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Move to Vietnam (Please help)

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edko90
  12/8/2014 14:44 EST

Hello,

I am planning to move to Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City).
I am a software developer working freelance therefore I would not require a job in Vietnam because I have my own international income.

I want to live there for at least couple of years, but the only visas I see are up to 3 months.

Can anyone please let me know what do I have to do, what steps I have to take.

I am Latvian citizen, 24 years of age.

The only reason I am willing to go there is because living in Vietnam is one my goals I want to do in my life, I have no political, financial or any other reasons to do so.

edko90
  12/9/2014 00:07 EST

I have had chat with vietnamvisa-easy.com and I would like to post my transcript here so if anyone needs help in future it can help you.

Chat started

Ed:
Helo Helen.
I am Latvian citizen working as a software developer. I am willing to relocate to Vietnam for couple of years as my income is provided internationally I would not require work in Vietnam. I am looking at my options to relocate and at the minute only option I see is having a 3 months stay visa that I could renew every 3 months. I want to know how realistic this is and are there other options for me to take?

Helen Queen:
Under regulations
you can not stay in Vietnam for more than 9 months
In your case you should apply for 3 month multiple first
and then extend for another 3 months
and may be more 3 months
If you have work permit
the extension duration can be longer

Ed:
What happens after 9 months, is there a cool down time while I cannot be in Vietnam?
Helen Queen:
After 9 months you must leave Vietnam to apply a new visa

Ed:
So technically I could live in Vietnam for 9 months and (Extend) my visa 2 times. Then leave and re-apply and potentially come back within a month?
Helen Queen:
you can come back with 3 months

Ed:
Also, in your experience, how realistic this sounds and would extending my visa cause issues, meaning - would I have problems extending visa as they would see I've extended it multiple times? Or re-applying for visa as they would also see I've been there for 9 months?
I want to make sure it is safe to relocate and rent apartment without worrying that I might need to suddenly leave.

Helen Queen:
In my experience, you can extend for 3 month visa once
and then 1 month visa
It's hard for Indians to extend 3 months multiple twice
Additionally, the extension fee is quite high
So if possible
I advise you to extend one time and then fly to Thailand for travel for a few days
and then reapply for a new visa

Ed:
If I requested a work permit then I could extend for 3 to 6 months right and still use the same concept?
Also, your website has an option to apply online, how would that differ from traveling to Thailand? Couldn't I just apply online for a new visa after 1st time extended is coming to an end?

Helen Queen:
Yes, the work permit will be very helpful to you
You could apply online providing you enter Vietnam by air, sir

Ed:
Just one last question.
I have no criminal records and my history is clean, this is my first time visiting country where I need to apply for visa therefore I am not in knowledge of many rules. How high the risk of not getting a visa after the first time and would the extend after 1st time vary only on the payment value or would there be a situation it could be denied?

Helen Queen:
Vietnam offers 2 options for you to obtain visa to Vietnam regardless of this is your first travel or not
If you apply by air, you should apply online in advance to get visa on arrival
this way is easier, faster and cheaper
In my experience, I have never witnessed an application rejections
If you enter Vietnam by air, you cannot apply online
You must submit the application at the embassy to obtain the visa
The fee for extension of 3 month multiple costs at least 350$
for the first time
If you extend the second time, the cost will be higher
That's why I advise that you should leave Vietnam for Thailand
to apply for a new visa
The cost to obtain visa is always much cheaper than extension fee

Ed:
I am not worried about paying more, it is worth it, but I will take your experience in mind.
Do I first need to buy airplane tickets and only then get visa, and do I require a "return" plane ticket or I can buy one way only as I am planing to extend it?

Helen Queen:
No, you don't need them
You should not book the air ticket until you get the visa

Ed:
So now I can just apply for 3 months multiple (what's the difference from single?) and specify when I will go. Then I can buy one way (or return?) plane tickets and be on my way?

Helen Queen:
Yes, that's right
If you apply for 3 month single visa
You are allowed to visit Vietnam one time only during 3 months
When you leave Vietnam, your visa will be automatically invalid
If you apply for 3 month multiple
you could make repeat visit to Vietnam during visa validity
It means that you don't have to apply for a new visa everytime you enter vietnam during visa validity

Ed:
What about the "return" ticket, can I have only one way?

Helen Queen:
You dont need return ticket
You - Click here to change

Ed:
I am very thankful for your time, you have been a star and cleared out things so much for me.
As a software developer I love traveling and living in various countries because my work allows me to do so and Vietnam has been a love for me quite a while and I am happy there is an option for me to do it legally. Thank you again and I hope you will have a good day. Good bye.

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doctorhands
  12/9/2014 00:42 EST

Living in Vietnam is easy.....living here legally... well that's a different story. Some expats use the services of an agent who can get you a Temporary Residence card. Their legality can be called into question. Other ways of getting that coveted card is to work for a company, start a company or marry a local girl. But even marrying someone won't get you out of the requirement to register with immigration every 3 months. Vietnam is a wonderful country, the people are the kindest and happiest I know of. But it seems as if the bureaucrats want to make it as hard as possible for foreigners to stay here for any length of time. It can be done as there are soe people here on this list who have been here for a very long time. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say.

pilot1947
  12/9/2014 18:37 EST

I am retired and currently live in HCMC. I did get married to a Vietnamese woman and I acquired a 5 year Visa. You still have to renew every 3 months, but a tour company will do it for you without you having to leave the country. With a 5 year visa it is costing me $25 every 3 months. Without a 5 year visa it should cost you about $50-60 every 3 months. I have met ex pats who have been here 10 years and never left the country. Hope this helps!!

Sozz7
  2/13/2015 23:22 EST

Hey

HCMH city is pretty close to cambodia, you can take the bus for only 20$ and renew your visa there, I haven't needed to do this yet but lots of info online.

I'm not sure with the visa rule changes, but last thing I heard you can renew the 3 month visa twice in Saigon, the price I'm not sure, check with other expats, I used this service [email protected] which was ok, but I suggest get a quot from a few and ask expats, there are plenty of groups on FB for advice

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