If you have a job offer in Vietnam—or are exploring how to move here for work—the first question is not simply “Which visa should I buy?” It is what work you will do, who will engage you, and which immigration and employment documents apply to that arrangement.
Vietnam distinguishes permission to enter and stay from authorization to work. The main employment visa symbols are LĐ1 and LĐ2, but the correct route depends on whether your work falls under a permit requirement, an exemption, or a different legally recognized category. A tourist entry stamp, business visa or electronic visa does not by itself settle your employment eligibility.
The short answer
For a conventional job with a Vietnamese employer, expect the employer to determine your work-permit or exemption position, coordinate the appropriate immigration sponsorship, and confirm the visa or residence document required before your lawful start date. Do not assume an e-visa or a job offer alone gives you permission to start work.
Legal-source review: 20 October 2026. This independent guide is general information, not legal advice, a government service, or an offer by StartInVietnam to secure visas or work permits. Immigration and employment decisions depend on your documents, role and the competent authorities.
1. Vietnam work visa vs. work permit: what is the difference?
A visa concerns entry and immigration status. A work permit is an employment-law authorization for covered foreign workers. An official confirmation of exemption, or a legally applicable exception to obtaining that confirmation, addresses the labor side for certain categories. A temporary residence card (TRC) is yet another document, concerning residence rather than automatically authorizing any job.
| Document | Main purpose | Common misunderstanding |
|---|---|---|
| Work visa (LĐ1/LĐ2) | Immigration route connected to qualifying employment or exemption circumstances | “This visa alone allows any job.” |
| Work permit | Employment authorization for qualifying foreign-worker positions | “A work permit replaces a visa.” |
| Exemption status / confirmation | Addresses situations in which a work permit is not required under applicable rules | “Exempt means no employment or immigration formalities.” |
| E-visa (EV) | Electronic entry/stay authorization under its own conditions | “A 90-day e-visa is a 90-day work permit.” |
| Temporary residence card | Residence authorization for specified qualifying categories | “A residence card lets me switch jobs without checks.” |
The legal basis for visa symbols and durations is Articles 8–10 of the consolidated Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, No. 62/VBHN-VPQH (23 March 2026). Foreign-worker permits and exemptions are addressed separately by Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP.
2. Types of Vietnam work visas: LĐ1 and LĐ2
The two primary labor visa categories are easy to confuse because their maximum statutory visa duration is the same. Their legal basis is different.
| Visa | Who it concerns | Work-authorization question | Maximum visa duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| LĐ1 | Foreign workers with recognized confirmation that they are not subject to work-permit issuance, subject to applicable treaty provisions | Which exemption applies, and what evidence will immigration accept? | Up to 2 years |
| LĐ2 | Foreign workers subject to the work-permit requirement | Is the required work permit issued and consistent with the proposed role? | Up to 2 years |
“Up to two years” is a ceiling, not a promise. Actual visa validity depends on the legal basis and documents, and visa validity must generally end at least 30 days before the passport or international travel document expires. Different treaties can modify the statutory duration rule.
What about business visas, investment visas and e-visas?
DN1/DN2 cover specified business-related entry purposes, ĐT symbols relate to qualifying investment situations, and EV is an electronic visa category. Some travelers may have other lawful immigration routes arising from family or special legal categories. None should be casually relabeled “the same as an LĐ2 employment visa.” If a person will actually perform work in Vietnam, the employment-law analysis still matters.
3. Who can apply for a Vietnam work visa?
There is no universal, self-sponsored employment visa for anyone who wants to live in Vietnam. In an ordinary employee scenario, a registered employer or other legally eligible Vietnamese sponsoring entity has a central role in checking the position, preparing the supporting documents, and coordinating with immigration authorities.
Before planning your arrival, confirm these points:
1. A genuine work arrangement
Know the employer or engaging entity, place of work, responsibilities, proposed start date, and whether your contract or assignment triggers permit rules.
