Guide To Applying For A Vietnam Business Visa In 2025

If you are planning to enter and exit Vietnam for business purposes, securing the right Vietnam business visa is essential. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a Vietnam business visa in 2025, including visa types, requirements, the application process, fees, and extensions. Staying updated with immigration policies is crucial, and this guide provides the latest insights to help you navigate the system effectively.

1. Understanding the Vietnam Business Visa

What is a Vietnam Business Visa?

A Vietnam business visa is an official permit that allows foreign nationals to engage in business activities in Vietnam, such as meetings, investment, commercial transactions, and employment discussions. Unlike a tourist visa, this visa grants the ability to stay longer and offers options for multiple entries.

• Legal Basis: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnam’s immigration law regulate the issuance of business visas under categories DN1 and DN2.
• Purpose: Designed for business professionals who need to work in Vietnam, attend business conferences, or conduct trade activities.
• Key Differences: Unlike a tourist visa, a business visa allows multiple entries, can be extended, and is often required when applying for work permits.

Vietnam Business Visa Categories & Validity

Depending on your needs, you can apply for a single or multiple entry visa with different validity periods:

• DN1 Visa: Issued to foreigners working with Vietnamese enterprises and organizations that operate under the legal framework of Vietnam.
• DN2 Visa: Granted to foreigners providing services, promoting businesses, or establishing commercial ventures under international agreements that Vietnam is a member of.

2. Vietnam Business Visa Requirements (Updated 2025)

Who Needs a Vietnam Business Visa?

If you plan to work in Vietnam, sign contracts, or attend business-related activities, you need a Vietnam business visa. This applies to:

• Entrepreneurs and investors
• Corporate representatives and business consultants
• Foreign employees attending training or business meetings
• Professionals transitioning to a working visa

Some nationalities are exempt from visas under agreements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is essential to check whether you qualify for visa-free entry before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Vietnam business visa, applicants must:

• Possess a passport with at least six months validity and at least two blank pages.
• Be sponsored by a registered Vietnamese company for a DN1 or DN2 visa.
• Submit an approval letter from a business entity in Vietnam.
• Meet Vietnam’s entry regulations, ensuring they are not on the restricted entry list.

Required Documents for a Vietnam Business Visa

For Applicants:

• Passport (valid for at least six months).
• Passport-sized photos (standard format with a white background).
• Completed Visa Application Form (NA5 Form).
• Approval letter from a Vietnamese company.
• Proof of business activities such as contracts, invitation letters, or meeting schedules.

For Sponsoring Vietnamese Company:

• Business registration certificate.
• Company’s stamp and signature sample (NA16 Form).
• Visa sponsorship letter (NA2 Form) submitted to the Vietnam Immigration Department.

For those applying for a Vietnam business visa without sponsor, some visa agencies offer sponsorship services, though additional verification and fees apply.

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Vietnam Business Visa in 2025

Choosing the Best Application Method

When applying for a Vietnam business visa, selecting the appropriate method depends on your nationality, intended duration of stay, and convenience. Below are the three primary methods available in 2025:

• Embassy/Consulate Application – Best for those who prefer securing a visa before traveling.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) – Requires an approval letter but is convenient for last-minute travelers.
• E-Visa (if applicable for business visa in 2025) – A digital alternative that simplifies the process for eligible nationalities.

How to Apply for a Business Visa at a Vietnamese Embassy

For travelers who want their Vietnam business visa in hand before departure, applying through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate is the recommended approach.

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

• Passport with at least six months validity and two blank pages.
• Passport-sized photos (white background, no glasses).
• Completed application form (NA5 Form).
• Approval letter from a sponsoring Vietnamese company.
• Business invitation letter or contract proving your business activities in Vietnam.

Step 2: Submit Application to Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate

Visit the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country, submit all required documents, and complete the application.

Step 3: Pay Fees and Wait for Processing

• Standard processing time: Three to seven working days.
• Vietnam business visa fee: $25 - $50 depending on the type of visa.

