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Vietnam Business Visa Application Guide: Practical Tips from Application to Approval

Thousands of Chinese business professionals travel to Vietnam every year to explore market opportunities, yet many encounter difficulties during the visa application process. How to prepare for a business trip to Vietnam: A guide to visas, itineraries, and local culture has become an urgent issue for business travelers.

Obtaining a Vietnam business visa is not complicated, as long as you follow the correct application procedures and stay updated on the latest policy requirements. In this guide, we will provide a detailed breakdown of Vietnam business visa types, required documents, application procedures, and fees to help you smoothly plan your business trip to Vietnam.

First, let’s understand the basic types of Vietnam business visas and their applicable scenarios


I. Vietnam Business Visa Types & Eligibility

1. When is a Business Visa Required?

The Vietnam Business Visa (DN Visa) is specifically designed for foreign nationals conducting business activities in Vietnam. Holders of this visa can legally engage in the following:

  • Attend business meetings and negotiations

  • Conduct market research and business discussions

  • Participate in training programs

  • Sign commercial contracts

  • Establish business partnerships with Vietnamese companies

Important Note: While business visa holders can engage in leisure travel outside of work activities, tourist visa (DL Visa) holders are not permitted to conduct business in Vietnam. Therefore, if you plan to engage in any form of commercial activity, a business visa is mandatory.

2. Comparison of Common Visa Types (DL, DN, LD)

Vietnam issues 21 different visa types based on the purpose of visit. Below is a comparison of the most relevant visas for business travelers:

Visa Type Eligibility Validity Key Features
DN1 Visa Foreigners cooperating with legally registered Vietnamese companies/organizations 1-3 months For short-term business visits
DN2 Visa Foreigners providing services, establishing a business presence, or conducting other activities under international treaties 1-3 months Business activities based on international agreements
DL Visa Visitors for tourism purposes only 1-3 months Cannot conduct business activities
LD Visa Foreigners working long-term in Vietnam 1-2 years (or longer) Requires a work permit

Key Differences Between Business & Work Visas

  • Business Visa (DN): For those negotiating business in Vietnam.

  • Work Visa (LD): For those employed by a Vietnamese company.

  • No work permit is needed for a business visa, but a work visa requires one.

  • Work visa holders can apply for a temporary residence card, while business visa holders cannot.

Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Business Visas

  • Single-Entry: Valid for one entry only—exiting Vietnam voids the visa.

  • Multiple-Entry: Allows unlimited entries during validity, ideal for frequent business travelers.

Vietnamese Immigration Advisory: Chinese citizens must apply for the correct visa type matching their purpose of visit. “Visa type not matching travel purpose” is a common reason for fines by Vietnamese authorities. Always apply through official channels, and ensure you have an invitation letter from a Vietnamese host company for business activities.


II. Required Documents for a Vietnam Business Visa

A successful application depends on submitting complete and compliant documents. Below are the key requirements:

1. Passport Validity Requirements

  • Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.

  • Must be undamaged (no tears, water damage, or alterations).

  • If you have an old passport, bring it to demonstrate travel history.

2. Visa Approval Letter & Company Documents

  • Visa Approval Letter (issued by the Vietnamese Immigration) is mandatory.

  • Without it, your visa may be rejected.

  • Your Vietnamese host company must apply for this letter on your behalf.

3. Photo & Visa Application Form

  • Two (2) passport-sized photos (35×45mm, white background) taken within the last 6 months.

  • Neutral expression, full-face view, no glasses or headwear (unless for religious reasons).

  • Fully completed Vietnam Visa Application Form (downloadable from the embassy website).

4. Supporting Documents (Flight & Hotel Bookings)

Additional documents that improve approval chances:

  • Round-trip flight itinerary

  • Hotel reservation confirmation in Vietnam

  • Business card

  • Copy of ID card (front & back on A4 paper)

Note: Vietnam’s visa policies change frequently, so always check for updates before applying.


III. Vietnam Business Visa Application Process

There are three main ways to apply for a Vietnam business visa:

Method Processing Time Entry Points Best For
E-Visa (Online) 1-4 days 33 designated ports Short-term business trips
Visa on Arrival (VoA) 5-7 days (approval letter) 8 international airports Short-term business trips+ want to extend or change to work visa
Embassy Visa 5-7 days All ports Long-term stays+ want to extend or change to work visa

1. E-Visa Application Steps

① Visit the official Vietnam e-visa portal (https://www.vietnam-visa.hk/apply-vietnam-visa/)
② Fill in personal details & select “Business Purpose”
③ Upload passport scan & photo (JPEG format)
④ Pay the visa fee (varies by processing speed: Standard (4 days) or Urgent (same day)
⑤ Print the e-visa and present it upon arrival.

Note: Chinese e-passport holders (starting with “E”) may receive a separate paper visa at immigration.

2. Visa on Arrival (VoA) Steps

① Your Vietnamese host company obtains an approval letter (5-7 days).
② Prepare:

  • Visa application form

  • Passport & photos

  • Approval letter
    ③ At the airport, go to the “Visa on Arrival” counter.
    ④ Submit documents & pay the stamping fee (25single−entry/50 multiple-entry).
    ⑤ Receive your visa and proceed to immigration.

Restriction: Only available at 8 international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, etc.).

3. Embassy Visa Application

① Your Vietnamese host company obtains an approval letter (5-7 days).
② Prepare:

  • Completed application form

  • Passport, photos, approval letter

  • Supporting documents
    ③ Submit at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate or via an agency.
    ④ Pay the visa fee.
    ⑤ Wait 5-7 business days for processing.
    ⑥ Collect your visa-stamped passport.


Final Recommendation

  • Short-term business trips? → E-Visa (fast & convenient).

  • Urgent travel? → Visa on Arrival (but only for air arrivals).

  • Long-term business stays? → Embassy Visa (longer validity).

For urgent assistance, contact:
📧 Email: info@yuenanyuenan.com
📱 LINE: https://line.me/ti/p/nqB711G8TX
💬 WeChat: vietnam-visa

Vietnam Business Visa Application Guide Practical Tips from Application to Approval

Visas to Vietnam have been made very simple.
Here’s why:
  • We do all that is necessary when you apply for a visa.
  • You made the form online, we send the result straight to your email.
  • You arrive in Vietnam, the visa is ready for pick up.
  • We have a 100% guarantee refund policy.
  • (see our refund policy)
Disclaimer: This website is not a government one and we are not affiliated with the embassy. We are in business to help and support those who need to get a visa for Vietnam.