The Vietnam Visa Strategy: Forget a Digital Nomad Visa, Master the E-Visa
The key to a successful stint in Vietnam is understanding that you don't need a complicated, long-term visa. In fact, for tax purposes, you don't want one. The go-to option is the Vietnam Tourist E-Visa, a straightforward online visa perfect for the perpetual traveler lifestyle.
What is the Vietnam Tourist E-Visa?
It's a simple, single-entry visa that grants you a 30-day stay in the country. The entire process is handled online, making it incredibly convenient for nomads who value efficiency.
Duration: 30 days
Cost: $25 USD (non-refundable)
Processing Time: Typically 3 working days
Eligibility: Available to citizens of 80 countries (check the official government portal for the latest list).
How to Apply for the E-Visa: A 3-Step Process
The application is designed for simplicity. Here’s what you need to do:
Gather Your Documents & Fill Out the Form: You'll need a valid passport with at least six months of validity. Go to the official Vietnam Immigration Department's e-visa portal. You will be required to upload a digital copy of your passport's data page and a recent 4cm x 6cm passport-style photo (white background, no glasses, neutral expression). Fill in your personal details accurately.
Pay the Fee: Pay the $25 USD fee via their electronic payment gateway. Major credit cards are accepted. Once submitted, you'll receive a registration code to track your application.
Check Status & Print: After about 3 working days, use your registration code on the portal to check the status. If approved, download and print your e-visa. You must present this printed copy upon arrival in Vietnam.
Pro Tip: Double-check every piece of information before submitting. Any errors can lead to rejection, and the fee is non-refundable.
The Tax Hack: How to Legally Pay 0% Tax in Vietnam
This is the most critical part of your Vietnam strategy. The country's tax system is based on residency, and as a digital nomad on short-term visas, you can easily remain a non-resident and avoid Vietnamese taxes on your business income.
Understanding Tax Residency in Vietnam
Vietnam's rule is simple and common worldwide: you are considered a tax resident if you spend 183 days or more in the country within a calendar year. If you spend less than 183 days, you are a non-resident.
As a non-resident, you are only taxed on income sourced from _within_ Vietnam. This is the loophole you will use.
The Zero-Tax Strategy for Digital Nomads
To ensure your foreign income remains untaxed, your setup must meet these conditions:
You are a non-resident: You must stay in Vietnam for fewer than 183 days. The 30-day e-visa makes this easy to manage through visa runs or by simply moving on to the next country.
Your business is foreign: You are working for your own non-Vietnamese company, such as a US LLC. You are not employed by a Vietnamese company.
Your clients are foreign: All your income comes from clients located outside of Vietnam.
You receive payment outside Vietnam: Your income is paid into your foreign business bank account.
If you follow these four rules, your income is not considered 'Vietnamese-sourced.' Therefore, your tax liability in Vietnam is zero. You can legally operate your online business from a café in Hanoi or a co-working space in Ho Chi Minh City without paying a cent in local income tax.
What to Avoid: The Red Flags
To keep your tax-free status, strictly avoid the following:
Do NOT work for a Vietnamese company. Taking a local job on a tourist visa is illegal and will immediately subject you to local tax and labor laws.
Do NOT take on Vietnamese clients. This creates Vietnamese-sourced income, which is taxable at a flat rate of 20% for non-residents.
Do NOT overstay your visa or the 183-day limit. Crossing this threshold makes you a tax resident, potentially making your worldwide income taxable in Vietnam.
