The Vietnam business visa (code: DN) is the type of visa for foreigners working short-term in Vietnam. We will explain all the information you need to know about this type of Visa under this article.
What is a Vietnam business visa (DN)?
A Vietnam business visa, commonly referred to as a DN visa, is issued to foreign nationals entering Vietnam for business-related purposes. Depending on the purpose of entry, the visa may be issued under one of two main categories:
- DN1: For foreigners working with Vietnamese enterprises or organizations that have legal status under Vietnamese law.
- DN2: For foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or carry out other activities covered by international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
A DN visa is different from a Vietnam tourist visa (DL), which is intended for tourism and leisure travel. However, holding a business visa does not automatically give a foreign national the right to work in Vietnam in every capacity. A separate work permit or work-permit exemption may be required for actual employment, depending on the circumstances.

A Vietnam business visa allows you to work in Vietnam (Source: collected)
Vietnam business visa fees
Government visa fees depend on the visa's validity period and number of entries. From April 1, 2026, the government fee schedule includes the following rates:
|
Visa Type |
Validity |
Government Fee |
|
Single-entry |
Any validity |
$25 |
|
Multiple-entry |
Up to 90 days |
$50 |
|
Multiple-entry |
Over 90 days to 180 days |
$95 |
|
Multiple-entry |
Over 180 days to 1 year |
$135 |
These are government visa issuance fees and do not include private agency, sponsorship, processing, or urgent-service charges.
Three ways to get a Vietnam business visa
A Vietnam business visa may be obtained through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, through an airport visa-on-arrival process where applicable, or through Vietnam's e-visa system when the applicant and purpose of travel meet the applicable requirements.
|
Criteria |
Traditional Visa | E-visa |
Visa on Arrival |
|
Application route |
Vietnamese embassy or consulate |
Online, visa sent through email |
Apply for approval letter and get visa at airport |
|
Entry options |
Depends on visa issued |
Single or multiple entry |
Airport entry only |
|
Validity |
Depends on approved visa |
Up to 90 days |
Depends on approved visa |
|
Documents |
Passport, application form, physical copy of photo and supporting documents | Passport details, digital photo and online application information |
Passport, approval letter and visa-stamping documents |
|
Processing time |
Usually several working days |
Usually several working days |
Same-day or longer after approval letter |
|
Extension |
Can be extended | Not allowed to extend |
Can be extended |
|
Best for |
Applicants needs long stay period |
Short business trips and eligible applicants |
Travelers who need airport visa stamping |
Vietnam business visa requirements & sponsor documents
Unlike a standard tourist application, a Vietnam business visa may require a Vietnamese sponsoring company or organization connected to the applicant's business purpose.
The sponsoring company generally prepares the relevant immigration documents and submits the required application to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Depending on the case, supporting documents may include:
- A copy of the applicant's passport
- A copy of the Vietnamese sponsor's business registration certificate
- Immigration sponsorship/application forms
- Company information and supporting documents
- Additional documents requested by the immigration authorities
For sponsored business visa applications, processing time depends on the type of application, the sponsor's documentation, and the immigration authorities' processing requirements.
Vietnam business visa expediting service for urgent cases
When a business trip is approaching and the visa has not been processed yet, Vietnam emergency visa processing can help speed up the immigration approval process.
Instead of waiting for standard processing, UrgentVisaToVietnam can help prioritize the application and arrange an approval letter within a shorter timeframe, as little as 15–30 minutes, 1 business hour, or a few days.
The following are the service fees for urgent processing:
|
Processing Time |
Expediting Service Fee |
|
Weekend / Holiday |
$185 |
|
15-30 minutes- Last-minute |
$295 |
|
1 business hour |
$175 |
|
2 business hours |
$145 |
|
4 business hours |
$75 |
|
1 working day |
$65 |
|
2 working days |
$45 |
|
3 working days |
$35 |
How to apply for a Vietnam business visa step by step
Applying through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate
Step 1: Arrange the immigration approval
For a sponsored business visa, the Vietnamese sponsoring company prepares the required documents and submits the application to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Supporting documents may include:
- Applicant's passport copy
- Vietnamese sponsor's business registration documents
- Relevant immigration application forms
- Other supporting documents requested by the authorities
Once approved, the immigration approval is provided for the visa issuance process.
Step 2: Prepare documents for visa issuance
The applicant normally prepares:
- Original passport
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photo
- Immigration approval or supporting documents, where applicable
- Visa issuance fee
- Additional documents requested by the embassy or consulate
- Step 3: Receive the Visa
Submit the documents to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Once the application is approved, the visa is issued according to the approved validity and entry type.
Applying for a business visa on arrival
Step 1: Obtain the Immigration Approval Letter
The Vietnamese sponsoring company or authorized service provider submits the required application to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Once approved, the applicant receives the immigration approval letter electronically.
Step 2: Prepare documents for airport visa stamping
Before traveling, prepare:
- Printed approval letter
- Original passport
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photos, where required
- Government visa-stamping fee

