This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to work in Vietnam, and how to navigate the different types of work and business visas available to you. This article will also explore some important considerations you should consider when planning your relocation, as well as the process for obtaining a work permit in Vietnam.
Overview of Vietnam’s business and work visas
Work in Vietnam within the public sector with the LV Visa
The Vietnam Làm việc với cơ quan đại diện ngoại giao (LV) Visa translates to the diplomatic agency visa. It is specifically designed to allow you to work within the country’s public sector and is divided between two categories, depending on the type of diplomatic agency that will be sponsoring your stay:
- LV1 Visa: Allows foreigners to work within Vietnamese state or government agencies such as Vietnam’s Communist Party, the National Assembly, the People’s Supreme Court, the People’s Supreme Procuracy, State Audit Agency, ministerial agencies, etc.
- LV2 Visa: Allows foreigners to work in social, socio-political, and non-government organizations, or within the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Both types of visas are valid for one year and permit you to conduct work and participate in meetings, conferences, and other projects, as long as they are relevant to the organization sponsoring your stay. Remember that the LV1 and 2 visas are not intended for tourism and do not allow any employment for private companies.
Work in Vietnam’s private sector through an LD Visa
If you intend on working in Vietnam’s private sector, then you can apply for the Lao động (LD) Visa, also known as the labor visa. Similarly to the LV Visa, the LD Visa is divided into two categories depending on whether you require a work permit or are exempt through an international treaty.
The two-year LD1 Visa restricts your work and business activities to the specific provisions of the international treaty between Thailand and your country of residence. When applying for this type of visa, you will need a Vietnamese private company to act as your sponsor and provide documentation demonstrating the specific treaty clauses that relate to your situation.
The LD2 Visa allows stays of up to two years for paid employment with a Vietnamese private legal entity, as long as they act as your sponsor. You must also provide an employment contract that clearly outlines your functions’ scope and allowed activities. Keep in mind that you will need to first secure a Vietnamese work permit before applying for the LD2 Visa.
Engage in business-related activities via the DN Visa
One of the visas most commonly applied for in Vietnam is the Doanh Nghiệp (DN) Visa, which is a business visa. The DN1 and 2 Visas allow for a broader range of business-related activities but do not allow for paid employment unless you secure a work permit. The visas are classified based primarily on whether you are working with a Vietnamese entity or establishing your own:
DN1 Visa purposes of stay:
- Attend business meetings and negotiations
- Participate in Trade shows or exhibitions
- Providing consultations
- Market research
DN2 Visa purposes of stay:
- Setting up a company branch or representative office in Vietnam
- Business operations relating to establishing your legal entity
- Internation trade, investment, or economic-focused activities
It is common for foreigners to first come to Vietnam through the DN1 Visa, due to its lower entry requirements (only a sponsor and valid passport are necessary) and then apply for a work permit to be allowed to start working. Emerhub’s advisors can help you determine the most optimal way for you to relocate to Vietnam based on your specific situation.
Vietnamese Visa requirements for business and work
The main factor for obtaining a work visa in Vietnam is having a sponsor company that is legally established with actual operations in Vietnam. The sponsor’s operations can be demonstrated through office lease contracts with office pictures, tax report submissions and payments, contracts, etc. Generally, visa approval is easier with sponsors having higher registered capital.
While requirements can vary depending on the purpose of stay, generally you will need to provide Vietnamese authorities with the following documents:
- Passport with a remaining validity period of at least 6 months from arrival
- Sponsorship letter from a company in Vietnam
- Visa application form
- Visa-specific supporting documents
Emerhub’s team of local experts can assist you in determining the right type of visa for your purposes, as well as help you secure a sponsorship from a registered Vietnamese entity. We will also handle the application process and coordinate with the sponsor, meaning that you will only need to get your passport stamped once the visa is approved.
Key considerations for foreigners planning to work in Vietnam
How does Visa transitioning work in Vietnam?
Visa transitioning consists of entering the country on a certain type of visa and then applying for a different visa while already in the country. Generally, this is not permitted in Vietnam, and you must leave the country first, and then re-enter the country with a new visa. However, there are certain scenarios in which you can transition visas without needing to leave Vietnam:
- Becoming an investor or representative of a foreign organization investing in Vietnam.
- You are the parent, spouse, or child of Vietnamese citizens.
- Being a spouse or child under 18 years old of a Vietnamese visa-holder who is willing to sponsor you.
- Being invited or sponsored by agencies or organizations, and having a work permit or work permit exemption certificate.
- Entering Vietnam on an e-visa, and having a work permit or work permit exemption certificate.
If you want to first visit Vietnam before applying for the right to work in Vietnam, then it is possible to apply for an Electronic Visa and then transition to a business or work visa, however, it is recommended that you enter directly on a business visa to simplify the process of obtaining a work permit.
Securing a work permit in Vietnam
A work permit is a document issued for up to 2 years by the Vietnamese authorities which allows you to work legally in Vietnam. You cannot apply directly for the permit; an employer or sponsor must submit the request on your behalf. There are 2 levels of work permits in Vietnam:
- Employee-level work permit: Requires a relevant Bachelor’s degree or higher and a certificate of work experience, which demonstrates alignment with the offered position.
- Director-level work permit: There are no special requirements provided that your name is in the sponsor company’s business registration certificate as a legal representative.
Emerhub can assist you with finding a sponsor for obtaining a work permit in Vietnam, as well as manage your application in coordination with the sponsoring organization. We can also advise you on how to complete the preliminary steps, such as undergoing criminal record checks and preparing a certificate of work experience.
If you are interested in relocating to work in Vietnam, contact us via the form below! One of our experts will get in touch and help you plan your move based on your specific situation.