Step 4: Receive Your Visa and Verify Details

Once your application is approved, collect your visa to Vietnam and double-check all details before traveling.

How to Apply for Vietnam Business Visa on Arrival (VOA)

If you are short on time, the Visa on Arrival (VOA) option is the most convenient. However, it requires obtaining a pre-approval letter before traveling.

Step 1: Obtain a Pre-Approval Letter

A Vietnamese visa agency or sponsoring business must apply for your approval letter at the Vietnam Immigration Department. This letter grants permission to obtain a business visa upon arrival.

Step 2: Print Approval Letter and Prepare Documents

• Print the approval letter.
• Prepare your passport, visa application form, passport photos, and cash for the stamping fee.

Step 3: Submit Visa Application at the Airport

Upon entering Vietnam, proceed to the Visa on Arrival counter at one of the designated international airports (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang).

Step 4: Pay Visa Stamping Fee and Receive Visa

• Single-entry visa: $25 stamping fee.
• Multiple entry visa: $50 stamping fee.

Once payment is made, your Vietnam business visa will be stamped into your passport, allowing you to stay in Vietnam for business activities.

How to Apply for Vietnam Business E-Visa (If Applicable in 2025)

For eligible nationalities, the Vietnam E-Visa provides a digital method to apply for a business visa.

Step 1: Visit the Vietnam Immigration E-Visa Portal

Go to the official Vietnam Immigration website or the VFS Global Vietnam Visa Portal and select the business visa category.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Enter details such as:

• Personal and passport information.
• Business sponsor details.
• Intended duration of stay in Vietnam.

Step 3: Upload Scanned Passport and Photo

Ensure that your scanned documents meet the required specifications to avoid delays.

Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee

• E-Visa fee: $25 (non-refundable).

Step 5: Wait for Processing (Three to Five Working Days)

Check your application status using the registration code provided after submission.

Step 6: Download and Print the Approved E-Visa

Once approved, download the E-Visa and present it upon arrival in Vietnam.

4. Vietnam Business Visa Fees (Updated 2025)

Standard Government Fees

Additional Fees

• Expedited processing fees for urgent cases.
• Visa service agency fees if using an agent for processing.
• Cost comparison between embassy applications, VOA, and E-Visa.

5. Vietnam Business Visa Extension & Renewal

Who Can Extend a Business Visa?

• Eligible Visa Holders: Business professionals with a valid DN1 or DN2 visa.
• Who Cannot Extend? Those with overstaying visa Vietnam records or ineligible visa types.

Required Documents for Extension

• Original passport.
• Visa extension application (NA5 form).
• Letter from the sponsoring company requesting an extension.
• Proof of temporary residence in Vietnam.

Where to Apply for an Extension?

Visa extensions are processed at Vietnam Immigration Offices located in:

• Hanoi
• Da Nang
• Ho Chi Minh City

Processing Time & Fees for Extension

Applying for an extension in advance prevents the risk of overstaying visa Vietnam, which can lead to fines or deportation.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Vietnam Business Visa

Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Documents

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months.
• Double-check all forms, including the approval letter and visa extension forms.

Not Having a Valid Sponsoring Company in Vietnam

• A Vietnam business visa without sponsor cannot be extended.
• Confirm that your sponsoring company is registered and willing to support your visa application.

Applying Too Close to Travel Dates

• Processing times range from three to seven working days, so apply at least two to four weeks before travel.

Using Unauthorized Visa Agents

• Only use official services like VFS Global Vietnam Visa or trusted immigration consultants.
• Be cautious of fraudulent agencies promising quick approvals.

Confusing Business Visa with Work Permit

• A business visa allows short-term business activities but does not permit long-term employment.
• If you plan to work in Vietnam, you must apply for a work permit and a working visa.

7. Conclusion

Applying for a Vietnam business visa in 2025 requires careful planning and attention to detail. Understanding the Vietnam business visa process ensures that you can focus on growing your business and networking in Vietnam without legal complications. Apply early, stay informed, and enjoy a successful business journey in Vietnam.