2. Correct labor classification
The employer should assess the position and whether a permit, exemption confirmation, or separate notification applies under the current foreign-worker framework.
3. Qualifying immigration sponsorship
Identify who is legally entitled to invite or sponsor you and which visa symbol and filing channel match your case.
4. Document and timing readiness
Check passport validity, qualifications and experience evidence, translations or legalization where required, and sufficient lead time before employment begins.
A signed offer is useful evidence of your plans, but it does not itself prove that a work permit, exemption or visa has been granted. Confirm your allowed start date with the responsible employer before performing work.
4. Which work visa pathway fits your situation?
Use the following as a starting decision map, not a formal visa eligibility determination.
| Your situation | First check | Likely next conversation |
|---|---|---|
| You have an offer from a Vietnamese company or school | Whether your specific role requires a work permit | Ask the employer about the permit/exemption process and suitable immigration sponsorship. |
| Your overseas company transfers you to Vietnam | Whether the arrangement qualifies for an intra-company transfer exemption or requires a permit | Have the sending and receiving entities verify the legal category and supporting evidence. |
| You are a qualifying investor or company representative | Investment/enterprise documents and the exact activities you will perform | Check whether an investment or other status applies, separately from labor authorization. |
| You will teach at two schools or have an extra part-time role | Each employer, workplace, role and notification/permit consequence | Do not assume authorization connected to one position covers another. |
| You only have online overseas clients | Residence and immigration basis, nature and location of work, and tax implications | Get case-specific advice; a general “digital nomad work visa” cannot be assumed. |
| You are already in Vietnam on an e-visa | Whether a statutory visa-purpose-change exception applies, and available sponsor documents | Ask the sponsor and immigration office about a new visa application before any work begins. |
5. How to apply for a Vietnam work visa: step by step
Procedures vary depending on your current location, sponsor, exemption category and route. The sequence below describes the typical coordination rather than a universal set of identical government forms.
- Confirm the actual job and sponsor. Ask for the sponsoring entity's legal identity, work location, position, and the staff member responsible for immigration and labor filings.
- Determine the labor-authorization route. Your employer or qualified adviser assesses work-permit requirements, possible exemption and any notification obligations under Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP.
- Prepare credible supporting evidence. Depending on the route, this may include a passport, assignment/job documents, qualifications, experience records, health evidence, criminal record and legalized/translated documents where required.
- Complete the work-permit or exemption stage where applicable. A work permit, exemption certificate or qualifying alternative evidence cannot be assumed merely because the employer agrees to hire you.
- Confirm the immigration category and filing location. The Vietnamese sponsor determines the correct visa symbol and coordinates the process with immigration; issuance may involve a competent Vietnamese mission abroad or procedures within Vietnam where legally permitted.
- Apply through the correct official channel. Follow the relevant instructions for approval, visa issuance, photograph/passport submission and payment. An e-visa website is not automatically the application portal for an LĐ1 or LĐ2 sticker visa.
- Verify the issued document before travel or starting work. Check the visa symbol, validity dates, passport details, entry instructions and consistency with your employer and employment authorization.
- Maintain lawful status after arrival. Meet residence registration and employer reporting obligations; address any change of employer, position or immigration circumstance before relying on old documents.
6. Documents for a Vietnam work visa: what should you prepare?
A frequent source of confusion is treating every work-permit document as an independent visa requirement. Your employer may need documents for both processes, but the document list and receiving authorities are not identical.
| Document or information | Why it may matter | Who usually coordinates? |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport / travel document | Identity, validity and visa issuance | Applicant and sponsor |
| Visa form and photo where required | Immigration application route and identity verification | Applicant with sponsor's instructions |
| Sponsoring entity documents | Evidence of a legally eligible host/employer and intended purpose | Vietnamese sponsor |
| Work permit or exemption evidence | Demonstrates the labor position relevant to LĐ2/LĐ1 | Employer / competent authority |
| Contract, assignment or job details | Role, location, period and responsible organization | Applicant and employer |
| Qualifications and experience documents | May establish eligibility for a covered work-permit position | Applicant with employer guidance |
| Health and criminal-record evidence | May be required for the work-permit stage, subject to exceptions and applicable standards | Applicant with employer guidance |
| Translations / consular legalization | Foreign-issued supporting documents may need formal treatment unless an exception applies | Applicant and employer/adviser |
Do not pay for every document in advance. Request the exact checklist and accepted format for your position and authority. An example online checklist may not account for exemptions, electronic records, document validity windows or local filing updates.
