Extension of visa for Dutch nationals

Extension of visa for Dutch nationals

Vietnam is one of the most attractive destinations for both tourism and work in Asia for foreigners, due to its relatively relaxed working environment compared to neighboring countries and the high income potential for foreigners in Vietnam. Therefore, foreign nationals, particularly Dutch citizens, may wish to extend their visa to continue traveling, working, or living in Vietnam. So, what are the procedures, processes, required documents, and some frequently asked questions that Dutch citizens may face when applying for a visa extension in Vietnam? Let’s explore in the following article.

What is a visa for Dutch nationals?

It is a long-term visa issued by the Vietnamese government for Dutch nationals for various purposes such as labor, visiting relatives, or tourism, applicable to those eligible for these types of visas.

Extension of visa for Dutch nationals

Dutch citizens eligible for a visa extension in Vietnam include:

• Dutch citizens entering Vietnam on a family visit or as tourists.
• Dutch investors.
• Heads of representative offices of international organizations or non-governmental organizations in Vietnam.
• Dutch lawyers who have been licensed to practice law by the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam.
• Dutch citizens holding a Vietnamese work permit.
• Managers, executives, experts, or technicians from the Netherlands.

Types of visas that can be extended in Vietnam:

• By duration: One-month visa extension, three-month single-entry extension, and three-month multiple-entry extension.
• By visa symbol:
  • DN (Business) or NN3 visa symbol, with confirmation documents from a company, non-governmental organization, etc., in the Netherlands.
  • DL (Tourist visa) symbol, or if exempt from visa requirements, international travel agencies can assist.
  • TT or VR visa symbol, which means a visa extension can be requested with the guarantee of a family member.

Steps to follow to extend a visa for Dutch citizens in Vietnam:

Step 1: Prepare and complete the application for visa extension for Dutch citizens:

• If extending a TT visa (family visit):
  • A visa extension application form NA5, with confirmation from the local authorities where the Dutch citizen temporarily resides in Vietnam.
  • The original Dutch passport, valid for at least 12 months.
  • A notarized copy of the identity card (CMND) of the sponsoring family member.
  • Temporary residence confirmation from the local Vietnamese authorities where the Dutch citizen resides.
• If extending a DL visa (tourist visa):
  • 1 visa extension application form NA5.
  • 1 original Dutch passport, valid for at least 12 months.
  • NOTE: For a tourist visa to Vietnam for Dutch citizens, they need assistance from an international travel agency to apply for a visa to Vietnam.
• If extending a DN visa (business-sponsored):
  • 1 visa extension application form NA5.
  • 1 valid Dutch passport with at least 12 months of validity.
  • 1 temporary residence confirmation from the local police where the Dutch citizen is temporarily residing.
  • Documents proving eligibility for long-term visa extension (work permit, investment registration certificate, etc.).

NOTE: DN visa is a long-term visa with a maximum validity of one year. Therefore, Dutch citizens holding a DN visa can apply for an extension of 6 months to 1 year.

Step 2: Submit the application at the Immigration Department where the Dutch citizen is temporarily residing. For example:

• Immigration Department in Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi; Contact number: 02438257941
• Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City: 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City; Contact number: 028.39202300

Step 3: Receive the result:
Within 5 working days from the submission of a complete and valid application, the competent authority will issue the visa for the Dutch citizen.

Some frequently asked questions when applying for a visa for Dutch citizens:

What actions are prohibited when applying for a visa extension?

• Changing the visa symbol: An extension means you will continue using the same type of visa with the symbol previously issued. In other words, if you have a DL visa but want to extend it into a work visa (LĐ1), this will not be allowed. You will need to apply for a new visa instead of extending the current one.
• Visas with the SG symbol cannot be extended in Vietnam: Dutch citizens holding an SG visa can only exit the country or re-enter to apply for a different visa type. The SG visa cannot be extended.

What are common mistakes when applying for a visa extension for Dutch citizens?

• Applying too late for a visa extension: If you apply too late, your visa might expire while you still wish to stay in Vietnam. The ideal time to apply for an extension is about 3 days before your current visa expires.
• Changing the purpose of entry compared to the old visa: Similar to changing the visa symbol, changing the purpose of entry to something different from the original purpose of the visa will not be accepted.
• Incorrect or mismatched information: Many Dutch citizens, having experience with visa applications, might not check the details carefully. This could cause problems when verifying the information for the extension.
• Forgery of documents: Some Dutch citizens may falsify documents to expedite the process. However, Vietnam’s laws are becoming stricter, and the authorities have high expertise in identifying counterfeit documents.
• Not following the correct procedure: The visa extension process is simple, but if you don’t follow the procedure correctly, for example, submitting documents to the wrong department or not providing all necessary documents, your application will not be accepted. Therefore, it is important to double-check the application procedure to avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Cost for Visa Extension for Dutch Citizens:

According to the Vietnamese government’s regulations, the fee for extending a temporary residence visa for foreign nationals is $10 USD.

Additionally, there are fees from the Dutch government for Schengen visas, as follows:

• Schengen visa for children under 6 years old: Free of charge
• Schengen visa for children aged 6-11 years old: €40 (~996,000 VND)
• Standard Schengen visa: €80 (~1,993,000 VND)

These are the advisory details for extending a visa for Dutch citizens. If you have any further questions, feel free to chat with Siglaw Firm or contact us at:

Siglaw Law Firm

Phone: (+84) 961 366 238

Email:

• vphn@siglaw.com.vn
• vphcm@siglaw.com.vn

Headquarters: No.44/A32-NV13, Gleximco A, Le Trong Tan street, An Khanh, Hoai Duc, Ha Noi, Vietnam.

Southern branch: A9.05 BLOCK A, SkyCenter Building, 5B Pho Quang Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Central branch: 177 Trung Nu Vuong, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City

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