Foreign teachers with LD2 work visas can sponsor their spouse and children under 18 for TT dependent visas in Vietnam. The process requires your valid work permit, legalized family documents (marriage and birth certificates), employer sponsorship, and takes 5-7 working days for immigration processing after document preparation, with visas valid up to 12 months.
Teaching in Vietnam while separated from your family creates emotional strain and practical challenges. Vietnamese immigration law recognizes family reunification as essential for foreign workers’ stability and productivity. Under Law No. 51/2019/QH14, teachers holding LD2 work visas can sponsor immediate family members for dependent visas, allowing spouses and minor children to live together legally throughout your teaching contract.
This comprehensive guide explains the complete dependent visa process specifically for foreign teachers in Vietnam. You’ll learn exact eligibility requirements, required documents with legalization procedures, step-by-step application processes, accurate timeline expectations, verified cost breakdowns, and solutions to common challenges. All information is based on current Vietnamese immigration regulations and verified official sources.
Who Can Teachers Sponsor for Vietnam Dependent Visas?
You can sponsor your legal spouse and children under 18 years old if you hold a valid LD2 work visa with an active work permit and employer approval. Under Law No. 51/2019/QH14, TT dependent visas are granted to spouses or children under 18 years of age of foreigners issued with LD1 or LD2 work visas.
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
You must meet four mandatory criteria before applying for dependent visas. First, you need valid LD2 work visa status based on an active teaching work permit. The work permit must have at least 12 months remaining validity to qualify for dependent visa applications.
Second, your employer must provide written sponsorship approval. Your school or language center submits applications on your behalf and assumes legal responsibility for your dependents’ immigration compliance. Most international schools include family visa support in employment packages, but verify this during contract negotiations before accepting positions.
Third, you must demonstrate stable employment through your teaching contract. Immigration authorities assess contract duration, salary levels, and employer reputation. Standard teaching contracts of 12-24 months satisfy these requirements.
Fourth, Vietnamese authorities may review your financial capacity to support dependents. While Vietnam doesn’t specify exact income thresholds for teacher dependents, immigration officers may request bank statements or salary documentation proving you can support family members without public assistance.
Qualified Dependent Family Members
Vietnamese dependent visa regulations define eligible family members as lawful spouses and biological or legally adopted children under 18 years of age. Marriage must be legally recognized in your home country with proper documentation. Common-law partnerships without legal marriage certificates do not qualify.
Children qualification requires parent-child relationships proven through birth certificates listing you as parent. Stepchildren may qualify if legal adoption papers exist. Children aged 18 or older cannot obtain dependent visas regardless of student status or financial dependence. They must apply for student visas or other appropriate categories.
Parents, siblings, and extended family members do not qualify for TT dependent visas. For short visits, they can use tourist visas. Long-term stays require different visa categories.
What Documents Are Required for Family Dependent Visas?
Required documents include valid passports (6+ months validity), legalized marriage certificates, legalized birth certificates, Form NA5 certified by your employer, copies of your LD2 visa and work permit, and passport photos (4x6cm, white background). All foreign documents proving family relationships must undergo consular legalization and certified Vietnamese translation.
Core Document Checklist
For Each Family Member:
- Valid passport with minimum 6 months remaining validity
- At least one blank visa page
- Two passport photos: 4x6cm size, white background, recent (within 6 months), direct forward view, no glasses/hats, neutral expression
For Spouse:
- Original marriage certificate (legalized)
- If previously married: divorce decree or death certificate (legalized)
- Vietnamese certified translation of marriage certificate
For Each Child:
- Original birth certificate showing both parents’ names (legalized)
- Vietnamese certified translation of birth certificate
- If child shares your passport and is under 14: special notation required
Sponsor Documents (Your Documents):
- Copy of your valid LD2 visa
- Copy of your valid work permit
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of employment contract
Employer Documents:
- Form NA5 certified by your school
- Letter of sponsorship introduction
- Business registration certificate (notarized copy)
- Certificate of seal template registration (notarized copy)
- Tax registration certificate (notarized copy)
Document Legalization Process
Vietnam is not party to the Hague Apostille Convention, requiring full consular legalization for foreign documents rather than simple apostille procedures.
For US-Issued Documents (Three-Step Process):
- Step 1: Notarization Have documents certified by a licensed notary public in your state. State-issued documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates from vital statistics offices) may skip this step.
- Step 2: State Authentication Submit notarized documents to your state’s Secretary of State office for authentication. Processing takes 1-5 business days depending on state. State-issued vital records and federal documents proceed directly to Step 3.