7. How long does a Vietnam work visa take?
There is no responsible single number for the entire process. Legal processing clocks generally start when the authority receives a complete valid application, while preparing foreign documents, arranging employer sponsorship and addressing corrections may take additional time.
| Stage | Published official period | What the figure does not include |
|---|---|---|
| Work-permit review under Decree 219/2025 | 10 working days from receipt of a complete valid application | Gathering, legalizing or translating documents before submission |
| Sponsor's request for foreign visa issuance/approval | Article 16 provides for an immigration response within 5 working days in the applicable sponsor procedure | Employer preparation and the overseas mission's issuance steps |
| New visa for a foreigner already in Vietnam, when eligible | Article 19 provides for consideration within 5 working days after a complete application | Qualifying for a change of purpose and gathering sponsor evidence |
| E-visa processing (separate category) | Generally 3 working days after sufficient information and payment under the official procedure | Any work permit or work visa process; an e-visa is not a shortcut to employment authorization |
| Temporary residence card, where eligible | 5 working days after a complete qualifying application | Obtaining the immigration and labor basis for the card |
Official references: Decree 219/2025, Article 22; Immigration Law, Articles 16, 16a, 19 and 37; Ministry of Public Security's e-visa procedure.
For planning, ask the sponsor for two timelines: “When will the documents be ready to submit?” and “When could the government decision be expected after a valid filing?” Do not begin working based only on an optimistic calendar estimate.
8. Vietnam work visa fees: what does it actually cost?
Visa issuance fees are determined by the visa's entries and validity, not simply by the label “work visa.” The fees below come from Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC, effective 1 April 2026, with figures also published by the Vietnamese Government. Some government service listings have displayed inconsistent amounts for the shortest multiple-entry band; confirm the amount with the actual issuing authority/payment instruction before paying.
| Immigration document / validity band | Published government fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry visa | US$25 |
| Multiple-entry visa, up to 90 days | US$50 |
| Multiple-entry visa, over 90 to 180 days | US$95 |
| Multiple-entry visa, over 180 days to 1 year | US$135 |
| Multiple-entry visa, over 1 year to 2 years | US$145 |
| E-visa, single-entry / multiple-entry | US$25 / US$50 on the official e-visa portal |
| Temporary residence card, up to 2 years | US$145 |
These are not all cumulative charges. The e-visa rows describe a different visa channel; the TRC is a different document. Translation, legalization, medical checks, shipping, and professional help—if actually needed—are separate from government visa issuance fees. Do not confuse these figures with any fee payable for the labor-permit process.
Check Vietnam's official e-visa portal for e-visa charges and the Government's English announcement of Circular 28/2026 for the broader immigration fee schedule. Never send visa payments to a lookalike website just because it ranks in search results.
9. Can you convert a Vietnam e-visa or tourist stay into a work visa?
Sometimes, under specified conditions—but not automatically. The general rule in Article 7 of the Immigration Law is that visa purpose cannot be changed, subject to listed statutory exceptions. These include relevant situations involving a sponsor and a work permit or confirmation of work-permit exemption; the law also specifically addresses certain e-visa holders with such labor evidence.
What you can check
Whether your sponsor has the required documents, whether your current status falls within a statutory exception, and whether a new visa can be issued through the applicable in-country procedure.
What you must not assume
That any e-visa can be freely “upgraded,” that an employer can retrospectively legalize work already performed, or that leaving and re-entering will fix an employment-law issue.
