If you are a Chinese citizen planning to travel to Vietnam for business activities—such as signing contracts, attending business seminars, or collaborating with local companies—you will need to apply for a Vietnamese business visa. This comprehensive guide will detail all aspects of the Vietnamese business visa, including visa types, eligibility, application methods, required documents, fees, processing times, and practical tips for expedited processing.
A Vietnamese business visa is a type of visa that allows foreigners to enter Vietnam for business purposes. According to Vietnamese law, business visas can be valid for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year, and can be issued for single or multiple entries. For 1-month or 3-month business visas, foreigners typically do not need a Vietnamese work permit.
Symbol | Type | Expected Stay Duration |
---|---|---|
DN1 | Business Visa | 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year |
DN2 | Business Visa | 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year |
DN1 Visa: For foreigners invited by legally recognized Vietnamese enterprises or organizations (e.g., limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, foreign-invested companies). These entities must act as the sponsor for the visa application.
DN2 Visa: For foreigners entering Vietnam under international treaties to provide services, establish companies, or conduct trade activities. While applicants do not need to work for a specific Vietnamese company, a sponsoring entity is still required to verify the purpose of entry.
The following individuals are eligible for a Vietnamese business visa:
Foreign investors
Foreigners entering Vietnam for business purposes (e.g., information exchange, contract signing, cooperation)
Representatives of non-governmental organizations
Foreign workers holding a Vietnamese work permit or work permit exemption certificate
Foreign lawyers licensed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice
There are three main ways to apply for a Vietnamese business visa:
Through the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate
Visa on Arrival (VOA)
E-Visa (Electronic Visa)
Each method has different document requirements and procedures.
This method requires applicants to submit documents at the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in their home country.
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Documents from the applicant:
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months upon arrival in Vietnam, with at least one blank visa page.
Passport-sized photo: 4×6 cm, taken within the last 6 months, white background, no glasses, facing forward.
Visa approval letter (issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department via the sponsoring company).
Documents from the sponsoring company in Vietnam:
Notarized business license copy.
Foreigner entry application form (Form NA2).
Vietnamese visa application form (Form NA5).
Company seal and signature sample (Form NA16).
Step 2: Submit Documents
Submit all required documents to the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your home country.
Step 3: Pay Fees & Wait for Approval
Processing time: 3-5 working days. If approved, the applicant will receive an entry invitation letter from Vietnam Immigration. The visa can then be stamped into the passport at:
An airport/land border checkpoint, or
The Vietnamese embassy/consulate.
Similar to a tourist visa, a business visa on arrival requires a pre-approved visa approval letter from a Vietnamese agency before travel.
Required Documents:
Visa approval letter (issued by Vietnam Immigration).
Passport (valid for at least 6 months, with 2 blank pages).
Completed visa application form.
2 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background).
Cash for visa stamping fee.
Application Process:
The sponsoring company in Vietnam obtains the visa approval letter.
The applicant prints the approval letter and visa application form.
Upon arrival at a Vietnamese airport, present the documents and pay the stamping fee to receive the visa.
(*) 8 international airports in Vietnam accept business visas on arrival:
Noi Bai (Hanoi), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), Lien Khuong (Da Lat), Phu Quoc, Can Tho, and Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City).
Both foreigners and sponsoring companies in Vietnam can apply for an e-visa.
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
Scanned passport bio page.
Passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, white background).
Temporary address in Vietnam.
Credit/debit card for payment.
Entry/exit dates and port of entry (1 of 33 designated ports).
Valid email address.
Step 2: Submit Application Online
Visit the official Vietnam e-visa website.
Select “Business Activities” as the purpose of travel.
Receive a registration code.
Step 3: Pay Fees & Wait for Approval
Processing time: 3-5 working days.
Step 4: Receive E-Visa
Download and print the e-visa PDF.
Present it at the Vietnam immigration checkpoint.
For urgent travel needs, Vietnam-visa.hk offers fast and secure visa services with Chinese language support.
Steps:
Visit the application page: https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/
Fill out the form: Select visa type (Business Visa), arrival date, nationality, and duration.
Upload documents: Passport scan and photo.
Choose expedited processing: Options include 2-hour, 4-hour, or 8-hour service.
Pay online and receive the e-visa approval letter via email.
Print the approval letter and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.
Total processing time: As fast as 15 minutes.
To extend a business visa, apply at a Vietnamese immigration office.
Step 1: Prepare Documents
Invitation letter from the sponsoring company.
Company’s legal documents (business license, seal certificate).
Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
Visa extension application form (NA5).
Temporary residence confirmation from the local police.
Step 2: Submit Documents
Submit to an immigration office in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City.
Step 3: Pay Fees & Wait for Approval
Fee: $10
Processing time: 5 working days
Step 4: Collect Extended Visa
Return to the immigration office to receive the extended visa.
Note: E-visas cannot be extended.
Method | Processing Time | Fees |
---|---|---|
Embassy/Consulate | 5-7 days (approval letter) + embassy processing | Varies by embassy |
Visa on Arrival | 5-7 days (approval letter) + 30 min–1 hour (airport stamping) | ~$25–$50 (stamping fee) |
E-Visa | 3-5 days | ~$25 (single-entry) |
✔ Apply in the morning (Vietnam time, GMT+7) for faster processing.
✔ Ensure clear document scans to avoid delays.
✔ Save payment receipts for reference.
✔ Bookmark the official website for future applications.
This guide should help you smoothly obtain your Vietnamese business visa. If you have further questions, feel free to ask!