Immigration in Southeast Asia: Key Changes to Anticipate in 2027

Immigration regulations continue to evolve across Southeast Asia. For expatriates and international companies alike, 2027 is set to bring further digitalization, closer monitoring of immigration status, and efforts to streamline administrative procedures.

In Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia, several developments are particularly important to anticipate.

Vietnam: New Visa Categories, Digitalization and Simplified Document Legalization

Vietnam has introduced several changes to its immigration framework in 2026, aimed at modernizing the management of foreign nationals and strengthening the country's attractiveness to certain international profiles.

Among the main developments are the new UĐ1 and UĐ2 visa categories, designed in particular for certain qualified foreign workers, especially in the digital technology sector, as well as their family members.

The UĐ1 visa can be issued for up to five years, while certain related temporary residence permits can be valid for up to ten years. This marks a move towards facilitating longer-term residence for certain profiles considered strategic to Vietnam's economic development.

Apostille: A New Procedure to Be Aware Of

Since 11 September 2026, Vietnam has officially been a party to the Hague Apostille Convention. This procedure simplifies the legalization of certain foreign documents intended for use in Vietnam.

However, the Apostille procedure does not yet apply to all documents or situations. Depending on the country of origin, the type of document or the requirements of the Vietnamese authorities, legalization through the Vietnamese Embassy may still be required. It is therefore important to check the applicable procedure before having documents certified.

Thailand: A More Closely Regulated Tourist Entry System

Thailand has also strengthened controls on entry into the country.

Since 15 September 2026, the 60-day visa exemption for tourists has been revised. The standard exemption period has been reduced to 30 days for the nationalities concerned, while the conditions for accessing the Visa on Arrival system have also been adjusted.

The changes are intended in particular to better distinguish tourism from residence and employment, and to limit the repeated use of visa exemptions for other purposes.

For expatriates, the message is clear: visa-free entry should not be considered a long-term solution for residence or employment. Those planning to establish themselves professionally in Thailand must hold the appropriate immigration status for their activities.

An Extended Stay Measure Running Through 2027

Thailand has also introduced exceptional extensions for certain foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam who are already registered under the relevant schemes.

For these workers, certain residence and work authorizations may be extended until 11 December 2027. However, this measure only applies to specific categories of workers already covered by the existing schemes and does not constitute a new general pathway to employment in Thailand.

For companies employing foreign staff, keeping track of immigration status and work authorizations will therefore remain essential throughout 2027.

Cambodia: Companies Need to Anticipate Foreign Worker Quotas

In Cambodia, the main developments concern companies employing foreign workers.

For 2027, companies need to anticipate their Foreign Manpower Quota (FMQ), which regulates the number of foreign employees they may hire. Applications are submitted through the digital Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS).

The general quota provides for a limit of 10% of the local workforce, divided between different categories of positions. Exemptions may nevertheless be granted by the relevant authorities.

Preparation should therefore begin before employees arrive in the country. For international companies planning to recruit or relocate employees to Cambodia in 2027, quota and work permit procedures should be incorporated into the mobility planning process from the outset.

Cambodia is also continuing to digitalize its immigration procedures, notably through the v-Pass system, which replaces certain paper-based immigration documents and procedures at international border crossings.

A Common Trend Across the Region

Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia are following different paths, but a common trend is emerging: immigration procedures are becoming increasingly digital, while authorities are strengthening controls over the status of foreign nationals.

For companies, this means that more procedures need to be anticipated before an employee arrives: visa category, work permit, administrative documents, legalization or Apostille requirements and, depending on the country, foreign worker quotas.

In 2027, successful international mobility will increasingly depend on pre-arrival administrative planning, rather than procedures being handled only once the employee has arrived in the country.

For companies and expatriates alike, the key takeaway remains the same: always check the regulations applicable at the time of departure, as immigration procedures across Southeast Asia continue to evolve rapidly.