Can You Work Remotely in Vietnam on a Tourist Visa? (2026)

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most popular digital nomad destinations — affordable, fast internet, great food, and a lively expat scene in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Hoi An. But the legal situation for remote workers is genuinely unclear.

What the Law Actually Says

Vietnam’s immigration law (Law 47/2014 and its amendments) ties visa categories to the purpose of stay. A tourist visa (DL) and e-visa (EV) are issued for tourism purposes. The law defines “work” as activities performed for a Vietnamese employer or client — not for a foreign company where the income source is entirely outside Vietnam.

However, there is no explicit statutory carve-out that says “remote work for a foreign employer is permitted on a tourist visa.” The law simply hasn’t caught up with the digital nomad reality.

Practical Considerations

• Vietnam does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa as of July 2026 — unlike some countries (Portugal, Thailand, etc.).
• Your employer’s country may have its own rules about working from a foreign country for extended periods (tax residency, compliance).
• If you plan to stay long-term, consider a temporary residence card through a legitimate visa category.
• Immigration officers at entry do not routinely ask about remote work. Answering “tourist” is standard for most digital nomads.