Moving to the UK from Vietnam: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •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.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
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: £719 to £1,420 (approximately VND 23,000,000 to 48,000,000)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately VND 33,000,000)
- Student visa: £490 (approximately VND 16,000,000)
- English test: approximately VND 5,000,000 to 7,000,000
See our UK visa fees guide.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
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
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- 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.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
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Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.