Vietnam Visa
LABOR VISA (LĐ)
- Criminal record from South Korea: Issued by the South Korean authorities and must be legalized by the consular office, along with a notarized translation.
- Criminal record from Vietnam: Issued by the Department of Justice of the province/city where the Korean national resides.
- Labor Visa (Temporary Residence Card – LĐ)
The temporary residence card, also known as a temporary residence permit, is a type of long-term visa issued by the competent Immigration Authority. It is granted to foreign nationals who meet the required conditions, allowing them to stay in Vietnam for the duration of the card’s validity. The special thing about the temporary residence card is that it not only serves as an entry permit but also replaces a visa, making it easier for foreigners during their stay in the country.
- The temporary residence card for labor (LĐ) has the following validity:
- LĐ1, LĐ2: Issued to Korean citizens working in Vietnam who are confirmed not to require a work permit. The validity period is 2 years.
- KIM BAY GROUP is a company providing trusted services for issuing residence cards for Koreans in Vietnam.
With a professional and dedicated team, quick procedures, high success rate, and reasonable costs, Kimbay Group commits to providing customers with fast, efficient, and professional services.
BUSINESS VISA (DN)
- A business visa is a type of visa issued to foreigners for working in Vietnam.
- This visa is used for entry purposes related to business, work, cooperation, visiting factories, discussing contracts, etc.
- The business visa has two types: DN1 and DN2.
+ VISA DN1
The DN1 visa is issued to foreigners working with businesses or organizations that have legal status under Vietnamese law.
Entities with legal status that can sponsor this visa include:
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
- Joint-stock Companies.
- Branches of LLCs or joint-stock companies.
- Foreign-invested companies.
- Domestic companies (100% Vietnamese capital).
+ VISA DN2
The DN2 visa is issued to foreigners for offering services, establishing a commercial presence, or engaging in other activities under international agreements to which Vietnam is a member.
**Validity of the Business Visa
- Visas with the codes NG1, NG2, NG3, NG4, LV1, LV2, DT4, DN1, DN2, NN1, NN2, NN3, DH, PV1, PV2, and TT have a validity of no more than 12 months.
- Thus, the maximum validity of a business visa is one year. However, in practice, DN1 and DN2 visas are typically issued for 3 months.
- Additionally, the business visa allows for single or multiple entries.
INVESTMENT VISA (DT)
An investment visa is a type of document that allows foreign investors to enter and legally reside in Vietnam. Currently, Vietnam is implementing an open-door policy with many incentives and benefits, attracting a significant number of foreign investors to participate in capital contributions to the market. Below is some reference information regarding the conditions and procedures for applying for an investment visa in Vietnam, provided by KIM BAY GROUP.
- According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (51/2019/QH14), investment visas for foreigners are regulated. Vietnam offers four types of investment visas, depending on the investment case, each with different characteristics and durations.
DT1:
- Validity: Up to 5 years
- Eligibility: Investors and representatives of foreign organizations with capital of 100 billion VND or more, or those investing in industries and regions with investment incentives as determined by the government.
- Investment Amount: 100 billion VND or more
DT2:
- Validity: Up to 5 years
- Eligibility: Investors and representatives of foreign organizations with capital between 50 billion VND and less than 100 billion VND, or those investing in encouraged industries and sectors as decided by the government.
- Investment Amount: 50 billion VND to less than 100 billion VND
DT3:
- Validity: Up to 3 years
- Eligibility: Investors and representatives of foreign organizations with capital between 3 billion VND and less than 50 billion VND.
- Investment Amount: 3 billion VND to less than 50 billion VND
DT4:
- Validity: Up to 12 months
- Eligibility: Investors and representatives of foreign organizations with capital contributions of less than 0.3 billion VND.
- Investment Amount: Less than 3 billion VND
Foreign investors who wish to obtain an investment visa in Vietnam must meet the following criteria:
- The foreign investor’s passport must be valid according to regulations.
- The foreign investor must be sponsored by an agency or organization to come to Vietnam.
- The foreign investor must provide documents proving their position, such as: business licenses or investment permits, certificates of capital contribution to the company’s business activities, and other documents confirming that the foreign individual qualifies as an investor under Vietnamese law.
