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Vietnam at a Glance

Visa and Work Permits for Vietnam

The Vietnamese are very strict about their immigration policies.

Visa Categories

Before you move to your new temporary home, you need to obtain a visa that allows you to stay in Vietnam for a certain amount of time. Depending on the purpose and the duration of your stay, there are different types of visa:

• A tourist visa is available for one month as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The maximum stay of 30 days can be extended another 30 days, but one time only.
• Business visas are a little trickier. Applicants need to get official approval from their sponsor, usually their employer. This visa allows for multiple entries and a stay of 3 months or 6 months.
• Diplomatic and official visas can be applied for without having to pay any visa fees. Applicants are, however, required to submit an official letter by their government office or foreign mission.

If you plan to apply for a Business visa, you will have to obtain approval from the Vietnamese Immigration Department through your sponsor.

Visa Application

Many expatriates travel to their host country before the beginning of their assignment for a fact-finding trip, to find a place to live or to visit potential schools for their children. Some countries have bilateral agreements with Vietnam allowing their citizens to enter Vietnam freely for short-term visits. If that is the case, you will, of course, not have to obtain a tourist visa.

Longer stays and business visits, however, always require you to apply for a visa. Make sure to submit your application no earlier than 6 months before your departure. Documents you will have to submit (unless stated otherwise) are:

• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Passport-size photograph
• Application fee
• Criminal record

The exact paperwork you will need to submit as well as the application fees, of course, depend on the type of visa you apply for, on the duration of your stay, the number of entries and the purpose of your trip. You can pay cash, via money order or cheque. Make sure to contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate for details.

Work Permits

Unfortunately, a business visa is not sufficient if you plan to live and work in Vietnam on a long-term basis. Your future employer will have to apply for a work permit in your name if you are going to stay longer than 3 months. Direct your application to the local Department of Labor, War Invalid & Social Affairs in the town where your future employer is based.

To apply for a work permit, you must be at least 18 years of age and physically fit to do the work you have applied for. You will also have to be qualified to do the work and provide proof of your technical skills and professional qualifications. You cannot have a criminal record or a previous conviction to receive a valid permit.