How to Apply For a Vietnam Work Visa

Vietnam is fast emerging as one of the best places to work. To be able to work in Vietnam, you will be required to have a work visa. You cannot directly apply for a work visa. A company based in Vietnam should assist you in your application. Read on to find out more about Vietnam work visas.

Vietnam Work Visa

What is a Vietnam work visa? 

A Vietnam work visa is granted to foreign nationals who come to work in Vietnam with a Vietnam-based company.

It is categorized into:

1. LD1 visa for foreigners who will work in Vietnam with work permit exemption papers, unless otherwise provided for by treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
2. LD2 visa for foreigners who have a Vietnamese work permit. This visa type is valid for a maximum term of 2 years. 

If you are planning to work in Vietnam for less than 3 months, a business visa will be better suited to your needs. Read about how you can apply for a Vietnam business visa.

Vietnam work visa requirement

In order to apply for a Vietnam work visa you will need to have:

1. A passport with a minimum of 6 months validity and at least two (2) blank pages.
2. A contract that confirms your job with a Vietnam based company
3. At least three 4x6 passport photographs with a white background and no glasses
4. Original police check certificate issued within the last 6 months by the authorities in your home country 
5. Original health check certificate issued within the last 6 months by the authorities in your home country
6. Entry and exit application forms (available at airports)
7. Other documents required by the embassy or consulate

The company that hires you also plays an important role in your work visa application. The following are the required documents needed by the company.

1. Work permit application form
2. Company registration certificate
3. Copy of work contract with the employee

Please note: All the documents that are required will have to be notarized before submitting by the Ministry of Foreign Affair and the Vietnamese embassy or consulate of your home country or Certified by the home country embassy or consulate in Vietnam and then legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affair in Vietnam.

Process of getting a Vietnam work permit

There are two main options you and your employer can do in order to get your work permit.

Option 1: Apply online at the government website and submit scanned copies of all your documents.

Option 2: Submit the documents along with the work permit form directly to the Department of Labour, War Invalids, and Social Affairs of the province where the company is located. 

Please note: The employer should submit the documents at least 15 to 30 days before the commencement of your work. 

After you’ve submitted the forms and required documents you’ll get your work permit within 7 working days. With your work permit, you’ll be able to apply for a Business visa or a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) if you plan to work in Vietnam for at least 2 years. The Temporary Residence card will allow you to go in and out of the country without the need for a visa. 

A work permit is NOT required if you are:

• Working in Vietnam for less than 3 months. In that case, a business visa will suit your needs.
• Member of a limited liability company
• Owner or investor of a limited liability company in Vietnam 
• A board member or chairman of the board in a joint-stock company
• A lawyer with a permit to practice by the Ministry of Justice in Vietnam, 
• Volunteer certified by a foreign diplomatic mission or an international organization in Vietnam.

Applying for a Vietnam work visa

In order to apply for a Vietnam work visa, you need to:

Step 1: Request your company in Vietnam to apply for an LD visa approval letter at the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Step 2: Submit all the required documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department or the Immigration Office under the Department of Public Security.

Step 3: Receive your work visa within 5 to 10 working days. Get your visa stamped at the Vietnam embassy or consulate in foreign countries or at your port of entry upon your arrival depending on the type of visa approval letter you are issued.

Cost of Vietnam work visa

You are required to pay two types of fees for a work visa: a fee for approval of a work visa and a stamping fee at the Vietnamese Embassy or Vietnamese port. 

1. For new applicants: $20
2. For re-issues: $15
3. For renewals: $10

For the stamping fee, check the table below:

If you have any queries, contact BDATrip to assist you with your Vietnam visa application process.