Vietnam, a nation experiencing dynamic economic growth and opportunities, has become a magnet for international business. For those looking to engage in commercial activities, the Vietnam business visa in 2025 is your essential key. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about applying for a Vietnam business visa in 2025, ensuring a smooth and successful entry into this vibrant economy.
A Vietnam business visa (DN1 or DN2) is a specialized travel document for foreign nationals intending to conduct commercial activities within Vietnam. Unlike a tourist visa, it allows you to engage in professional activities like signing contracts, attending seminars, or exploring investments. It serves as official authorization to pursue professional objectives in the Vietnam.
Business visa brief:
This visa facilitates legitimate commercial engagement, recognizing your intent to contribute to Vietnam’s business environment. Issued for varying durations (one month to one year) and for single or multiple entries, it requires sponsorship or invitation from a Vietnamese entity. For shorter engagements (1-3 months), a work permit may not be required, but it becomes necessary for longer-term employment.
Types of Vietnam business visa:
Most Common Business Visa:
Under the revised Immigration Law, Vietnam primarily categorizes business visas into DN1 and DN2. Other visa categories also cater to business-related activities.
- DN1 Visa: The DN1 visa is for foreigners working with or for a Vietnamese business or organization with legal status. The inviting Vietnamese entity must act as the sponsor. Validity is typically up to one year.
- DN2 Visa: The DN2 visa is for foreigners entering to offer services, establish a company, or conduct trading activities under international treaties. A sponsor enterprise or agency in Vietnam is still required. Validity is typically up to one year.
Other Relevant Visa Types for Business:
- LD1 and LD2 Visas: Working visas for those with or without work permit exemptions, valid for up to two years.
- DT Visas (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4): Investor visas, categorized by investment capital, with validity ranging from one to five years.
- HN Visa: For attending meetings/conferences, valid for up to 90 days.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is determined by your intended activities and ability to secure sponsorship from a legitimate Vietnamese entity. Eligible individuals include foreign investors, business professionals (for various commercial purposes), representatives of NGOs, foreign workers with work permits/exemptions, and foreign lawyers licensed in Vietnam. An invitation or sponsorship letter from a Vietnamese enterprise is usually mandatory. A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity (at least six months) and blank pages is also required. Visa exemptions for tourism generally do not apply to business activities.
How to apply?
Applying for a Vietnam business visa can be done through several channels: a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate, Visa on Arrival (VOA) with a pre-approved letter, or the e-visa system. Your choice and chance of getting the visa depends on your nationality, urgency, and preference.
Business visa at Embassy/Consulate
Applying through an Embassy or Consulate is a traditional method involving direct submission of documents:
Step 1: Prepare Documents
- By Applicants: Valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), recent passport-size photo (4x6cm, white background), work permit/exemption (if applicable), invitation/sponsor letter from Vietnamese based enterprise.
- By Inviting/Guaranteeing Enterprise (in Vietnam): Notarized business registration certificate, Entry application (Form NA2), Visa application (Form NA5), Sample of seal and signature (Form NA16).
Step 2: Submit Documents
- Submit to the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in your residing country. If in Vietnam, submit to a Vietnam Immigration office (Hanoi, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh City).
Step 3: Pay Fee and Wait for Result
- Fees range from USD 25-50, depending on duration and entries. Processing time is typically 3-5 working days. Upon approval, you receive an entry invitation letter.
Step 4: Receive Visa
- Present the approval letter, original passport, and other documents to get your visa affixed at the airport, land border gate, or the Embassy/Consulate.
Vietnam Business visa on arrival or Business Approval Letter
VOA, facilitated by a pre-approved visa letter, allows you to obtain your visa stamp upon arrival at international airports. A pre-arranged approval letter is mandatory.
Document requirements
- Pre-approved Visa Letter from a licensed Vietnamese agency.
- Valid Passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages).
- Completed Visa Application Form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos (4x6cm, white background).
- Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption (if applicable).
- Invitation Letter/Sponsor Letter from Vietnamese enterprise.
