Vietnam Business Visa 2025: Requirements, Application Guidelines & Processing

Understanding the legal regulations concerning business visas (code DN) in Vietnam is essential for foreign individuals seeking entry into the country for the purposes of conducting business, promoting trade, or engaging with local partners. The following guide provides up-to-date information on visa eligibility requirements, the application process, and processing times in accordance with current laws as of 2025.

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Overview of the Vietnam Business Visa

The Vietnam business visa is an official document that permits foreign nationals to enter Vietnam to engage in business-related activities. These activities may include attending meetings, conducting market research, or establishing business relationships with local partners.

Types of Business Visas

Business visas for working with enterprises in Vietnam.

Type DN1

Purpose: Granted to foreign nationals working with enterprises or other organizations that are legally recognized under Vietnamese law.
Legal basis: Article 8 Law No. 47/2014/QH13, as amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14.

Type DN2

Purpose: Granted to foreign nationals entering Vietnam to offer services. Establish a commercial presence, or perform other activities in accordance with international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.
Legal basis: Also stipulated under Article 8 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13, as amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14.

Visa Duration

Validity: The business visa granted to foreign nationals entering Vietnam is valid for a period not exceeding 12 months (pursuant to Article 9 of the Law No. 47/2014/QH13). Accordingly, the maximum duration of a business visa is one year. However, in practice, DN1 and DN2 visas are typically issued for a period of only 3 months.

Foreign nationals wishing to stay in Vietnam for an extended period for work purposes may apply for a conversion to a temporary residence card (TRC), which can be valid for up to 5 years.

Eligibility Requirements

Conditions:

• Possess a valid passport or international travel document in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Be sponsored by a company or enterprise in Vietnam that has legal status (legal entity status) under Vietnamese law.
• Not fall under the cases of entry prohibition as prescribed in Article 21 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (e.g., subject to expulsion from Vietnam, using falsified documents, etc.).
• Provide documentation evidencing the purpose of entry (e.g., letter of invitation), depending on the specific case.

Required Documents

Corporate Documents:

• A letter of invitation from a company based in Vietnam.
• Business registration certificate or enterprise license.
• Evidence of business relationship with entities in Vietnam.
• Sponsorship letter from the inviting company.

Personal Documents:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months of remaining validity).
• Completed visa application form.
• Recent passport-sized photograph.
• Proof of financial capacity.

Application Procedure

Step 1: Prepare a complete application dossier

The application must include documents from both the sponsoring enterprise and the individual applicant.

Step 2: Submit the application through one of the following channels:

• Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate General abroad
  Applicable in cases where the applicant intends to receive a visa at the port of entry or at a diplomatic mission abroad.
• Licensed visa service provider in Vietnam
  This entity may act on behalf of the sponsoring company to submit the application to the Vietnam Immigration Department in order to obtain an official Entry Approval Letter.
• Vietnam’s official electronic visa portal (e-visa)
  Submission can be made online at https://evisa.gov.vn

Step 3: Pay the visa application fee

The visa fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, validity period, etc.) and the submission method (at the consulate, via e-visa, or at the port of entry).

Visa fees are specified under Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Finance.

Step 4: Await application processing

The processing time: from 03 to 07 working days, depending on the method of submission and the type of visa.

Step 5: Receive visa issuance result

If the application is approved, the foreign applicant will be issued one of the following:

• An electronic visa approval letter (in the case of e-visa applications);
• An entry approval letter to obtain a visa on arrival at the port of entry or at a Vietnamese consular post;
• A visa sticker affixed to the passport issued by a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.

Processing Information

Standard Processing Time:

• Electronic Visa (e-visa): Typically takes 03 to 05 working days from the date the system confirms receipt of a complete and valid application (as per the official portal at https://evisa.gov.vn).
• Standard visa through Vietnamese diplomatic missions (Embassies, Consulates): Processing time ranges from 03 to 05 working days, depending on the specific mission and region.
• Visa based on entry approval letter (sponsored by a Vietnamese enterprise): Takes approximately 05 to 07 working days from the date a complete dossier is submitted to the Immigration Department.

Expedited Processing Options:

Certain licensed visa service providers may assist clients with expedited processing in specific circumstances:

• 24-hour processing: Higher service fee applies; available for urgent or exceptional cases.
• 48-hour processing: Standard expedited service fee applies.
• Emergency expedited processing: Requires supporting documentation demonstrating urgent circumstances (e.g., medical issues, emergency business travel, international events). Approval is subject to the discretion of the competent authority.

See more articles on Visa procedures for foreign workers in Vietnam

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

During the application process and while using a business visa in Vietnam, foreign nationals and their sponsoring organizations should avoid the following common mistakes:

• Submitting incomplete or invalid documentation: Visa applications lacking required documents or containing improper materials may lead to denial or significant processing delays.
• Engaging in activities inconsistent with the visa’s stated purpose: Using a business visa to work, invest, or operate a business without proper authorization constitutes a violation of Vietnamese law.

Important Note

Vietnam’s visa policies are subject to change based on legal developments, foreign policy, and immigration control requirements.

Applicants are strongly advised to consult official and up-to-date sources before submitting their applications.

Harley Miller Law Firm

• Email: info@luatminhnguyen.com / miller@hmlf.vn
• Website: luatminhnguyen.com or hmlf.vn
• Hotline: +84 9372 15585

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