Talented individuals require more than just a visa to relocate to Vietnam; they need an enabling work environment that supports their research. A visa grants entry, but it’s the institutions that keep researchers engaged. Scholar Dang Hoang Hai Anh posits that while a “talent visa” is a smart policy, it alone is insufficient. He emphasizes the need to focus on institutional design and operation rather than just visa procedures.
Policy to Practice
The scholar Dang Hoang Hai Anh notes that Vietnamese policy already promotes science and technology, with new policies for competitive compensation and residency. However, progress has been slow. In mid-2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs had to issue a directive urging speedier implementation due to lingering obstacles. The real challenge lies in ensuring these policies are effectively implemented.
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Hai Anh explains that Vietnamese terms “thể chế” and “thiết chế” describe two distinct aspects. “Thể chế” refers to the framework or rules, while “thiết chế” refers to the institutions that translate that framework into action. Policies gain traction only when organizations can operate effectively.
Hai Anh suggests that in developing economies, bureaucratic attempts to maintain control often stifle innovation. In their haste to ensure compliance, officials may strip researchers of the flexibility needed to experiment, resulting in a paradox where regulations intended to protect resources hinder productivity.
A Full Work Package
International examples, such as Singapore’s ONE Pass and the UK’s Turing AI Global Fellowships, show that funding alone is not the solution. These programs offer flexible visas, co-funded projects, and substantial financial support. However, the key lesson is about providing authority to build teams, allocate resources, and establish ambitious missions.
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Hai Anh believes each key expert should receive a full work package, including clear objectives, authority to choose a team, multi-year funding, data and computing resources, fast procurement, clear intellectual-property rules, family support, and evaluation milestones.
Autonomy and Accountability
Universities and research institutes must have genuine autonomy, allowing them to hire based on merit, determine research directions, and manage funding. However, this autonomy comes with responsibility. Evaluation should shift from scrutinizing every invoice to assessing milestones and results. Key questions include: Has the team been established? Has the work passed independent peer review? Are younger researchers developing?
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Hai Anh argues that talent policy must ultimately drive production. Vietnam could select priority missions, such as Vietnamese-language AI or medical diagnosis, and encourage collaboration between universities, institutes, and businesses. A trusted private fund could manage projects against milestones and provide matching investment.
Measuring True Impact
Singapore has linked flexible visas to strong working environments. Its ONE Pass is valid for five years and tied to the individual rather than a single employer, allowing holders to work, run a business or establish multiple companies simultaneously.