Vietnam Life & Business Weekly Update: Week 13, 2026
L
Luceve Editorial
March 25, 2026 20 min read 2
Your On-the-Ground Advisor's Perspective
Hello from Ho Chi Minh City,
Another week in the dynamic landscape of Vietnam has passed, and there's plenty to unpack for the American business and investor community. The energy here is palpable as we move deeper into Q2, with a mix of policy fine-tuning, market shifts, and the usual vibrant local developments. Whether you're already on the ground, in the planning stages, or managing operations remotely, here's what you need to know this week.
1. Policy & Regulatory Watch: Visas, Business, and Compliance
This week saw less in the way of blockbuster announcements and more focused, practical updates from various ministries.
Visa & Work Permit Processing: A Digital Nudge
The Department of Immigration has quietly rolled out an updated internal checklist for DT (Investor) and DN (Business) Visa applications, particularly for those seeking longer-term extensions. The key change is an increased emphasis on proven capital injection timelines. If your investment capital is scheduled to be transferred in phases, immigration officers are now more rigorously cross-referencing your application with State Bank documentation. Advice: Ensure your legal counsel has your latest capital transfer confirmations (the "Capital Contribution Verification" from your bank) on hand before submitting for an extension. A mismatch between your business license schedule and actual transfers can cause a 2-3 week delay.
For Work Permits, the "expertise verification" step for foreign managers and specialists remains a bottleneck. We're seeing a trend where provincial Departments of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) are requesting more detailed, notarized explanations of how the candidate's specific, unique experience justifies the role over a local hire. Generic CVs are being sent back.
A circular from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) is gaining enforcement traction. Businesses in specified manufacturing sectors (especially plastics, textiles, and electronics component assembly) are now subject to unannounced wastewater sampling. Fines for violations have been increased significantly, and, more critically, repeat violations can now pause a company's business license until a full audit is completed. This isn't just for large factories; smaller suppliers in industrial zones are being checked. Action Item: If this applies to you, review your environmental compliance contract with your zone management or third-party provider. Ensure your treatment logs are meticulous and your responsible staff is prepared for an impromptu inspection.
Clarification on "Management Board" Visas
There was some confusion last month regarding visas for foreign members of a Vietnamese company's Member's Council or Board of Directors who do not reside in Vietnam. The Immigration Department has clarified: individuals who will not be on the payroll in Vietnam and are not executing day-to-day management can still obtain a business visa (DN) for board meeting attendance, but it typically will be limited to a 3-month, single-entry visa per meeting series. They are not eligible for a Work Permit or a resident card. For frequent attendees, a 1-year, multiple-entry DN visa is possible but requires a strong justification letter from the company.
2. Practical Advice & On-the-Ground Notes
Navigating the Q2 "Adjustment Period"
Many Vietnamese government offices and local partners are in a post-holiday (post-Tet) and post-Q1 review rhythm. This is a common time for:
Internal policy adjustments within companies. Don't be surprised if a local partner suddenly requests amended contract terms or payment schedules—it's often driven by their own annual review.
Slower response times from mid-level officials. Patience and polite follow-ups are more effective than escalation at this moment.
Excellent networking opportunities. This is a great time to set up introductory coffees. People's calendars are slightly more open before the mid-year rush.
Banking for Expats: A Persistent Hurdle
Opening a personal domestic VND bank account remains straightforward. However, if you need to open a USD account or a business operating account as a foreigner, prepare for a marathon, not a sprint. Banks are under intense anti-money laundering scrutiny. The documentation required is extensive and can include:
Proof of legal residence (lease + temporary residence card).
Source of funds documentation (often requiring notarized translations of US bank statements or tax returns).
For business accounts, the full corporate dossier and explanations of expected transaction volumes.
Recommendation: Start this process the day you get your temporary residence card. Use a bank where your company's main account is held, if possible, as they have more incentive to see it through. Tech-focused banks like TPBank or MSB are often more expat-friendly in process, though the big four (BIDV, VietinBank, Vietcombank, Agribank) have the most branches.
