Vietnam is a rapidly growing hub for international business, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from around the world. If you’re planning to visit Vietnam for work-related activities—such as attending meetings, exploring business opportunities, or signing contracts, we’ll explain what a Vietnamese Business Visa is, its different types, eligibility requirements, and provide a step-by-step process on how to apply.
1. General information of Vietnamese Business Visa and how to apply
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Definition of Vietnamese Business Visa | Vietnam business visa is a short-term visa to Vietnam, issued to the foreigners who will be working with/for a company in Vietnam, attending a meeting/negotiation, or signing contracts, and do not have a valid working visa or temporary residence card. |
| Types of Business Visas | According to Point d and Paragraph 3 of Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (effective from 01/07/2020): • Visa DN1: Issued to foreigners working for a business or organization with legal personality as defined by Vietnamese law. • Visa DN2: Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or engage in other activities under international agreements to which Vietnam is a party. |
| Business Visa Duration | Up to 12 months (According to Point b, Paragraph 4 of Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam). |
| Legal Basis | • Law No. 47/2014/QH13 • Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC • Law 51/2019/QH14 • Law on the Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (No. 23/2023/QH15) • Circular No. 22/2023/TT-BCA |
2. Requirements for a Business Visa
| Conditions | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| To be granted a business visa, applicants must meet the following conditions: • Possess a valid passport or international travel document that is valid according to regulations. • Have a company or business with legal status in Vietnam sponsoring the application. • Not fall under the cases prohibited from entry as stipulated in Article 21 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13. • Provide documentation proving the purpose of entry (e.g., invitation letter, etc., depending on the case). | • Visa application form for issuance or extension of temporary residence (Form NA5). • One recent photograph, size 4 x 6 cm. • Passport or valid international travel document of the foreigner. • Certified copy of the business license or decision issued by the competent authority regarding the establishment of the organization. • Letter of introduction with the official seal and signature of the authorized person of the organization. |
| Legal basis: Article 10 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. | Legal basis: According to Item 5, Section B, Part II of the administrative procedures amended and supplemented in the field of entry-exit management under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Public Security, issued along with Decision 6968/QĐ-BCA in 2022. |
3. Guide to apply for a Vietnamese Business Visa
| Category | Embassy Visa | Visa on Arrival | E-Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where to apply | Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in your country | Vietnam’s international airports upon arrival | Online via Vietnam’s e-visa portal |
| Port of entry | Any international checkpoint in Vietnam | Any of Vietnam’s 8 international airports | Any of the 33 accepted entry checkpoints |
| Validity | Up to 3 months (single/multiple entry) | Up to 3 months (single/multiple entry) | 30 days, single entry only |
| Extension | Can be extended in Vietnam | Can be extended in Vietnam | Cannot be extended – must leave and reapply |
| Step 1: Obtain a visa sponsorship letter | Your sponsoring company in Vietnam must apply for your business visa sponsorship letter (also called an invitation letter or visa approval letter) from the Vietnam Immigration Department. The required documents include: – Copy of the foreign applicant’s passport – Certified copy of the company’s business registration – Form NA2 (submitted online here) – Form NA16 – Other documents as required Processing time: 5 – 7 working days after submission of full documents | Your sponsor in Vietnam applies for the visa sponsorship letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department and sends it to you. | The applicant or the inviting company submits an application online via the Vietnam Immigration Portal. Select “Business Activities” as the purpose of travel, upload required documents (passport scan, personal photo), pay the visa fee, and wait for processing. |
| Step 2: Prepare documents for visa stamping | Once you receive the sponsorship letter, prepare the required documents for submission to the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate: – Sponsorship letter from the Vietnamese company – Completed visa application form – Original passport – Passport-sized photos – Visa fee (varies by embassy/consulate) | You need to prepare the following documents for visa stamping at the airport: – Printed sponsorship letter – Completed visa application form – Original passport – Passport-sized photos – Visa stamping fee: + $25 USD for a single-entry visa + $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa | After submitting the online application, wait for 3 working days for processing. If approved, download and print your e-visa to present at the entry checkpoint. |
| Step 3: Receive visa and enter Vietnam | Submit your application in person or by mail to the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate. Once approved, the visa will be stamped into your passport, allowing you to enter Vietnam. | Upon arrival at a Vietnam international airport, present all required documents, pay the stamping fee, and get your visa stamped into your passport before proceeding with immigration clearance. | When arriving at an accepted entry checkpoint, present your printed e-visa along with your original passport to complete immigration procedures. |
Obtaining a Vietnamese Business Visa is a straightforward process when you follow the correct procedures and meet the necessary requirements. Whether you choose to apply through a Vietnamese embassy, opt for Visa on Arrival, or use the e-Visa system, it’s essential to ensure all documents are correctly prepared and submitted on time.
For a smooth experience, working with a sponsoring company in Vietnam and understanding the latest immigration regulations will help avoid delays. If you plan to stay longer, be sure to check extension options based on your visa type.
With the right preparation, your business trip to Vietnam will be hassle-free, allowing you to focus on your professional engagements and explore new opportunities in this thriving market.
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