For foreign nationals employed by Vietnamese enterprises or legally established organisations.
Types of Work Visas in Vietnam
Vietnam provides several types of work visas, each catering to different employment needs:
| Work Visa Types | Description |
|---|---|
| Business Visa (DN1) | |
| Business Visa (DN2) | For providing services, establishing a commercial presence, or carrying out activities under international treaties. |
| Work Visa (LĐ1/LD1) | For workers exempt from work permits, such as short-term experts. |
| Work Visa (LĐ2/LD2) | For standard employment that requires a work permit. |
| Investor Visa (ĐT1/DT1) | For investors with capital of at least VND 100 billion (about US$3.94M) or those investing in prioritised sectors. |
| Investor Visa (ĐT2/DT2) | For investors with capital of VND 50–100 billion (about US$1.97–3.94M) or those investing in encouraged sectors. |
| Investor Visa (ĐT3/DT3) | For investors with capital of VND 3–50 billion (about US$118K–1.97M). |
| Investor Visa (ĐT4/DT4) | For investors with capital under VND 3 billion (about US$118K). |
| Lawyer Visa (LS) | For foreign lawyers practising in Vietnam. |
| Conference/Meeting Visa (HN) | For business meetings, conferences, or short-term negotiations. |
| Government Work Visa (LV1) | For working with central or provincial government bodies or committees. |
| Organizational Work Visa (LV2) | For socio-political organisations or the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce. |
| NGO/Rep Office Visa (NN1/NN2) | For heads of NGO or project offices, or chief representatives. |
| NGO Staff Visa (NN3) | For staff or representatives of foreign NGOs. |
Foreign Employee Management
What is the change in foreign labour management regulations?
- *Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP effective from 7 Aug 2025
What are the key changes in the work permit issuance (Decree 219/2025/ND-CP)?
- Effective Date: 07 August 2025
- Replaces: Decrees 152/2020/ND-CP & 70/2023/ND-CP
1. Streamlined Application Dossier:
- Integrated demand reporting into permit application
- Key documents:
- Employer’s request (Form No. 03)
- Health certificate (local or recognized foreign)
- Valid passport & criminal record certificate
- Proof of employment form & qualifications
- 2 color photos (4×6 cm)
- Key documents:
2. Updated Processing Time:
- 10 working days for issuance
- 3 working days for rejection notice
3. Issuing Authority:
- Provincial People’s Committees or delegated agencies
Expanded Exemptions & Strategic Focus
4. New Exemptions from Work Permit Requirements:
- Certified by ministries or local authorities in:
- Finance, science, tech, innovation, digital transformation
- Additional exempt groups:
- ODA project consultants
- Foreign journalists
- Educational professionals under treaties
- Interns, volunteers, and dependents of diplomats
- Short-term workers (<90 days/year)
- Intra-corporate transferees (WTO sectors)
Strategic Goals:
- Attract high-skilled talent in semiconductors, AI, digital sectors
- Support Vietnam’s socio-economic development and global integration
Eligibility Requirements for a Work Visa
To obtain a work visa in Vietnam, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:
- Job Offer: A confirmed job offer from a registered company in Vietnam.
- Qualifications: Relevant educational background or experience in the field related to the job.
- Work Permit: A work permit is mandatory for most long-term work visas.
Foreign workers in Vietnam are expected to comply with all legal requirements to ensure their work visa remains valid throughout their employment.
Application Process for a Vietnam Work Visa
The process of applying for a work visa in Vietnam involves several key steps:
- Work Permit Application: The employer in Vietnam must first apply for a work permit on behalf of the foreign employee.
- Visa Application: After the work permit is issued, the applicant can apply for a work visa at the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Required Documentation: This includes a valid passport, proof of employment, educational qualifications, work permit.
- Visa Approval: Once all documents are submitted, the Vietnamese immigration authority processes the visa application. The processing time can take anywhere from 7 to 20 business days.
Work Permit and Visa Compliance
Foreign employees and their employers must adhere to all visa and work permit conditions to ensure compliance with Vietnam’s immigration laws:
- Valid Work Permit: Employers are responsible for renewing the work permit and ensuring the foreign worker remains legally employed.
- Visa Renewals: Work visas must be renewed before expiration, or employees must exit the country to avoid penalties.
- Change of Employment: If the foreign worker changes employers, a new work permit and visa application may be required.
We Provide Expertise on Work Visa Applications!
Our professional team of 2,500+ has years of experience dealing with local immigration authorities and will ensure an efficient turnaround of your employee’s visa application.
Securing a work visa in Vietnam is a detailed process that requires understanding the different visa types, eligibility requirements, and documentation. By following the correct application procedures and ensuring compliance with local laws, foreign workers can successfully start their careers in Vietnam. For employers, adhering to the work permit and visa regulations helps avoid potential legal issues and ensures a smooth employment process.
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Please note that all the information listed below are to be used as a general guideline. For more detailed accounts of Vietnam employment laws and regulations, please visit the official governmental websites.
Updated on: February 2026
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