Vietnam Immigration Law 2026 introduces significant changes to the entry, exit, transit, and residence procedures for foreigners in Vietnam. Effective from July 1, 2026, Law No. 118/2025/QH15, which amends and supplements several provisions of laws related to security and public order, introduces important updates on visa policies, temporary residence cards, electronic identification, sponsorship procedures, and foreign resident management.

According to the Vietnam Immigration Department, these amendments aim to improve the legal framework, simplify administrative procedures, promote digital transformation, and create more convenient conditions for foreigners entering, exiting, and residing in Vietnam while ensuring national security and public order.

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Vietnam Immigration Law 2026: Overview of New Regulations

The amended regulations focus on several key areas related to foreigners living, working, and traveling in Vietnam, including:

• New visa and temporary residence card policies
• Expanded sponsorship rights for foreign visitors
• Electronic identification for foreigners
• Simplified entry sponsorship procedures
• Updated responsibilities in foreign resident management

These changes are expected to support a more efficient and digitalized immigration management system in Vietnam.

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1. New Visa and Temporary Residence Card Policies for Foreigners

One of the most notable updates under Vietnam Immigration Law 2026 is the introduction of new visa and temporary residence card policies for priority groups.

The Law introduces new visa categories, including:

UĐ1 Visa and Temporary Residence Card

The UĐ1 visa is granted to:

• High-quality professionals in the digital technology industry
• Other eligible priority groups according to regulations

The validity period of the UĐ1 visa is up to 5 years, while the corresponding temporary residence card may have a validity period of up to 10 years.

UĐ2 Visa and Temporary Residence Card

The UĐ2 visa is issued to:

• Spouses of UĐ1 visa holders
• Children under 18 years old of UĐ1 visa holders

This policy aims to attract high-quality foreign professionals and facilitate their residence together with family members in Vietnam.

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2. Expanded Conditions for Temporary Residence Cards (TRC)

The amended Law also expands the eligibility conditions for foreigners applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam.

Previously, foreigners were generally required to enter Vietnam with the corresponding visa category before being considered for a temporary residence card.

Under the new regulations, foreigners who are legally residing in Vietnam and belong to eligible visa categories may be considered for TRC issuance.

The Law also specifically adds cases where foreigners holding UĐ1 and UĐ2 visas may apply for temporary residence cards.

This change helps simplify procedures and provides greater flexibility for eligible foreign residents.

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3. Simplified Permanent Residence Card Procedures

For foreigners who are permanent residents in Vietnam, Vietnam Immigration Law 2026 simplifies the procedure for reissuing permanent residence cards in case of loss.

Under the updated regulations:

• Foreigners are no longer required to submit a separate loss report.
• Information regarding the lost card can be declared directly in the application form for reissuance.

The Law also introduces special provisions for cases involving:

• Diplomacy
• National defense
• National security

In these special circumstances, the Minister of Public Security may decide whether foreigners can complete procedures for issuance, renewal, or reissuance of permanent residence cards at the Immigration Department.

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4. New Visa Exemption Policy for Special Preferential Foreigners

The Law supplements regulations regarding temporary visa exemption for foreigners belonging to special preferential groups who contribute to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

This policy is implemented while ensuring:

• National defense requirements
• National security
• Social order and safety

The new provisions legalize the visa exemption policy previously approved under Resolution No. 227/2025/QH15 and implemented under Government Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP dated August 8, 2025.

Eligible foreigners may be granted a special visa exemption card according to regulations.

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5. Expanded Sponsorship Rights for Foreign Visitors

Another important update under Vietnam Immigration Law 2026 is the expansion of sponsorship rights for individuals.

The Law allows:

Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in Vietnam who are grandparents to invite and sponsor their foreign grandchildren to enter Vietnam for visiting purposes.

This amendment ensures consistency with Vietnamese nationality regulations and creates greater convenience for family visits.

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6. Electronic Identification for Foreigners in Vietnam

The amended Law promotes the use of digital data and electronic identification in managing foreign residents.

Electronic Identification Accounts for Foreigners

The Law adds responsibilities for the Government regarding the issuance and use of electronic identification accounts for foreigners.

This creates a legal foundation for regulations on:

• Issuing electronic identification accounts
• Using electronic identification services
• Supporting online administrative procedures

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Using Digital Data Instead of Paper Documents

The Law allows authorities to use information from:

• National databases
• Specialized databases

to replace certain documents and information required in administrative procedures related to:

• Entry
• Exit
• Transit
• Residence of foreigners in Vietnam

This contributes to:

✅ Reducing paperwork
✅ Simplifying administrative procedures
✅ Improving processing efficiency
✅ Supporting digital transformation in immigration management

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7. Simplified Procedures for Foreign Entry Sponsorship

The amended Law introduces more convenient methods for organizations and individuals completing invitation and sponsorship procedures for foreigners entering Vietnam.

Eligible applicants may complete procedures through:

• Public postal services
• Electronic platforms

Additionally, electronic administrative procedures will transition to using electronic identification accounts, replacing electronic accounts previously issued by immigration authorities.

This change removes the previous requirement for registration and cancellation of electronic accounts.

The Law also eliminates the requirement for organizations, agencies, and individuals to pay notification fees for visa issuance, aligning with current visa notification practices conducted by Vietnamese competent authorities abroad.

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8. Updated Foreign Resident Management Responsibilities

The Law supplements responsibilities of provincial-level People’s Committees in directing relevant authorities to coordinate foreign resident management in local areas.

Additionally, several provisions have been adjusted to match Vietnam’s new organizational structure and the two-level local government model.

These adjustments include updates to:

• Names of agencies
• Organizations
• Administrative units

to ensure consistency with the new administrative structure.

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Why Vietnam Immigration Law 2026 Matters for Foreign Residents

The amendments under Vietnam Immigration Law 2026 represent an important step toward modernizing Vietnam’s immigration system.

The updated regulations aim to:

✅ Improve immigration procedures for foreigners
✅ Increase efficiency through digital transformation
✅ Reduce administrative burdens
✅ Create more convenient conditions for foreign residents
✅ Strengthen national security and public order management

Foreign individuals and companies operating in Vietnam should stay updated with these changes to ensure compliance with current regulations.

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How 68 Solutions Supports Foreigners Under Vietnam Immigration Law 2026

At 68 Solutions, we provide professional immigration and legal support services for foreigners, employees, and businesses in Vietnam.

Our services include:

Visa Services

• Vietnam visa application support
• Visa extension and renewal
• Immigration status consultation

Temporary Residence Card (TRC) Services

• New TRC application
• TRC renewal and amendment
• Residence status consultation

Work Permit Services

• Work Permit application
• Work Permit renewal and reissuance
• Work Permit exemption procedures

Immigration Document Support

• Document review and preparation
• Translation and notarization
• Consular legalization services

Corporate Immigration Solutions

• Foreign employee immigration support
• Invitation and sponsorship procedures
• Immigration compliance consultation for companies

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Stay Updated. Stay Compliant in Vietnam

As Vietnam continues improving its immigration system, keeping updated with the latest regulations is essential for foreigners living, working, and investing in Vietnam.

68 Solutions continuously monitors legal updates to provide accurate guidance, reduce risks, and support clients throughout their immigration journey.

📩 Contact 68 Solutions for professional immigration consultation and support.

68 Solutions – Your Trusted Immigration Partner in Vietnam.

Source: Cục Quản Lý Xuất Nhập Cảnh