Work Visa services for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh city

Work Visa services for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City offers valuable opportunities for those seeking a career in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing cities. Although the visa application process can be complex with various requirements and paperwork, it is generally considered transparent and well-supported by authorities. The city not only provides an attractive working environment with numerous career opportunities but also offers a rich and diverse living experience. While some challenges may arise in preparing documents or understanding regulations, most foreigners find that the benefits Ho Chi Minh City offers are well worth the effort.

What is a Visa?

According to Clause 11, Article 3 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014, amended in 2019), a visa, also known as a “thị thực,” is an official document issued by Vietnamese authorities that allows foreigners to enter Vietnam.

Foreigners wishing to enter Vietnam must obtain a visa and other necessary documents, except in cases where they qualify for visa exemption.

The validity period of a work visa is regulated as follows:

• A maximum of three months for foreigners working short-term in Vietnam without a work permit.

• A maximum of one year (12 months) for foreigners with a work permit, exempt from a work permit, or foreign investors.

Types of work Visas for foreigners in Vietnam

According to Clause 16, Article 8 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014, amended in 2019), work visas are categorized under LD1 and LD2 visas.

Foreigners working in Vietnam are issued two types of work visas: short-term and long-term work visas.

• Short-term work visa: This visa has a maximum validity of three months and is issued to foreign specialists, managers, and technical workers coming to Vietnam to work for enterprises and organizations (DN1, DN2 visas).

• Long-term work visa: This visa is valid for up to one year (12 months) and applies to foreigners holding a work permit or a work permit exemption certificate (LD1, LD2 visas).

LD1 Visa: Issued for up to one year for foreigners working in Vietnam who are exempt from obtaining a work permit.
LD2 Visa: Issued for up to one year for foreigners working in Vietnam who have a valid work permit.

Note: If the work permit is valid for less than one year, the visa duration will match the validity of the work permit.

Conditions and documents for applying for a work Visa

According to Article 10 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014, amended in 2019), the conditions for obtaining a work visa are as follows:

• A valid passport or equivalent international travel document.

• A sponsor organization, business, or individual in Vietnam (except in cases specified in Clause 3, Article 17 of the Law).

• Must not fall under any restricted entry categories as specified in Article 21 of the Law.

• Foreigners entering Vietnam for work must obtain a work permit according to the Labor Code regulations.

Required documents

According to Clause 2, Article 16 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014), the following documents must be submitted to the Immigration Department:

• A sponsorship letter requesting a visa for a foreigner.

• A certified copy of the enterprise’s business registration certificate.

• A document introducing the company’s seal and the signature of an authorized representative.

According to Articles 12 and 17 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014, amended in 2019), and Circular 04/2015/TT-BCA, the following documents must be submitted for visa application:

• A completed Vietnam visa application form.

• A certified copy of the foreign worker’s work permit or work permit exemption certificate.

• Additional supporting documents if the applicant is eligible for visa exemption, such as:

  • Agreements under international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory.

  • Permanent or temporary residence cards under Vietnamese law.

  • Entry into special economic zones or economic-administrative areas.

  • Unilateral visa exemptions granted by Vietnam.

  • Vietnamese overseas nationals and their spouses or children.

  • Entry into coastal economic zones as designated by the government.

Where to submit the application

• The Immigration Department or the Immigration Office of the Public Security Department in the province or city where the sponsoring enterprise or organization is based.

• Applications can also be submitted online via the National Public Service Portal and the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal following the required procedures.

Work Visa application process for foreigners in Vietnam

Step 1: Before inviting or sponsoring a foreigner to enter Vietnam, the sponsoring entity must submit a notification and required documents to the Immigration Department. This notification is submitted only once unless there are changes to the documents.

Step 2: The sponsoring entity submits a visa application letter to the Immigration Department. Eligible organizations may opt to submit the request electronically via the Immigration Portal.

Step 3: Within five working days, the Immigration Department reviews and processes the request, notifies the sponsoring entity, and informs the relevant visa-issuing authority abroad.

Step 4: Once the approval is received from the Immigration Department, the sponsoring entity notifies the foreign worker to collect the visa from the designated Vietnamese consulate or embassy abroad.

Visa fees and processing time

Visa Fees for LD1 Work Visa

Processing Time: No more than five working days from the date of complete application submission.

Work Visa services in Ho Chi Minh city by BKC Law

In Ho Chi Minh City, BKC Law provides comprehensive work visa services for foreigners, simplifying the process and ensuring full legal compliance. Our services cover visa consultation, document preparation, work permit applications, and work visa submission.

With a team of highly experienced lawyers, strong legal expertise, and bilingual consulting capabilities, BKC Law is one of the most trusted legal partners for work visa services in Vietnam.

For free legal consultation, contact BKC Law:

Phone: 0901 3333 41
Email: info@bkclaw.vn

District 1 Office: 9th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Lê Duẩn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Binh Tan Office: 41 Tên Lửa, Binh Tan, Ho Chi Minh City

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