As Vietnam's economy continues to thrive and its stunning landscapes attract global attention, an increasing number of foreigners are considering Vietnam as their long-term residence. However, navigating the legal aspects of an extended stay can be complex. This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the process by outlining the various visa options available for individuals planning to stay long-term in Vietnam.

Work visa

A work visa is one of the most common avenues for foreigners seeking long-term residence in Vietnam. For individuals securing employment with a Vietnam-based company, obtaining a work permit or work permit exemption is necessary before applying for a work visa.

Type of Vietnam Work Visas

The working visa for foreigners in Vietnam is symbolized as LD1 and LD2.

-       LD1 – to be granted to foreigners who come to work in Vietnam with work permit exemption certificate, unless otherwise provided for in international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

-       LD2 – to be granted to foreigners who must have work permit to work in Vietnam.

Both LD1 and LD2 visas are valid for up to two years, matching the duration of the work permit, with the possibility of extension. The work visa valid for more than 1 year can be converted to a Temporary Residential Card (TRC). Work visa holders can also apply for dependent visas for their family members.

How to Get a Vietnam Work Visa

Vietnam work visa can be applied by the Vietnam-based sponsor company, while the foreigner can be either inside or outside Vietnam.

The application includes the following documents:

-       Application form;

-       The establishment license of the company where the foreigner is working for;

-       Registration form for the seal and signature of the legal representative of the sponsor company;

-       Photo of the foreigner;

-       Copy of valid passport of the foreigner;

-       Work permit or work permit exemption certificate.

The timeline is about 5 working days from the date of submission to the Vietnam Immigration Department.

The foreigner then will need to go to the Vietnam embassy/consulate in his/her host country to receive the visa stamp and pay government fee.

Many foreigners may confuse a business visa with a work visa for Vietnam, assuming they are interchangeable. However, they are distinct categories with different purposes. The business visa (DN visa) is intended for individuals engaging in business activities with Vietnamese enterprises, whereas the work visa (LD visa) is specifically for those employed by Vietnamese companies or offices. Notably, obtaining a business visa does not necessitate a work permit, whereas a work visa does. Work visas often have longer validity periods compared to business visas. Furthermore, work visa holders have the option to apply for a temporary residence card, a privilege not available to business visa holders.

Investor visa

For those interested in establishing or investing in businesses in Vietnam, the Investor Visa offers a viable option. The type of Investor Visa granted is determined by the amount of capital invested.

Type of Vietnam Investor Visas

Investor Visa is a type of visa granted by the Vietnam government to foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations/enterprises who establish or contribute capital to enterprises in Vietnam.

 

Vietnam Investor Visa is categorized into four types:

-        ĐT1 – to be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with capital contribution of at least USD4 million (~VND100 billion), or investing in the business fields and areas of investment incentives decided by the Vietnam Government. Valid for up to 5 years.

-        ĐT2 – to be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with capital contribution of USD2 million – under USD4 million (~VND50 billion - under VND100 billion), or investing in the business fields of investment encouragement decided by the Vietnam Government. Valid for up to 5 years.

-        ĐT3 – to be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with capital contribution of USD120k – under USD2 million (~VND3 billion – under VND50 billion). Valid for up to 3 years.

-        ĐT4 – to be granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with capital contribution of less than USD120k (~VND3 billion). Valid for up to 12 months.

Holders of an Investor visa to Vietnam can:

-        apply for a Temporary Residential card (TRC) which is valid for up to 5 years,

-        sponsor their spouse/children to get Vietnam dependent visa , and

-        extend the visa following this visa extension instruction.

How to get an Investor Visa for Vietnam

The foreigners can get an investor visa when they are in Vietnam or can apply for an approval letter for an investor visa when they are outside the country, and go to Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in their home country to receive visa stamp and pay government fee. The procedure to get the investor visa also differs depends on where you apply for it.

 

The Vietnam-based company which the foreigners invest in, will prepare and submit the application including the following documents:

-       Application form;

-       The establishment license of the company;

-       Registration form for the seal and signature of the legal representative of the company;

-       Original or copy valid passport of the foreigner;

-       Temporary residence registration form.

-       Other relevant documents at the request of the Immigration Department

The timeline is about 5 working days from the date of submission to the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Dependent visa

Vietnam dependent visa also known as Vietnam family visa or relatives visa, symbolized as TT visa, is granted to foreigners whose relatives are Vietnamese citizens or foreign relatives/family who are working and living in Vietnam.

 

Vietnam TT visa is granted to:

-        Foreigners who are spouses and children under 18 years old of foreigners who are issued with visa symbols LV1, LV2 (Work visa for those who come to work with government agencies); LS (Lawyers visa); DT1, DT2, DT3 (Investor visa); NN1, NN2 (Vietnam visa for foreign organization); DH (Student visa); PV1 (Journalist visa); LD1, LD2 (Work visa);

-        Foreigners who are parents, spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens;

The validity of TT visa is maximum 1 year. Foreigners can apply for a single entry or multiple entry visa depending on their purposes. Those want to stay in Vietnam for more than 1 year, should apply for a temporary residential card, with the validity up to 3 years.

How to get a Dependent Visa for Vietnam

The foreigners can get a dependent visa at the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate if they are outside Vietnam, or convert their current visa to TT visa at the Vietnam Immigration Department in Vietnam if they are inside the country. The procedure to get the dependent visa also differs depends on where they apply for it.

Documents need to prepared including:

-        Application form;

-        Original or copy of passport of the dependent (valid for at least 06 months, having at least 01 blank page and valid Vietnam visa);

-        Notarized copies of citizen ID Card, family book , passport, temporary residential card, visa, …of the sponsor;

-        Documents proving family relationship, such as marriage certificate, certificate of birth, etc. In case they were issued in foreign countries, they are subject to Vietnam consular legalization and certified translation into Vietnamese.

-        Notarized copies of the establishment licenses of the organization/company for which the sponsor is working/investing

-        Other relevant documents at the request of the Immigration Department

Depending on each case, the documents for sponsoring foreigner’s relatives to enter Vietnam will have different requirements.

The processing time for the entry dispatch is about 5 working days from the date of submission to the Vietnam Immigration Department, or can be up to 7~10 days.  

Conclusion, Vietnam offers a range of visa options for foreigners seeking long-term residence in the country. Whether for work, investment, or family reunification, understanding these visa categories and their application processes is essential for a smooth transition to life in Vietnam.

 

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