Vietnam – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Vietnam?

Unless they hold citizenship of one of the countries covered by Vietnam’s visa exemption arrangements, all visitors must secure either an e-Visa or a visa before or upon arrival. Whether a visa is required — and the maximum length of a visa-free stay — is determined entirely by nationality. Visa regulations can be updated at any time, so it is advisable to confirm your status directly with Vietnam’s official immigration authority before making travel plans.

As of 2026, nationals of 38 countries may visit Vietnam and remain for between 14 and 45 days without a visa, the exact duration depending on their passport. From August 2023, Vietnam extended the previously permitted 15-day visa-free window to 45 days for citizens of Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Belarus.

Under Resolution 229/NQ-CP, nationals of Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland became entitled to enter visa-free for tourism purposes for up to 45 days, with this arrangement running from 15 August 2025 to 14 August 2028.

Since 15 August 2023, the e-Visa has been made available to citizens of every country and territory, covering single or multiple entry for periods of up to 90 days. The fee is USD $25 for single entry or USD $50 for multiple entry. This means that even travellers whose nationality does not qualify for visa-free admission can apply for an e-Visa online prior to departure, making entry accessible to the overwhelming majority of foreign nationals.

It is essential to recognise that visa-free admission and short-stay e-Visas are intended for tourism, brief visits, or initial reconnaissance — attempting to carry out employment on a tourist or business visa is unlawful and may lead to fines, expulsion from the country, or re-entry bans. Any person planning to reside, work, or remain in Vietnam over an extended period must acquire the appropriate long-stay visa or residence documentation. Always confirm your specific situation with the Vietnam Immigration Department or the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Vietnam?

Vietnam’s visa categories are structured according to the purpose of entry, the applicant’s profile, and the allowable duration of stay. The country’s visa framework has evolved considerably in recent years to better serve the increasing number of foreign nationals choosing to live, work, and invest there. From 2024 onwards into 2025, visa policy adjustments have moved towards greater flexibility and more transparent classification. The principal categories of relevance to expats are described below.

Work Visa (LĐ1 and LĐ2)
A Vietnamese work visa is granted to foreign nationals employed in Vietnam and is governed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, operating under the symbols LĐ1 and LĐ2. The LĐ1 visa applies to foreign workers in Vietnam who do not require a work permit — typically those exempted under domestic legislation or international agreements. The LĐ2 visa is issued to foreign employees who must hold a valid work permit, which must be secured before the visa application can proceed. The LĐ2 visa remains valid for the same duration as the underlying work permit, though it cannot exceed two years. This is the most widely used visa pathway for expats entering salaried employment in Vietnam, functioning similarly to an employer-sponsored work visa in other jurisdictions — with the key distinction that the Vietnamese employer must drive much of the procedural groundwork.

Business Visa (DN1 and DN2)
The DN1 visa is granted to foreign nationals conducting activities with Vietnamese enterprises or organisations that hold legal standing under Vietnamese law. The DN2 visa covers foreign nationals entering Vietnam to provide services, establish a commercial presence, or engage in other activities permitted under international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory. Validity extends to up to one year, subject to the nature of the activities and the sponsoring documentation provided.

Investor Visa (ĐT)
The investor visa is designed for individuals who are making investments in Vietnam or setting up businesses there. The permitted duration varies according to investment category and typically spans between one and five years, with eligibility contingent on meeting defined investment thresholds and obtaining the relevant regulatory approvals. The temporary residence card bearing the ĐT1 designation is valid for up to ten years. This represents one of the most adaptable long-stay options for those without an employer to act as sponsor.

Family/Relative Visa (TT)
The TT visa is issued to foreign nationals who are spouses or children under 18 years of age of foreigners holding certain visa categories, as well as to foreign nationals who are parents, spouses, or children of Vietnamese citizens. It is valid for a maximum of twelve months with either single or multiple entry, and applicants must provide evidence of the family relationship alongside an invitation letter from the Vietnamese family member.

Student Visa (DH)
Foreign nationals intending to pursue a course of study in Vietnam require a student visa. Applicants must supply an acceptance letter from an officially recognised Vietnamese educational institution. The visa is generally granted for the full duration of the study programme.

Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
A work permit is a prerequisite for most work visas and for the subsequent Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which effectively replaces the visa for those staying over a prolonged period. Foreign nationals holding work permits valid for one year or more, as well as those on work visas, members of management boards of directors, heads of company branches, and chief representatives of foreign enterprise representative offices in Vietnam, may be granted a TRC. Functionally, the TRC resembles a long-stay residence permit as found in countries such as France or Germany — it removes the need for repeated visa renewals and enables continuous lawful residence.

