Comprehensive Guide to Vietnamese Visa Types: Classification and Conditions in 2025

General Introduction

Vietnam’s visa system has undergone significant changes in recent years to accommodate the growing number of foreign nationals coming to live, work, and invest in the country. Starting from 2024 and continuing into 2025, visa policies have been adjusted towards greater flexibility and clearer categorization, aiming to meet the practical needs of immigration management as well as international integration.

A thorough and accurate understanding of the current types of visas is essential for any foreign individual or organization intending to enter, work, invest, or legally reside in Vietnam.

See also: Benefits and Privileges for Holders of Vietnamese Visas.

Overview of the Vietnamese Visa System

Pursuant to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, Vietnamese visas are classified based on the purpose of entry, the type of applicant, and the permitted duration of stay.

Common types of visas include:

• Diplomatic visas
• Visas for working with Vietnamese agencies or organizations
• Investor visas
• Business and commercial visas
• Visas for representatives of foreign organizations
• Visas for study, journalism, and tourism purposes
• Work visas
• Visas for visiting relatives and other specific purposes

Main Categories of Vietnamese Visas (Updated 2025)

Pursuant to current legislation, Vietnamese visas are classified according to the purpose of entry. The most common visa types for foreigners entering Vietnam include:

1. Tourist Visa (Code: DL)

Purpose: For tourism, sightseeing, or leisure activities.

Validity: Not exceeding 90 days. (Clause 2, Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam)

2. Business/Work Visa (Codes: DN1, DN2)

Purpose:

• DN1: Issued to foreigners working with Vietnamese enterprises or organizations that have legal status in accordance with Vietnamese law.
• DN2: Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or perform other activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

Validity: Up to 1 year, depending on the content and supporting sponsorship documentation. (Clause 4, Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam)

3. Work Visa (Codes: LĐ1, LĐ2)

Purpose: For foreigners working under labor contracts with organizations in Vietnam.

Validity: Corresponds to the duration of the work permit, but not exceeding 2 years. (Clause 5, Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam)

4. Student Visa (Code: DH)

Purpose: For studying at educational institutions in Vietnam, including formal degree programs, exchange programs, and internships.

Validity: Corresponds to the duration of the course or training program, but not exceeding 1 year. (Clause 4, Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam)

5. Diplomatic Visa (Code: NG)

Purpose: For diplomatic or consular missions, or representatives of international organizations in Vietnam.
Validity: Determined by the mission term or as certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not exceeding 1 year. (Clause 4, Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam)

Requirements for Each Type of Visa

Although each type of visa in Vietnam is subject to specific conditions depending on the purpose of entry, applicants should be aware of several general requirements that apply to most visa categories, including:

1. Valid Application Documents Corresponding to the Visa Type

Pursuant to Article 10 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, applicants must submit sufficient documentation proving the purpose of entry for each visa category, unless they hold a passport or a valid international travel document. Certain visa types require additional supporting documents as follows:

• Investor Visa (ĐT): Foreigners entering Vietnam for investment purposes must provide documentation evidencing their investment in accordance with the Law on Investment;
• Lawyer Visa (LS): Foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam must hold a valid law practice license as prescribed by the Law on Lawyers;
• Work Visa (LĐ): Foreigners entering Vietnam for employment must hold a work permit as required by the Labor Code;
• Student Visa (DH): Foreigners entering for study purposes must submit an acceptance letter from a Vietnamese educational institution.

2. Processing Time for Visa Applications

• Diplomatic Visas (NG1 and NG2): These are issued within one (01) working day from the date the competent Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad receives a complete application and the approval notification from the Consular Department or the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs.
• Other Visa Types: These are issued within three (03) working days from the date the Vietnamese diplomatic mission abroad receives a complete application and the approval notification from the Immigration Department, the Consular Department, or the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Foreign Affairs.
• E-Visas: The standard processing time is five (05) working days, as officially announced by the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security.

3. Visa Fees and Related Charges

Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and the number of entries (single or multiple), as specifically provided in Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Finance.

• The fee for an electronic visa (e-visa) is fixed at USD 25 per issuance.

4. Validity Period of Visas

Each visa type has a different validity period, which is granted in accordance with the applicant’s intended purpose of entry and the supporting documentation submitted.

Legal Compliance and Valid Documentation

To ensure that visa applications are duly received and processed in accordance with the law, all applications must adhere to the following legal and administrative principles:

1. Citing and Applying Current Legal Provisions

Applications must reflect the most up-to-date legal basis as prescribed under:

• The Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014/QH13);
• Its amending and supplementing laws, including Law No. 51/2019/QH14 and Law No. 23/2023/QH15;
• Guiding regulations such as Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC (on visa fees) and official instructions issued by the Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security.

2. Use of Official Terminology under Vietnam’s Immigration Law

All documents, invitation letters, application forms, and supporting contracts submitted with the visa application should apply consistent legal terminology, such as:

• “Entry Invitation Letter” (Giấy mời nhập cảnh) instead of “letter of invitation”;
• “Electronic visa” (Thị thực điện tử) instead of “e-visa” (the English term may be used only in bilingual or translated versions);
• “Competent Immigration Authority” (Cơ quan quản lý xuất nhập cảnh có thẩm quyền) instead of the generic term “immigration office”.

3. Compliance with Proper Application Procedures

Visa applications must:

• Be submitted to the competent authority (Vietnamese Embassy, Consulate General abroad, or the Immigration Department in Vietnam);
• Include all required documents, which must be duly legalized if issued by foreign authorities;
• Follow the official forms and templates prescribed by the competent state agencies.

Note: Visa and residence regulations in Vietnam are subject to periodic revisions. It is essential to regularly review and update documentation to ensure full compliance, especially in light of Vietnam’s evolving legal framework.

In Vietnam, foreigners may choose between a long-term multiple-entry visa and a temporary residence card (TRC), depending on their intended stay and legal eligibility. Both are governed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended in 2019 and 2023). While the visa allows multiple entries within its validity—typically up to one year, or up to five years for some investors—the TRC serves as a visa substitute, permitting legal residence for two to ten years, depending on the applicant’s category. The multiple-entry visa is commonly issued to foreign workers, investors, experts, and those visiting relatives, but it offers only short-term residence and requires renewal. In contrast, the TRC provides more stable, long-term residence and is typically granted to foreign workers with work permits, investors, and relatives of Vietnamese citizens. Unlike the visa, the TRC allows eligible holders to sponsor dependents such as spouses and children. Additionally, while changing the purpose of stay under a visa is limited, the TRC may be converted if legal conditions are fulfilled.

Conclusion

A comprehensive and accurate understanding of Vietnam’s visa regulations is crucial to ensure that foreigners’ entry, employment, study, or investment activities are conducted legally and smoothly. With an increasingly refined and updated visa classification system aligned with real-world immigration practices, foreign individuals and organizations must proactively research, prepare complete documentation that aligns with their entry purpose, follow proper procedural steps, and strictly comply with applicable legal provisions.

Especially in 2025, as Vietnam continues its deep integration with the global community, compliance with immigration regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a reflection of professionalism and respect for the host country’s laws. To avoid unnecessary legal risks, it is highly advisable to stay updated on regulatory changes, consult official guidance from competent authorities, or seek assistance from experienced immigration consultants when needed.

Harley Miller Law Firm

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