Vietnam Business Visa – Documentation, Eligibility and Fees
Getting a Vietnam business visa might be much easier than you thought. Let’s show you why!
Are you looking forward to visiting Vietnam for business? Do you have a business meeting/negotiation to do in Vietnam? Or maybe you have some new business contracts to sign; then a Vietnam business visa is your pass. With this visa, you can work for a Vietnamese enterprise for as long as your visa allows, attend business meetings and even sign contracts.
If you’re wondering what the process of obtaining the visa and the requirement are like. Do not worry! By reading this article to the end, you’ll find the answer to your questions.
Quick Things You Should Know About doing business in Vietnam.
- After decades of slow economic growth, Vietnam is one of the world’s fastest-growing countries and Southeast Asia’s third-largest market.
- Vietnam has transitioned from a primarily rural economy since its independence from France after World War II and the union of north and south Vietnam in 1975
- To succeed in business in Vietnam, foreign entrepreneurs must be aware of Vietnamese laws, rules, and regulations.
- The Vietnamese government has tight regulations governing companies that can have 100% foreign ownership. Thus, businesses that engage in activities that are not permitted for foreign ownership must work out a joint venture with a Vietnamese company.
- Registering a firm in Vietnam may involve many processes. Depending on the type of business you wish to establish, the process can take one to four months.
- Be it as it may, the Vietnamese government has significantly changed its regulatory business environment to promote entrepreneurship and draw in international investors.
What is Vietnam Business Visa?
The Vietnam business visa is a short-term visa issued to foreign nationals who intend to work with or for a company in Vietnam, attend a meeting or negotiation, or sign contracts but do not have a relevant work visa or temporary residence card. The visa is valid for just one month and three-month single/multiple entry visas.
Generally, the Vietnamese business visa is grouped into DN1 and DN2 visas.
The DN1 visa is issued to foreign nationals who work with other businesses/organizations with legal status in agreement with the laws of Vietnam.
The DN2 visa is issued to foreign nationals who come to Vietnam to provide services, establish a business presence or perform other activities under an international agreement to which Vietnam is a member.
Moreover, unlike tourist Visa holders who are not allowed to work in Vietnam, those with a business visa are permitted to have a vacation while conducting business.
Who is Exempted from Obtaining a Vietnamese Business Visa?
If you’re from any countries we’re about to list, you do not need to apply for a Vietnamese Visa, especially if you will only be in the country for a short period. That is, anywhere from 14 to 90 days, depending on your country.
- Belarus* (up to 15 days)
- Brunei (up to 14 days)
- Cambodia (up to 30 days)
- Chile (up to 90 days)
- Denmark* (up to 15 days)
- Finland* (up to 15 days)
- France* (15 days)
- Germany* (up to 15 days)
- Indonesia (up to 30 days)
- Italy* (up to 15 days)
- Japan* (up to 15 days)
- Kyrgyzstan (up to 30 days)
- Laos (up to 30 days)
- Malaysia (up to 30 days)
- Myanmar (up to 14 days)
- Norway* (up to 15 days)
- Philippines (up to 21 days)
- Russia* (up to 15 days)
- Singapore (up to 30 days)
- South Korea* (up to 15 days)
- Spain* (up to 15 days)
- Sweden* (up to 15 days)
- Thailand (up to 30 days)
- United Kingdom* (up to 15 days)
Note: Citizens from the countries with * must wait for a minimum of 30 days between visits if they intend to reenter Vietnam.
Outside of these listed countries, all other country nationals must get a Vietnamese business visa before entering Vietnam.
Vietnam Business Visa Requirements
To be granted a business visa for Vietnam, you must fulfill the following criteria:
#1. Date of Birth. Your date of both should be clearly written. The format for the birth date in Vietnam is DD/MM/YYYY. Make sure you follow it strictly.
#2. Your name is as it appears on your passport. When writing your name, ensure it is the same as in the passport. The name order is unimportant (you can begin with the surname or first name).
#3. Your passport: Your passport must be valid for six months from arriving in Vietnam. Also, you must include a scanned copy of your passport’s personal information and the photo page if you’re applying for an eVisa or the online Letter of Approval.
#4. Date of arrival. The date you fill in must be exactly your date of arrival.
#5. Passport-sized photographs. You must present passport photos upon arrival at the Vietnam airport.
#6. Evidence of payment of visa fees. Provide proof that you have paid the necessary business visa fee.
#7. If you are requesting for Vietnam Visa On Arrival, you will need to present the following:
- Entry and Exit Form. You will get this on the airplane, and you’ll have to complete it before landing so you can submit it to the Immigration Officers at the port of entry.
- Print out of Approval Letter
- Pay the visa stamp fee.
#8. If you are applying for a business visa at an Embassy/Consulate, you’ll have to submit the following:
- The Vietnam business visa Application Form: Depending on your country, you can download or get the business visa application form at the Embassy or Consulate.
- Letter of Sponsorship/Entry Clearance and,
- Any other additional paper works.
How To Apply For Vietnam Business Visa
There are three primary ways you can apply for a Vietnam Business Visa. It includes:
- At a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your country.
- Upon arrival at one of the eight eligible international airports in Vietnam.
- Online, through the Vietnam Immigration Service Portal.
Getting a Vietnam Business Visa at an Embassy/Consulate
If you want to apply for a Vietnam Business Visa at an embassy, you’ll have to visit the nearest one. Here is a list of the available Vietnamese embassies across the world.
