ISSUANCE OF SPECIAL VISA-EXEMPT CARDS FOR FOREIGNERS

On August 18, 2025, the Ministry of Public Security issued Decision No. 7134/QĐ-BCA-QLXNC, announcing a new administrative procedure in the field of entry and exit management, specifically the procedure for issuing special visa-exempt cards for foreigners. This procedure applies to agencies and organizations that wish to invite or sponsor foreigners to enter Vietnam under the special visa-exempt category.

1. Purpose and Applicable Subjects

The special visa-exempt card is issued to foreigners belonging to special categories entitled to privileges for socio-economic development, in accordance with Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP dated August 8, 2025, of the Government. The issuance of the card aims to facilitate agencies and organizations in inviting or sponsoring foreigners to enter Vietnam without the need to apply for a regular visa.

The applicable subjects are categorized as follows:

• Guests invited by high-ranking Vietnamese leaders (General Secretary, President, Chairman of the National Assembly, Prime Minister, Vice Presidents, Provincial/City Party Secretaries, Chairpersons of People's Committees/People's Councils, and other senior officials).

• Scholars, experts, scientists, professors, chief engineers, and high-quality digital technology industry personnel.

• Investors, leaders of multinational corporations, and large international businesses.

• Individuals active in culture, arts, sports, or tourism with a positive influence on the public.

• Honorary consuls of Vietnam abroad.

• Guests invited by research institutes, universities, or large enterprises (lists decided by the Government).

• Other cases requiring visa-exemption privileges for diplomatic purposes or to serve socio-economic development (as decided by the Minister of Public Security based on proposals from relevant agencies or organizations).

2. Procedure for Implementation

Step 1: Prepare the application documents in accordance with the law.

Step 2: Submit the application either directly or online at:

• Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security:

  • 44-46 Trần Phú, Ba Đình Ward, Hanoi

  • 333-335-337 Nguyễn Trãi, Cầu Ông Lãnh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

• Or online via the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal.

Step 3: Officials receiving the application will check the legality and content of the documents.

Step 4: The competent authority will process the administrative procedure in accordance with regulations.

Step 5: Results will be returned to organizations or individuals either directly or online.

3. Required Documents

• Notification/Proposal in the prescribed form of the competent agency or organization, depending on the subject to be issued the card.

• Copy of the passport identification page.

4. Fees and Processing Time

• Fees: According to current regulations of the Ministry of Finance.

• Processing time: Typically from 3 to 7 working days, depending on the subject being issued the card.

5. Results of the Administrative Procedure

• Electronic special visa-exempt card (Form NC-01) and a notification to the agency/organization regarding the issuance of the electronic special visa-exempt card for foreigners entitled to Vietnam entry privileges (Form NB-01).

• Or physical special visa-exempt card with embedded chip (Form NC-02).

The issuance of this new administrative procedure for special visa-exempt cards for foreigners is an important step in administrative reform, facilitating agencies and organizations in inviting or sponsoring foreigners to enter Vietnam. Citizens and businesses need to understand the steps, required documents, and related regulations to carry out the procedure efficiently and in compliance with the law.

Please feel free to reach us via email contact@altas.vn to discuss your specific concerns and explore how we can navigate these reforms successfully. 

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Prepared by:
Senior Legal Associate at ALTAS Law - Pham Uyen Thy 
Date: 18/9/2025