From Dec 15, 2025 Foreigners Overstaying Their Temporary Residence Face Fines of Up to 40 Million VND

Last Updated: Wednesday March 11, 2026

Foreign nationals visiting, working, or living in Vietnam must comply with the country’s immigration requirements, including the strict limits on how long they may stay under a visa or temporary residence permit. Starting December 15, 2025, Vietnam implemented a significant update to its Vietnam immigration regulations that affects anyone who fails to leave the country on time — especially those with temporary residence status.

Under the new decree (Decree 282/2025/ND-CP), foreigners who overstay temporary residence without a valid extension will face stepped administrative fines. These fines are designed to encourage visitors, expatriates, and long-term residents to manage their travel documents carefully and to submit timely extension applications before their legal stay expires.

Why This Immigration Law Update Matters

Overstaying a visa or temporary residence permit is one of the most common violations among foreign visitors and expats in Vietnam. Previously, penalties were capped at around 20 million VND, but the new immigration law update for 2025 raised that level substantially. The revised system introduces higher fines calibrated to the length of the overstay, and it also gives immigration authorities broader powers to require deportation when violations persist beyond short grace periods.

These changes were announced by immigration officials who stressed the importance of maintaining orderly entry and exit processes — especially as travel to Vietnam continues to grow following the easing of pandemic-related restrictions. The updated fine structure applies not only to tourists but also to foreign workers, students, and long-term residents who hold temporary residence cards.

How the New Penalties Work

The updated fine system under Decree 282 reflects a stricter approach to overstays, with financial penalties escalating based on how long a person remains in Vietnam beyond their permitted stay. Key points of the new structure include:

• Short overstays (under 16 days): Fines from about 500,000 VND to 2 million VND — similar to previous rules.

• 16–30 days overstay: Fines increase to roughly 5 million to 10 million VND.

• 30–60 days: Fines reach between 10 million and 15 million VND.

• 60–90 days: Fines rise to the 15 million to 20 million VND range.

• 90–180 days: The fine bracket goes up to 20 million to 25 million VND.

• 180 days to under one year: Fines may reach up to 30 million VND.

• One year or longer: The maximum overstay fine — up to 40 million VND — now applies for the longest violations.

This top range — the overstay fine up to 40 million VND — represents a sharp increase from earlier years and reflects a broader shift toward stronger enforcement. Notably, authorities may also impose administrative deportation orders on individuals who fail to comply, especially if their overstay exceeds 16 days or is considered deliberate.

What Counts as Temporary Residence Overstay?

A temporary residence overstay occurs when a foreign national remains in Vietnam after the expiration of a visa, temporary residence card, or approved extension without submitting a new application or receiving authorization from immigration officials. Temporary residence is typically granted based on visa type, length of stay, or work permit status, and it must be renewed before expiration if the person intends to remain.

Failing to extend your permit on time, even by a few days, will trigger these penalties. Authorities have emphasized that it is the responsibility of the foreigner — or their sponsor/employer in the case of work permits — to track expiry dates and process renewals well before deadlines.

Photo: Collected

Additional Consequences Beyond Fines

Beyond monetary penalties, overstayers may face other consequences. Immigration officials have the authority to require deportation for individuals who overstay by 16 days or more. This means that in some cases, the immigration department could issue an exit order requiring departure from Vietnam, and refusal to comply may lead to enforced removal.

Overstaying can also affect future visa applications, work permits, and entry into Vietnam. Records of violations may remain on file, leading to increased scrutiny or even travel bans in some cases.

How to Stay Compliant

To avoid penalties under the updated Vietnam visa penalties, travelers and residents should:

• Always check the expiry dates on visas or temporary residence cards upon arrival.

• Submit extension applications well before your current permit expires.

• Consult immigration authorities or legal professionals if you are unsure about your status.

• Ensure your employer or sponsor keeps track of residence requirements if applicable.

By staying informed about immigration laws and updates — such as the new decree effective December 15, 2025 — foreigners can protect themselves from costly fines and disruptions to their travel or residency in Vietnam. 

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