A working visa is a crucial requirement for foreigners seeking to work legally in Vietnam. Obtaining a working visa not only ensures compliance with local laws but also opens opportunities for collaboration, investment, and long-term career development. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the requirements, procedures, and key considerations for applying for a working visa in Vietnam.
Definition of a Working Visa
Under Vietnamese law, a visa is an official document issued by a competent Vietnamese authority permitting a foreigner to enter Vietnam.
A visa may be affixed to a passport, issued separately, or granted electronically. It can be valid for single or multiple entries, with certain types—such as electronic visas or visas issued for foreigners entering or transiting Vietnam by sea for tourism programs organized by international travel enterprises, and for members of foreign military vessels participating in official activities outside the province or city where the ship is anchored—being limited to single entry only.
A visa cannot be converted to another purpose, except in the following cases:
- The foreigner has documents proving they are an investor or a representative of a foreign organization investing in Vietnam;
- The foreigner has documents proving a family relationship (parent, spouse, or child) with the person inviting or sponsoring them;
- The foreigner is invited or sponsored to work in Vietnam and possesses a work permit or a certificate of exemption from work permit under labor regulations;
- The foreigner entered Vietnam with an electronic visa and now possesses a work permit or a certificate of exemption from work permit.
Visas bearing the symbol LĐ (for labor/work) are valid for no more than 2 years, while visas bearing the symbol ĐT (for investors) are valid for no more than 5 years.
Requirements for obtaining a Working Visa
To be eligible for a visa, a foreigner must:
- Hold a passport or international travel document that is valid;
- Have a Vietnamese organization, agency, or individual inviting or sponsoring them (except in cases of electronic visa issuance at the foreigner’s request or short-term entry for up to 30 days for market research, tourism, or visiting relatives);
- Not fall under cases of entry prohibition prescribed by Vietnamese law.
- Applicants must provide supporting documents depending on the purpose of entry:
- Investors: Documentation proving investment activities in Vietnam under the Law on Investment;
- Lawyers: A valid law practice license in accordance with the Law on Lawyers;
- Workers: A valid work permit in accordance with the Labor Code;
- Students or trainees: An admission letter or confirmation from the Vietnamese educational institution.
Application procedure for a Working Visa
Step 1: Prepare a complete application dossier, including:
- A visa application form;
- One (01) recent photo (4 x 6 cm, taken within the last 6 months, front-facing, no hat, no glasses, formal attire, white background — applicable to separate visa issuance);
- A passport or valid international travel document.
Note: If applying online, the passport must be sent via public postal service to the processing authority. Other documents must be electronically authenticated as per regulations; if authentication is not yet available, they must also be sent via postal service.
Step 2: Submit the application to:
- The Immigration Management Division under the provincial-level Police Department, or;
- Through the National Public Service Portal or the Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security.
If additional documents are required, applicants will be notified to supplement via the postal service or the Ministry’s online portal.
Step 3: Receive the result
- Within 05 working days, the applicant will receive the result directly at the Immigration Management Division. If the applicant opts for postal delivery, the process follows the guidance of the postal service provider.
- If the visa is not granted, the applicant will receive an official notification or online message stating the reason for refusal.
Siglaw’s professional Working Visa support service
Applying for a working visa (LĐ) or an investment visa (ĐT) in Vietnam requires both foreign applicants and their sponsoring organizations to strictly comply with Vietnamese laws on immigration, investment, and labor. Each visa type has specific validity periods and conditions, requiring complete and accurate documentation as well as proper procedural compliance.
With extensive experience in legal consulting for foreigners, Siglaw proudly provides comprehensive consulting and support services for working and investment visas, helping clients save time and costs while ensuring full legal compliance throughout the process.
Contact Siglaw firm today for professional advice and assistance with obtaining visas for foreigners in Vietnam — fast, lawful, and reliable.
Head Office: No. 44/A32 – NV13, Geleximco Urban Area, Le Trong Tan Street, An Khanh, Hoai Duc, Hanoi, Vietnam
Branch Office: No. 103 – 105 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: +84 961 366 238
Email: vphn@siglaw.com.vn or vphcm@siglaw.com.vn
