Investment Visa: What is it, how to apply, how long does it take, and how to avoid risks?

What is an Investment Residency Visa? Why Is It Important?

An investment residency visa, also known as an Investment Visa/Investor Visa, is a type of visa granted to individuals or organizations that commit a certain amount of capital investment into the target country’s economy. Unlike tourist or work visas, an investment residency visa not only allows you to enter the country but also grants long-term residency rights, and in some cases, serves as a pathway to citizenship.

According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2025, the number of Vietnamese investors participating in residency-by-investment programs has grown significantly over the past five years. This trend not only reflects the forward-looking vision of Vietnamese entrepreneurs but also highlights the increasing demand for asset diversification and international business expansion.

Outstanding Benefits of an Investment Residency Visa:

• Long-term residency rights for the whole family
• Access to high-quality education and healthcare systems
• Global mobility with a strong passport
• A favorable and transparent business environment
• Asset protection in a stable legal framework

Top Investment Destinations for Vietnamese Investors

Dubai – The Investment Paradise of the Region

Dubai has become the No.1 investment destination for many Vietnamese entrepreneurs thanks to its favorable policies and strategic geographic location. The UAE Golden Visa program allows investors to obtain 5–10 year residency visas under flexible conditions:

Investment options in Dubai:

• Real estate investment: Minimum of 2 million AED (approx. USD 545,000) for a 5-year Golden Visa
• Business startup: Register a company with at least 500,000 AED in capital
• Fund investment: Participate in approved investment funds

Why Dubai attracts Vietnamese investors:

• 0% personal income tax, only 9% corporate tax
• A business hub connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa
• Large and supportive Vietnamese community
• Modern banking system and transparent legal procedures
• Safe, multicultural living environment

Canada – Federal Investment Program

Canada has long been recognized as one of the world’s most welcoming and effective countries for foreign investors. With a wide range of diverse and flexible residency-by-investment programs, Canada continues to attract more and more Vietnamese entrepreneurs seeking opportunities to expand their businesses and settle in the land of the maple leaf.

The Start-up Visa Program (SUV) is one of the most sought-after options, especially suitable for young entrepreneurs and those with innovative business ideas. This program requires an investment ranging from CAD 200,000 to CAD 1.2 million, depending on the nature and scale of the business project.

A key requirement of the SUV is that applicants must secure support from designated organizations such as venture capital funds, angel investor groups, or business incubators. The biggest advantage of this program is the opportunity to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) right from the start without having to prove substantial personal assets. However, processing times can take anywhere from 12 to 35 months.

Portugal – Europe’s Golden Visa

Portugal’s Golden Visa program is widely regarded by experts as “the fastest and most effective pathway to access the European market” and has been attracting strong interest from Vietnamese investors. With over a decade of successful implementation, the program has proven its stability and effectiveness, drawing thousands of international families to invest and settle in this beautiful Iberian nation.

The investment options accepted under Portugal’s Golden Visa program are highly diverse, catering to different types of investors. Commercial real estate investment starting at €500,000 remains the most popular choice, particularly appealing to those seeking stable, income-generating assets. For investors passionate about cultural heritage preservation, the €350,000 rehabilitation investment option in low-density areas offers an excellent opportunity to both earn returns and contribute to the revitalization of rural regions.

Singapore – The Destination of the Elite

Singapore’s Global Investor Programme (GIP) is regarded as the pinnacle of residency-by-investment schemes in Asia—not only because of its high investment requirements but also due to its strict conditions and exceptional benefits. This program is designed for investors with strong financial capacity and extensive business experience, who seek not only residency rights but also access to one of the world’s leading financial hubs.

Eligibility and Requirements for an Investment Residency Visa

Each country has its own regulations for residency-by-investment programs, but the core criteria generally revolve around three main groups.

First are the financial requirements: investors must prove the legal origin of their assets, demonstrate the ability to meet the minimum required investment amount, and maintain this investment for a specified period of time.

Next are the personal requirements, which typically include having no criminal record, being in good health as verified by medical examinations, and, in some programs, having management or business experience.

Additionally, many countries give priority to certain applicants such as entrepreneurs with proven business leadership experience, investors with a diversified portfolio, or highly skilled professionals in key sectors such as technology and healthcare.

Residency Investment Visa Application Process – Step by Step

Step 1: Research and Choose a Program

Thoroughly evaluate key factors: investment amount, processing time, benefits, and your personal financial capacity. For Dubai, you need to decide between real estate investment or starting a business.

Step 2: Prepare Financial Documents

• Personal and corporate financial statements (last 3–5 years)
• Proof of asset origin
• Investment commitment and detailed business plan

Step 3: Submit a Preliminary Application

Most programs require an initial application for eligibility assessment. Processing time ranges from 2–6 months depending on the country.

Step 4: Make the Investment

Once preliminarily approved, you must complete the committed investment. In Dubai, a property purchase can be finalized within 30–45 days.

Step 5: Receive Visa and Residence Card

Finalize the process and obtain your visa/residence card. Some programs also require a minimum physical residency period.