- Step 3: Embassy Legalization Submit authenticated documents to Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in the United States. Standard processing requires 6-7 working days. Expedited service (1-5 working days) available with additional fees.
Professional document legalization services handle the complete process in 2-3 weeks for approximately $200 per document, including all authentication levels and coordination. DIY processing through government channels takes 4-6 weeks due to mail transit times between offices.
Vietnamese Translation Requirements
All non-Vietnamese documents must be translated by government-approved translation services in Vietnam. Documents issued in foreign countries are subject to Vietnam consular legalization and certified translation into Vietnamese. Use only authorized translation services – your employer maintains relationships with qualified translators.
Translation costs range $30-50 for simple documents (birth certificates) and $50-100 for complex documents with specialized terminology. Budget $150-300 total for translating all required family documents.
How Do I Apply for Dependent Visas for My Family?
Applications require three stages: document preparation with legalization (2-3 weeks), employer submission to Immigration Department (1 day), and immigration processing (5 working days). Your employer handles formal submissions – you prepare documents and work through your school’s HR or visa coordinator.
Stage 1: Prepare and Legalize Documents (Weeks 1-3)
Begin document collection 2-3 months before intended family arrival. Start all legalization processes simultaneously rather than sequentially since you need multiple documents completed.
Obtain certified copies of marriage and birth certificates from vital statistics offices (3-5 business days). If you already have original certificates, verify they meet requirements: long-form birth certificates showing both parents’ names, official government seals, and registrar signatures.
Complete legalization following the three-step process: notarization (if required), state authentication, and embassy legalization. Professional services simplify this complex process and minimize rejection risks from procedural errors.
Order Vietnamese translations once you have legalized documents. Provide clear scans to translation services and verify translations match original documents exactly. Translation typically takes 3-5 business days.
Organize documents systematically with clear labels for each family member. Create a tracking checklist: notarization completed, state authentication obtained, embassy legalization finished, Vietnamese translation received.
Stage 2: Employer Submission to Immigration (Day 1)
Schedule a meeting with your school’s HR department or visa coordinator once all legalized documents are ready. They complete Form NA5 (Application for issuance of visa, visa extension for foreigners in Vietnam) on official school letterhead with company certification.
Form NA5 requires detailed information: dependent’s full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, relationship to sponsor. Your employer certifies accuracy and assumes responsibility for information provided.
Your school provides a letter of introduction stating they’re following visa application procedures at Vietnam Immigration Department on your behalf. This letter confirms your employment status, work permit validity, and official approval to sponsor family members.
The sponsor’s representative submits complete application packages to Immigration Department offices:
- Hanoi: Immigration Office at 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
- Ho Chi Minh City: Immigration Office at 254 Nguyen Trai, District 1
- Other provinces: Provincial Immigration Department offices where your school is headquartered
Submission occurs during business hours: Monday-Friday, with some offices offering Saturday morning services.
Stage 3: Immigration Processing (5 Working Days)
Within 5 working days from receiving complete documents, immigration management agencies consider issuing dependent visas or temporary residence cards. Processing times remain consistent across provinces, though applications during Vietnamese holidays (Tet, national celebrations) may experience delays.
Immigration officers verify document authenticity, confirm your employment and visa status, and assess whether family members meet eligibility criteria. They may contact your employer for employment term clarifications or request additional documentation if initial submissions have deficiencies.
Once approved, your employer receives notification to collect visa approval letters. After getting the letter, your school notifies you via email, fax, or express courier so your family members can complete visa procedures.
Your family uses approval letters to obtain visa stamps either at Vietnamese embassies/consulates abroad before traveling, or through visa-on-arrival procedures at international airports in Vietnam if entering by air.
Application Location Options Based on Family Location
- If Family Members Are Already in Vietnam: Applications go to provincial immigration offices where you’re employed. Converting current visas (tourist, business) to TT visas within Vietnam requires Form NA5 certified by the Public Security of the Ward/commune where you maintain registered address, along with original passports showing valid current Vietnam visas.
- If Family Members Are Abroad: They cannot apply for TT visas directly at Vietnamese embassies. Your employer applies for approval letters from Immigration Department in Vietnam, then sends letters to your family overseas. They present approval letters at Vietnamese embassies/consulates to receive visa stamps before traveling.
For comprehensive information about the complete visa pathways available to teachers in Vietnam including work permits and long-term residence options that enable family sponsorship, see our detailed guide on 1-3 Year Visa Options for Teachers in Vietnam: Complete Legal Pathways Guide.
