Work Visa – Essential Procedures for Foreigners to Legally Work in Vietnam
Work visa is a mandatory type of visa for foreigners who intend to work legally in Vietnam. It is one of the most common visa categories, especially as Vietnam continues to integrate deeply into the global economy. With increasingly open policies, the Vietnamese government has created favorable conditions to attract foreign workers, investors, and business professionals.
Depending on the purpose and applicant profile, the work visa is divided into two main types:
LD1 Visa – For cases exempt from work permit requirements
The LD1 visa is issued to foreigners working in Vietnam who are not required to obtain a work permit, such as investors, heads of representative offices, or technical experts exempt from permits under Vietnamese laws or international agreements to which Vietnam is a party. The LD1 visa is valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed or converted into a temporary residence card if eligible.
LD2 Visa – For cases requiring a work permit
The LD2 visa is granted to foreigners who must obtain a work permit in order to work in Vietnam. This typically applies to engineers, specialists, skilled laborers, or any foreign employees contracted by Vietnamese businesses or organizations. The LD2 visa is also valid for up to 12 months. If the foreigner intends to stay longer, they can apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) matching the validity of their labor contract or work permit (typically up to 2 years).
Business Visa (DN Visa) – For Short-Term Business Activities in Vietnam
Aside from the work visa, foreigners may enter Vietnam for business purposes using a DN visa. This type of visa is commonly issued for short-term business trips, including negotiations, meetings, trade activities, market research, and other commercial engagements.
The DN visa includes two subtypes:
- DN1 Visa: Issued to foreigners working with legally registered companies or organizations in Vietnam as per Vietnamese laws.
- DN2 Visa: Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or perform activities under international treaties that Vietnam has signed.
DN visas are valid from 1 to 12 months, depending on the specific activities and the official entry approval letter issued by the Immigration Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Important Notes and TGA’s Visa Solutions
Whether applying for a work visa or a business visa, foreigners must comply with all legal requirements in Vietnam. The application process includes:
- Preparing the legal documents of the sponsoring company
- Drafting and submitting the official entry approval letter
- Applying for a work permit (for LD2 visa holders)
- Supporting conversion to a temporary residence card if necessary
With years of experience in immigration and visa consulting, TGA provides complete support for clients seeking a work visa, including:
- Advising on the most suitable visa type
- Preparing and reviewing application forms and documents
- Acting as a liaison with government authorities
- Minimizing processing time
- Preventing common mistakes that may lead to visa denial
