Vietnam is one of the most popular locations in Asia because it has an impressive economy. Despite the covid-19 pandemic that shook different regions of the world, Vietnam still enjoy positive growth in retail sales, imports, and industrial production. As a result, it’s a hub of commercial activities. You’ve probably found many people traveling to and from Vietnam to do business and want to do so too. It’s important to note that you’ll need a business visa to make it possible. But what is a business visa, and how does it work? Keep reading to find out more. This piece will be a detailed guide on business visa Vietnam.
Business Visa in Vietnam: An Overview
Simply, a business visa is given to those who want to perform business activities or operations within the country. This short-stay visa allows foreigners to handle their business for a few months. It’s ideal for those who’ll be attending a meeting, negotiating, signing contracts, or don’t have the requirement to apply for a working visa or temporary residence. A business visa in Vietnam will last for three months.
If you intend to get a business visa in Vietnam, you’ll have either of two options – DN1 and DN2.
- DN1 Visa – This visa is given to foreigners working with other enterprises and organizations that are juridical person as per the law of Vietnam.
- DN2 Visa – This visa is granted to foreigners making entry to promote services, establish commercial presence or conducting other activities according to international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory.
If you own a tourist Visa in Vietnam, you’ll be prohibited from working or offering business activities. However, a business Visa will allow you to take a leisure trip while in the country.
Business Visa in Vietnam: A Comparison
Tourist Visa
A business visa in Vietnam allows foreigners to engage in legitimate commercial activities such as meetings, negotiations, and site visits. A tourist visa, by contrast, is limited to leisure purposes. Using a tourist visa for business activities may be considered a violation of immigration rules, even if no payment is involved.
Work Visa
A work visa is required for foreigners who are formally employed in Vietnam and typically depends on the approval of a work permit or work permit exemption. Unlike a business visa, a work visa allows long-term stays and lawful employment. Individuals planning to take on operational or managerial roles should not rely on a business visa.
Investor Visa
An investor visa is designed for foreign nationals who contribute capital to a Vietnamese business. This visa often offers longer validity and may provide pathways to temporary residence. A business visa in Vietnam, on the other hand, is generally shorter term and focused on commercial engagement rather than ownership or investment.
Making the Right Choice
Selecting the correct visa type from the beginning reduces compliance risks and avoids unnecessary administrative complications. Understanding the purpose and limitations of each visa ensures business activities in Vietnam remain lawful and uninterrupted.
Business Visa in Vietnam: Understanding the Requirements
Unless you’re a citizen from a Vietnam visa-free country, you’ll need a business visa to conduct business in Vietnam.
To get a business visa, you must meet the following requirements;
- You must be free to enter and leave Vietnam
- You must have a sponsor company to settle your travel and visa bill. This will be the company that you’re working for in Vietnam. It must be a real company. You’ll encounter some difficulties if your sponsor is a ghost.
- You must have a valid passport for at least six months from your entry into Vietnam, and it must have a minimum of two blank pages.
- Your portrait photos (4*6cm, 2*2inch), white background, without glasses, taken within 06 months prior to the date of application . Depending on your application method, these photos may be in .jpg or paper.
- An invitation letter from your sponsor company.
Business Visa in Vietnam: Methods of Obtaining
If you wish to get a business visa in Vietnam, you can do it either of three ways;
- At a Vietnam embassy or consulate
- On arrival at a Vietnam international airport
- Online application (or known as Evisa with purpose of working); through the e-portal (applicable for citizens from certain 80 countries (updated March 2022)
Business Visa in Vietnam: Going the Embassy Route
If you wish to get your business visa at a Vietnam Embassy, the first thing to do is to visit one. You can find the list of Vietnam embassies online.
After identifying a Vietnam Embassy, the following ensued;
- A copy of your passport.
- Get your sponsor company to apply for a Vietnam business visa sponsorship letter. It’s also known as the business visa approval letter or business invitation letter. Your company will need to submit your photo, a certified copy of the Business’s registration, form NA2 and form NA16. The business visa sponsorship letter should take 5 – 7 days after receipt of all necessary documents.
- Submit documents for your business visa stamping. You will submit the letter issued to you in the step above, along with documents such as; an original passport, a completed Vietnam Visa application, visa fee and your photos.
- Get a business visa. If your business visa is approved, it will be attached to your passport. You can use this visa to get into the country.
Business Visa in Vietnam: On Arrival
This process is similar to the process above. But it adds the following steps;
- Your sponsor company should send the visa approval to you.
- Once you arrive at airport (as sponsor company registered on behalf of you before), you’ll be asked to submit an original passport, a Vietnam Visa approval, the visa fee, and your photos. Then you’ll pay for a visa stamping fee ($25 for single entry and $50 for multiple entries)
- Stamp your business visa
Business Visa in Vietnam: Online Application (or known as Evisa)
Vietnam allows citizens of up to 80 countries to apply for a business visa on its e-portal. However, a business e-visa is only valid for 30 days and can only be renewed outside the country. Therefore, if you intend to spend a stay less than 30 days in the country, you should try the first two options above.
You can apply for a business e-visa personally, or your sponsor company can do it for you. When applying personally, you’ll be asked to fill out an application form, fill out other essential inform, and submit your documents. When approved, the visa will be available for download. You’ll be expected to present it at your point of entry.
Only a company registered with the Vietnam Immigration Portal can apply for a business e-visa for their employee. They’ll need to upload your photograph along with other essential documents. If your application is approved, you’ll need a registration code to sign up on the portal and download your e-visa.
Business Visa in Vietnam: Mistakes to Avoid
Misunderstanding Activities
One of the most common mistakes when holding a business visa in Vietnam is making the assumption that it allows employment. Attending meetings, negotiating contracts, or carrying out market research are the primary purposes. Engaging in paid work, managing daily operations, or performing hands-on tasks for a Vietnamese company goes beyond the legal scope of a business visa and can result in penalties or visa cancellation.
Incomplete Documentation
Errors in documentation frequently cause delays or rejections. Common issues include errors in passport details, invitation letters and application forms not matching up, or lacking supporting documents. Minor errors can raise concerns during review. Ensuring accuracy and consistency is essential for a smooth application process.
Date of Application
Many applicants underestimate processing timelines for a business visa in Vietnam. Applying too close to the travel date increases the risk of delays, mainly during peak travel periods or public holidays. Applying in advance helps avoid stress and disruptions to business plans.
Assuming Guaranteed Extensions or Conversions
Another frequent misconception is that a business visa can always be extended or converted later. While extensions or conversions may be possible in some cases, they are subject to immigration regulations and individual circumstances. Non-compliance at the initial stage can significantly limit future options.
Securing a Business Visa in Vietnam Through Premia TNC’s Assistance
Visa applications can be strenuous, especially for whom with business purposes. Most people usually don’t have time to wait around when applying for a business visa in Vietnam. However, this leaves room for error and the risk of getting the Visa application denied. Why don’t you let professionals help you out?
At Premia TNC, we’re a professional business consultancy service. We know what it takes to apply for a business visa and get it approved quickly. You can hire us to help you apply for a business visa in Vietnam.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Business Visa in Vietnam
Can I extend a Vietnam Business Visa?
The extension of a Business Visa is subject to the time of submission as well as the processing authority. Premia is committed to providing clients with the most optimal advice and support based on the specific circumstances at any given time.
Can I get a business visa without a sponsor?
What are the potential legal consequences of working on a business visa in Vietnam?
Such action may lead to fines, deportation, or being banned from entering the country in the future.
Is it possible to convert a business visa to a work or investor visa?
Such a conversion may be possible under specific conditions, but this is not deemed as automatic. For this process, additional approvals and documentation are usually required, which also depend on the situation of each individual.
