Business Visa: Complete Guide for Expats and Business Travelers
Vietnam is a rapidly growing hub for international trade and investment, attracting business professionals from around the world. If you’re planning to visit Vietnam for business purposes, understanding the different types of business visas is essential. In this blog, we’ll break down two common options: the E-Visa for business purposes and the DN Visa, explaining their features, application processes, and key differences.
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What is a Business Visa?
A business visa allows foreigners to enter Vietnam for professional activities such as meetings, conferences, market research, or contractual negotiations. Unlike a tourist visa, a business visa requires sponsorship or documentation from a Vietnamese company or organization.
- E-Visa for business activities purposes
- Business Visa (DN Visa)
Let’s explore each in detail.
Types of Business Visa
1. E-visa for Business Purpose
The E-Visa is an electronic visa issued online for foreigners visiting Vietnam for all purposes, including business activities. It is convenient, cost-effective, and designed for those who need quick access to Vietnam.
- Types of Visas: Single entry or multiple entry
- Duration of Stay: Maximum stay of 90 days
- Application Process: Fully online
Some Advantages and Limitations of eVisa:
- Advantages:
- Fully online application process, making it convenient for travelers;
- Time-Saving: No need for in-person visits or long waits;
- Lower fees compared to traditional visas.
- Limitations:
- Can not be extended;
- Only be accepted by a limited number of Vietnam entry ports. You can refer to the list of 32 Vietnam ports that accept eVisa here.
2. Business Visa (DN Visa)
The DN Visa is a traditional business visa for individuals working with or sponsored by a Vietnamese company. This visa is more suitable for longer stays because it is extendable.
According to the new law, this type of visa is divided into 02 sub-types, as follows:
- DN1 Visa: Issued to foreigners working with businesses and other organizations with legal status according to the provisions of Vietnamese law.
- DN2 Visa: Issued to foreigners providing services, establishing commercial presence and participating in other activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
- Types of Visas: Single entry or multiple entry
- Duration of Stay: Maximum stay of 90 days.
- Application Process: Through a Vietnamese sponsor or at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate.
Some Advantages and Limitations of Business Visa (DN Visa):
- Advantages:
- Can be extended.
- Option for multiple entries, ideal for frequent travelers.
- Suitable for long-term business engagements.
- Limitations:
- Requires sponsorship from a licensed Vietnamese company or organization.
- The application process involves more paperwork and time compared to the E-Visa.
Application Process for a Business Visa
1. Obtaining an E-visa for Business Purpose
You can easily obtain an eVisa by following these steps:
- Access the Portal: Visit the eVisa official website of the Vietnam Immigration Department;
- Upload Documents: Submit a digital passport-sized photo and a scanned copy of your passport;
- Complete the Application: Fill in your personal details, travel itinerary, and other information. Remember to choose the category “business activities” with the option “Purpose of entry”;
- Pay the Fee: Use a credit or debit card to pay the visa fee;
- Receive Approval: Within 3-5 working days, you’ll receive an email with your approved eVisa. Print this document and carry it with you for entry.
Note:
- You can refer to the detailed steps to apply for an eVisa here.
- Please make sure that you fill out the information accurately when applying. Once the visa is issued, the visa fee will not be refunded for any information errors, and you must use visa correction service or apply for a new one.
- To ensure accuracy, you should consider using our Vietnam visa service. We will apply and take care of your application thoroughly, as well as process it urgently (within 1-2 hours) if you are in need.
2. Obtaining a Business Visa (DN Visa)
Step 1: Apply through the Sponsored Vietnamese Company or Organization
The sponsoring company in Vietnam will submit the application for an approval letter to the Vietnam Immigration Department, and send the result as a .pdf file to the foreigner preparing to enter the country.
Step 2: Prepare Documents for Visa Stamping
Foreigners will need to prepare:
- A printed copy of the approval letter;
- Passport (valid for at least six months and with blank pages for a visa stamp);
- Recent passport-sized photos;
- Business invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or organization;
- Other supporting documents, such as a work contract or business license (if applicable);
- Stamping fee:
- 25 USD for single entry visa
- 50 USD for multiple entry
Step 3: Collect the Visa Sticker at the Vietnam Entry Port
After arriving in Vietnam, foreigners must show all the required documents to the customs officer and pay the stamping fee to have the sticker visa on their passport, and complete the procedures to enter Vietnam.
You can refer to this link for a detailed guide to get sticker visa at the entry port.
Extending or Renewing a Business Visa
If you are in Vietnam and want to spend more time doing business activities in this country, it is essential to know the available options for legally extending your stay. Two common methods are Visa Run and Visa Extension.
1. Renewing the E-visa: Visa Run
Since e-visas generally cannot be extended within Vietnam, travelers often do a visa run, which involves:
- Exiting Vietnam to a nearby country (such as Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos) through a border gate.
- Applying for a new e-visa online before re-entering Vietnam.
- Returning to Vietnam once the new visa is approved.
2. Extend the Business Visa: Visa Extension
For those holding a business visa (DN visa), a visa extension can be arranged without leaving Vietnam by:
- Contacting a visa agency or sponsor company for assistance.
- Submitting required documents, including a sponsor letter from a registered Vietnamese business.
- Paying the extension fee, which varies based on the requested extension period.
- Waiting for the extension process (typically 5-7 working days).
- Once approved, you will receive your passport with an updated visa stamp indicating your new expiration date.
*Note: You can refer to this link for more details about both visa run and visa extension.
Key Differences Between Business eVisa and DN Visa
| Feature | E-visa for Business Purpose | Business Visa (DN Visa) |
| Application Method | Fully online | Online for pre-approval letter |
| Entry Type | Single or Multiple Entries | Single or Multiple Entries |
| Validity | Up to 90 Days | Maximum 90 days |
| Processing Time | Usually 3-5 working days Can be processed urgently within 1-2 hours | 5-7 working days (pre-approval) + airport waiting Can be processed urgently within 1-2 hours |
| Where to Collect | Online | At airport upon arrival |
| Extending or Renewing Method | Visa run | Visa extension |
Conclusion
The Vietnam business visa is essential for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals visiting Vietnam for business purposes. Understanding the visa types, application process, and requirements can help you plan a smooth and hassle-free trip.
If you need assistance with your urgent Vietnam business visa, feel free to reach out to professional visa services or consult with a business partner in Vietnam to facilitate your application.
