How to Apply for a Vietnam Working Visa: LD1 and LD2 Guide
To legally work in Vietnam, foreigners must obtain a working visa, which can be issued by the Vietnam Embassy abroad or the Vietnam Immigration Department. The Vietnam working visa is categorized into two types: LD1 for those with a work permit exemption certificate, and LD2 for those who require a work permit.
Overview of Vietnam Working Visa
The working visa for foreigners in Vietnam is categorized as LD1 and LD2.
- LD1: This visa is issued to foreigners who come to work in Vietnam and hold a work permit exemption certificate unless stated otherwise in international treaties of which Vietnam is a member.
- LD2: This visa is designated for foreigners who are required to obtain a work permit to work in Vietnam.
This Vietnam work visa is valid for up to 2 years and can be extended. However, if the work permit is valid for less than one year, the validity of the corresponding work visa will match that of the work permit.
How to Obtain a Vietnam Work Visa
To secure a work visa for Vietnam, both the employer and the foreign employee need to follow these five steps:
Step 1: Prepare Necessary Documents
The Vietnam-based company must act as a guarantor and prepare the following documents for the work permit application:
- Business operation license (can be a business registration certificate, investment license, or operational license of a branch or representative office)
- Certificate of seal specimen or Statement of Seal Use by the Company
- Form NA16 – Registration form for the seal and signature of the company’s legal representative
- Form NA5 – Application for visa, visa extension, or extension of stay for foreigners in Vietnam (download it here)
- One 3×4 cm photo
- Work permit or work permit exemption certificate
- Copy of valid passport
Step 2: Submit the Documents
A representative from the company will submit the documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department or the Immigration Office under the Department of Public Security in the city or province where the company is located. After submitting the documents and paying the visa fee, they will receive an appointment note indicating the expected date for visa processing results.
If the visa is to be stamped at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate abroad, a fax charge must be paid. Submission hours are Monday to Friday and Saturday morning.
Step 3: Receive the Work Visa Letter
On the designated date, the company representative will return to the Immigration department/office to collect the visa letter if it has been issued.
Step 4: Notify the Foreign Worker
Once the letter is received, the entity must inform the foreign worker via email, fax, or express courier, allowing them to complete the visa procedure.
Step 5: Obtain the Visa and Pay the Fee
The foreign worker must visit the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their host country and submit:
- Form NA1 – Vietnamese Visa Application with a 3×4 cm photo
- Original valid passport
- Copy of the visa letter issued by the Immigration Department/Office in Vietnam
They will also need to pay the visa fee required by the embassy or consulate to have the work visa stamped on their passport.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa for Vietnam?
Typically, the processing time for a work visa request by the Vietnam Immigration Department/Office is around 5-7 working days upon receipt of all required documents.
Differences Between Vietnam Work Visa and Business Visa
Many foreigners mistakenly think that a business visa and a work visa in Vietnam are the same. However, they are distinct:
- A business visa (DN visa) is granted to individuals coming to work with Vietnam-based enterprises, while a work visa (LD visa) is for those employed by a Vietnam-based company or office.
- A DN visa can be applied for online or directly at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate by the foreigner, whereas a work visa is applied for in Vietnam by the employer and then stamped at the embassy by the foreign worker.
- A business visa does not require a work permit, but a work visa does.
- Work visas generally have longer validity periods than business visas.
- Holders of a work visa can apply for a temporary residence card, while business visa holders cannot.
For those needing assistance, Vietnam Online Visa offers professional services to streamline and expedite the Vietnam working visa application process.
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