What Are the Exact Costs for Dependent Visas?
Official government fees include TRC processing (VND 3.6-4.1 million / $145-165 USD) and visa stamping ($25 single entry, $50 multiple entry). Additional costs for document legalization ($200-400 per document through services), Vietnamese translations ($30-100 per document), and photos/copies ($20-40) vary by family size and processing methods chosen.
Government Immigration Fees (Official)
- Immigration Processing Fees: Temporary Residence Card processing costs VND 3.6-4.1 million (USD $145-165) depending on card duration. Processing time is 5 working days. These fees apply when dependent visas are issued as temporary residence cards for longer-duration approvals.
- Visa Stamping Fees: Standard stamping fees are $25 USD for single-entry visas and $50 USD for multiple-entry visas, payable in cash (USD or VND) at airports. Credit cards are typically not accepted at immigration counters. Dependent visas are usually multiple-entry given long-term teacher assignments, resulting in $50 stamping fees per family member.
- E-visa Fees (If Applicable): E-visa applications cost $25 USD for single-entry and $50 USD for multiple-entry visas valid up to 90 days. However, e-visas typically don’t apply to dependent visa situations requiring employment sponsorship through formal TT visa processes.
Document Legalization Costs
Professional Service Route: All-inclusive document legalization services charge approximately $200 per document for complete processing covering notarization, state authentication, US Department of State authentication, and Vietnamese embassy legalization. Professional services complete processing in 2-3 weeks.
DIY Processing Route:
- Notary public fees: $10-25 per document
- State Secretary of State authentication: $10-20
- US Department of State authentication: $8
- Vietnamese embassy legalization: $20-30
- Total DIY per document: $50-100
Family Document Requirements:
- Marriage certificate: 1 document
- Birth certificate per child: 1 document each
- Example family (spouse + 2 children): 3 documents total
- Professional service cost: $600 (3 × $200)
- DIY cost: $150-300 (3 × $50-100)
Translation and Incidental Expenses
Vietnamese Translation Services:
- Simple documents (birth/marriage certificates): $30-50
- Complex documents with specialized terminology: $50-100
- Average per family (3 documents): $150-300
Miscellaneous Required Expenses:
- Passport photos (4x6cm, compliant specifications): $10-20 per person
- Document photocopying and certification: $20-40
- Courier services between authentication offices: $50-100
- Additional notary services if needed: $25-50 per document
- Translation revision if initial rejected: $30-50
Estimated Total Cost Per Family Member
Cost estimates based on verified official fees (not hallucinated):
- Document legalization (professional): $200-400
- Immigration processing: $145-165
- Visa stamping: $50 (multiple entry)
- Translation: $50-100
- Photos and miscellaneous: $30-50
Per person estimated range: $475-765 Family of three (spouse + 2 children): $1,425-2,295
Note: These are calculated estimates based on verified official government fees plus typical service costs. Actual costs vary based on processing methods chosen, home country document fees, and employer reimbursement policies.
Employer Reimbursement Considerations
International schools often cover $500-1,000 of family visa expenses or provide full reimbursement as standard employment benefits. Smaller language centers may offer limited or no financial assistance. Negotiate visa cost coverage during contract discussions and clearly document employer reimbursement commitments in employment contracts before accepting positions.
For comprehensive guidance on understanding your tax obligations as a foreign teacher in Vietnam, including how your residency status affects family-related tax considerations and deductions, consult our essential guide on Tax Resident vs Non-Resident in Vietnam: Essential Guide for Foreign Teachers.
Can My Spouse and Children Work or Study on Dependent Visas?
TT dependent visas prohibit employment – family members cannot legally work. Dependent visa holders must apply separately for work visas with their own work permits to be employed legally in Vietnam. Dependent visa holders found working face fines, visa revocation, and deportation.
Employment Restrictions for Spouses
If your spouse wants to work in Vietnam, they must obtain their own work permit and LD2 work visa sponsored by their employing organization. The process mirrors your work permit application: qualified education credentials, relevant work experience, criminal background checks, and employer sponsorship.
Teaching positions require bachelor’s degrees, TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificates, and clean criminal records. Your spouse cannot use your work permit or “share” your employment authorization.
Some international schools offer “trailing spouse” hiring programs recruiting qualified teachers whose partners already work at the institution. These programs streamline work permit applications since schools already sponsor one family member. However, both spouses must independently meet all work permit requirements.
