Visa options for long-term stays in Da Nang
Vietnam has quietly become one of Southeast Asia's easier countries to stay in long-term — but only if you pick the right visa from the start. The wrong choice means visa runs every month; the right one means a year (or more) of not thinking about immigration at all.
This guide breaks down every realistic option for expats in Da Nang, what each actually costs, and how to move from a short tourist stay to genuine long-term residence.
TL;DR — the short version
- The 90-day multiple-entry e-visa is the default for most expats and digital nomads
- Business (DN) visas of 3–12 months need a sponsoring company — agents can arrange this
- A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) lets you stay 2–3 years without re-applying
- Always act 1+ week before expiry — overstaying brings daily fines
- Da Nang Immigration is at 7 Tran Quy Cap; most expats use an agent to avoid the queues
The main visa options, compared
Here are the options that actually matter for someone planning to live in Da Nang, ordered roughly from shortest to longest commitment:
90-day e-visa (DL)
Best for mostApplied for online in ~3 working days. Single or multiple entry. Ideal for digital nomads and anyone testing the waters. Renew by applying again (often with a short exit).
Business visa (DN) 3–12 months
For long staysRequires a Vietnamese company sponsor. The standard route for staying 6–12 months without visa runs. Agents arrange the sponsor and paperwork for a fee.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
True residencyA 2–3 year card tied to a work permit, marriage to a Vietnamese citizen, or investment. No re-application during its validity. The goal for committed long-termers.
Tourist visa (paper, at embassy)
Mostly replacedLargely superseded by the e-visa. Only worth it for nationalities not eligible for the e-visa, or specific multi-entry needs.
Visa exemption (some nationalities)
Short stays onlyCitizens of certain countries get 15–45 days visa-free. Fine for a first scouting trip, useless for living here.
Rough costs (2025)
| Option | Typical cost | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-visa (official) | $25–55 USD | 90 days | Single vs multiple entry |
| E-visa via agent | $50–90 USD | 90 days | They handle the form & follow-up |
| Business visa 3 months | $150–250 USD | 3 months | Includes sponsor fee |
| Business visa 1 year | $500–700 USD | 12 months | Multiple entry, sponsor included |
| TRC (with work permit) | $300+ USD | 2–3 years | Plus work-permit costs |
Prices vary by agent, nationality and season. Always confirm the current official fee before paying an agent markup.
How to apply for the e-visa (the DIY route)
- 1
Use only the official portal
Apply at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn (the official government site). Many lookalike sites charge extra for the same thing — bookmark the real one.
- 2
Prepare a photo and passport scan
You need a passport data-page scan and a passport-style photo with a white background, both as clear image files under the size limit.
- 3
Choose single or multiple entry
If you plan any trips out of Vietnam (or a future visa run), pick multiple entry — it costs a little more but saves a re-application.
- 4
Pay and wait ~3 working days
Pay by card. You'll receive a reference code, then the approved e-visa PDF by email. Print two copies.
- 5
Show the printout on arrival
Present the printed e-visa with your passport at immigration. Keep a digital copy on your phone too.
Moving from short-term to long-term
Most expats follow a predictable path: arrive on an e-visa or visa exemption, decide they want to stay, then convert to something longer. The cleanest sequence is:
- 1
Land on a 90-day e-visa
Gives you three months to find housing, open a bank account and decide if Da Nang is for you.
- 2
Engage a reputable visa agent
Around 3–4 weeks before expiry, talk to an agent about a 6 or 12-month business visa. They'll need a passport scan and your current visa.
- 3
Decide on a TRC if you're committed
If you have a job, a Vietnamese spouse, or an investment, a TRC removes the renewal treadmill entirely for 2–3 years.
Rules change — and agents vary
Do / don't
What works
- ✓ Apply on the official government e-visa site
- ✓ Pick multiple-entry if you might travel
- ✓ Start renewals 1–3 weeks early
- ✓ Keep printed + digital copies of everything
- ✓ Use an agent other expats vouch for
Common mistakes
- × Booking through a lookalike "e-visa" site
- × Letting a visa lapse to "save" a few days
- × Paying an agent before seeing written terms
- × Assuming last year's rules still apply
- × Handing your passport to an unknown middleman
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend my e-visa without leaving Vietnam?
The 90-day e-visa is generally single or multiple entry but not designed for in-country extension. In practice, most long-stayers either do a visa run (exit and re-enter) or convert to a sponsored business visa through an agent before it expires.
What is a "visa run" and do I still need one?
A visa run means leaving Vietnam (usually a quick trip to Bangkok, Phnom Penh or Vientiane) and coming back on a fresh visa. Since the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa launched, visa runs are far less common, but they are still used by people on shorter visas or between sponsorships.
Do I need a sponsor for a business visa?
Yes. A business (DN) visa requires a Vietnamese company to sponsor you. If you don't have an employer, agents can arrange a sponsoring company for a fee — this is common and legal for the visa itself.
How long can I realistically stay in Da Nang as an expat?
Indefinitely, with planning. Many expats cycle 90-day e-visas or hold a 1-year business visa. For true long-term residence, a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) tied to a work permit, marriage, or investment lets you stay 2–3 years without re-applying.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying results in a fine (roughly 500,000 VND per day, negotiated at the airport or immigration office) and can complicate future entries. Never let your visa lapse — start any extension or run at least a week before expiry.
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