Semiconductor devices having vertical field effect transistor (FET) devices with reduced contact resistance are provided, as well as methods for fabricating vertical FET devices with reduced contact resistance. For example, a semiconductor device includes a vertical FET device formed on a substrate. The vertical FET comprises a lower source/drain region disposed on the substrate. The lower source/drain region comprises an upper surface, sidewall surfaces, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface of the lower source/drain region contacts the substrate. A lower metallic contact is disposed adjacent to, and in contact with, at least one sidewall surface of the lower source/drain region, wherein the lower metallic contact comprises a laterally extended portion which laterally extends from the at least one sidewall surface of the lower source/drain region. A vertical source/drain contact is disposed adjacent to the vertical FET device and contacts the laterally extended portion of the lower metallic contact.