WORKING VISA

📘 Overview of Vietnam Work Visas

Vietnam work visas are commonly divided into two main categories: LD1 and LD2.

• LD1 is issued to foreign nationals working in Vietnam under a work permit exemption, except where international treaties to which Vietnam is a party provide otherwise.
• LD2 is issued to foreign nationals who are required to hold a valid work permit to work in Vietnam.

A Vietnam work visa may be valid for up to 2 years and may be extended in eligible cases. If the work permit is valid for a shorter period, the visa validity is usually aligned with the work permit validity.

✅ How to Apply for a Vietnam Work Visa

The work visa process usually requires coordination between the Vietnam-based sponsor and the foreign employee.

1. Sponsor documents: The Vietnam-based sponsor prepares the required company and employee documents.
2. Application submission: The sponsor submits the file to the immigration authority.
3. Approval letter: If approved, the sponsor receives the visa approval letter.
4. Employee notification: The approval details are sent to the foreign employee.
5. Visa stamping: The employee submits the required documents and pays the fee to receive the visa.

📄 Documents Required from the Sponsoring Company

The company or organization in Vietnam acts as the sponsor and prepares the required documents, which usually include:

• Company operating license — operating license of the company, branch, or representative office.
• Seal registration / notice — seal registration certificate or notice of seal use.
• Form NA16 — registration of the company seal and the legal representative’s signature.
• Form NA5 — request for visa issuance, visa extension, or stay extension.
• Form NA1 — Vietnam visa application form used for visa stamping.
• One 3x4cm photo — a recent photo prepared for the visa file.
• Work permit or exemption certificate — valid work permit or work permit exemption certificate.
• Passport copy — a copy of the foreign employee’s valid passport.

Official forms and requirements may be updated by the Vietnamese authorities. Please review the official government pages before submitting your application.

⏱️ Processing Time

In general, a Vietnam work visa application is processed in about 5 working days from the date the competent authority receives a complete and valid application.

Actual processing time may vary depending on the case, documents, nationality, public holidays, workload, and any additional document requests.

🔁 Work Visa vs. Business Visa

These are different visa types with different purposes and requirements.

• Purpose: A work visa is for employment with a company, organization, or office in Vietnam. A business visa is for meetings, business discussions, commercial activities, or working with business partners.
• Work permit: A work visa usually requires a work permit or a work permit exemption. A business visa usually does not require a work permit.
• Validity: A work visa may be valid for up to 2 years or aligned with the work permit. A business visa is usually shorter term.
• Temporary Residence Card: A work visa may support a temporary residence card application if the applicant is eligible. A business visa is usually not a direct basis.

⭐ How Vietnam GoEasy Can Help

Vietnam GoEasy helps foreign nationals and sponsoring companies review basic information, identify the correct visa purpose, prepare the required details, and choose a suitable processing option.

If you are not sure whether to apply for a work visa, business visa, or another visa type, Vietnam GoEasy can review your case first so you can avoid choosing the wrong visa category or missing important documents.

To get started, prepare your passport, nationality, intended entry date, Vietnam sponsor company details, company address, contact phone number, and work permit or work permit exemption status, if available.