Visa & Work Permit Services for Foreigners in Vietnam

IMMIGRATION, VISA & WORK PERMIT PROCEDURES IN VIETNAM: WHAT FOREIGNERS NEED TO KNOW

Entry, exit, transit, and residence procedures in Vietnam are governed by the Immigration Law. For first-time visitors, visa and work permit procedures can be complex. Below is a practical overview of key processes and important notes for foreigners planning a long-term stay in Vietnam.

1. How to obtain a Vietnam visa

Foreigners must obtain a visa issued by a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate to enter Vietnam. In some cases, visas can also be issued within Vietnam or in a third country.

Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa exemptions:

• ASEAN countries: 14–30 days
• Chile and Panama: 90 days
• Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, UK: 45 days

Notably, the minimum gap between two visa-free entries has been removed under the latest regulations.

Additionally, all nationalities can apply for a single-entry e-visa valid up to 90 days. Processing time is officially 3 working days, but may vary depending on volume. It is strongly recommended to apply at least 2 weeks before travel.

2. Types of visas

For long-term stays and employment, foreigners should apply for longer-term visas such as 3-month single or multiple-entry visas. Business visas require sponsorship from a Vietnam-based entity and must be issued by an Embassy/Consulate.

3. Visa conversion

Vietnamese law allows conversion of visa types without leaving the country, applicable to:

• Investors or representatives of foreign-invested organizations
• Relatives of Vietnamese citizens
• Individuals sponsored by organizations and holding a work permit or exemption
• A new visa will be issued after conversion.

4. Work permit procedures

Vietnamese companies can hire foreign workers for positions such as managers, executives, and experts when local labor cannot meet demand.

The process includes:

• Job posting: Published at least 15 days in advance
• Explanation report: Submitted 15 days before hiring; response issued within 10 working days
• Work permit application: Filed at least 15 working days before employment start date

Processing time is about 5 working days, with a total procedure timeline of 1.5–2 months.

A work permit is required to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or long-term working visa.

5. Work permit requirements

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old with full legal capacity
• Have relevant qualifications, experience, and health
• Have no criminal record
• Hold a valid visa

Additional requirements:

• Experts: Bachelor’s degree + 3 years experience OR 5 years experience + certificate
• Technical workers: 1-year training + 3 years experience OR 5 years experience

6. Work permit application dossier

Includes:

• Application form
• Health certificate
• Criminal record
• Proof of qualifications/experience
• Approval for foreign labor demand

Work permits are valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed once.

7. Work permit exemptions

Exemptions apply to cases such as:

• Capital-contributing members or shareholders
• Board members of companies
• Heads of representative offices
• Short-term entrants (under 3 months)
• Foreign lawyers licensed in Vietnam
• Spouses of Vietnamese citizens
• Workers in priority sectors (technology, innovation, etc.)

However, a work permit exemption certificate is still required.

8. Penalties

Working without permit: fined VND 15–25 million and possible deportation

Employers in violation: fined VND 30–75 million

9. Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

Foreigners with valid work permits or visas may apply for a TRC.

Validity:

• DT1: up to 10 years
• DT2, LV, LS: up to 5 years
• DT3, TT: up to 3 years
• LD: up to 2 years

Processing time: approx. 5 working days

10. Permanent Residence Card (PRC)

Eligibility includes:

• Individuals contributing significantly to Vietnam
• Family ties with Vietnamese citizens
• Recognized experts or scientists

PRC validity: 10 years

11. Important note

Foreigners acting as legal representatives of companies in Vietnam are required to obtain a Level 2 electronic identification (e-ID). Detailed procedures are expected to be updated by authorities.

📩 CONTACT NGUYEN PHAT LAW FIRM FOR PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

If you are planning to live, work, or invest in Vietnam, having the right legal strategy from the beginning is critical.

Nguyen Phat Law Firm provides comprehensive legal services for foreign investors and expatriates:

• Visa & immigration advisory
• Work permit & exemption procedures
• Company establishment (IRC & ERC)
• Investment structuring & compliance
• Post-licensing legal support

📩 Inbox now for 1:1 consultation: https://luatnguyenphat.vn/thanh-lap-cong-ty-nuoc-ngoai…/
📞 Hotline: 1900.633.390
💬 Zalo: https://zalo.me/1433521229408629665

📍 Offices:

• Hanoi: No. 21, Alley 158 Nguyen Khanh Toan, Nghia Do
• Ho Chi Minh City: Duong Quang Ham, An Nhon Ward

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