On March 1, 2026, the Hai Phong City People's Committee issued Plan No. 70/KH-UBND regarding the implementation of the Government's Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP. This is a significant step toward concretizing visa exemption incentives for special categories of foreigners to serve the economic breakthrough goals of the port city.
Diverse and High-Quality Target Groups
According to Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP, the temporary visa exemption policy applies to strategic groups, including:
- High-level guests: Guests of the leaders of the Party, State, Government, and Central agencies.
- Experts and scientists: Scholars, professors, and high-quality digital human resources, particularly experts with a Doctorate degree or higher from OECD countries working in STEM, economics, management, or health fields.
- Investors and corporate leaders: Heads of large enterprises and reputable international investors.
- Public influencers: Individuals active in culture, arts, sports, and tourism who have a positive impact on the national image.
- Honorary Consuls of Vietnam abroad.
Modern and Flexible Issuance of Visa Exemption Cards
Eligible foreigners will be considered for a Special Visa Exemption Card, available in two forms: an electronic card or a physical chip-based card. The card is valid for multiple entries with a duration not exceeding 05 years.
The card design features a sophisticated image of a bronze drum; specifically, the chip-based card stores biometric information such as fingerprints and facial images to ensure high security and strict immigration control. Upon each entry, cardholders will be granted a 90-day temporary residence certificate.
Priority Focus on the City Free Trade Zone
A key highlight of Hai Phong’s plan is the focus on attracting talent to the City Free Trade Zone. The City People's Committee has directed the Department of Home Affairs to urgently advise on the issuance of a Resolution specifying criteria for experts, scientists, and high-level laborers working for enterprises within this specialized area.
Clear Assignment of Responsibilities
Plan No. 70/KH-UBND clearly defines the responsibilities of each unit:
- City Police: Serving as the lead agency, responsible for dissemination, procedural guidance, and advising on immigration and residency management for the eligible groups.
- Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: Coordinating the wide dissemination of the Decree and guiding documents.
- Department of Finance: Advising on budget estimates for specialized training and establishing regulations regarding related fees and charges.
The City People's Committee requires departments, sectors, and local authorities to complete the review and proposal of amendments to relevant documents within March 2026. This ensures the new policy is implemented consistently and effectively, creating the most favorable environment for international experts and investors to come to Hai Phong.