The application process at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate
#1. After you submit the following data, your sponsor requests a Letter of Sponsorship or Letter of Entry Clearance from Vietnam’s Immigration Services:
- Your full name
- Your nationality ( indicate if you have more than one citizenship)
- The exact dates you will enter and leave Vietnam.
- The type of visa you require ( single or multiple-entry).
- Your chosen Vietnamese Embassy/consulate
#2. It will take 5-7 days for your application for a Letter of Sponsorship/Letter of Entry Clearance to process. If the application is successful, you will receive a letter from your sponsor.
#3. Afterward, you’ll have to submit the application for a Vietnam Business Visa alongside the Letter of Sponsorship/Letter of Entry Clearance at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate.
#4. Once your visa is approved, it will be attached to your passport, and you can enter the country with it.
Obtaining a Vietnam Business Visa On Arrival
Getting a business visa on arrival is similar to getting a visa at an embassy. Although this application method is a lot quicker and easier, you will receive a visa stamp at the airport rather than at the embassy.
A Visa On Arrival is only available at the following ports of entry:
- Cam Ranh Airport in Nha Trang.
- Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong
- Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi.
- Danang Airport in Da Nang.
- Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City.
The application process at the Vietnamese airport (VOA)
#1. The first thing is to get the letter of approval. You should receive this on the plane before you enter the port of entry. Alternatively, authorized private travel agencies can get the approval letter online.
#2. When you get your Letter of Approval, you can travel to Vietnam, but you must queue up at the visa-issuing counters and wait to have your visa stamped on your passport. Make sure you have your visa stamping fee– USD 25 for a single entry visa and USD 50 for a multiple entry visa.
N/B: You do not require sponsorship or a letter of invitation to apply for a Vietnam business visa on arrival.
Obtaining a Vietnam Business eVisa
Citizens of about 80 countries are eligible to get an online Vietnam Business Visa through the Vietnam Immigration Portal.
However, an eVisa is valid for only 30 days in a single entry, and you cannot extend it without leaving Vietnam. But if you intend to stay longer than 30 days, it is advised you apply for your business visa through one of the other two options.
Alternatively, you can request a Business visa for Vietnam personally, or your Vietnamese organization/company can apply on your behalf.
Applying for a Vietnam Business eVisa personally
1. To apply for a Business Visa online by yourself, when completing the online application form at the Vietnam Immigration Service Portal, select “Business Activities” as the purpose of your travel on the drop-down menu.
2. When you are done, upload a picture of yourself and a scanned copy of your passport, pay the visa fee, and wait for the visa to be processed.
3. If your Vietnam Business eVisa application is approved, you can download the electronic visa and present it to the Immigration officers. You can check on the status of your visa here.
If your application for the Vietnam Business eVisa is accepted, you can download the electronic visa and tender it to the immigration officers.
The inviting organization/company applies for your Vietnam Business eVisa.
On the other hand, If the company you join is applying for your Business Visa, they must register on the Vietnam Immigration Portal.
Here, they will be given an account and electronic signature. Then, they must upload a scanned picture of your passport and your photographs and pay the visa fee.
If your application is successful, they will send you the registration code so you can print out your eVisa and travel to Vietnam.
Is it possible to extend a Vietnam business visa?
The closest Vietnamese immigration office can extend a business visa for Vietnamese citizens. A letter of invitation or sponsorship from the hosting company is required. Only the on-arrival and embassy visas, nevertheless, can be prolonged. There is no way to extend the evisa.
How much is a Vietnam business visa?
The cost of a Vietnam business visa varies depending on how you’re applying;
1. For a Vietnam business visa on arrival, the fees include:
- Single-entry, three months – USD 25
- Multiple-entry, one month – USD 50
- Single-entry, three months – USD 25;
- Multiple-entry, three months: USD 50
- Multiple-entry, six months – USD 95
- Multiple-entry, 12 months – USD 135
2. For a Vietnam business evisa, you must pay USD 25.
3. But if you’re visiting an embassy or consulate to request a business visa for Vietnam: the price will depend on the individual embassy.
Also Read: Vietnam Visa – Requirements, Application, Types, and Cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a sponsorship letter to apply for a business visa to Vietnam?
A sponsorship/invitation letter is necessary whether you’re applying for a business visa at the embassy or on arrival. However, if you’re requesting an e-visa, it is not essential.
Am I permitted to work in Vietnam on a business visa?
Yes and No. Yes, because you can work for a short time. No, because a business visa is not enough if you intend to live and work in Vietnam for an extended period. In this situation, you will need a work permit.
What is the requirement for a business visa in Vietnam?
To apply for a Vietnam business visa, you must provide the following requirements:
- Your Birth Certificate.
- Your name is as it appears on your passport.
- Your passport: Your passport must be valid for six months from arriving in Vietnam.
- The date you intend to arrive.
- Passport-sized photographs. It must be 4 cm x 6 cm in size.
- Evidence of payment of visa fees.
- If you request a Vietnam Visa On Arrival, you will need to present the Entry and Exit Form. Print out of Approval Letter.
- Pay the visa stamp fee.
- If you are applying for a business visa at an Embassy/Consulate, you’ll have to submit the Vietnam business visa application form.
Conclusion
Finally, a business visa for Vietnam is an excellent alternative for anyone looking to start a business there. The documents, eligibility, and fees are all pretty simple to obtain. However, it is crucial to understand that starting a business in Vietnam presents its own hurdles, so do your research before deciding. Thank you for reading!