Required Documents and Paperwork

Document Type	Detailed Description	Important Notes
Passport	Valid for more than 6 months	Must have blank pages for visa stamping
Birth Certificate	Notarized, legalized by consulate	Required for the whole family if applying together
Marriage Certificate	If spouse is accompanying	Must be officially translated
Degrees, Certificates	Proof of educational qualifications	Credential evaluation may be required (WES, ICAS, etc.)
Financial Reports	Last 3–5 years	Should be audited by a reputable firm
Proof of Asset Origin	Contracts, bank statements	Crucial for approval
Criminal Record Check	No criminal record	Required from foreign countries if previously lived abroad
Medical Examination	As required by each country	Must be done at approved hospitals

Duration and Benefits of an Investment Residency Visa

Comparison of Popular Program Durations

Country	Initial Duration	Renewal/PR	Citizenship Eligibility
Dubai/UAE	5–10 years	Unlimited renewal	Not available
Canada	PR immediately	Maintain conditions	After 3 years
Portugal	2 years	3-year renewal	After 5 years
Singapore	2 years	PR after 2 years	After 2–5 years

Special Benefits in Dubai

The Dubai Golden Visa offers exceptional privileges:

• Long-term residency: No sponsor required, free to renew
• Family sponsorship: Spouse and children under 18 (in some cases up to 25)
• Ownership rights: 100% ownership of businesses in many sectors
• Education: Children can attend top international schools
• Healthcare: Access to modern medical systems with insurance coverage

Legal Risks and How to Avoid Them

During participation in residency-by-investment programs, investors may face several common risks.

• Financial risks: Exchange rate fluctuations can affect the value of investments; tax policies in the destination country may change over time; and there is always the potential risk of losses from real estate investments.
• Legal risks: These include changes in foreign investment laws, failure to meet residency maintenance requirements, or issues related to double taxation between Vietnam and the destination country.

How to avoid risks: Investors should work proactively with professional legal advisors, especially lawyers with international experience, and diversify their investment portfolio instead of concentrating all capital into a single sector.

Additionally, regularly updating yourself on immigration policies, tax regulations, and new legal requirements will help manage risks more effectively. Another important factor is preparing financial reserves to handle unexpected situations, ensuring stability throughout the long-term investment and residency journey.

Real Experience from a Vietnamese Investor

Case Study: Entrepreneur Nguyễn V.A – Success with the Dubai Golden Visa

Mr. Nguyễn V.A, CEO of a technology company in Ho Chi Minh City, successfully completed the UAE Golden Visa program in 2023:

• Investment amount: AED 2.2 million in a luxury real estate project
• Completion time: 4 months from the start
• Benefits gained: Children enrolled in international schools, expanded business into the Middle East
• Lesson learned: “The most important factor is choosing the right advisory partner and investment project.”

So Sánh Chi Phí Thực Tế Các Chương Trình

Bảng So Sánh Chi Phí Tổng Thể

Chương Trình	Đầu Tư Tối Thiểu	Phí Dịch Vụ	Thời Gian	ROI Dự Kiến
Dubai Golden Visa	545.000 USD	15.000-25.000 USD	3-4 tháng	5-8%/năm
Canada Start-up	270.000 USD	20.000-30.000 USD	12-18 tháng	Không cố định
Bồ Đào Nha Golden	280.000 USD	10.000-15.000 USD	6-8 tháng	3-5%/năm
Singapore GIP	1.900.000 USD	30.000-50.000 USD	6-12 tháng	4-6%/năm

*Số liệu mang tính chất tham khảo, có thể thay đổi tùy thuộc từng trước hợp cụ thể

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my family members with me?

Most programs allow sponsorship of a spouse and children under 18. In some cases, Dubai also allows sponsorship of parents.

After obtaining an investment visa, do I need to live regularly in that country?

It depends on the program. The Dubai Golden Visa only requires entry once every 6 months, while Canada requires 730 days within 5 years.

Can an investment visa be converted into citizenship?

Some countries, such as Canada and Portugal, provide a clear pathway. However, the UAE currently does not grant citizenship to foreign investors.

If I no longer maintain my investment, will my visa be revoked?

Most programs require maintaining the investment for a set period. In Dubai, real estate must be held for at least 3 years.

Trusted Investment Visa Consulting Services

Choosing a professional consulting partner is a key factor that determines the success of your residency-by-investment journey. A reliable consulting service should have:

Criteria for selecting a trusted Investment Visa consulting service:

• Valid operating license and at least 5 years of experience
• A team of international lawyers and immigration experts
• A network of partners in destination countries
• Transparent commitments on costs and processes
• Post-visa support (settling-in services)

iVISA has accompanied hundreds of Vietnamese families in successfully achieving their residency dreams. We are proud of:

• 98% success rate for Dubai Golden Visa applications
• A team of experts including immigration lawyers and international financial specialists
• One-stop service: From initial consultation to settlement support
• Money-back guarantee if the application is rejected due to consulting errors
• 24/7 support throughout the entire application process

Conclusion

An investment residency visa is not only a global passport but also a smart investment strategy, opening sustainable growth opportunities for both businesses and families. With Dubai emerging as a leading destination thanks to its favorable policies and strategic location, this is a golden time for Vietnamese investors to seize the opportunity.

Success in the residency-by-investment journey depends not only on financial capacity but also on thorough preparation, in-depth understanding of legal frameworks, and awareness of local culture. Choosing a trusted consulting partner, building a long-term plan, and maintaining the right mindset are essential to embrace positive life changes.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let experienced professionals accompany you in realizing the dream of globalizing your assets and lifestyle.

iVISA Property & Citizenship

• Add: Số 99 Nguyễn Thị Nhung, phường Hiệp Bình, TPHCM
• Hotline: 0937 999 610
• Email: info.ivisatravel@gmail.com