Article 19 governs certain applications for a new visa by foreigners already temporarily residing in Vietnam. The sponsor's role and immigration authority's decision remain essential. If you are approaching your permitted stay limit, address your lawful options promptly rather than relying on an unconfirmed conversion.
10. Do you need a temporary residence card (TRC)?
If your work and stay will continue in Vietnam, your sponsor may discuss a temporary residence card. Under the Immigration Law, qualifying residents in the LĐ1 and LĐ2 categories are among those who can apply for a corresponding TRC. The statutory duration for LĐ1 and LĐ2 TRCs is up to two years; actual eligibility and validity depend on the case.
A TRC is not a universal requirement for every short assignment and does not replace checking whether your labor authorization remains valid. When a job, sponsor or qualifying circumstance changes, ask what updates are necessary before relying on the existing documents.
Source: Immigration Law, Articles 36–38; Ministry of Public Security TRC procedure.
11. Is working in Vietnam for fewer than 90 days exempt from a work permit?
No blanket exemption applies to everyone. Article 7(13)(a) of Decree 219/2025 describes a specific exemption for foreign workers in qualifying manager, executive director, expert or technical worker categories whose total working time in Vietnam is under 90 days in the calendar year (1 January to 31 December).
For this category, Article 9(4) generally removes the need to obtain the separate exemption-confirmation certificate but still requires notification to the competent authority at least three working days before the intended work begins. Other exemption categories have their own rules. The visa and lawful-stay position must be checked separately.
12. What if you work online, freelance or teach part-time?
These are among the most important real-life questions—and the most dangerous to answer with a one-line internet rule. Visa status, employment authorization and tax obligations are distinct questions. Working for a client abroad while physically staying in Vietnam does not, by itself, establish that your immigration and work arrangements are compliant.
Example: an online tutor planning to live in Vietnam
A qualified teacher provides remote lessons to overseas students and hopes to take a few classes at a local school. The online business and any local school employment should be evaluated separately. A school may need to assess its own sponsorship and labor requirements; permission connected with that school should not be assumed to legalize unrelated online activities. The person should also check the immigration basis for residence and whether Vietnamese tax obligations arise.
Example: a consultant making a short business visit
Attending meetings, negotiating services, providing hands-on services and actually taking employment are not interchangeable descriptions. The activities, duration, sponsoring organization, and applicable labor exemption provisions all matter. A business-labelled visa alone should not be treated as an unrestricted work permit.
If your arrangement is unusual—independent contracting, multiple local clients, side teaching, overseas payroll or cross-border remote work—request advice based on your actual contracts and intended work, not a Reddit anecdote or a service provider's generic visa promise. StartInVietnam does not claim to offer a digital-nomad visa or a visa-run workaround.
13. Common work visa mistakes to avoid
Starting work while paperwork is pending
A submitted application is not the same as an issued authorization. Ask for the approved documents and lawful start date.
Confusing the 90-day e-visa with a work exemption
Visa validity and the separate labor-law test concern different matters.
Trusting an outdated 5-day work-permit guide
Current foreign-worker rules use a 10-working-day review under Article 22 of Decree 219/2025 for complete applications.
Assuming one employer's paperwork covers extra jobs
Changes in role, location or employer may create separate reporting or authorization requirements.
Using old recruitment and filing templates
Materials based solely on Decrees 152/2020 and 70/2023 can omit or misstate changes introduced by Decree 219/2025.
Paying an unverified website or intermediary
Check the government domain, the actual authority's instructions and the written scope of any professional service before paying.
14. Vietnam work visa FAQ
Can a US citizen work in Vietnam?
Potentially, yes. US citizenship itself neither prevents legal employment nor grants automatic work authorization. The actual job, labor-permit or exemption classification, appropriate immigration status and sponsoring arrangements control the process.
How much does a Vietnam work visa cost?