You need an entry approval letter for VOA
Step 3: Complete Visa Stamping at the Airport
Upon arrival at a designated international airport in Vietnam, proceed to the visa-issuance counter and present the required documents.
After the visa is stamped into the passport, the traveler can proceed through immigration and enter Vietnam for the approved business purpose.
Applying for a Vietnam business e-visa
The e-visa application is completed online through Vietnam's official e-visa system.
Step 1: Prepare the required information
Prepare the passport information and a digital passport photo and portrait photo required for the online application.
Step 2: Submit the e-visa application and pay the fee
Complete the online application, upload the required documents, and pay the applicable e-visa fee.
Step 3: Receive the e-visa through the registered e-mail.
You can print the e-visa if needed.

Step 3: Receive the e-visa through the registered e-mail
Once approved, the e-visa is made available electronically. Travelers should check all personal and passport information carefully before traveling and keep a copy of the approved e-visa for entry.
Can you extend a Vietnam business visa?
Yes. Business visas can generally be extended or otherwise renewed in Vietnam when the applicant remains eligible and has the required Vietnamese sponsor.
For longer business stays, an in-country extension may be more convenient than leaving Vietnam and applying for a new visa from abroad.
Documents for Extending a Business Visa
The exact requirements depend on the applicant's circumstances and the sponsoring organization. Common documents may include:
- Original passport
- Vietnam visa extension application form
- Documents from the sponsoring company
- Proof of the applicant's business or employment relationship, where applicable
- Temporary residence registration
- Other supporting documents requested by the immigration authorities
Because requirements can vary by case, applicants should confirm the current document list before submitting an extension application.
Business Visa vs Tourist & Work Visa
Use a business visa for commercial visits, a tourist visa for leisure, and a work visa when you will be employed and paid in Vietnam. Choosing the wrong visa for the actual purpose of the trip can lead to immigration violations, fines, or other penalties.
|
Visa Type |
Purpose of Visit |
Maximum Validity |
Typical Activities |
|
Business Visa (DN1/DN2) |
Business and commercial activities |
Up to 12 months |
Meetings, working with Vietnamese companies, negotiating contracts, business cooperation, commercial activities |
|
Tourist Visa (DL) |
Tourism and leisure |
Up to 90 days |
Sightseeing, holidays, visiting friends or family, other tourism-related activities |
|
Work Visa (LD1/LD2) |
Employment in Vietnam |
Up to 2 years |
Working for a Vietnamese employer, performing an employment role, receiving employment-related remuneration in Vietnam |

Get informed about different type of Vietnam visa
Related blog post: Vietnam Visa Types: Tourist, Business, Work, e-Visa & Full List
If you are looking for professional advice, assistance with complicated visa cases, or a faster way to process your Vietnam visa, Urgent Visa to Vietnam is a trusted agency worth considering. With experience dating back to 2010, we have assisted more than 56,000 travelers from over 190 countries, achieving a 99.68% success rate in Vietnam visa processing.
Contact us via
Tel: +84.904.879.729
Tel: +1 (778) 788 2310
Email: [email protected]
Address: No10A, Sai Dong, Long Bien, Hanoi

