Guidelines on the Procedure for Obtaining a New Visa to Continue Residing in Vietnam (2025)

Under Vietnamese law, visas cannot be extended. In cases where a foreign national wishes to continue residing in Vietnam after the expiration of their current visa, they must complete the procedure to apply for a new visa, rather than requesting an extension.

Visa Classification and Legal Conditions for Reapplication to Continue Lawful Stay in Vietnam

According to Consolidated Document No. 30/VBHN-VPQH 2023 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam and its implementing regulations, visas in Vietnam are no longer extended in the traditional sense. Instead, foreign nationals must apply for a new visa that corresponds to their current purpose of stay, should they wish to lawfully remain in Vietnam.

Below is a classification of common visa types and the legal conditions associated with reapplication:

1. Tourist Visa (Code: DL)

Applicable to: Foreign nationals entering Vietnam for tourism purposes or visiting relatives, without engaging in employment or investment activities.
Maximum duration upon reissuance: Up to 90 days.

2. Business Visa (Codes: DN1, DN2)

Applicable to: Foreign nationals working with enterprises in Vietnam without having signed a long-term labor contract.
Maximum duration upon reissuance: Up to 1 year.

3. Work Visa (Codes: LĐ1, LĐ2)

Applicable to: Foreign nationals working in Vietnam under a lawful employment contract or exempt from work permit requirements in accordance with the law.
Maximum duration upon reissuance: Not exceeding 2 years.

4. Study or Internship Visa (Code: DH)

Applicable to: Foreign nationals studying or undertaking internships at licensed educational institutions, training centers, or research institutes in Vietnam.
Maximum duration: Not exceeding 1 year.

5. Dependent or Family Visit Visa (Code: TT)

Applicable to: Spouses, children, parents, or relatives of foreign nationals lawfully residing in Vietnam.
Maximum duration upon reissuance: Not exceeding 1 year.

See also: Benefits and Privileges of Holding a Vietnamese Visa

New Visa Issuance Procedure – Step-by-Step Process

The application for a new visa in Vietnam must follow the administrative procedures set forth in the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, along with detailed guidance provided in Circular No. 31/2015/TT-BCA and other relevant legal instruments.

1. Preparation of Application Dossier for New Visa Issuance

Depending on the purpose of stay and the corresponding visa type (e.g., DL, DN1, LĐ1, DH, TT, etc.), the foreign applicant or the sponsoring organization must prepare a dossier that includes:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity;
• 01 completed visa application form (Form NA5) or a written request from the sponsoring enterprise/organization (Form NA2);
• Color photo (4×6 cm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months;
• Legal documents supporting the purpose of stay, such as an employment contract, invitation letter, sponsorship letter, or admission decision from an educational institution;
• Proof of family relationship in cases of dependent or family visit visas (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate, household registration book);
• Confirmation of temporary residence or a temporary residence declaration book issued by the local police authority;
• Application fee, payable in accordance with Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance.

2. Submission of Application to Competent Authorities

The applicant may submit the application dossier to one of the following competent authorities, depending on the place of residence and sponsorship status:

• Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security
  (located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang);
• Immigration Division – Provincial/City Police Department
  where the foreign national is temporarily residing;
• Legally authorized service provider, applicable only for dossiers submitted under a power of attorney with an official introduction letter from the sponsoring organization.

3. Processing Time

According to the information provided by the National Public Service Portal (Cổng Dịch vụ công Quốc gia), the standard processing time is:

No more than 05 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application, applicable to all submission methods:

• Direct submission at the Immigration Division of the provincial/city police;
• Online submission via the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security Portal;
• Submission via official public postal service.

In cases where additional verification is required, the processing time may be extended subject to notification by the competent authority.

4. Receiving the Result and Verifying the Visa

The applicant will receive either:

• A new visa affixed directly into the passport, or
• A written notice of refusal, clearly stating the reasons for rejection.

Important Note: In case of visa denial, the foreign national must leave the territory of Vietnam before the expiration of their current permitted stay.

5. Applicable Visa Issuance Fees (Reference Only)

According to the Fee Schedule attached to Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC, the following are the indicative visa issuance fees:

The visa and transaction fees are as follows: a transfer from an old passport or visa to a new one costs 5 USD. A single-entry visa is priced at 25 USD. For multiple-entry visas, the fee depends on the duration of validity: 90 USD for visas valid up to 90 days, 95 USD for those valid for more than 90 days and up to 180 days, 135 USD for those valid for more than 180 days and up to 1 year, and 145 USD for visas valid for more than 1 year and up to 2 years. Additionally, the visa fee for persons under 14 years of age, regardless of duration, is 25 USD.