Health Check for Work Permits: New Clinics Approved
The list of designated clinics for the mandatory work permit health check is updated annually. Two international clinics in Hanoi and one in Danang have been added to the 2026 list, while one in HCMC was removed. Always verify with your HR or agent that your chosen clinic is on the current year's approved list from the provincial DOLISA before booking. An invalid check means redoing the entire exam.
3. Cost & Financial Updates
Currency Exchange (USD/VND)
The VND has shown unusual stability against the USD this week, trading in a very tight band around 24,150 - 24,180 VND/USD. The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) appears to be intervening actively to maintain this range, likely to control import inflation for key materials. This is favorable for those transferring in USD for capital contributions or living expenses. Forecast: Expect continued tight management in the short term. For large business transfers, consider locking in rates with your bank for future needs.
Real Estate: Rental Market Cooling (Slightly)
In HCMC and Hanoi's central business districts (Districts 1, 3, Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem), the frantic pace of office and high-end residential rental increases has plateaued. We're seeing more inventory and landlords more open to negotiation, especially for leases longer than 2 years. In HCMC, areas like District 2 (Thu Duc City) and District 7 still have strong demand, but the price jumps are now more modest (5-8% YoY vs. 15-20% last year).
Expat Tip: If your lease is up for renewal in the next 6 months, you may have a bit more leverage than you did in 2025. It's worth engaging a reputable local agent to reassess the market.
Education & Family Costs
International schools are now deep into their enrollment period for the 2026-2027 academic year. Tuition increases are averaging 7-10%, in line with inflation and faculty cost increases. Waitlists for certain grades (notably early elementary) at the top-tier schools (ISHCMC, SSIS, UNIS Hanoi) remain long. Act now if you have school-age children arriving mid-2026. Some schools offer "holding deposits" to secure a spot pending your residence documentation.
Domestic Travel
With the peak summer travel season (June-August) approaching, domestic flight prices (e.g., HCMC to Da Nang/Hanoi) are starting to creep up. Book business trips a few weeks out for the best rates. The new coastal expressways are reducing travel time by car between major centers, making rented car+driver a more competitive option for group travel.
4. Recommended Resources & Upcoming Events
Networking & Knowledge Events
AmCham Vietnam (HCMC & Hanoi): Their monthly "Business Briefing" next week will feature a senior official from the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) discussing implementation of the 2026 socio-economic development plan. Highly recommended for key insight.
Vietnam Fintech Club: Hosting a seminar on "Cross-Border Payment Solutions for SMEs" – relevant for any business dealing with international suppliers or customers.
HCMC Startup Ecosystem Mixer: A less formal, high-energy event at a venue in District 1. Great for meeting local entrepreneurs, tech talent, and angel investors.
Useful Digital Resources
Vietnam Briefing Newsfeed (by Dezan Shira & Associates): My go-to for filtered, analytical regulatory updates. Less noise than scanning local news.
"Vietnam Coracle" (Website/App): For those exploring the country. The best English-language guides to off-the-beaten-path travel, co-working spaces in secondary cities, and local food guides. Essential for mental refreshment.
AirVisual App: Still non-negotiable. Air quality has been fluctuating with the transition between seasons. Keep it on your home screen.
A Final Personal Note
This week, I was reminded of the importance of relationship currency. A simple, sincere "Cảm ơn" (thank you) to the security guard at your office, the barista who remembers your order, or the local manager who solved a problem goes further than you might think. In a culture built on mutual respect and face, these small deposits build a network of goodwill that can smooth over unforeseen challenges far more effectively than any formal process. Invest in people, not just processes.
Stay sharp, stay connected, and as always, feel free to reach out with specific questions.
Best regards,
Your Vietnam Life & Business Advisor
Disclaimer: This content is produced by Luceve Editorial based on publicly available information and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice.