Types of Work Visas for Vietnam in 2022

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There are a number of different types of work visas that can be used to legally engage in employment in Vietnam. Which visa you will need will depend on which type of work you intend to engage in.

HN Visas: meetings and conferences

With a wide variety of world class hotels spread throughout Vietnam’s three major cities, this rapidly developing country can be the perfect place to hold a work meeting or conference. This is particularly useful for business persons looking to invest in the country or the region more generally.

A HN visa is a type of work visa that allows business leaders, thought leaders, and investors to visit Vietnam for the purposes of attending a meeting or conference. These visas are valid for up to 90 days and can be applied for through the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs.

LD Visas: Work visas for foreign workers

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Vietnam can be a great place to live and work. Wages are relatively high for foreign workers and the cost of living is relatively low compared to bigger, more developed economies.

See also: Working in Vietnam as an Expat: The Ins and Outs (2022)

LD visas are the most common types of work visa for foreign workers in Vietnam. These visas cover foreigners working for both local or international organizations. They also cover fields from teaching to marketing.

Despite being a very common type of work visa, applying for LD visas can be time consuming and there are a number of bureaucratic hurdles applicants must pass through.

LD Visas generally last for two years.

Full details on apply for an LD work visa can be found here: Vietnam’s Visas and Work Permit Procedures

LV Visas: Working with the Vietnamese authorities

From time to time, Vietnamese authorities may employ foreign business persons to assist in developing any number of a broad range of projects. These visas can last up to one year at the discretion of the issuing agency.

LS Visas: Visas for lawyers

There are any number of reasons lawyers may need to visit Vietnam. This could be to assist in developing a trade agreement or the wording of a new policy. In order to facilitate their ease of entry, foreign lawyers can apply for LS visas that allow them to enter Vietnam for up to five years.

DT Visas: Visas for foreign investors

Foreign direct investment has been a cornerstone of Vietnam’s development. To facilitate the entry and exit of foreign investors there are a number of visas available. The length of time these visas are valid depends on the size of the investment. Generally, visas are issued based on the following dollar-value, timeframe criteria:

  • over US$2.17 million will be issued a visa for five years,
  • over US$135,500 but under US$2.17 million will be issued a visa for three years, and
  • less than US$135,500 will be issued a visa for one year.

DN Visas: For foreigners working with Vietnamese businesses

Foreigners who enter Vietnam for the purpose of working with a Vietnamese business may be eligible for a DN visa. These types of work visa are  commonly referred to as business visas. DN visas can be issued for up to 12 months but are usually issued for three.

NN Visas: Visas for foreign non-governmental organizations

A number of international NGOs operate in Vietnam across a broad range of fields. Many of these organizations employ a number of foreign workers. These workers may be best equipped to work in Vietnam with a type of work visa known as an ‘NN’.

There are three types of NN visas. The first two types are the NN-1 and NN-2 and are for the Head of Project Office for the Foreign NGO. The second type of NN visa is for NGO staff.

In order to qualify for an NN visa, NGO workers need to be employed by an officially recognised organization.

For more information see: How to Set Up an NGO in Vietnam

NG Visas: Visas for diplomats

Diplomats working in Vietnam are issued with their own specific type of work visa. These are known as NG visas and are issued for up to 12 months.

PV Visas: Press and foreign correspondents visas

PV visas for members of the press and foreign correspondents can be difficult to acquire. Foreign news workers will find they are forced to jump through a number of hoops to be allowed to legally and officially work in Vietnam. That said, these visas can be issued provided editorial teams can satisfy the visa requirements. This type of work visa can be issued for up to 12 months.

Non-work visas

Aside from the aforementioned types of work visa there are a number of other types of visas. The most common is a tourist visa for international visitors. These are normally issued for one month but can be issued for up to 90 days if the foreign tourist is sponsored by a travel agency. Visitors to Vietnam may also be able to apply for a quick and easy e-visa online.

For more information on e-visas see: Vietnam’s E-visa Program in 2022: Who’s Eligible and How to Apply

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