Moving to the UK from Vietnam: Guide
A guide for Vietnamese nationals moving to the UK, covering visa routes, document requirements, costs in VND, and practical tips.
- Section
- Moving to the UK From...
- Reading time
- 6 min
- Last checked
- 6 March 2026
- Source
- The published Immigration Rules and GOV.UK guidance, linked throughout this guide.
- Rowan does not
- Look at your own case, tell you which route to choose, or say what the Home Office will decide. This guide shows the published rules and where to read them.
In short
- TB test IS required; English language test IS required.
- Student visa is an increasingly popular route.
- Budget approximately VND 50,000,000 to 120,000,000 for visa costs.
- Police certificate from the Department of Justice takes 10-15 days.
- Dual citizenship is possible in certain circumstances.
Vietnam has an established community in the UK, and the student visa route is increasingly popular. This guide covers the main pathways and requirements for Vietnamese nationals.
Visa Routes for Vietnamese Citizens
- Student visa. An increasingly popular route. See the student visa guide.
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary.
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Graduate route. See the Graduate route guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid Vietnamese passport.
- TB test. Required. Available in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
- English language test. Required. IELTS available in major Vietnamese cities.
- Ly lich tu phap. Judicial record from the Department of Justice. Processing 10 to 15 days.
- Certified translation. Vietnamese documents must be translated into English.
Costs in Vietnamese Dong
- Skilled Worker visa: £819 to £1,618
- Immigration Health Surcharge (per year): £1,035 (approximately VND 33,000,000), or £776 for students and their dependants
- Student visa: £558
- English test: approximately VND 5,000,000 to 7,000,000
See our UK visa fees guide.
The Vietnamese Community in the UK
The Vietnamese community in the UK numbers approximately 30,000 to 55,000, concentrated in London (particularly Lewisham and Hackney), Birmingham, Manchester, and several other cities. Vietnamese restaurants and businesses are widespread. Community organisations provide support to new arrivals.
After Arrival
- Create a UK Visas and Immigration account and check your online immigration status (eVisa). Biometric residence permits are no longer issued.
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
- Understand the Immigration Health Surcharge
Path to Settlement
After 5 years, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Dual citizenship may be possible under Vietnamese law — seek advice.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the British Embassy Hanoi and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
Questions and answers
Do Vietnamese citizens need a TB test?
Yes. Vietnam is on the Home Office list requiring TB screening. Get tested at an IOM-approved clinic in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Do Vietnamese citizens need an English language test?
Yes. Vietnam is not a majority English-speaking country.
How do I get a Vietnamese police certificate?
Apply for a Ly lich tu phap (judicial record) from the Department of Justice in your province or the Ministry of Justice in Hanoi. Processing takes approximately 10 to 15 days.
Does Vietnam allow dual citizenship?
Vietnam's 2008 nationality law allows dual citizenship in certain circumstances, including for overseas Vietnamese. The rules are complex, so seek advice.
This guide is general information about published immigration rules. It is not advice about an individual application under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, and Rowan is not regulated by the Immigration Advice Authority. Immigration rules change several times a year. For advice on a particular situation, contact an adviser authorised by the Immigration Advice Authority or an immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.