Vietnam Working Visa Requirements and Application Process
If you’re planning to work in Vietnam for service sales activities, you need to obtain a Vietnam working visa and work permit to enter the country and work legally. In this article, we’ll guide you through the requirements and application process for both documents.
Vietnam Working Visa
A Vietnam working visa, also known as a business visa Vietnam, is issued to foreigners traveling to Vietnam for business purposes. This type of visa is categorized as visa DN, DT, or LV, also known as B3 and B4 visa types. It allows you to stay in the country for up to three months with single or multiple entries.
How to apply for a Vietnam working visa?
There are two legitimate ways to apply for a Vietnam working visa:
- Vietnam visa on arrival: You can apply online and receive your visa upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports. To apply, you must submit an online application and pay the visa fee. You’ll then receive an approval letter via email, which you’ll need to present upon arrival to receive your visa.
- Vietnam Embassy visa: You can apply in person at the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in your country. You’ll need to fill out an application form, provide a passport-sized photo, and pay the visa fee.
No matter which method you choose, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- Original passport
- Vietnam business visa application form
- A color photo taken within six months
- Letter of clearance from your employer
- Visa application fee
What are the requirements for a Vietnam working visa?
To be eligible for a Vietnam working visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Vietnam.
- You must have a letter of invitation or sponsorship from a Vietnamese company or organization.
- You must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security.
A – How to Apply for a Working Permit in Vietnam?
A working permit is a legal document that allows foreigners to work in Vietnam. To obtain one, you must first have a valid Vietnam working visa. After arriving in Vietnam, you must obtain a work permit within 15 days.
Required Documents
Here are the required documents to apply for a working permit:
- Request for work permit form (issued by the employer)
- Work contract or an assignment letter
- Health certificate
- Criminal record check
- Educational qualifications
- Passport and visa copy
- Two passport-sized photos
Your employer must submit the request for work permit form on your behalf. The processing time takes around two weeks.
B – What Will Happen if I Work in Vietnam Without Working Permit?
It’s illegal to work in Vietnam without a valid work permit. If caught, you may be deported and banned from entering the country again. Your employer may also receive a fine.
C – Can the Name of the Employer on Working Permit be Changed? If Yes, What are Requirements? Cost and Processing Time?
Yes, the name of the employer on a working permit can be changed. The requirements are as follows:
- A written request to change the employer’s name
- A new work contract or assignment letter from the new employer
- A new request for work permit form with the updated information
- The old work permit
- Passport and visa copy
- Two passport-sized photos
The processing time takes around two weeks, and the cost varies depending on the duration of the work permit.
D – Best Advice: Doing Services Sales Activities in Vietnam
If you’re planning to do service sales activities in Vietnam, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Obtain a Vietnam working visa and work permit before entering the country.
- Make sure your employer has registered with the local department of labor, invalids, and social affairs.
- Report to the department within seven working days before your arrival.
- Comply with all Vietnamese laws and regulations while working in the country.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and legal experience when working in Vietnam.
Conclusion
🇻🇳 Vietnam Working Visa: Requirements and Application Process (Updated 2025)
Planning to work in Vietnam? Whether you’re joining a local company, opening a business, or pursuing a long-term career, you’ll need a Vietnam working visa — officially known as a LD visa (lao động visa). This guide covers everything foreign nationals need to know about Vietnam work visa requirements, types, processing times, and how to apply in 2025.
✅ What Is a Vietnam Working Visa?
A Vietnam working visa (LD1 or LD2) is a type of visa issued to foreigners who come to work in Vietnam legally, under contract with a Vietnamese company or organization.
There are two main categories:
- LD1 Visa – For workers who do not require a work permit (e.g., internal company transfers, treaty-based exemptions).
- LD2 Visa – For foreign nationals who must obtain a work permit.
📌 Who Needs a Vietnam Working Visa?
You need a Vietnam working visa if:
- You are a foreign employee hired by a Vietnamese company
- You are sent to Vietnam by a foreign enterprise or partner
- You plan to work longer than 3 months
- You are not exempted from a work permit requirement
🛂 Vietnam Work Visa Validity
- Valid for 1 to 2 years
- Multiple entry
- Can be renewed or converted into a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) after obtaining a valid work permit
📄 Required Documents for Vietnam Work Visa
To apply for a Vietnam working visa, prepare the following:
For Employees:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages)
- Work Permit issued by the Vietnam Department of Labor (for LD2)
- Letter of sponsorship/invitation from your employer
- Visa application form (form NA2)
- Approval letter from the Immigration Department
- 2 recent passport-size photos
- Temporary Residence Registration form (for long-term stays)
For Employers (for visa sponsorship):
- Company business license
- Work contract
- Introduction letter to Immigration Department
- Work permit/Exemption certificate
🕒 Processing Time
- Work Permit issuance: 7–10 business days after submission
- Work visa approval letter: 5–7 business days
- Visa stamping at Embassy or airport: 1–3 working days
🚨 Urgent or expedited services are available for faster processing — within 1–3 days.
💵 Vietnam Work Visa Fees
Fees vary depending on the type and length of the visa:
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| LD1/LD2 | 1 month – single entry | $25–35 |
| LD1/LD2 | 3 months – multiple entry | $50–70 |
| LD1/LD2 | 1 year – multiple entry | $100–135 |
Note: Service fees may apply if using a visa agent or urgent processing.
🌐 How to Apply for a Vietnam Working Visa
There are two ways to apply:
1️⃣ Via Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate
- Sponsor company applies for visa approval letter in Vietnam.
- Applicant visits Vietnam Embassy in their home country with the letter and required documents.
- Receive visa stamp before departure.
2️⃣ Visa on Arrival (VOA)
- Apply for pre-approved visa letter via a licensed agency like VisaOnlineVietnam.com
- Get visa stamped upon arrival at major airports: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc
- Best for applicants already traveling or needing urgent visas
🔁 Converting to a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Once you receive your working visa and work permit, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Card valid for up to 2 years. This saves time on visa renewals and allows easier travel in and out of Vietnam.
💼 Work Permit Exemptions
Some professionals may be exempt from work permit requirements. Common exemptions include:
- Working in Vietnam less than 30 days
- Foreign company owners or board members
- Experts or consultants working under government agreements
Employers must still apply for a work permit exemption certificate to be eligible.
🔍 Need Help With Your Vietnam Working Visa?
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📞 Contact VisaOnlineVietnam
- 🌐 Website: https://visaonlinevietnam.com
- 📩 Email: sales@visaonlinevietnam.com
- 📱 WhatsApp: (+84) 968 18 77 18
- ☎️ USA Hotline: +1(972)-666-0676
Getting a Vietnam working visa is the first step to launching your career in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Whether you’re relocating for business, consulting, or corporate expansion, following the correct visa procedure ensures a legal, smooth, and successful experience in Vietnam.