See also: Article on Visa Validity and Reissuance Procedures in Vietnam

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a New Visa

The process of applying for a visa renewal or new issuance in Vietnam carries legal risks if not handled in strict compliance with applicable regulations. Below are some common mistakes foreign nationals should avoid:

1. Submitting the Application Too Close to the Visa Expiry Date

Filing too close to the visa’s expiration date may result in an overstay, constituting a violation under Article 18 of Decree No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP, and may lead to the following penalties:

• Warning or a fine of VND 300,000 to VND 500,000, for: Failing to carry a passport, travel document, temporary residence card, ABTC card, or other valid international travel documents while traveling within the territory of Vietnam.
• Fine of VND 500,000 to VND 2,000,000, for:

– Failing to report the loss or damage of international travel documents;
– Providing false information in the visa or travel document application;
– Entering restricted areas or exceeding the permitted scope of travel without authorization;
– Failing to present travel documents upon request by a competent authority;
– Overstaying without permission for a period of less than 16 days.

2. Incomplete or Invalid Supporting Documents

Many applications are rejected due to failure to submit complete or valid documentation, such as:

• Missing certificate of temporary residence issued by the local police;
• Use of outdated or incorrect application forms;
• Passport photos not meeting the required specifications (incorrect size, background, or format).

3. Incorrect Payment of Fees or Improper Payment Methods

Applications may be temporarily suspended if:

• Incorrect fee amounts are paid, contrary to the fee schedule in Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC;
• Payment is made in non-accepted currencies or by improper transfer methods that fail to match the required payment details.

4. Engaging Unauthorized Intermediary Services

Hiring unlicensed or unauthorized service providers—those not registered with or authorized by the immigration authority—poses serious legal risks, including:

• Forgery of documents;
• Misappropriation of service fees without performing the required procedures;
• Inability to seek legal recourse in the event of a dispute.

5. Expert Recommendations

To ensure that the process of renewing or applying for a new visa is conducted lawfully and efficiently, foreign nationals are advised to follow these recommendations:

• Submit the application at least 14 days prior to the expiration of the current visa to allow sufficient time for processing and to avoid unlawful overstay;
• Retain complete copies of all submitted documents, including passport, previous visa, application form, fee receipt, and all relevant supporting materials;
• Provide proof of lawful residence in Vietnam, typically in the form of a temporary residence confirmation issued by the local ward/commune police authority;
• Monitor the application status via the online public service portal or by directly contacting the Immigration Department or Provincial Police;
• In cases involving complex visa applications (e.g., change of purpose of stay, short-term work visas, etc.), it is highly recommended to seek assistance from a licensed visa consulting service or a qualified immigration lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I remain in Vietnam while waiting for my new visa to be processed?

Yes. If you have submitted a new visa application before the expiration of your current visa and have received an official appointment slip from the competent authority, you are permitted to continue residing legally in Vietnam while your application is being processed.

What happens if my visa application is denied?

You will be notified of the reason for refusal in writing or via the Public Service Portal. In most cases, you will be granted a period of 5–7 days to leave Vietnam or to submit a written explanation or appeal (if eligible). It is strongly advised to seek urgent assistance from an immigration lawyer or legal expert.

Can I renew my visa multiple times?

No. Under current regulations, Vietnamese visas cannot be renewed, even for short-term stays. When a visa is about to expire, a new visa application must be submitted.

However, if you remain eligible, you may apply for a new visa multiple times. Approval of subsequent visas is at the sole discretion of the Immigration Authority. Certain visa categories (e.g., DN, LD, TT) may require additional documentation, sponsorship, or consultation with relevant agencies.

Contact Information

This document reflects the legal regulations in effect as of 2025. However, visa policies are subject to change depending on actual administrative conditions. To ensure updated and situation-specific advice, investors and foreign nationals are strongly encouraged to consult with legal counsel or immigration specialists.

For expert consultation, please contact:

Harley Miller Law Firm

• Email: info@luatminhnguyen.com / miller@hmlf.vn
• Hotline: +84 93 7215 5585
• Website: luatminhnguyen.com or hmlf.vn