The Vietnamese government is also in the process of finalising long-stay visa reforms that include a proposed five-year waiver for investors, researchers, and athletes, and a golden visa valid for up to ten years aimed at high-value residents. Prospective expats are encouraged to follow developments through the Vietnam Immigration Department as these reforms take shape.

How do I apply for a visa for Vietnam?

The application route you follow will depend on the visa category you require. For short stays or an initial entry into the country, the e-Visa system offers the most straightforward path for the majority of travellers. Work and residence visas involve a more detailed process that usually demands sponsorship from a Vietnamese employer or organisation before the visa application itself can begin.

Applying for an e-Visa

1. Foreign nationals outside Vietnam may apply for an e-Visa personally or through an authorised requesting agency or organisation. The official application portals are evisa.gov.vn and thithucdientu.gov.vn.
2. Register an account on the official portal, complete the online application form, and upload a scanned copy of your passport biographical data page along with a passport-style photograph.
3. Pay the e-Visa fee through the electronic payment gateway as specified by the Immigration Department.
4. Wait for approval, then download your e-Visa approval letter and present it at the immigration checkpoint when you arrive in Vietnam.
5. Please note that the fee will not be refunded in the event that the application is declined.

Applying for a Work, Investor, or Family Visa

1. Arrange sponsorship within Vietnam. You must have an agency, organisation, or individual in Vietnam who will invite or sponsor your application. For a work visa this is ordinarily your employer; for an investor visa it is the relevant investment entity; and for a family visa it is your Vietnamese relative or spouse.
2. Obtain a work permit (where required). Foreign employees must hold a valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs before they can apply for a work visa.
3. Sponsor submits a visa application letter to the Immigration Department. The Immigration Department then issues a visa application letter setting out the employee’s details, the visa category, and the validity period.
4. Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad. To enter Vietnam, a foreign national must obtain a visa from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate. This can be done in a third country or from within Vietnam. Applicants in the United States should contact the Embassy of Vietnam in Washington D.C. or the appropriate Vietnamese consulate. Those in the United Kingdom should contact the Embassy of Vietnam in London. Applicants in other countries should check with the nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission for country-specific procedures.
5. Pay the visa fee at the diplomatic mission and have your visa affixed to your passport.
6. Apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) once you have arrived in Vietnam, if you intend to remain for one year or more.

Always confirm current procedures on the official Vietnam Immigration Department website before beginning your application, as requirements and processes are subject to revision.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Vietnam?

As a general rule, applicants must submit their original passport (valid for a minimum of six months before the departure date), a completed and signed application form accompanied by two photographs measuring 4×6 cm, and payment of the visa fee by money order or certified cheque made payable to the embassy. The precise documentation required will differ according to the visa category being sought.

For an e-Visa, you will typically need:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity and at least one blank page, together with a temporary residential address in Vietnam (such as a hotel name and address).
• A digital passport-sized photograph
• Payment details for the e-Visa fee

For a work visa (LĐ2), additional documents typically required include:

• A valid work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs
• A visa approval or invitation letter from your Vietnamese employer
• A photocopy of the company’s business registration certificate, together with your original passport and a copy of your current visa
• A recent police clearance certificate from your home country
• A health certificate or medical examination results (if required by the employer or relevant authority)

For a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), you will typically need:

• A written request for TRC issuance from the guarantor, a completed TRC information form with a passport-sized photograph, and copies of the passport and valid visa
• Two recently taken photographs in 2×3 cm format, with a white background, taken from the front with a bare head and no sunglasses, along with your original passport showing at least one year’s remaining validity and a valid Vietnamese visa

Documents in a foreign language will generally need to be officially translated into Vietnamese, and those translations should be certified or notarised to the required standard — consult the specific embassy or immigration office for their current requirements on this point. For a definitive and up-to-date list of required documents for your specific visa category, always refer to the Vietnam Immigration Department or the nearest Vietnamese embassy.

How long does a visa application for Vietnam take to process?

Processing times differ considerably depending on the visa type and the channel through which it is being sought. It is advisable to begin the process well ahead of your planned move date — particularly for work visas, where the employer-side work permit procedures can consume significant time before the visa application stage is even reached.

The deadline by which a decision will be communicated is ordinarily stated on the receipt issued when a business or organisation lodges an application with the immigration authority. The figures above are estimates and may be subject to change. Processing times at overseas embassies may differ from those for in-country applications, and high-demand periods or administrative backlogs can extend these timelines. Always consult the official Vietnam Immigration Department portal for the most current estimates before planning your application schedule.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Vietnam?

Visa fees are established by the Vietnamese government and are liable to revision. The figures set out below are provided for reference purposes with the dates at which they applied; always verify the current fee schedule with the Vietnam Immigration Department or the relevant Vietnamese embassy before submitting an application.