These are the conditions for foreign individuals who are already investors abroad. But how can a foreigner become an investor in Vietnam? There are 4 ways a foreigner can become an investor in Vietnam:
- The foreigner can purchase shares of an existing company in the Vietnamese market, thus laying the foundation for their participation in the management and business operations of that company.
- The foreigner can join a limited liability company (LLC) by contributing capital, which gives them rights and responsibilities in managing and deciding the company’s business policies.
- The foreigner can contribute capital to establish a new company, creating an entirely new enterprise and having the ability to adjust the structure and operations according to the investor’s preferences.
- The foreigner can independently set up a new company, ensuring complete independence in managing and operating the business in Vietnam.
Investment Visa Application Procedures for Foreign Investors
The procedures and documentation for applying for an investment visa will differ depending on the situation and location of the foreign investor. Specifically, the application process differs when the foreign investor is in their home country versus when they are already in Vietnam. Below is detailed information on the procedures for applying for an investment visa in each case.
Case of foreign investors who are currently outside Vietnam:
Step 1: The Vietnamese company or enterprise in which the foreign investor is contributing capital will prepare the following documents:
- 01 notarized copy of the business license/investment certificate/decision from the competent authority confirming the establishment and organization of the enterprise.
- A sample of the seal or signature introduction (Form NA16) from a high-ranking authorized person in the company or enterprise.
- 01 photocopy of the foreign investor’s passport.
- 01 notarized copy of the foreign investor’s investment certificate.
- A sponsorship letter that has been submitted by the company (Form NA2 with barcode).
=> After preparing the documents, the company representative sponsoring the foreign investor will submit the application to the Immigration Department.
Once the application is complete, the company representative will receive a receipt. The processing time is 5 working days. After 5 working days, the Immigration Department will issue an Entry Approval Letter for the foreign investor to enter Vietnam. At this stage, the sponsoring company will scan and send the approval letter to the foreign investor, which is used for affixing the investment visa allowing the foreigner to enter Vietnam.
Step 2: After receiving the scanned copy provided by the company, the foreign investor must prepare the following additional documents:
- The original passport, valid according to regulations, with at least 02 blank pages (this passport will be used to apply for the entry approval letter).
- 02 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background.
- A printed copy of all pages of the entry approval letter.
- An application form for entry and exit to Vietnam.
Afterward, depending on the location, the foreign investor will submit the documents at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consular Office where they reside, or at the registered entry border gate in Vietnam to affix the investment visa and complete the entry procedure into Vietnam as an investor.
Case of foreign investors who are currently in Vietnam:
In this case, the sponsoring company will handle the procedure to apply for an investment visa for the foreign investor, or in other words, to change the current visa status to an investment visa. The sponsoring company needs to follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1: The sponsoring company needs to prepare the following documents:
- 01 notarized copy of the business license/investment certificate/decision from the competent authority confirming the establishment and organization of the enterprise.
- A sample of the seal or signature introduction (Form NA16) from an authorized person in the company.
- 01 notarized copy of the investment certificate.
- The original passport and temporary residence card of the foreign investor, which must be valid as per legal regulations.
- Form NA5, the application form requesting the issuance or extension of a temporary residence visa for the foreign investor in Vietnam.
- A temporary residence registration form as per the content and format required by law.
The sponsoring company will submit the application to one of the following immigration offices, depending on the location of the company:
- Hanoi Immigration Department
- Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department
- Da Nang Immigration Department
Once the application is submitted, the sponsoring company will receive a receipt from the competent authority.
Step 2: Based on the date specified on the receipt, the sponsoring company will return to collect the investment visa result. From this point, the process is considered complete, and the foreign investor will be allowed to stay in Vietnam under the investment visa status.
TOURIST VISA (DL)
In the context of globalization and the strong development of the tourism industry, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for international visitors. With its magnificent natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse cuisine, an increasing number of foreigners are eager to explore this S-shaped country. However, in order to set foot in Vietnam, one of the essential steps is obtaining a tourist visa for foreigners to enter the country. This article by KIM BAY GROUP will provide a detailed guide on the process and key considerations to help travelers prepare for their journey.
- According to Vietnamese law, there are two types of visas for foreign visitors:
- DL Visa: This type of visa requires the traveler to be sponsored by an international travel agency before entering Vietnam.
- E-Tourist Visa: This is an electronic visa, allowing travelers to complete the application process online through the Immigration Department system without the need for a sponsor.
