Vietnam Work Visa (LD): Requirements, Fees and Process

The Vietnam Work Visa (LD) visa is the visa category used for eligible foreign workers, with the process often tied to work permit requirements. Here’s a clear look at what you need to prepare, how the application works, what it costs, and when an LD visa is needed instead of a business visa.

What is a Vietnam Work Visa?

A Vietnam work visa (LD) is issued to foreign nationals who are employed by a Vietnamese entity and need the appropriate immigration status to work legally in Vietnam. It is generally connected to the applicant’s work permit or work permit exemption status and may be issued as a single- or multiple-entry visa, depending on the individual case.

The Vietnam work visa is divided into two categories: LD1 and LD2.

• LD1 visa: Issued to foreign nationals who are exempt from obtaining a work permit, unless otherwise provided under an international treaty to which Vietnam is a party.
• LD2 visa: Issued to foreign nationals who are required to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in Vietnam.

An LD visa can generally be issued for up to two years. Its validity is typically linked to the validity of the holder’s work permit or work permit exemption, so if the underlying authorization is valid for a shorter period, the visa validity will normally be limited accordingly.

Vietnam Work Visa 

Legal requirements for a Vietnam work visa and employment 

For those seeking a Vietnam work visa, it is important to understand the legal framework governing both immigration and foreign employment. As of January 2026, the main legal instruments include:

• Law No. 47/2014/QH13 forms the foundation for immigration procedures for foreign nationals. It covers visa issuance, entry and exit, sponsorship, and residence in Vietnam, including the rules that apply to LD visa holders. (Source: Van ban Chinh Phu)
• Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14 sets the basic rules for employing foreign nationals. It determines when a foreigner needs a work permit and when they may qualify for a work permit exemption. (Source: Van ban Chinh phu)
• Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP provides the detailed rules behind the work authorization process. It covers who is eligible to work in Vietnam and how work permits or work permit exemption certificates are issued, extended, reissued, or revoked. (Source: Van ban Chinh phu)
• Circular No. 22/2023/TT-BCA deals with immigration paperwork and procedures, including the forms and administrative requirements used when foreign nationals apply for and manage their visa or residence status. (Source: Cong bao Chinh phu) 

Together, these regulations form the legal basis for obtaining the necessary work authorization and the appropriate immigration status to legally work and reside in Vietnam. In most cases, the work authorization process must be completed before the employer can proceed with sponsorship for the appropriate LD visa.

Related blog post: Vietnam Visa Requirements

Requirements and documents needed for a Vietnam work visa application 

A Vietnam work visa application typically requires a valid passport, a work permit or work permit exemption certificate, and supporting documents from the sponsoring employer.

Documents required from the applicant

The foreign employee will generally need to provide:

• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity.
• A valid work permit or work permit exemption certificate, depending on their employment status.
• Passport-sized photos, where required.
• Any additional personal or immigration documents requested based on the application method and the applicant's current location.

Documents required from the sponsoring employer

The Vietnam-based company sponsoring the foreign worker typically needs to prepare the following documents:

• A business registration certificate or an equivalent document, such as an investment registration certificate or operation license.
• A certificate of seal specimen or other documentation confirming the company's use of a seal, where applicable.
• Form NA16, used to register the company's seal and authorized signature with the immigration authority.
• Form NA5, used for visa applications, extensions, or extensions of temporary stay.
• A 3 × 4 cm photo of the foreign worker.
• The foreign worker's work permit or work permit exemption certificate.
• A copy of the foreign worker's valid passport.

Vietnam work visa fees

Work visa costs depend on the visa's validity period and number of permitted entries, with urgent processing options available in some cases to shorten the timeline when an employment start date is approaching.

How to apply for a Vietnam work visa step by step 

To obtain a Vietnam work visa, both the sponsoring employer and the foreign worker need to complete several stages, from preparing the sponsorship application to receiving the visa at the selected issuance location.

How to apply for a Vietnam work visa?

Step 1: Prepare the sponsorship application

The Vietnam-based employer begins by preparing the sponsorship and immigration application for the foreign worker. Before submitting the application, the company should make sure that all corporate, employment, and work authorization information is complete and consistent.

The required documents may vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and the visa procedure. The employer should also ensure that it is properly registered to sponsor foreign nationals and that the worker holds a valid work permit or work permit exemption where required.

Step 2: Submit the visa application

Once the application is complete, the sponsoring employer or its authorized representative submits the visa application to the relevant Vietnamese immigration authority. The application is reviewed together with the supporting information provided by the employer and foreign worker.

After the application is accepted, the sponsoring company follows the applicable procedure for payment and receives information about the expected processing timeline. Additional documents or clarification may be requested if the submitted application is incomplete.

Step 3: Receive the visa approval or entry authorization

After the application has been approved, the sponsoring employer receives the relevant visa approval or entry authorization for the foreign worker. This document confirms that the worker has been approved to proceed with the next stage of the visa process.

The employer should check the approved information carefully, including the applicant's personal details, visa type, validity, and designated place for visa collection. Any errors should be addressed before the foreign worker proceeds to collect the visa.

Step 4: Notify the foreign worker and complete the collection procedure

The employer then sends the visa approval information to the foreign worker and confirms where the visa will be collected. Depending on the application arrangement, the worker may collect the visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad or at another approved visa issuance point.

Before travelling to the collection location, the foreign worker should check the specific requirements of that embassy, consulate, or immigration checkpoint. The required documents and payment procedures may vary depending on where the visa is issued.

Step 5: Submit the final documents and receive the visa

At the selected visa issuance location, the foreign worker submits the required documents, which may include the original passport, a completed Form NA1, a passport-sized photo, and the relevant visa approval information.

Once the final requirements and applicable visa fee have been completed, the visa is issued and placed in the applicant's passport. The foreign worker should check the visa details before travelling or beginning employment to ensure that the visa type, validity period, and personal information are correct.

Vietnam work visa processing time: standard and urgent options

Standard work visa processing typically takes around five working days, while express handling may shorten the timeline for time-critical employment starts.

Standard processing time

Under the normal application process, visa approval or processing generally takes around five working days once the relevant authority has received a complete and valid application. The timeline may vary depending on the application route and the completeness of the submitted documents.

Applicants should allow additional time before the planned employment start date, particularly if documents still need to be prepared or if the immigration authority requests further information. The processing period normally begins only after a complete application has been accepted.

Express or urgent processing

For applicants facing a tight employment schedule, express handling may be available to shorten the processing timeline. This option is typically arranged through the sponsoring employer or a visa service provider and may involve an additional service fee.

The actual turnaround time for urgent processing can vary depending on the applicant's circumstances and the stage of the application. If the employment start date is approaching, it is best to confirm whether express processing is available before submitting the application.

You should check your work visa validity

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Vietnam work visa vs business visa: which one do you need?

Choose a work visa when you will be employed and paid in Vietnam, and a business visa for meetings or partner activities without local employment.

Applying for a Vietnam work visa can involve several steps, from preparing the required documents to arranging sponsorship and completing the visa process. If you need help understanding the requirements or handling your application on a tight timeline, Urgent Visa to Vietnam can assist you throughout the process.