Vietnam outshines China for a multitude of compelling reasons. Let’s delve into a thorough comparison of the two nations, considering key aspects. From China visa vs Vietnam visa to travel, cost of living, business environment, openness, and friendliness. This exploration will illuminate why Vietnam stands as the preferred choice of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) over China.

Challenges with Obtaining China Visa

Imagine you’re planning to travel or embark on a business exploration trip to China. The straightforward task of obtaining a China visa to enter the country, regardless of whether it’s for investing, tourism, or any other purpose, has grown more challenging. This is because the Chinese government has put in place stringent measures. Now, applicants need to submit a comprehensive set of documents.

And if you’re still unsure about the travel restrictions imposed by China, consider these examples:

China Visa:

Just like in Vietnam, you can also get an e-visa for China. The process is done online, but it takes about 6 weeks for the visa to be approved, even if you apply online. In simple terms, you need to plan your trip at least 2 months ahead to ensure you have the visa on time. So, spontaneous trips to China are not an option unless you go through unofficial channels that have connections with the Chinese consulate, and be ready to pay a high price for that.

Moreover, China visa comes with strict conditions. It’s mainly designed for business purposes and can be quite costly, ranging from $200 USD to $300 USD. Plus, you need an invitation from a Chinese company, and you can only use this visa when entering China through the Shanghai airport.

There are more strict rules for China’s e-visa:

1. The application must be made by a group of at least 2 people, but no more than 10.
2. You must enter China within 15 days from the date the visa is issued.
3. This is a one-time entry visa, valid for 30 days starting from your arrival in China.
4. Only air travel is allowed for entry.

Vietnam Visa:

On the other hand, Vietnam has much more traveler-friendly immigration policies. We might have criticisms and hopes for improvement, but the reality is that Vietnam is quite open to travelers. Starting from August 15th, you can easily get a Vietnam visa with 90-day multiple entry. If you’re invited by a Vietnamese company, obtaining a business visa is relatively simple. And if you’re married to a Vietnamese citizen, you can get a residence permit or even a visa exemption in less than 2 weeks.

Vietnam certainly has room to improve, but let’s be honest and fair – the country has introduced new policies to make the immigration process smoother for foreigners, making it more convenient for expatriates to complete the necessary paperwork and live in Vietnam.

International companies have been leaving China

Even prior to the US-China trade war, an increasing number of foreign companies have chosen to move their investments, regional headquarters, and factories away from China. This decision stems from a declining confidence in the country’s business environment. Major concerns, like the introduction of an anti-spying law that grants the Chinese government the ability to actively monitor business activities, along with other challenges, have contributed to this ongoing shift.

Even the European Chamber of Commerce has sounded the alarm, highlighting that these companies are becoming more worried about security controls, the government’s preference for domestic competitors, and the lack of progress in implementing promised reforms. Furthermore, companies from the West are encountering growing pressures due to China’s slowing economic growth and increasing costs.

Check out this Youtube video, as our attorney, Ken Duong, will share more information on the reasons why we’re saying Vietnam is better than China.