In addition to official government fees, expats routinely encounter a range of supplementary costs throughout the visa process. These commonly include:

• Work permit costs: Although the work permit application is usually handled by the employing company in Vietnam, the associated administrative expenses and fees for professional legal advice can accumulate.
• Document translation and notarisation: Any documents in a foreign language must be rendered into Vietnamese by a certified translator. Charges vary based on the document type and the service provider chosen.
• Legal or immigration agent fees: Navigating a work visa application frequently calls for guidance from immigration lawyers or specialists to ensure full compliance and minimise the risk of procedural errors.
• Medical examination fees: Certain long-stay visa categories or work permit applications call for a medical certificate, which will involve examination costs.
• Health insurance: While not always a formal visa requirement, comprehensive health insurance is strongly recommended for all long-term residents and may be mandated by certain employers or visa categories.

The applicable fees will vary depending on whether you are applying for a short-term or long-term visa. For an authoritative and current schedule of fees, consult the official Vietnam Immigration Department website or the Vietnamese embassy in your country of residence.

Can my family members join me in Vietnam on a visa?

Expats’ family members are able to relocate to Vietnam alongside them, but they will generally need to make their own individual visa applications. The principal route for dependants is the TT (family/relative) visa, although eligibility is tied to the visa category held by the primary applicant.

The TT visa may be granted to foreign nationals who are spouses or children under 18 years of age of foreign nationals holding certain work, investor, or professional visa categories, and also to foreign nationals who are parents, spouses, or children of Vietnamese citizens. This means that if you hold a qualifying work or investor visa, your spouse and underage children are in a position to apply for a TT visa to accompany you.

The family/relative visa is intended for those visiting family members who are residing in Vietnam, with a maximum permitted stay of twelve months and options for either single or multiple entry. Applicants must provide proof of the family relationship and an invitation letter issued by the Vietnamese family member. Holding a TT visa does not automatically grant the right to work in Vietnam; a spouse wishing to take up employment must independently obtain their own work permit and the corresponding work visa.

Dependants who wish to undertake studies in Vietnam will need to apply separately for a student visa (DH), presenting an acceptance letter from a recognised Vietnamese educational institution. There is no universally published minimum income requirement for the primary applicant to sponsor family members under the TT visa, but the sponsoring party must be able to demonstrate a genuine relationship and lawful residence status in Vietnam. Check the latest requirements with the Vietnam Immigration Department or your nearest Vietnamese embassy, including any income or sponsorship thresholds that may be in force.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Vietnam?

Vietnam does offer progression from an initial visa through to long-term and ultimately permanent residence, though each step requires the applicant to satisfy defined conditions. For most working expats, the typical trajectory is: initial visa → work permit → Temporary Residence Card (TRC) → Permanent Residence Card (PRC).

Visa extensions
Where a stay needs to continue beyond the visa’s expiry date, an extension or a fresh visa will be required. Extensions are not available to those present in Vietnam under a visa exemption arrangement; such travellers must leave the country and re-enter to reset their permitted period of stay. For holders of formal visas, extensions can be sought through the Immigration Department or via a sponsoring organisation.

Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
A TRC issued to holders of a working visa (LĐ1, LĐ2, PV1) carries a validity of two years. It removes the obligation to renew visas repeatedly and to make recurring exit and re-entry trips. It also simplifies immigration procedures at the border. If an employee continues to meet the eligibility criteria upon expiry, the TRC may be renewed.

Permanent Residence Card (PRC)
A foreign national with lawful residence in Vietnam who earns a livelihood there may apply for a Permanent Residence Card (PRC) provided one of the following conditions is met: the individual has contributed to Vietnam’s development and has been awarded a medal or honorary title by the government; the individual has maintained temporary residence in Vietnam for three or more consecutive years and is sponsored by a parent, spouse, or child who is a Vietnamese citizen with permanent residence in Vietnam; or the individual is a foreign scientist or expert recommended by the head of a ministry or government agency.

A PRC holder may remain in Vietnam without a visa, though the card must be reissued every ten years. Acquiring Vietnamese citizenship is a separate and considerably more complex undertaking, generally requiring deep and longstanding ties to the country. Consult the Vietnam Immigration Department for current eligibility criteria and application procedures for both TRC and PRC, as the conditions governing these may change.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Vietnam are refused?

Being aware of the most frequent grounds for refusal will help you assemble a more robust application from the outset. While Vietnam does not publish comprehensive refusal statistics, immigration professionals and official guidance consistently highlight several recurring problem areas.

• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Foreign individuals and organisations must take responsibility for researching their requirements thoroughly, compiling a complete set of documents that accurately reflects their purpose of entry, following the correct procedural steps, and adhering strictly to the applicable legal provisions. Missing paperwork, unsigned forms, or photographs that do not meet specifications are frequent causes of delay or outright refusal.
• Discrepancy between visa category and planned activity. Submitting an application for a tourist or business visa when the actual intention is to work constitutes grounds for refusal — and if the discrepancy comes to light after entry, it can attract serious legal consequences. Working on a business or tourist visa is illegal and may result in fines, deportation, or entry bans.
• Passport that is invalid or insufficiently valid. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Vietnam. Passports that fall short of this requirement or that lack sufficient blank pages represent a common administrative reason for rejection.
• Absence of a valid work permit for LĐ2 applicants. A work permit, or an official written acknowledgement confirming exemption from the work permit requirement, is the single most critical document for obtaining a Vietnamese work visa. Without one or the other, a work visa will not be issued and the applicant will need to pursue a business visa as an alternative.
• Criminal record or security-related concerns. Applicants who carry serious criminal convictions or who feature on immigration restriction lists may be refused a visa or denied entry under Vietnamese law.
• Absence of credible supporting evidence. For family or investor visas, failing to provide convincing supporting documentation — such as a genuine proof-of-relationship certificate or investment registration papers — can lead to a refusal decision.

What to do if refused
Should your application be refused, your first step should be to review the stated reason and establish whether any documents were absent or contained errors. Seeking guidance from qualified immigration lawyers is advisable to ensure your application meets all legal requirements and is free from procedural mistakes. Visa and work permit regulations can change, making it important to obtain up-to-date information from authoritative sources and legal professionals. Reapplication is generally possible once the grounds for the original refusal have been addressed. If you are unclear about the basis for the decision or your available options, qualified immigration legal advice is strongly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter Vietnam without a visa as a US citizen?

At the time of writing, US citizens do not appear on Vietnam’s visa exemption list and are therefore required to obtain a visa before or upon arrival. The most accessible option is the e-Visa, which can be applied for online at evisa.gov.vn and permits a stay of up to 90 days. Always check the current entry requirements with the Embassy of Vietnam in the United States before travelling, as these policies may be updated.

How long can I stay in Vietnam on an e-Visa?

The Vietnamese e-Visa permits a maximum stay of 90 days, available as either single or multiple entry. The e-Visa cannot be extended; if you need to remain beyond this period you must apply for an alternative visa category or depart and submit a fresh e-Visa application. For stays extending beyond 90 days, a work, investor, or family visa is the more suitable route.

Do I need a work permit as well as a work visa in Vietnam?

The LĐ2 work visa is specifically intended for foreign employees who hold a valid work permit, meaning the work permit must be in hand before the visa application can proceed. Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs and are typically arranged by the employing company. Certain categories of worker are exempt from the work permit requirement but must instead obtain an official written acknowledgement of that exemption.

Is there a retirement visa for Vietnam?

Vietnam does not currently offer a dedicated retirement visa in the manner of countries such as Thailand or Malaysia. Retirees who wish to live in Vietnam generally do so through a combination of the e-Visa, tourist visa extensions, or by qualifying for the TT family visa if they have close Vietnamese relatives. This is an area in which Vietnamese policy could evolve — it is worth keeping an eye on updates from the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Can my spouse work in Vietnam if they join me on a family visa?

Holding a TT (family/relative) visa does not in itself confer the right to work in Vietnam. A spouse who intends to take up employment must independently obtain their own work permit and the corresponding work visa through the standard process, which requires a separate Vietnamese employer to act as sponsor. Contact the Vietnam Immigration Department for the requirements that apply to your spouse’s particular circumstances.

How do I register my address after arriving in Vietnam on a long-term visa?

Foreign nationals residing in Vietnam on a long-term basis are obliged to register their temporary address with the local ward police or through their accommodation provider. A temporary residence declaration certified by the ward police is also required when making subsequent visa or TRC applications. Your employer or landlord will often be able to assist you with this registration procedure.

Can I apply for a Vietnam e-Visa if my country is on the visa-free list?

Yes. If your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry but you plan to stay beyond the permitted visa-free period, you may instead apply for an e-Visa allowing a stay of up to 90 days. Travellers who wish to remain in Vietnam beyond the duration covered by their visa exemption can apply for a Vietnamese e-Visa. The online application is submitted at evisa.gov.vn.

Is there a “golden visa” or long-term investor visa for Vietnam?

The Vietnamese government is currently working to finalise long-stay visa reforms that include a proposed five-year exemption for investors, researchers, and athletes, alongside a golden visa valid for up to ten years aimed at high-value residents. As of the time of writing, these reforms have not yet been fully brought into effect. Those looking to invest in Vietnam in the meantime should explore the existing ĐT investor visa category and consult the Vietnam Immigration Department or a qualified immigration adviser for the most current information on the progress of these proposed changes.