Additionally, some countries have visa exemption agreements, allowing their citizens to enter Vietnam for up to 90 days based on unilateral or bilateral agreements.
FAMILY VISIT VISA (TT)
The Family Visit Visa (Visa TT) is a type of visa granted to foreigners to allow them to visit or live in Vietnam with the sponsorship of their Vietnamese relatives or foreign individuals who have relevant connections. This visa not only strengthens family relationships but also opens opportunities for cultural exchange and creates memorable experiences in the homeland.
- Documents required for applying for a family visit visa for foreigners
- For foreigners who are currently holding a Vietnamese visa and are sponsoring their relatives:
In this case, the documents required include:
- A visa application form (NA2), for foreigners currently outside Vietnam.
- An application for visa issuance or extension (NA5), for foreigners who are residing in Vietnam.
- The original passport of the sponsored individual (if they are in Vietnam).
- The passport and visa (or temporary residence card) of the sponsor.
- Documents proving the family relationship, such as birth certificates (for children and parents), marriage certificates (for spouses), household registration books, or family certificates. These documents must be consularly legalized and notarized as required.
- A letter of introduction from the person handling the visa application at the immigration authority.
Note: The documents must be compiled into a single set and organized in the order as listed.
- For Vietnamese citizens sponsoring foreign relatives:
In cases where a Vietnamese citizen is sponsoring a foreign relative, the required documents include:
- An application for the entry permission letter for family visit (NA3 form), applicable for foreigners currently outside Vietnam.
- An application for visa issuance or extension (NA5 form), applicable for foreigners residing in Vietnam.
- A notarized copy of the Vietnamese sponsor’s ID card.
- A notarized copy of the Vietnamese sponsor’s household registration book.
- A notarized copy of documents proving the family relationship, such as birth certificates (for children and parents), marriage certificates (for spouses), household registration books, or family certificates.
Procedure for applying for a family visit visa for foreigners:
- If the beneficiary is outside the country:
Step 1: Apply for Entry Approval Letter for Family Visit
The sponsor or the sponsoring company needs to prepare the required documents as outlined and submit them to the Immigration Department.
After submitting the documents, you will receive a receipt (or appointment letter) and need to wait approximately 5 working days for the immigration agency to process the application. Finally, you will receive the approval letter from the Immigration Department, called the “Vietnam Entry Approval Letter.” You should scan this entire letter and send it to the beneficiary abroad so they can apply for the TT visa.
Step 2: Affix the TT Visa to the Passport
Once the beneficiary receives the scanned Entry Approval Letter, they need to prepare the following:
- Original passport, valid for more than 6 months with at least 2 blank pages.
- 2 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background.
- Printed copy of all pages of the Entry Approval Letter.
- Entry/Exit application form for Vietnam.
Then, depending on the location registered, the foreigner will bring the documents to:
- The registered Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate; or
- The registered Vietnamese border gate.
- If the beneficiary is in Vietnam:
In this case, the sponsor or sponsoring entity will take the following steps to apply for a family visit visa (TT) for a foreigner in Vietnam:
Step 1: Prepare and Submit the Application The individual sponsor or the representative of the sponsoring agency needs to prepare the required documents as outlined. Once the application is complete, they will submit it to the Immigration Department in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or at the Immigration Police Department at the provincial level where the sponsoring company is located or where the sponsor’s permanent residence is registered.
After submission, the applicant will receive a receipt with an appointment for the result collection date.
Step 2: Receive the Result On the appointment day, the sponsor or their representative will return to the location where the application was submitted to collect the family visit visa result. From this point on, the foreigner will be allowed to stay in Vietnam under the family visit visa.
Eligibility for Family Visit Visa (TT)
According to the regulations of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, the family visit visa is issued in the following cases:
- A foreigner whose father or mother is a Vietnamese citizen or a foreigner who is eligible to sponsor.
- A foreigner whose spouse is a Vietnamese citizen or a foreigner who can provide sponsorship.
- Foreign children whose parents or grandparents are Vietnamese citizens or foreigners who meet the sponsorship requirements.
It is important to note that when a foreigner sponsors someone else, they must have a valid visa for Vietnam (including visa or temporary residence card) or must meet the requirements for obtaining a visa. The visa issuance period for the beneficiary will depend on the sponsor’s visa validity.