Vietnam Work Visa. A Vietnam Work Visa is an official document that allows foreigners to live and work legally in Vietnam. It is issued to individuals who have a job offer or employment contract with a company registered in Vietnam.
If you plan to work, teach, or manage a business in Vietnam, getting this visa is the first legal step. It ensures your stay is legitimate and gives you permission to earn an income within the country.
Types of Vietnam Work Visas
Vietnam issues several types of work-related visas depending on your job role and the length of your employment. Here are the most common types:
| Visa Type | Code | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| LD1 Visa | LD1 | For foreign workers with work permit exemption | Up to 2 years |
| LD2 Visa | LD2 | For foreign workers with a valid work permit | Up to 2 years |
| DN1 Visa | DN1 | For foreigners working with Vietnamese enterprises | Up to 12 months |
| DN2 Visa | DN2 | For foreigners offering services or projects in Vietnam | Up to 12 months |
Note: The LD1 and LD2 visas are the main work visas for long-term employment, while DN visas are usually for short-term business or project work.
Who Needs a Vietnam Work Visa?
You must apply for a Vietnam Work Visa if you are:
- A foreign employee hired by a company in Vietnam.
- A teacher or lecturer working at a school or university.
- A technical expert, consultant, or manager in a Vietnamese project.
- An intern or trainee under an approved training program.
If you enter Vietnam without the correct visa type, you cannot legally work and may face penalties or deportation.
Vietnam Work Visas Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Vietnam work visa, you need to meet these basic conditions:
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Health Condition: You must be physically and mentally fit for the job.
- Professional Skills: You must have the required qualifications or experience.
- No Criminal Record: You must have a clean record in your home country and in Vietnam.
- Legal Employer: You must have a valid job offer from a company registered in Vietnam.
Documents Required for Vietnam Work Visa
Before applying, prepare the following documents carefully. Missing papers can delay your approval.
| Document | Purpose / Description |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay |
| Work Permit or Exemption Certificate | Proof that you are legally allowed to work in Vietnam |
| Employment Contract | Signed by both employer and employee |
| Application Form NA5 | Official visa request form in Vietnam |
| Visa Approval Letter | Issued by the Department of Immigration in Vietnam |
| Recent Passport-size Photos | Usually two (4×6 cm, white background) |
| Health Certificate | Issued within the last 12 months |
| Police Clearance Certificate | From your home country |
| Invitation Letter | From the employer in Vietnam |
Make sure all foreign documents are notarized and translated into Vietnamese before submission.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Work Visa (Step-by-Step Guide)
Applying for a work visa in Vietnam is straightforward if you follow the correct steps:
Step 1: Get a Job Offer
Before applying, secure employment from a Vietnamese company. They will act as your visa sponsor.
Step 2: Employer Applies for Approval Letter
Your employer must submit a Visa Approval Letter request to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
This step usually takes 5–7 working days.
Step 3: Receive Visa Approval Letter
Once approved, you’ll receive a visa approval letter via email or directly from your employer.
You can then proceed to get the visa stamped at a Vietnamese Embassy or on arrival.
Step 4: Apply for Visa Stamping
Submit your approval letter and required documents at the Vietnam Embassy in your home country.
Alternatively, you can get your visa stamped at Vietnam airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang).
Step 5: Enter Vietnam and Get Work Permit
After arriving in Vietnam, you must apply for a work permit within 90 days of entry.
The work permit allows you to continue working legally for the full duration of your contract.
Vietnam Work Visa Fees (Approximate)
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry (1 month) | Short stay | $25 |
| Multiple-entry (3 months) | Short-term projects | $50 |
| Multiple-entry (6 months) | Long-term work | $95 |
| Multiple-entry (12 months) | Full-year contract | $135 |
Note: Fees can vary depending on nationality and embassy location.
Vietnam Work Permit vs. Work Visa
It’s common to confuse these two terms, but they serve different purposes:
| Feature | Work Visa | Work Permit |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Entry permission for work | Legal approval to work in Vietnam |
| Issued By | Immigration Department | Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs |
| Validity | Up to 2 years | Up to 2 years |
| Who Applies | Employer or employee | Employer |
| Required For | Entering Vietnam | Working legally after entry |
You need both documents to live and work legally in Vietnam.
Processing Time Vietnam Work Visa
The overall processing time depends on your employer and the embassy. Generally:
- Approval letter: 5–7 business days
- Visa stamping: 3–5 business days
- Work permit: 10–15 business days
So the total time from job offer to final visa can be 2–4 weeks.
Can You Extend a Vietnam Work Visa?
Yes. You can extend or renew your Vietnam work visa before it expires. Your employer must apply for an extension letter through the Immigration Department.
Extensions are usually granted for up to 2 years, depending on your employment contract and work permit validity.
Important Tips for Applicants
- Always check the latest visa policies before applying.
- Keep your employer’s documents ready for verification.
- Do not overstay, overstaying may lead to fines or deportation.
- Carry multiple passport photos for official forms.
- Ensure translations and certifications are accurate and valid.
FAQs About Vietnam Work Visa
1. How long does it take to get a Vietnam Work Visa?
It usually takes 2–4 weeks from application to visa issuance, depending on embassy workload and employer approval.
2. Can I work in Vietnam with a tourist visa?
No. You cannot legally work in Vietnam on a tourist visa. You must hold a valid work visa and work permit.
3. Can I change employers on a Vietnam Work Visa?
Yes, but your new employer must apply for a new work permit and visa sponsorship.
4. Can family members join me in Vietnam?
Yes. Your spouse and children can apply for a Vietnam Dependent Visa (TT visa) once your work visa is approved.
Conclusion
Getting a Vietnam Work Visa is a simple process if you have a legitimate job offer and complete documents. With this visa, you can enjoy working in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
Vietnam offers great opportunities for teachers, engineers, IT professionals, and investors who wish to live and work in a vibrant cultural environment.
If you plan to work long-term, start by finding a sponsor company and applying for your work permit and visa approval letter early to avoid any delays.