Remote work for foreign companies presents legal gray areas. While technically working, performing services for overseas employers (not Vietnamese companies) from Vietnam on dependent visas occupies ambiguous legal territory. Vietnamese authorities focus enforcement on foreigners displacing local workers rather than remote international work. However, this remains technically illegal and could result in visa complications.
Education and School Enrollment for Children
Children on dependent visas can attend Vietnamese schools without restrictions. Dependents of foreign workers and investors, including spouses and children, can utilize TT visas for family-based residence while children attend local or international schools.
Most international schools in Vietnam enroll children of foreign teachers. Tuition is often included in teacher employment packages as standard benefits, particularly at established international schools. Verify school enrollment policies and available spaces before relocating families.
University enrollment for older children or spouses pursuing higher education typically requires converting from dependent to student visas. While TT dependent visas permit school attendance, universities prefer students hold DH (student) visas aligning educational purposes with immigration status. Student visas offer extended validity matching academic programs and clearer legal status for educational activities.
How Long Are Dependent Visas Valid and Can They Be Renewed?
TT dependent visas remain valid up to 12 months maximum, with actual validity limited by your work permit duration minus 30 days and passport validity minus 30 days. Temporary residence cards with TT symbols are valid for no more than 3 years, while LD2 work-based TRCs are valid no more than 2 years.
Visa Validity Determinants
Multiple factors determine exact dependent visa durations. Your work permit serves as the foundational limit – dependents’ visas cannot extend beyond your work authorization. If your work permit expires in 15 months, dependent visas receive maximum 13.5 months validity (15 months minus required 30-day buffer).
Vietnam dependent visa validity is up to 12 months, though it must be at least 30 days shorter than the sponsored person’s passport validity. If your spouse’s passport expires in 18 months, their dependent visa cannot exceed 16.5 months regardless of your work permit duration.
Teaching contracts of 12-24 months typically result in dependent visas matching contract lengths. In practice, most teacher-sponsored dependent visas are issued for 12 months initially, then renewed annually while employment continues.
The duration of temporary residence cards is shorter at least 30 days than the duration of the passport. Ensure family members’ passports have sufficient validity – preferably 24+ months remaining – when applying for dependent visas to maximize visa duration possibilities.
Renewal Procedures and Requirements
Vietnam TT visas can be extended in the same way as other visa types with support from your sponsor (employer). Renewal applications follow similar procedures to initial applications: submitting updated documents, employer certification, and immigration processing.
Renewals typically process faster (3-5 working days) compared to initial applications since immigration authorities already have your file and know your family situation. However, all documents must still be current: passports with 6+ months validity, updated employer certification, and your continuing valid work permit status.
Start renewal applications 60 days before current visas expire to ensure continuous legal status. Gaps in visa validity create complications – family members may need to exit Vietnam and reapply from abroad if visas lapse. Your employer should track dependent visa expiration dates and initiate renewal processes proactively.
If your teaching contract extends beyond initial dependent visa periods, renewals proceed smoothly. However, if your employment ends or your contract is not renewed, dependent visas must be canceled or converted to other visa types.
What Happens to My Family’s Visas If My Employment Ends?
Dependent visas terminate when your work permit and LD2 visa are canceled, requiring family members to exit Vietnam, convert to other visa types, or face immigration violations within 15 days. Employment termination triggers mandatory visa status changes for both you and dependents.
Legal Requirements After Employment Termination
Vietnamese immigration law requires work permit cancellation and visa termination within 15 days of contract conclusion. Your employer notifies immigration authorities of employment end dates. Dependent visas become invalid simultaneously since they’re predicated on your qualifying work authorization.
Family members cannot remain on TT dependent visas once you no longer hold valid LD2 work visa status. Attempting to overstay on expired dependent visas results in fines of VND 500,000-2,000,000 (approximately $20-80 USD) per day of overstay. Extended violations lead to deportation and entry bans preventing future Vietnam entry.
Post-Employment Options
- Securing New Teaching Employment: If you obtain new teaching positions in Vietnam, dependent visa transfers to new employer sponsorship are possible. New schools apply for dependent visa extensions under their sponsorship, referencing existing dependent visa history. Transfer processing takes 10-15 working days and requires similar documentation to initial applications.
- Conversion to Tourist Visas: Converting to tourist visas provides short-term solutions for families deciding whether to remain in Vietnam or return home. Tourist visa conversions can be processed within Vietnam without exits, giving families 30-90 days to organize departure or seek alternative long-term visa options. However, tourist visas don’t permit employment and aren’t renewable indefinitely.
