Vietnam offers a variety of entry visas to accommodate different purposes for foreigners. Below is a detailed overview of the six most common types of entry visas for Vietnam, along with guidance on the conditions, application procedures, and important considerations. Let’s dive into the details of each entry visa that might suit your needs with FTA Law!
1. Tourist Visa (DL)
The tourist visa is the most common entry visa for foreigners who wish to visit Vietnam for sightseeing, exploring landmarks, and experiencing Vietnamese culture. This is an ideal choice for international tourists looking to discover Vietnam’s beautiful beaches, historical and cultural sites, and exquisite cuisine. This visa does not permit foreigners to work or engage in business activities during their stay.
Duration and Entry Types:
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1 month single entry
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1 month multiple entries
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3 months single entry
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3 months multiple entries
Visa Requirements:
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Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
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Not subject to any entry ban under Vietnamese law.
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Clear travel plan with a return flight booking.
Application Process:
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Submit the visa application online or at the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate.
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Provide passport-sized photos and documents related to hotel booking and itinerary.
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Pay the visa fee as prescribed.
Important Notes:
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A tourist visa does not allow foreigners to work or engage in business activities.
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If an extension is needed, apply at least 7 days before the visa expires.
Figure: A tourist visa is ideal for foreigners wanting to explore new travel destinations.
2. Business Visa (DN)
The business visa is issued to foreigners who enter Vietnam for short-term work, attending meetings, conferences, or business collaborations with Vietnamese enterprises or organizations. This visa is typically issued with the sponsorship of a registered Vietnamese company or organization and is a suitable choice for businesspeople, professionals, and trade partners.
Duration and Entry Types:
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Available from 1 month to 12 months.
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Single or multiple entries depending on the sponsoring company’s requirements.
Visa Requirements:
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Invitation letter or employment contract from a Vietnamese company or organization.
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Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
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Not subject to an entry ban into Vietnam.
Application Process:
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The sponsoring company must submit the visa application to the Immigration Department or the Vietnamese Embassy.
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Prepare documents such as the invitation letter, business registration certificate, and passport.
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Pay the visa fee as prescribed.
Important Notes:
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A business visa is not a work visa. For long-term employment, a work permit is required.
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Foreigners must comply with Vietnam’s residence and temporary residence registration requirements.
Figure: Business visas are ideal for foreigners working short-term in Vietnam.
3. Work Visa (LĐ)
The work visa is issued to foreigners who come to Vietnam to work for businesses, non-governmental organizations, or foreign-invested projects. This visa typically requires a work permit issued by the Vietnamese authorities and is a crucial document for foreigners to work legally in Vietnam.
Duration and Entry Types:
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Up to 2 years.
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Single or multiple entries depending on job requirements.
Visa Requirements:
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Valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.
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Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
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Not subject to an entry ban into Vietnam.
Application Process:
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The sponsoring company or organization must submit the visa application to the Immigration Department.
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Provide work permit, passport, and personal photos.
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Pay the visa fee as prescribed.
Important Notes:
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Foreign workers must comply with Vietnamese labor laws.
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If the work visa expires, it must be extended or converted to another type before it expires by at least 15 days.
4. Family Visit Visa (TT)
The family visit visa is for foreigners entering Vietnam to visit relatives who are Vietnamese citizens or foreign nationals legally residing in Vietnam. This visa is suitable for parents, spouses, children, or other family members who wish to reunite or visit their loved ones.
Duration and Entry Types:
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Up to 12 months.
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Single or multiple entries based on the sponsor’s requirements.
Visa Requirements:
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Proof of family relationship with the person in Vietnam (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
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Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
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Not subject to an entry ban into Vietnam.
Application Process:
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The sponsor in Vietnam must apply and submit documents to the Immigration Department.
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Provide documents proving family relationship, passport, personal photo, and visa application form.
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Pay the visa fee as prescribed.
Important Notes:
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A family visit visa does not permit the foreigner to work in Vietnam.
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If an extension is required, apply at least 10 days before the visa expires to avoid disruption in residence.
Figure: A family visit visa is ideal for families looking to reunite
5. Investment Visa (ĐT)
The investment visa is granted to foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam. This visa aims to facilitate investors in developing their business ventures in Vietnam.
Visa Classification and Duration:
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Visa ĐT1: For investors with capital contributions of 100 billion VND or more, or investment in preferred sectors; maximum duration of 5 years.
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Visa ĐT2: For investors with capital contributions between 50 billion VND and 100 billion VND; maximum duration of 5 years.
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Visa ĐT3: For investors with capital contributions between 3 billion VND and 50 billion VND; maximum duration of 3 years.
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Visa ĐT4: For investors with capital contributions below 3 billion VND; maximum duration of 12 months.
Visa Requirements:
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Investment registration certificate or documents proving capital contribution, share purchase.
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Passport valid for at least 6 months.
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Not subject to an entry ban into Vietnam.
Application Process:
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The investor or sponsoring company must submit the application to the Immigration Department.
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Prepare relevant documents such as the investment registration certificate, passport, personal photo, and visa application form.
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Pay the visa fee as prescribed.
Figure: Investment visas allow foreigners to invest in Vietnam.
6. Commercial Visa (EV)
The commercial visa is granted to foreigners entering Vietnam to engage in commercial activities such as signing contracts, business cooperation, or attending conferences and seminars.
Duration and Entry Types:
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Up to 12 months.
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Single or multiple entries depending on the applicant’s needs.
Visa Requirements:
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Invitation letter from a partner or business in Vietnam.
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Passport valid for at least 6 months.
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Not subject to an entry ban into Vietnam.
Application Process:
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The sponsoring company or organization submits the visa application to the Immigration Department.
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Provide documents such as the invitation letter and evidence of commercial purpose.
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Pay the visa fee as prescribed.
Important Notes:
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A commercial visa is not a work visa, and the foreigner is not permitted to work long-term in Vietnam on this visa.
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If long-term work is required, a work visa and work permit are necessary.
7. Conclusion
The above provides detailed information on the six most common entry visas for foreigners in Vietnam. Each visa type has specific requirements and conditions, so applicants must prepare the necessary documents and comply with regulations to avoid legal issues. For more information or visa application assistance, contact FTA Law through our hotline at 093.4114.878 for detailed guidance and support.
Note: The content above is for reference purposes only and does not constitute official legal advice from the FTA Law team. If you have any questions or need advice for a specific case, please contact us at support@ftalaw.vn. We are always ready to listen and assist you.