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas. Final approval rests with the relevant authorities, not with any private agency or employer.
| Detail | UĐ1 | UĐ2 |
| Purpose | Key investors, experts, managers, highly skilled workers at IFC organisations | Spouses and children under 18 of UĐ1 holders |
| Validity | Up to 5 years (up to 10 years for IFC-linked holders) | Matches UĐ1 holder’s duration |
| Entry type | Multiple entry | Multiple entry |
| Processing | Maximum 3 working days | Maximum 3 working days |
| Effective date | July 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 |
Who Qualifies for the UĐ1 Visa?
The UĐ1 is not a general work visa. Specific government decrees define eligibility, limiting it to professionals connected to Vietnam’s International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.
- Professionals at the International Financial Centre
Employment at an organization headquartered at the IFC provides the primary pathway. Decree 327/2025/NĐ-CP sets the specific criteria, aligning them with the worker classification standards in Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP.
The application pathway runs through the IFC’s governing authority, not through standard immigration channels. Employers coordinate with the IFC Executive Agency to identify the correct visa category during recruitment.
- Scientists and Special Talent
Decree 221/2025/NĐ-CP aligns these criteria, defining special categories of foreign nationals eligible for preferential treatment to support Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
Important: The UĐ1 is not a digital nomad visa or a general remote worker visa. It targets a specific, relatively narrow group of professionals. If you work with a laptop for a foreign employer who does not operate through the IFC, Vietnam did not design this visa for you.
For travelers who do not meet UĐ1 eligibility, the standard Vietnam e-visa remains the most accessible entry option, with stays of up to 90 days and multiple-entry access. evisas vietnam’s team reviews applications before submission to help catch errors before they reach the Vietnam Immigration Department.
How UĐ1 and UĐ2 Fit into Vietnam’s Visa System
Vietnam’s immigration system already includes more than 20 visa categories, each coded by purpose. Tourist visas (DL), business visas (DN1, DN2), work visas (LD1, LD2), and investor visas (DT1 through DT4) cover the most common scenarios. The UĐ1 and UĐ2 fill a gap between short-stay work authorisations and high-capital investor visas.
The table below shows how they compare to the most commonly used visa types.
| Visa code | Purpose | Max validity | Entry type | Key requirement |
| UĐ1 | Skilled professionals at IFC | 5-10 years | Multiple | IFC employer sponsorship |
| UĐ2 | Family of UĐ1 holders | Matches UĐ1 | Multiple | Relationship to UĐ1 holder |
| DL (e-visa) | Tourism | 90 days | Single or multiple | Valid passport, online application |
| DN1 | Business activities | 12 months | Single or multiple | Vietnamese company sponsorship |
| LD1/LD2 | Employment | 2 years | Single or multiple | Work permit or exemption |
| DT1 | Investment (≥ VND 100B) | 5-10 years | Multiple | Capital contribution proof |
| DT4 | Investment (< VND 3B) | 12 months | Single or multiple | Capital contribution proof |
The UĐ1 and UĐ2 are part of Vietnam’s International Financial Centre framework. They are not a standalone immigration pathway and cannot be applied for through the standard e-visa portal.
What the UĐ1 and UĐ2 Visas Mean for Most Travelers
For the majority of international visitors, the UĐ1 and UĐ2 will not change how they obtain a Vietnam visa. The eligibility bar is high, the application pathway is employer-driven, and the visas are specifically tied to IFC operations.
The practical entry options for most travelers in 2026 remain:
- 90-day multiple-entry e-visa: Available to citizens of all countries. $25 USD for single entry, $50 USD for multiple entry. Apply online through the official portal or through a professional agent like evisas vietnam.
- 30-day visa-free entry: Available to citizens of eligible countries, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, South Korea, and others.
- Visa on arrival: Still available for organised tour groups and certain sponsored cases, but the e-visa has replaced it as the standard option for individual travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are UĐ1 and UĐ2 available to digital nomads or remote workers?
No. The UĐ1 targets senior executives, specialist investors, researchers, and technology professionals working at IFC-registered organisations. It is not a digital nomad visa. Remote workers and freelancers should use the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa, which remains the most practical long-stay option.
Learn more about that with evisas vietnam
Can I apply for a UĐ1 visa through the standard e-visa portal?
No. The UĐ1 application pathway runs through the IFC’s governing authority and requires employer sponsorship. It cannot be applied for through the standard e-visa portal at evisa.gov.vn.
Do I need a UĐ1 visa to visit Vietnam as a tourist?
No. Tourist visitors should apply for a standard e-visa (DL category) or check whether their nationality qualifies for visa-free entry. The UĐ1 is exclusively for professionals affiliated with the International Financial Centre.
For more answers to common Vietnam e-visa questions, visit the evisas vietnam FAQ page.
I am a Vietnamese citizen – can I sponsor my foreign relatives for a UĐ1/UĐ2 visa?
No. UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas require sponsorship from an employer or a hiring organization. If you wish to sponsor relatives for family visits, you should use the TT (Family Visit) visa – note that Law 118/2025 has expanded the eligibility for sponsorship to include grandparents sponsoring their grandchildren.
My spouse was granted a UĐ2 visa – are they allowed to work in Vietnam?
The UĐ2 visa allows for residency, but to work, the holder still needs to apply for a work permit or obtain an exemption according to specific regulations. Please follow the detailed guiding circulars to be released after July 1st, 2026.
Vietnam’s Visa System Is Expanding
The UĐ1 and UĐ2 represent the clearest signal yet that Vietnam is building structured, long-term pathways for foreign professionals. They are part of a broader shift in how the country positions itself as a destination for skilled talent, not just tourism.
For most travelers in 2026, the e-visa remains the fastest and most practical route into the country. The 90-day multiple-entry option covers the vast majority of trip types, from short holidays to extended business stays.
Here’s a full breakdown of how the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa works
If you do not fall under the priority categories for UĐ1 or UĐ2 visas, applying for a standard e-visa with our support is the most effective way to secure your entry. Whether you are planning a holiday or a long-term visit, evisas vietnam’s team reviews every submission to ensure it meets all requirements before reaching the Vietnam Immigration Department.
