Visa exemption for billionaires and famous football players

The Government has issued Decree No. 221 regulating temporary visa exemption for foreigners who are in special need of incentives to serve socio -economic development, effective from August 15.

Regarding visa-exempt foreigners, Decree 221 clearly states that these include guests of Party and State leaders; guests of Provincial Party Secretaries, City Party Secretaries, Chairmen of People's Councils, and Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and cities.

Scholars, experts, scientists , professors of universities, research institutes; general engineers; high-quality digital technology industry human resources.

Investors, corporate leaders, leaders of large enterprises in the world, people working in the fields of culture, arts, sports, tourism who have a positive influence on the public; Honorary Consuls of Vietnam abroad are also exempted from visas.

In addition, there are guests from research institutes, universities, colleges, and large enterprises. Based on the proposals of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies, the Government decides on the list of research institutes, universities, colleges, and large enterprises that are allowed to invite foreigners.

Other cases requiring visa exemption for foreign affairs purposes or serving socio-economic development shall be decided by the Minister of Public Security based on the proposals of agencies and organizations.

Regarding visa exemption criteria and conditions, the decree clearly states that foreigners who are investors or leaders of large corporations or enterprises in the world must meet the following criteria: The corporation or enterprise must be on the list of 100 enterprises with the largest capitalization value in the world announced annually by prestigious international organizations.

Scientists in the field of science and technology must meet the criteria for receiving prestigious international awards in science and technology.

For outstanding football players in the world, the criteria must be met: being on the list of 100 best football players announced annually by prestigious international organizations; being invited by a domestic professional football club to compete, exchange...

According to this decree, the visa exemption period shall not exceed 5 years. Special visa exemption cards come in two forms: electronic cards and hard cards with chips, which have the same legal value. Agencies and organizations have the right to choose to issue special visa exemption cards in electronic form or hard cards with chips to foreigners.

The Decree clearly states that foreigners using special visa exemption cards are granted temporary residence certificates for 90 days for each entry. In case the duration of the special visa exemption card is shorter than 90 days, a temporary residence certificate will be granted equal to the duration of the special visa exemption card.

If there is a need to continue staying in Vietnam, the temporary residence extension or visa or temporary residence card will be considered according to the provisions of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Public Security (Immigration Department) cancels the validity of special visa exemption cards in cases where foreigners do not meet the criteria and conditions for visa exemption as prescribed or have a written notice from an agency or organization as prescribed.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/mien-thi-thuc-voi-ti-phu-cau-thu-bong-da-noi-tieng-196250809052004011.htm