The government visa fee depends on validity and entries. Under Circular 28/2026, a single-entry visa is US$25; multiple-entry fees include US$50 for up to 90 days, US$95 for over 90–180 days, US$135 for over 180 days–1 year and US$145 for over 1–2 years. Document preparation and any separate work-permit costs are different. Confirm the fee shown by your issuing authority.
Can I get an LĐ2 visa without a work permit?
LĐ2 is the visa category for foreign workers subject to the work-permit requirement. Do not assume it can replace the permit. The sponsor should confirm the applicable employment authorization and immigration evidence before making an application.
Is LĐ1 easier than LĐ2?
Not necessarily. LĐ1 is linked to a different legal basis involving work-permit exemption, not to a universally lighter or automatic procedure. Eligibility and documentary requirements depend on the exemption category and competent authority.
Does Vietnam have a digital nomad visa?
Do not assume there is a general visa that automatically authorizes foreign freelancers or remote employees to live and work in Vietnam. Verify the specific residence, immigration, labor and tax implications before relying on remote income as a basis for your stay.
Can I work on a 90-day Vietnam e-visa?
An e-visa permits entry and stay subject to its conditions; it is not a work permit. Some limited labor exemptions exist, but each requires a separate legal assessment and may involve notification obligations.
Can I change my visa without leaving Vietnam?
A new visa may be available in certain legally listed situations, including some sponsor-supported employment cases. A current e-visa or tourist stay does not guarantee approval. Check Articles 7 and 19 of the Immigration Law with your sponsor and the immigration authority.
Can my spouse or children stay with me?
Vietnam has a dependent visa category (TT) for qualifying family relationships associated with specified visas, including LĐ1/LĐ2. Eligibility, required proof and residence duration need to be checked for each family member; dependent status is not an automatic employment permit.
What happens if I change employers?
Reassess the existing work permit or exemption, visa or TRC, and any filing/notification requirements before starting with a new employer. Do not assume all documents transfer with you.
Is it difficult to move to Vietnam for work?
The level of difficulty varies significantly with your profession, qualifications, employer support, documentation and immigration history. A sponsor willing and able to manage the lawful process makes a practical difference; no reliable guide can guarantee approval.
15. Your next steps before accepting a job or booking travel
If you are evaluating a Vietnam job offer, get the answers in writing before committing to a start date. A clear employer should be able to explain who sponsors you, whether a work permit or exemption applies, how long each step is expected to take, who pays for documentation, and what happens if approval is delayed.
- Ask for the legal name of your employer and the exact role and work location.
- Request a written statement of the proposed labor-authorization and visa route.
- Check that the documents you are asked to obtain match that route.
- Do not work, overstay or make irreversible travel decisions on the assumption that a pending application will be approved.
- Keep copies of approvals, receipt notices, expiry dates and relevant correspondence.
Further reading
For the underlying employment requirements, read StartInVietnam's separate Vietnam Work Permit: Requirements, Exemptions & Application Guide. Add the internal link only after confirming that article's actual live canonical URL in the CMS.
Official legal sources and where to check updates
References selected for editorial checking on 20 October 2026. A consolidated text helps readers navigate the law; the original legislation and valid amendments govern. Check for newer effective instruments before relying on an article for a particular application.
- Vietnam Immigration Law — consolidated text 62/VBHN-VPQH (23 March 2026): visa symbols, validity, change of purpose and TRCs.
- Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP (effective 7 August 2025): foreign-worker permits and exemptions.
- Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC (effective 1 April 2026): published immigration fee schedule.
- Vietnam National Electronic Visa System: e-visa applications, maximum 90-day validity and electronic fees.
- Ministry of Public Security — visa application procedure: administrative process and listed requirements.
- Ministry of Public Security — temporary residence card procedure: TRC application and processing.
Editorial independence: StartInVietnam is not a Vietnamese government body, licensed immigration adviser, employer or visa-filing agency. This article does not promise sponsorship, document issuance or an outcome.
