WHAT IS A BUSINESS VISA?
Vietnam is experiencing significant development in areas such as the economy and politics, which has led to a rise in business activities, especially in international business. Consequently, the demand for Vietnam business visas has increased rapidly. This article provides an overview of the Vietnam business visa, with a focus on how to obtain one without the need for a sponsor.
What is a Business Visa?
A business visa is a document issued by the competent authorities of Vietnam, allowing foreign nationals to enter Vietnam for the purpose of working with businesses in the country.
The symbol for business visa is DN – Visa D
Types of Business Visa
Business Visas are divided into DN1 Visas and DN2 Visas. According to the amended Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014:
- DN1 Visa is issued to foreigners working with other enterprises and organizations that are juridical person under the the law of Vietnam.
- DN2 Visa is issued to foreigners making entry to promote services, establish commercial presence or conducting other activities according to international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory.
Conditions for granting Business Visa to foreign nationals
To qualify for a business visa, foreign applicants must meet the following criteria as stipulated in Article 10 of the amended Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014:
- Having a passport or an international travel document;
- Being invited or guaranteed by an agency, organization or individual in Vietnam;
- Not falling into the cases of suspension from entry;
- Having papers proving the purpose of entry in specific circumstances.
Business Visa Validity
According to Article 9 of the amended Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014, a business visa granted by the Vietnamese immigration agency is valid for 12 months at most, and new visas can be granted multiple times. However, it must be noted that the validity of visas is at least 30 days shorter than the foreign national’s passport or international travel document.
Pursuant to Article 36 of the amended Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014, business visa is not eligible for grant of temporary residence cards. Therefore, for those who wish to obtain their career in Vietnam, they may need to change their visa to other forms such as LD1 or LD2 so they can apply for a temporary residence card.
A foreign national cannot obtain Vietnam business visa without sponsor
Any foreign national coming to Vietnam for business purposes must be invited or guaranteed by an agency, organization or individual in Vietnam according to Article 16 of the amended Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014. Specifically, the entities that can invite or sponsor foreigners are stipulated in Article 14 of the amended Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014.
Required documents for obtaining Vietnam Business Visa
Here are the documents required to apply for a Vietnam business visa
- Application Form: A completed visa application form, signed and stamped by the sponsor (Vietnamese organization or agency).
- Sponsor’s documents:
- Business registration certificate or investment license of the sponsoring organization.
- Seal sample registration or notification on the use of the enterprise’s seal (if applicable).
- Letter of sponsorship or invitation (detailing the purpose of the foreign national’s visit).
- Passport: Original passport with at least six months of validity remaining and two blank pages.
- Approval Letter: Visa approval letter issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam, obtained by the sponsor.
- Proof of Purpose (if required): Documents supporting the purpose of the visit (e.g., employment contracts, project agreements, or invitations for business cooperation);
- Photo: Passport-sized photo (4×6 cm) meeting Vietnamese visa photo requirements.
- Visa Fee
- Additional documents (if required)