Visa & Residency

Many expats and digital nomads do exactly this. The 90-day multiple-entry e-visa allows you to stay, then do a short border run (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) and re-enter. It's legal and widely practiced, though there's no formal digital nomad visa. For stays beyond 1–2 years, a work permit plus TRC is the better long-term solution.

The e-visa is now available to ALL nationalities (expanded from 80+ countries). Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — $25 single entry / $50 multiple entry, 90-day validity, processed in 3 business days. You need a scanned passport, photo, and entry/exit dates. 83 entry points available (expanded Dec 2025 via Resolution 389). No expedited processing — apply at least a week before travel.

Technically, if you are employed by or contracting for a foreign company (not a Vietnamese entity) and your income is paid abroad, you do not require a Vietnamese work permit. Most remote workers and digital nomads operate on the e-visa in this way. Only employment with Vietnamese-registered companies requires a work permit.

A border run means exiting Vietnam before your visa expires, spending time in a neighboring country, then re-entering on a new 90-day e-visa. Popular routes include the Moc Bai bus crossing to Phnom Penh (Cambodia) or a quick flight to Bangkok. The entire trip can be done in 1–2 days. Apply for your new e-visa before you leave.

Yes. Spouses and children of TRC holders can apply for a DL (family) visa or TRC based on family relationship. Proof of marriage (apostilled) and birth certificates are required. If you are on a tourist/e-visa, family members apply for their own e-visas independently. There is no formal trailing-spouse visa category.