How do foreigners stay in Vietnam long-term without a long-stay visa, and what happens after 183 days (tax residency)?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: today
TL;DR
Most expats stay in Vietnam long-term by doing regular border runs, since visas are issued easily to almost everyone. Those actually employed get a work visa, and after 183 days in-country you technically become a tax resident required to declare worldwide income — though enforcement is loose in practice.
What the community said
By law, after 183 days in Vietnam a foreigner is required to declare worldwide income locally, though in practice this rule isn't strictly enforced.
today 183 days = tax residency threshold
Almost everyone who gets a Vietnamese work visa is actually employed there — it's not just a formality to enable a long stay.
today Work visa
Vietnam currently grants visas to almost anyone without strict checks on the purpose of the trip, so many expats live there for years by regularly doing border runs (exiting and re-entering).
today Border run
Unlike Thailand, Vietnam still doesn't have a wide range of special long-term residency visas — the country benefits from tourist spending, so visa policy stays relaxed.
today