1. Visa extension’s explaination:
Visa extension is an important procedure that allows foreigners to legally stay in Vietnam without needing to leave the country and apply for a new visa. The process of extending a visa requires compliance with legal regulations, preparation of necessary documents, and submission to the designated authorities.
If you are a foreigner living, working, or traveling in Vietnam and need to extend your visa, let’s explore this article by FTA Law to understand the conditions, procedures, and associated costs, ensuring you save time in your preparation process.
2. Conditions for Visa extension in Vietnam for Foreigners
To have your visa extension approved in Vietnam, foreigners must meet the following conditions for a smoother visa application process:
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Valid visa: The current visa must be valid at the time of applying for an extension.
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Appropriate purpose of stay: The visa extension must match the type of visa originally issued and the purpose of stay in Vietnam.
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Legal sponsor: Foreigners must have a legal sponsor, such as an organization, business, or individual, to sponsor the visa extension.
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No legal violations: The applicant must not be banned from entering Vietnam or subject to expulsion orders.
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Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of visa extension application.
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Temporary residence declaration: Provide confirmation of legal temporary residence from the local authorities.
Figure: Conditions for visa extension in Vietnam for foreigners
3. Types of Visas That Can Be Extended in Vietnam
Depending on the purpose of entry, foreigners can apply for a visa extension for various types of visas, as follows:
3.1. Tourist Visa (DL)
A DL visa allows foreigners to stay in Vietnam for the sole purpose of tourism. The extension duration can be up to 30 days per extension.
3.2. Labor Visa (LĐ1, LĐ2)
The labor visa is granted to foreigners working in Vietnam with a duration of one year or more. Workers can apply for an extension without leaving the country when the visa is about to expire.
3.3. Business Visa (DN1, DN2)
The DN visa is granted to investors, businesspeople, or representatives of companies. The visa extension period can range from 6 months to one year.
3.4. Family Visit Visa (TT)
The TT visa is for foreigners who have relatives who are Vietnamese citizens or who hold temporary residence cards in Vietnam. The extension duration can be up to one year.
Figure: Types of visas that foreigners can extend in Vietnam
4. Documents for Visa Extension in Vietnam
To extend a visa, foreigners must prepare the required documents and complete the application as specified by Vietnamese law. The specific documents required depend on the type of visa, as outlined below:
4.1. Documents for Family Visit Visa Extension (VR, TT)
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Application for visa extension (Form NA5) signed by the sponsor and confirmed by the local police.
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Copy of temporary residence confirmation with police stamp.
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2 passport-sized photos (3×4 cm, white background) if a new visa is required.
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2 notarized copies of the sponsor’s household registration or identity card.
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Notarized translation of documents proving family relations (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.).
4.2. Documents for Business Visa Extension (DN1, DN2)
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Original passport with valid status.
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Application for visa extension (Form NA5).
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2 sponsorship letters from the company signed and stamped.
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2 copies of Form NA16 completed by the sponsoring company.
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Notarized copy of the company’s business registration certificate.
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Temporary residence confirmation.
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2 passport-sized photos (3×4 cm, white background) if a new visa is needed.
4.3. Documents for Labor Visa Extension (LĐ)
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Original passport with valid status.
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2 completed copies of Form NA5.
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2 completed copies of Form NA16.
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2 sponsorship letters from the company signed and stamped.
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Notarized copy of the company’s business license.
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Temporary residence confirmation.
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Notarized copy of the labor permit.
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2 passport-sized photos (3×4 cm, white background) for a new visa.
4.4. Documents for 5-Year Visa Extension
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Original passport with valid status.
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Temporary residence confirmation from the police.
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2 notarized copies of the ID card and household registration of the Vietnamese spouse (if married to a Vietnamese citizen).
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1 notarized copy of the birth certificate (if Vietnamese origin).
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Visa extension application (Form NA5) signed by the sponsor and confirmed by local authorities.
5. Visa Extension Procedure in Vietnam
5.1. Preparing Documents
Foreigners need to gather all the necessary documents for their specific type of visa and ensure they are valid to avoid delays or rejections. Proper preparation will ensure a faster and smoother processing time.
5.2. Submitting Documents
Applicants for a visa extension can submit their documents at:
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The Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
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The Immigration Office of the provincial or city police where the applicant resides.
The staff at the immigration office will check the documents and guide the applicant if any further documentation is needed and will issue a receipt for when the results can be collected.
5.3. Paying Fees
Applicants need to pay the visa extension fee as per the regulations. The fees may vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of the extension. To avoid wasting time, applicants should prepare the required fee beforehand.
5.4. Review and Receive Results
The submitted documents will be processed within approximately 5 to 7 working days. If the application is approved, the applicant can return to the office to collect the new visa as per the time specified in the receipt. If the application is denied, the authorities will provide the reasons for the denial and guide the applicant on the next steps.
6. Visa Extension Fees in Vietnam
The cost of extending a visa in Vietnam depends on the duration and type of visa required. Here are the approximate fees for visa extensions:
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1-month extension: $10 – $25 USD
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3-month extension: $40 – $55 USD
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6-month extension: $95 – $135 USD
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1-year extension: $145 – $155 USD
Note: Visa extension fees may vary depending on whether you use an external visa extension service or apply directly through the authorities. For accurate pricing, contact FTA Law for assistance.
Figure: Visa extension fees vary depending on the method you use
7. Reliable Visa Extension Services in Vietnam
To save time and ensure the visa extension process goes smoothly, foreigners can use visa extension services from reputable companies. The benefits of using these services include:
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Free procedural advice.
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Assistance in preparing full documentation.
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Representation when working with authorities.
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Fast processing time.
8. Conclusion
Visa extension in Vietnam is a critical procedure that allows foreigners to stay legally. Understanding the process, preparing the necessary documents, and submitting them to the right authorities will help ensure the extension process goes smoothly. If you are a foreigner in need of assistance, contact FTA Law for professional visa extension services to ensure your procedure is completed quickly and accurately.
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.