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Diaspora & Family Reunification

Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate: Complete Eligibility & Filing Guide

For millions of Overseas Vietnamese (Việt Kiều) residing in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, and across the globe, as well as foreign nationals married to Vietnamese citizens, applying for a short-term 90-day electronic visa for every family visit is both time-consuming and unnecessary. Under Government Decree No. 82/2015/ND-CP, qualifying individuals are eligible for a **5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate (Giấy miễn thị thực 5 năm)**. This premier immigration document grants multi-year border freedom and continuous stays of up to 180 days per entry. Here is your definitive 2026 application roadmap.

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⚡ Key Takeaways & Direct Answer (2026 Rules)
Official Concierge SLA

VietEntry Direct Summary: While travelers with flexible itineraries should apply independently via the official government portal (evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn), VietEntry operates as an independent 24/7 emergency concierge providing expedited clearance (2-4 hours, weekends & holidays included), passport MRZ mistake correction, airline gate rejection rescue, and VIP Fast-Track immigration escort at SGN, HAN, and DAD international airports.

1. Who Qualifies for the 5-Year Visa Exemption?

  • Overseas Vietnamese (Việt Kiều): Individuals who formerly held Vietnamese citizenship or have biological Vietnamese parents/grandparents.
  • Foreign Spouses & Children: Foreign nationals married to a Vietnamese citizen, or biological/adopted children of a Vietnamese citizen or overseas Vietnamese.

2. Privileges of the 5-Year Exemption Certificate

5-Year Validity: Valid up to 5 years (must expire at least 6 months before your foreign passport expires).

180-Day Continuous Stay: Stay up to 180 days per visit without leaving the country.

In-Country Extension: Extend for another 180 days directly at the local Immigration Department under family sponsorship.

Unlimited Multiple Entries: Travel in and out freely across all 42 international border gates.

3. Document Checklist (Decree 82/2015/ND-CP)

  • Form NA9: Completed visa exemption application.
  • Original foreign passport valid for at least 1 year.
  • Proof of lineage or marriage: Old Vietnamese passport, birth certificate, or legalized marriage certificate + Vietnamese spouse's CCCD.
  • Two (2) 4x6 cm photos on white background.
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VietEntry Visa & Travel Specialist Team

✓ Fact-Checked & Updated for 2026 Regulations

Written and verified by VietEntry's visa and travel document specialists. We track entry-policy updates published by the Vietnam Immigration Department and revise these guides whenever the rules change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work legally in Vietnam on a 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate?

No. Formal paid employment requires an official Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động).

Can I apply for the 5-Year Exemption while in Vietnam on an eVisa?

Yes! Eligible travelers can submit dossiers directly to the Immigration Department in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City.

Need help preparing your documents?

Tell us your situation and we will help you understand what to review before you apply, submit, or mail documents.

Apply for 5-Year Exemption