Vietnam business visa: Eligibility, Exemption, Types & Application guide

Obtaining a Vietnam business visa is a crucial step for foreigners to engage in commercial activities within the country. It grants them legal authorization to explore commercial opportunities, attend meetings, and participate in trade events. Get up-to-date with the latest news and procedures on Vietnam visa for business purposes and be well-prepared for your work in Vietnam.

1. Who is eligible for a Vietnam business visa?

A Vietnam business visa is a short-term visa allowing foreigners to enter Vietnam for various business purposes, such as attending conferences, signing a contract, conducting market research, cooperating with domestic enterprises, etc.

Foreigners who are eligible to apply for a business visa to Vietnam include:

• Foreign investors
• Foreigners entering Vietnam for business purposes (e.g., contract signing, exchanging information, cooperating, etc.)
• Representatives of non-government organizations
• Foreign workers with a work permit or work permit exemption certificate in Vietnam
• Foreign lawyers licensed by the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam

2. Countries entitled to Vietnam business visa exemption

Citizens of certain countries are entitled to a Vietnam business visa exemption, allowing them to conduct business activities in Vietnam without a visa for a maximum duration. These countries include: 

>>> Read more: A comprehensive guide on how to get a Vietnamese visa and important notes

3. Types of Vietnam business visa

According to the revised Immigration Law 2019, Vietnam provides two business visa types for foreigners, namely DN1 and DN2.

3.1. Visa DN1

Visa DN1 is a business visa for Vietnam designed for foreign nationals entering Vietnam to work in an enterprise or organization with legal status. These companies must be responsible for sponsoring foreigners to get a visa. Some of the most common companies are:

• Limited liability companies
• Joint stock companies
• Branches of a limited liability company or joint stock company
• Companies with foreign investment
• Domestic companies (100% Vietnamese capital)

3.2. Visa DN2

Visa DN2 is issued to foreigners who enter Vietnam to promote services, establish companies, or do other business activities under international agreements with Vietnam's participation.

With this visa type, foreign nationals do not need to work for a specific company in Vietnam. However, they are still required to have a sponsoring enterprise or company that ensures their entry and activities in Vietnam are for the right purpose.

4. Validity of Vietnam business visa

A business visa to Vietnam has a maximum validity of 1 year. However, in practice, it is typically issued for 1 month and 3 months, all with single or multiple entry options.

3-month Vietnam business visas are among the most popular choices for foreigners. Meanwhile, the 3-month multiple-entry business visa allows foreign nationals to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times for a maximum stay of 3 months until the visa expires. 

On the other hand, the 3-month single-entry business visa permits only one entry and one exit. Once you use this entry-exit opportunity, the visa becomes invalid immediately.

5. How to apply for a Vietnam business visa?

The Vietnam business visa application process is relatively straightforward, provided that you submit the required documents. You can obtain a visa directly at the local Vietnam embassy or apply for a visa on arrival.

5.1. At the embassy or consulate

You can obtain a business visa for Vietnam at the Vietnam embassy or consulate in your country. Follow these guidelines to ensure a hassle-free visa application:

• Vietnam business visa requirements:
  • A passport with at least 6-month validity upon arrival, containing at least one blank visa page.
  • A passport-size photo (4x6cm) with a white background, no glasses, and a straight-looking face, taken within the past 6 months.
  • An invitation letter from a sponsoring enterprise in Vietnam, confirming you are invited to Vietnam for business purposes.
  • A Vietnam business visa application form. 

• Application process:
  • Step 1: Submit by post or in person all required documents to the Vietnam embassy or consulate in your country.
  • Step 2: Pay the visa fee, which ranges from 25 to 50 USD depending on the type of visa, the duration of validity, and the processing fees charged by each embassy or consulate.
  • Step 3: Wait for the result. The application process takes 3 to 5 working days. If the application is approved, you will receive a Vietnam business visa invitation letter via email or post from the Vietnam Immigration Department. 

5.2. Visa on arrival

The Vietnam visa on arrival is only valid for air travelers. Here are the procedures to get an actual visa at Vietnam’s international airports. 

• Requirements for Vietnam business visa on arrival: 
  • A pre-approved letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months upon arrival, containing at least 2 blank visa pages for the visa stamp and immigration stamp.
  • A visa application form.
  • 2 identical passport-size photos (4x6cm) with a white background, no glasses, and a straight-looking face, taken within the past 6 months.
  • Visa stamping fee in cash

• Application process:
  • Step 1: Submit an online application for a pre-approved visa letter through a licensed Vietnamese agency. Pay the service fee, ranging from 10 to 100 USD. The processing time is around 5-7 working days. 
  • Step 2: Receive the application form and the pre-approved letter via email, print both documents, and fill in all the necessary information.
  • Step 3: Present all the required documents mentioned above at Vietnam's international airports that accept visas on arrival (Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Danang, Cat Bi, Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, Can Tho, and Phu Quoc).
  • Step 4: Pay a stamping fee in cash and have your visa stamped. 

*Note: There is no business option available in terms of e-visa. E-visa holders can enter Vietnam for tourism purposes only. However, they can change their purpose of visit from Tourist to Business. For instance, when you stay in Vietnam with a tourist visa, a company hires you to work and provides the necessary guarantees for your stay. You can extend your time in Vietnam with a business visa.

>>> Read more: An A to Z guide on e-visa for Vietnam and frequently asked questions

6. How to extend a Vietnam business visa?

To extend your business visa, you can apply for a Vietnam visa extension at the nearest Immigration Office in Vietnam. Follow these steps for a smooth visa application:

• Step 1: Prepare the required documents.
  • A sponsor letter or invitation letter from a Vietnamese company
  • Legal documents of the sponsoring company, including business license and certificate of seal
  • A passport with at least 6 months of validity upon the extension time
  • An application form for visa extension
  • A temporary residence certification issued by the local police or a hard copy of the online temporary residence confirmation
• Step 2: Submit all documents at Migration Offices in your residing province.
• Step 3: Pay a visa fee of 10 USD. The process may take around 5 to 7 working days.
• Step 4: If your application is approved, receive your visa extension at the Immigration Office.

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Obtaining a Vietnam business visa is a straightforward process, allowing foreigners to enter the country for business purposes. You can apply for a 1-month or 3-month visa with single entry or multiple entry. Start your business trip in Vietnam and take time to explore its unique culture and landscape. 

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