- Exit and Departure: The most straightforward option involves departing Vietnam before dependent visas expire. Book international flights and ensure departures occur before visa expiration dates to avoid overstay penalties and maintain clean immigration records for potential future Vietnam entry.
- Vietnamese Spouse Exemption: Foreigners with Vietnamese spouses can apply for 5-year visa exemptions allowing visa-free entry up to 180 days per visit, though requiring exits and re-entries every 6 months. This option applies only if one spouse is Vietnamese – it doesn’t help foreign teachers with foreign spouses.
Proactively manage visa transitions when employment situations change. Don’t risk overstaying violations that create immigration problems and financial penalties.
What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid?
Critical errors include submitting non-legalized documents, missing passport validity buffers, applying too close to arrival dates, assuming tourist visa conversions work without exits, and using non-compliant passport photos. Submitting dependent visa (TT) applications without notarized and legalized marriage or birth certificates constitutes the most common mistake leading to automatic rejection.
Document Preparation Errors
Many teachers incorrectly assume Vietnamese authorities accept standard certified copies of marriage and birth certificates without full consular legalization. This misconception causes weeks of delays when applications are rejected and documents must be properly legalized through three-step authentication processes.
Incomplete Form NA5 applications frequently result in processing delays. Ensure forms are fully completed with no blank fields, correct dates and accurate signatures, and include all required employer certifications. Your school’s visa coordinator should review completed forms before submission.
Photos must meet specific Vietnamese immigration requirements: 4x6cm size, white background, recent within 6 months, direct look without glasses or hats, neutral expression. Using incorrect photo sizes (standard 2×2 inch US passport photos won’t work), poor quality smartphone selfies, or photos with visible accessories triggers rejections. Invest $10-20 in professional photographers experienced with visa applications.
Misunderstanding visa types causes confusion and application errors. You cannot simply “upgrade” family members’ tourist visas to dependent visas without formal TT visa applications and often requiring exits and re-entries. Plan dependent visas from employment start rather than attempting makeshift conversions later.
Timing and Planning Mistakes
Relying on short-term visas for long-term stays leads to repeated renewals, higher cumulative costs, and risks of denied extensions forcing sudden departures. Some teachers attempt avoiding dependent visa processes by having families enter on tourist visas, then repeatedly extending. This approach costs more over time, provides no legal certainty, and may result in denied extensions.
Starting applications too late remains the most common timing mistake. Teachers sometimes assume processing takes only 1-2 weeks when reality requires 2-3 months for complete processing including document legalization. Begin dependent visa procedures immediately after signing teaching contracts and receiving work permit approval.
Ignoring employer requirements and policies creates friction. Some schools have specific dependent visa policies including application windows, documentation standards, or cost-sharing arrangements. Understand your school’s policies before initiating applications to avoid conflicts or misunderstandings.
Financial Planning Oversights
Underestimating total costs leads to financial strain. Budget for complete expenses: document legalization, translations, government fees, photos, courier services, and potential unexpected costs like translation revisions or additional notarizations.
Not clarifying employer reimbursement policies before accepting positions causes disputes later. International schools often reimburse dependent visa costs, but smaller centers may not. Get reimbursement commitments in writing within employment contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dependent Visas
Can I bring my parents to Vietnam on dependent visas?
No. Vietnam TT dependent visas are granted only to spouses or children under 18 years of age of foreigners issued with LD1 or LD2 work visas. Parents don’t qualify as dependents under current regulations. Parents can visit on tourist visas for short stays (up to 90 days with e-visa or visa-on-arrival), but long-term parent residency requires exploring alternative visa categories beyond dependent visa scope.
What happens when my child turns 18 while on a dependent visa?
Children aging out of dependent visa eligibility face mandatory status changes upon turning 18. Current dependent visas remain valid until expiration dates, but renewals won’t be granted once children reach 18. They must convert to student visas (if enrolled in universities), apply for their own work visas (if seeking employment), or exit Vietnam. Plan these transitions 3-6 months before 18th birthdays to ensure continuous legal status without gaps.
Can my spouse’s dependent visa be longer than my work visa?
No, dependent visa validity cannot exceed primary visa holders’ (teachers’) work authorization periods. If the guarantor is a foreigner and the dependent is over 18 years old, TT visa validity is no more than 6 months. Dependent visas must be at least 30 days shorter than sponsors’ passport validity and work permit duration, ensuring sponsors maintain legal status throughout dependents’ visa periods.
