Blog · Vietnam
Vietnam E-Visa for Digital Nomads: Complete Guide
How to apply for Vietnam's 90-day e-visa, do border runs, and understand the tax implications of working remotely from Vietnam.
Vietnam introduced a 90-day e-visa in August 2023, making it one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia for digital nomads to enter. Here's everything you need to know.
E-Visa Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) |
| Cost | US$25 (single entry) / US$50 (multiple entry) |
| Processing time | 3-5 working days |
| Eligible nationalities | All countries and territories |
| Apply online | evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn |
How to Apply
- Visit the official portal: evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Fill in your details: Full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number
- Upload documents: Passport photo page + passport-size photo (white background)
- Select entry type: Single or multiple entry
- Pay the fee: Credit/debit card
- Wait for approval: 3-5 working days
- Print your e-visa: Download and print to show at immigration
Staying Longer Than 90 Days
The e-visa is non-extendable. To stay longer, you need to do a border run:
- Fly out and back: Most common — fly to Bangkok, Singapore, or KL and return with a new e-visa
- Land border: Cross to Cambodia or Laos and re-enter with a new e-visa
- Timing: Apply for your new e-visa before you leave Vietnam to ensure smooth re-entry
The cost of a border run (flight + new e-visa) is typically USD 100-200, making it affordable compared to other countries' visa extension fees.
Working Remotely on an E-Visa
Technically, the e-visa is for tourism purposes only. Working remotely is a grey area:
- Vietnam has not explicitly legalized remote work on tourist visas
- There is no known case of enforcement against digital nomads earning from overseas
- The government has discussed a digital nomad visa but hasn't launched one yet
Tax Implications
If you stay in Vietnam for 183 days or more in a calendar year, you become a tax resident and are theoretically subject to Vietnamese personal income tax on your worldwide income. However:
- Enforcement against foreign remote workers is rare
- Vietnam taxes based on source, not residency in practice for foreigners
- If you earn exclusively from foreign clients and don't have a Vietnamese business entity, you're unlikely to be pursued for tax
Want to calculate your taxes? Try our Vietnam tax calculator or compare tax rates.