A Vietnam business visa is a temporary visa granted to foreign nationals visiting Vietnam for business purposes, such as collaborating with a local company, attending meetings or negotiations, or signing contracts. It is specifically for individuals who do not hold a valid work visa or temporary residence card.
What is a Vietnam business visa?
The Vietnamese business visa is divided into two categories: DN1 and DN2 (previously known as DN).
- DN1 visa: Issued to foreign nationals working with businesses and organizations that operate legally under Vietnam’s regulations.
- DN2 visa: Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to provide services, establish a commercial presence, or engage in activities under international agreements to which Vietnam is a party.
While tourist visa holders are not allowed to work in Vietnam, business visa holders can combine their business activities with leisure trips during their stay.
Business visas for Vietnam are available in the following options:
- 1-month single or multiple entry
- 3-month single or multiple entry
- 1-year multiple entry (exclusive to U.S. passport holders)
What are a Vietnam business visa requirements?
Foreigners, except for those from visa-exempt countries, are required to obtain a business visa to conduct business activities in Vietnam. To be eligible for a Vietnam business visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Entry Eligibility: You must not be subject to any entry restrictions in Vietnam.
- Sponsorship: A legitimate sponsor company in Vietnam must support your visa application. This should be a genuine business entity where you will work after arriving in Vietnam, as using a service or non-existent company could lead to complications.
- Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended entry date and include at least two blank pages.
- Photograph: Provide recent portrait photos (4x6 cm or 2x2 inches) with a white background. These can be submitted either as physical prints or in .jpg format, depending on the application process you choose.
How to get a Vietnam business visa?
There are three main ways to apply for a Vietnam business visa:
- Through a Vietnam Embassy or Consulate: Submit your application at the embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Upon Arrival: Obtain your visa at one of Vietnam's eight international airports when you land.
- Online: Apply conveniently via the official Vietnam e-visa portal.
Application Method |
Vietnam Embassy/Consulate |
At Vietnam Airport (Visa on Arrival) |
Online via Vietnam E-Visa Portal |
---|---|---|---|
Where to Apply |
At a Vietnam embassy or consulate |
At any of Vietnam's 8 international airports |
Online through the official e-visa portal |
Port of Entry |
Any approved port of entry |
Any of Vietnam's 8 international airports |
Any of the 33 designated checkpoints |
Validity |
Up to 3 months (single or multiple entry) |
Up to 3 months (single or multiple entry) |
30 days (single entry only) |
Extension |
Can be extended within Vietnam |
Can be extended in Vietnam |
Not eligible for an extension |
Getting a Vietnamese business visa at Vietnam embassy/consulate
To apply for a Vietnamese business visa through the Vietnam embassy or consulate, follow these steps:
Step 1: Obtain a Vietnam business visa sponsorship letter
Your sponsoring company in Vietnam will apply for a business visa sponsorship letter (also called the invitation letter, business visa approval letter, or entry permit) from the Vietnam Immigration Department. The documents required include:
- A copy of your passport photo page
- A certified copy of the sponsor company’s business registration
- Form NA2 (to be completed online)
- Form NA16
- Any other required documents
Once approved, the Immigration Department will issue the sponsorship letter to the sponsor.
Step 2: Prepare documents for visa stamping
Your sponsor will send you the invitation letter from Step 1. You will need to print it and prepare additional documents such as:
- A completed visa application form
- Your original passport
- Passport-sized photos
- The visa fee (depends on the embassy/consulate)
Step 3: Submit documents for visa stamping
Visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate (or mail your documents if allowed) and submit the required documents. Once approved, your business visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to enter Vietnam.
Getting a Vietnam business visa on arrival
For a Vietnam business visa on arrival, the process is similar, but the visa is stamped at the airport upon arrival instead of at the embassy.
Step 1: Obtain the business visa sponsorship letter
Your sponsor company in Vietnam will arrange for the sponsorship letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
Step 2: Prepare documents for visa stamping
Upon receiving the sponsorship letter, prepare the following:
- A printed copy of the visa sponsorship letter
- A completed visa application form
- Your original passport
- Passport-sized photos
- The visa stamping fee for a single or multiple entry
Step 3: Get the visa stamp at the airport
Upon arrival at one of Vietnam’s international airports, present the documents to the immigration officer. Your visa will be stamped in your passport, and you can proceed with your work in Vietnam.
Getting a Vietnam business evisa
Citizens from all countries in the world are eligible for a Vietnam business e-visa.
Applying for a Vietnam Business evisa personally To apply for a business visa online, visit the Vietnam Immigration Portal and select "Business Activities" as the purpose of your trip in the application form. Next, upload a photo of yourself, a scanned copy of your passport, and make the visa payment. Once your application is processed and approved, you’ll be able to download your e-visa and present it at your entry point into Vietnam.
The inviting organization/company applies for your Vietnam Business eVisa If the company you're joining is handling your business visa application, they will first need to register on the Vietnam Immigration Portal. After registration, they will receive an account and an electronic signature. The company will then upload a scanned copy of your passport, your photos, and pay the visa fee. Once the application is approved, they will send you the registration code, allowing you to print your e-visa and use it to enter Vietnam. The e-visa process typically takes 3 working days to complete, though it may take longer depending on the volume of pending applications.
If you find the process confusing or need your visa urgently, don't hesitate to reach out. We can assist you in obtaining it within 1 to 3 working days.
Can I extend a Vietnam Business Visa?
The embassy visa and visa on arrival can be extended in Vietnam while the e-visa cannot.
Vietnam Business Visa Price
The cost of a Vietnam Business Visa varies depending on the application method:
-
Visa on Arrival:
- Single-entry, 1 month: USD 25
- Multiple-entry, 1 month: USD 50
- Single-entry, 3 months: USD 25
- Multiple-entry, 3 months: USD 50
-
Business eVisa: USD 25
-
Embassy/Consulate Visa: The fee varies by embassy or consulate.
Note: If you apply for an embassy visa or visa on arrival, both you and your sponsor will need to cover additional fees for the sponsorship letter