Guide on how to get a work visa for foreigners in Vietnam (Updated in August 2023)

A work visa (LD visa) is needed for foreigners work in Vietnam legally for long-term jobs.

The article will give you a complete guide on how to get a work visa for foreigners in Vietnam and what you need to know about the procedure as well as other related legal issues.

Overview of work visa in Vietnam

Work visas for foreigners in Vietnam are presented by the symbols LD1 and LD2.

– LD1 – is granted to foreigners working in Vietnam in the form of exemption from work permits, unless International treaties to which Vietnam is a party have different provisions. 

– LD2 – issued to foreigners who are required to have a work permit to work in Vietnam.

Work visa is valid for a maximum of 2 years and can be extended. In cases where the work permit is valid for less than 1 year, the duration of the corresponding work visa is equal to the term of the work permit (1 year).

Legal basis for work visa:

Here are the laws that employers should refer to:

– Law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam No. 47/2014/QH13

– Law No. 51/2019 / QH14 is an amendment and supplement to a number of articles of Law No. 47/2014 / QH13.

– Circular No. 04/2015 / TT-BCA stipulating the form of documents related to foreigners entering, exiting, and residing in Vietnam

– Decree No. 11/2016/ND-CP regulating the implementation of the Labor Code on granting work permits to foreign workers in Vietnam and deporting foreign workers in Vietnam working without a work permit.

How to apply for a work visa in Vietnam?

To be granted a work visa to Vietnam, both organizations and individuals working abroad and foreigners themselves need to follow these 5 steps:

Step 1: The Vietnamese employer prepares the following documents

1. The operation license of the company/office where the foreigner is working (it can be a Business Registration Certificate or Investment License, or Operation License of a branch or office, . representative office, where the recruiter is employed.
2. Certificate of registered seal or Declaration form stamped with the company’s seal
3. Form NA16 – Seal registration, with the signature of the legal representative of the enterprise operating in Vietnam;
4. Form NA5 – Vietnam visa registration form for foreigners in Vietnam. You can download it here.
5. 01 4 * 6 cm photo (The photo should measure 4 x 6 cm or 2 x 2 inches, be taken within the last six months, and printed in color. Your entire face must be visible, with a neutral expression, against a solid, well-lit background. Avoid wearing hats or head scarves unless it’s for religious reasons, and refrain from wearing black or tinted glasses unless medically necessary. However, items like prescription glasses, hearing aids, or wigs may be accepted in certain cases.)
6. Work permit or work permit exemption certificate.
7. A copy of valid passport

Step 2: Submit your application

The representative of the agency or unit where the foreigner is working shall submit the above-mentioned documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department or the Immigration Department of the province/ city’s Police Department where the foreigner resides.

After submitting the application and paying the visa fee, the applicant will receive an appointment letter stating the expected date of receiving the visa processing results.

In case of applying for a stamped visa at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate abroad, the fax fee must be paid.

Application time: Monday to Friday, Saturday morning.

Step 3: Receive a letter to apply for a Vietnam work visa

The representative of the company, on the scheduled date, will visit the immigration office/department to receive the visa letter (if granted).

Step 4: Notify the foreign workers

After receiving the official dispatch, the organization or individual shall notify the foreigner via email, fax or courier so that the foreigner can carry out visa procedures.

Step 5: Get the visa and pay the fee

At the headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the host country, foreigners will submit:

– Form NA1 – Vietnam visa application form with a 3x4cm photo

– A valid original passport

– A copy of the official letter issued by the Immigration Department / Vietnam Office to pay the visa fee applied by the Embassy / Consulate to have the work visa stamped in the passport.

How long does it take to get a work visa?

The processing time for a work visa application by the Vietnam Immigration Department is usually 5 working days from the date of receipt of a complete dossier as regulated.

Difference between a work visa and a business visa

Many foreigners think that the working visa and the business visa are the same things. But in reality, they are completely different. A work visa is not a business visa.

While a business visa (DN visa) is issued to foreigners working with other enterprises and organizations and foreigners making entry to promote services, establish commercial presence or, conduct other activities, a work visa (LD visa) is issued to people coming to work for companies or enterprises in Viet Nam, like teaching.

DN visa is applied by foreigners online or in person at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate abroad, but the work visa is stamped by the Vietnamese company where the foreigner works, at the foreigner’s country embassy.

Applying for a business visa does not require a work permit, but applying for a work visa does.

Work visas can be valid longer than business visas. With a work visa, foreign workers can apply for a temporary residence card and start working or teaching in Vietnam.