How to Apply for a Vietnam Business Visa: Complete Guide for Travelers

Discover the step-by-step process for obtaining a Vietnam business eVisa, available to citizens from 80 countries. Learn about eligibility, application requirements, options for self-application or sponsor application, required documents, visa validity, processing times, and recommendations for stays longer than 30 days. 

What is a Vietnam business visa?

A Vietnam business visa is a short-term visa granted to foreign nationals visiting Vietnam for work-related purposes, such as collaborating with or working for a company, attending meetings or negotiations, or signing contracts. This visa is ideal for those who do not hold a valid work visa or temporary residence card.

The Vietnamese business visa is divided into two categories, DN1 and DN2 (previously DN), as follows:

• DN1 visa – Issued to foreign nationals working with businesses and organizations that have legal status under Vietnamese law.
• DN2 visa – Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to provide services, establish a commercial presence, or perform activities in line with international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

While holders of a Vietnam tourist visa are not permitted to work, those with a business visa may enjoy leisure travel in Vietnam during their stay for business purposes.

Validity of Vietnam Business Visa

A Vietnam business visa can be valid for up to 1 year, though it is commonly issued for 1 or 3 months with options for single or multiple entries.

The 3-month business visa is especially popular among foreign nationals. The 3-month multiple-entry visa allows travelers to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the 3 months until the visa expires.

In contrast, the 3-month single-entry visa permits only one entry and one exit. After this single entry and exit are used, the visa immediately becomes invalid.

Vietnam Business Visa Requirements

Foreign nationals, except those from visa-exempt countries, must obtain a business visa to conduct business in Vietnam.

To qualify for a Vietnam business visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Eligibility for Entry: You must not be barred from entering Vietnam.
• Sponsor Company: A legitimate Vietnamese company (the one you’ll be working with) must sponsor your visa and travel. Using a service or non-operational sponsor may cause complications.
• Passport Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date to Vietnam and have a minimum of two blank pages.
• Photos: Provide recent portrait photos (4×6 cm or 2×2 inch, with a white background), either in print or digital (.jpg), depending on the application method.

How to Get a Vietnam Business Visa

You can apply for a Vietnam business visa in one of the following ways:

1. Applying at a Vietnam Embassy or Consulate

To apply through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, visit the nearest location. Here’s the process:

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsorship Letter

Your sponsor company in Vietnam must apply for a sponsorship letter (an invitation letter, business visa approval letter, or entry permit) from the Vietnam Immigration Department. Required documents include:

• A photo of your passport
• A certified copy of the sponsor company’s business registration
• Completed Form NA2 (available here)
• Form NA16
• Additional documents as required

The Immigration Department typically processes this request in 5–7 working days. Once approved, the sponsorship letter is sent to your sponsor and a corresponding document is faxed to the selected Vietnam embassy/consulate.

Step 2: Prepare Documents for Visa Stamping

Your sponsor will send you the invitation letter from Step 1. Print it and gather these additional documents:

• A completed Vietnam visa application form
• Your original passport
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Visa fee (amount varies by embassy/consulate)

Step 3: Obtain Your Visa Stamp

Submit these documents in person or by mail to the registered embassy or consulate. Once approved, the business visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you entry to Vietnam.

2. Getting a Vietnam Business Visa on Arrival

The process for obtaining a Vietnam business visa on arrival is similar to the embassy application, but instead of stamping your visa at an embassy or consulate, you’ll receive it at a Vietnam airport upon arrival. Here’s how:

Step 1: Obtain the Sponsorship Letter

Your sponsor in Vietnam must secure a business visa sponsorship letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department and send it to you.

Step 2: Prepare Documents for Visa Stamping

Gather the following documents for stamping at the airport:

• A printed copy of the visa sponsorship letter
• A completed Vietnam visa application form
• Your original passport
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Visa stamping fee:
  • $25 USD for a single-entry visa
  • $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa

Step 3: Receive Your Visa Stamp

Upon arrival at a Vietnam airport, present these documents to the Immigration Officer. Your business visa will then be stamped in your passport, allowing you to complete the entry procedure and begin your work in Vietnam.

3. Getting a Vietnam Business eVisa

Citizens from 80 countries can apply for a Vietnam business eVisa. This eVisa allows a single entry with 30-day validity and cannot be extended within Vietnam. For stays longer than 30 days, consider applying for a business visa through other available options.

You can apply for a business eVisa yourself or your sponsoring organization/company can apply on your behalf.

Applying for a Vietnam Business eVisa Personally

To apply online:

1. Visit the Vietnam Immigration Portal and complete the application form.
2. Select “Business Activities” as your travel purpose.
3. Upload a recent photo of yourself and a scanned copy of your passport.
4. Pay the visa fee and submit the application.

Once approved, download your eVisa and present it upon entry to Vietnam.

Having invited organization/company to Apply for Your Vietnam Business eVisa

If your inviting organization/company is applying for your eVisa:

1. They must register on the Vietnam Immigration Portal, and receive an account and electronic signature.
2. They will upload your passport photo, and recent personal photos, and pay the visa fee.
3. Once approved, they’ll send you a registration code to download and print your eVisa.

This eVisa processing usually takes about 3 working days, but it may vary depending on the volume of applications.

For more detailed information, please contact us for a free consultation through our website.

In addition, we also offer tours in Vietnam to many attractive destinations, from bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to natural wonders such as Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa. We are committed to providing our customers with unique travel experiences and the most dedicated service.