- Visa Stamping Fee in cash (USD or VND equivalent).
Application process
- Step 1: Obtain a Pre-approved Visa Letter: Apply through a Vietnamese visa agency or your sponsoring Vietnamese company. This is typically done online.
- Step 2: Receive and Prepare Documents: Print the pre-approved visa letter and application form, fill accurately, and gather all other required documents.
- Step 3: Arrive at a Vietnamese International Airport: Proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter at one of the 8 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat, Da Nang).
- Step 4: Present Documents, Pay Fee, and Get Visa Stamped: Present all documents, pay the stamping fee in cash, and the immigration officer will affix the visa stamp.
Vietnam Business visa online (E-visa) as of 2025 law
The e-visa system offers a convenient online application process, accessible to both foreign applicants and their inviting enterprises. It is typically valid for up to 90 days for single or multiple entries.
Step 1: Prepare documents
- Valid Passport (6+ months validity).
- Digital photo of your passport data page.
- Digital passport-sized photo (4x6cm, white background).
- Temporary residential address in Vietnam.
- Valid international credit or debit card for payment.
- Intended entry/exit dates and ports (from 33 accepted e-visa checkpoints).
- Valid email address.
- Invitation/Sponsor Letter from Vietnamese enterprise.
Step 2: Submit the application
Access the official Vietnam E-visa website. Fill out the form, select “Business Activities” as your purpose, and obtain a registration code.
Step 3: Pay fee and wait for the result
The fee for a 1-month single entry business e-visa is typically USD 25 (non-refundable). Standard processing is 3 working days, but apply at least two weeks in advance.
Step 4: Get the visa
Once approved, you will be notified via email. Return to the official e-visa website, enter your registration code, and download your e-visa. Print it and present it with your passport upon arrival.
How to extend a Vietnam Business Visa?
Extending your business visa allows you to prolong your stay without exiting Vietnam. Visa extension provides an extension stamp; visa renewal (new sticker) is generally available through the Immigration Office. Your passport must be valid for 6+ months and have 2 blank pages. Business visas are eligible for extension.
Step 1: Prepare documents
- Original Passport and copy of current Vietnam visa page.
- Visa Application Form (Form NA5).
- Recent passport-sized photograph (4x6cm, white background).
- Updated Invitation/Sponsor Letter (if applicable).
- Legal documents of guaranteeing enterprise (if applicable).
Step 2: Submit the application
Submit in person at a Vietnam Immigration Department office (Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City) or through a local visa extension service provider.
Step 3: Pay fee and wait for the result
Costs and processing times vary; consult the Immigration Office or service provider for accurate estimates. Processing can take 5-7 working days. Apply well in advance of expiry.
Step 4: Receive your extended visa
Collect your passport with the new visa extension stamp. Double-check details for accuracy.
Processing time & fee
Time
- Embassy/Consulate: 3-5 working days.
- Visa on Arrival (Approval Letter): Varies by agency for approval letter; stamping at airport is quick.
- E-visa: 3 working days; apply two weeks in advance.
Fee
- Embassy/Consulate: USD 25-50 (varies by duration/entries).
- Visa on Arrival: Stamping fee (approx. USD 25-50) paid in cash at airport.
- E-visa: USD 25 for 1-month single entry.
What is next after applying?
After approval, for Embassy/Consulate applications, you collect your visa stamp or present your approval letter at an entry point. For VOA, you get the visa stamped at the airport. For e-visa, you present your printed e-visa and passport upon arrival. Always have documents ready for a smooth entry.
Conclusion
Navigating the Vietnam business visa application process is a crucial step towards unlocking the vast business potential in this dynamic country. Whether through an embassy, VOA, or e-visa, meticulous preparation and adherence to guidelines are paramount. Always verify the latest requirements and fees. By securing your Vietnam business visa, you gain access to a vibrant economy and a wealth of opportunities. Plan diligently, apply confidently, and embark on a rewarding business journey in Vietnam. For more info, contact our experts today.