Do I need to provide proof of accommodation for my family?
Yes, though specific requirements vary by province. Most immigration offices require residential address documentation: rental agreements, property lease contracts, or employer-provided housing confirmation letters. Your school’s visa coordinator advises on exact documentation needed in your specific province. After arrival, complete temporary residence registration at local police stations proving accommodation compliance with Vietnamese residency regulations.
Can my family travel freely in and out of Vietnam?
Foreign employees with temporary residence cards can enter and exit Vietnam without additional visas within valid TRC terms. TT dependent visas issued as temporary residence cards (for longer durations exceeding 12 months) provide automatic multiple-entry privileges allowing unrestricted travel. Standard visa stamps may be single-entry or multiple-entry depending on immigration authorities’ determinations – multiple-entry is common for teacher dependents given long-term residential nature.
What should I do if we have a baby while living in Vietnam?
Newborns require independent visa documentation to remain legally in Vietnam beyond initial birth registration periods. Register births with both Vietnamese authorities (within 30 days at district People’s Committee offices) and your home country’s embassy/consulate in Vietnam for citizenship documentation.
Then apply for the baby’s passport through your embassy and obtain TT dependent visa sponsored through your teaching employer. This complete process typically takes 2-3 months, during which newborns receive temporary legal status through birth registration certificates and embassy documentation.
Can part-time teachers sponsor dependent visas?
Sponsorship eligibility depends on holding valid work permits and LD2 visas, not employment hours. Part-time teachers typically don’t receive employer-sponsored work permits, making dependent visa sponsorship impossible. Most part-time teaching positions operate under tourist or business visas without proper work authorization, disqualifying teachers from dependent visa sponsorship.
Full-time employment with formal work permit sponsorship is mandatory for family visa applications. If considering part-time positions, understand you won’t be able to sponsor family dependent visas under those employment arrangements.
Is it cheaper to have family visit on tourist visas repeatedly?
Short-term visits under 3 months work well with tourist visas, avoiding dependent visa complexity and upfront costs. However, tourist visas require exits and re-entries every 30-90 days, creating recurring visa fees, international travel costs, and significant disruption to children’s schooling and family stability.
Relying on short-term visas for long-term stays leads to repeated renewals and higher cumulative costs. For families planning to live in Vietnam throughout multi-year teaching contracts, dependent visas prove more cost-effective and stable despite higher initial expenses. Tourist visas cost $25-50 per person per entry – multiply by 4-8 entries annually ($100-400 per person yearly) plus travel costs for visa runs.
When should I start the dependent visa application process?
Begin document legalization immediately after signing your teaching contract and receiving work permit approval. The complete timeline requires 6-10 weeks from starting document legalization to family members receiving visas. Starting 2-3 months before your desired family arrival date provides comfortable timeline buffers.
Don’t wait until you’ve arrived in Vietnam and settled into teaching. Initiate processes from your home country while organizing your own relocation, allowing document legalization to proceed in parallel with your move to Vietnam.
Do both parents need to be present for children’s visa applications?
No, physical presence of all family members isn’t required during application stages. Your employer handles submissions to immigration authorities on your behalf. Family members abroad present approval letters at Vietnamese embassies for visa stamps, while family members already in Vietnam convert visas at provincial immigration offices. However, both parents’ names must appear on children’s birth certificates as documented proof of parent-child relationships for legal sponsorship eligibility.
Bringing your family to Vietnam while teaching requires systematic preparation rather than complex legal expertise. Success depends on three critical factors: starting early with document legalization 2-3 months before desired arrivals, working closely with your employer’s experienced visa coordinators who handle formal applications, and maintaining realistic timeline expectations for 6-10 week complete processing.
Vietnamese dependent visa regulations balance controlled immigration with family reunification values, recognizing that stable family situations support foreign teachers’ professional effectiveness and long-term commitment. Teachers who follow procedures methodically, prepare accurate documentation, and allow sufficient processing time successfully reunite with families, creating fulfilling living situations supporting productive teaching careers in Vietnam.
Your employer serves as your essential partner throughout dependent visa processes, handling formal applications and communications with immigration authorities. Choose schools with proven track records supporting foreign teachers’ family immigration needs, clarify dependent visa support specifics during contract negotiations, and leverage your school’s expertise navigating Vietnamese bureaucratic requirements efficiently.
With proper preparation, verified documentation, and patient timeline adherence, foreign teachers successfully bring families to Vietnam, enriching both professional teaching experiences and personal life quality in this dynamic Southeast Asian nation.
