Expat living in Vietnam visa: A detailed guide for foreigners 2026

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Expat living in Vietnam visa refers to the legal visa pathways that allow foreigners to live, work, or stay long-term in Vietnam. Depending on your purpose, expats commonly use a Vietnam business visa, work visa (LĐ), investor visa (ĐT), spouse visa (TT), or a Temporary Residence Card Vietnam (TRC) for extended residence.

According to the latest Vietnam immigration law, foreigners may also enter using a 90-day Vietnam e-visa before converting to a longer-term status.

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Types of Vietnam visas for expats

Vietnam offers multiple visa categories depending on the foreigner’s purpose of entry. The most relevant visas for expatriates include Business Visa, Work Visa, Investor Visa, Spouse Visa, and E-Visa.

The following table summarizes the most common visa types.

According to the latest immigration policy, Vietnam currently provides E-Visa validity up to 90 days with single or multiple entry.

Tourist visa (DL)

This visa is designed for short-term visitors.

Key features include:

• Validity typically 30–90 days
  
• Available through Vietnam e-visa application
  
• Suitable for tourism only

 A critical detail:  tourist visas cannot legally allow employment. Working under a tourist visa may result in fines or deportation.

Vietnam business visa (DN1 – DN2)

The Vietnam business visa is commonly used by foreign investors, consultants, and entrepreneurs entering Vietnam for commercial activities.

Key requirements include:

• Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company
• Passport valid at least six months
• Entry purpose related to business activities

►  Based on our daily work with the Vietnam Immigration Department, many foreign professionals initially enter Vietnam using a DN visa before converting to a work permit and Temporary Residence Card.

Work visa (LD1 – LD2)

The work visa Vietnam (LD) is issued to foreigners who already obtained a Vietnam work permit.

Important characteristics:

• Valid for up to 2 years
  
• Multiple entry permitted
• Requires employer sponsorship

The work visa is usually followed by applying for a Temporary Residence Card Vietnam, which allows longer stays.

Vietnam investor visa (DT1 – DT4)

The Vietnam investor visa is available for foreigners investing in Vietnamese companies or projects.

The categories include:

►  Investors often receive a long-term visa Vietnam solution through an investor-based Temporary Residence Card.

Vietnam spouse visa (TT visa)

The Vietnam spouse visa applies to foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens or having Vietnamese family members.

Key benefits include:

• Stay up to 12 months per visa
  
• Can apply for 3-year Temporary Residence Card
  
• No investment requirement

►  Based on our 20+ years consulting experience, family visas are among the most stable pathways for long-term residence in Vietnam.

Vietnam e-visa (EV)

The Vietnam e-visa application is the most convenient option for short-term visitors.

Main features:

• Valid for up to 90 days
  
• Single or multiple entry
• Online application via official immigration portal

Foreign nationals from many countries, including Vietnam visa for US citizens and Vietnam visa for UK citizens, can apply for the e-visa online.

A critical detail: Entry ports must match the location registered in the e-visa application.

>>> Read more: Differences of Vietnam visa Single entry vs Multiple entry 2026

Eligibility and requirements for each visa category

Every foreigner applying for a visa to live or work in Vietnam must satisfy several legal requirements.

The most common documentation includes:

Basic visa requirements

• Passport valid for at least 6 months
  
• At least 2 blank visa pages
  
• Passport photos (4×6 cm)
• Visa application form
• Entry purpose documentation

Additional documents for work visas

Applicants for employment must prepare:

• Vietnam work permit approval
  
• Employment contract
• University degree certificates
• Criminal background check
• Health check certificate

Documents required for investor visas

For the Vietnam investor visa, additional paperwork includes:

• Investment registration certificate
• Company business license
• Proof of capital contribution
• Company tax registration

A critical detail: Capital must be legally transferred into the Vietnamese company account before visa approval.

Documents required for spouse visas

Applicants for a Vietnam spouse visa typically submit:

• Marriage certificate
• Vietnamese spouse ID
• Household registration
• Sponsorship letter

Marriage certificates issued abroad must be translated and legalized in Vietnam.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa for 5 years : Guide, Fees & Requirements 2026

The Vietnam visa application process: step-by-step

Foreigners can apply for Vietnam visas through several methods depending on their nationality and travel purpose.

Method 1: Vietnam e-visa application

The Vietnam e-visa is the fastest option for short visits.

Step-by-step process:

1. Complete the Vietnam visa application online
   
2. Upload passport photo and passport scan
3. Pay government processing fee
4. Receive approval within 5–7 working days
   

>>> Read more: Vietnam Visa Rules for Foreigners : The Definitive Legal Guide 2026

Method 2: apply through Vietnamese embassy or consulate

Long-term visas often require applications through Vietnamese diplomatic missions.

Process:

• Submit documents to the embassy
• Pay visa processing fees
• Wait for visa issuance

This method is commonly used for business visas and work visas.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa rejection reasons and how to avoid 2026

Method 3: Vietnam visa on arrival (VOA)

Vietnam visa on arrival is available only for travelers entering through international airports.

Requirements include:

• Pre-approval letter issued by a travel agency
• Passport photos
• Visa stamping fee

Based on our work, VOA should only be used through reputable visa agencies.

Securing a work permit in Vietnam for expats

Foreigners who intend to work legally in Vietnam must obtain a Vietnam work permit.

The permit is issued by the Department of Internal Affairs.

Who needs a work permit

Foreigners working in Vietnam typically need a work permit if they are:

• Managers or executives
• Technical specialists
• Skilled professionals

Some cases are eligible for work permit exemption, such as:

• Investors
• Internal corporate transfers
• Spouses of Vietnamese citizens (in certain conditions)

Work permit application process

Typical process timeline:

Once the work permit is issued, foreigners can apply for:

• Work visa (LD1/LD2)
• Temporary Residence Card Vietnam
  

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa types : Categories 2026

Temporary residence card (TRC): Your long-term stay solution

For expatriates planning long-term residence, the Temporary Residence Card Vietnam (TRC) is the most convenient solution.

A TRC replaces the need for frequent visa renewals.

Key benefits of a TRC

• Valid for 1–5 years
  
• Multiple entry without visa
• Easier bank account opening
• Ability to sign long-term rental contracts

  From our daily work, most expats working in Vietnam eventually apply for a TRC after receiving their work permit.

Eligibility for TRC

Foreigners may obtain a TRC through:

• Employment
• Investment
• Marriage with Vietnamese citizen
• Corporate representation

Validity depends on visa category:

A critical detail: TRC validity cannot exceed passport validity.

>>> Read more: List of countries that are difficult to apply for Vietnam visa 2026

Visa extensions and renewals for expats in Vietnam

Foreigners planning long stays may need Vietnam visa extension services. Visa extensions allow foreigners to remain in Vietnam without exiting the country.

Common extension cases

• Business visa renewal
• Temporary Residence Card renewal

The extension process usually requires:

• Passport copy
• Sponsorship documents
• Application form

Based on our 20+ years of consulting experience, applying for extensions at least 10–15 days before visa expiration is essential.

Overstaying penalties can include:

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa service : Fast & secure solution for your trip 2026

Common challenges and legal considerations for expats

Foreigners living in Vietnam must follow several administrative procedures.

Temporary residence declaration

All foreigners must complete temporary residence registration within 24 hours after arrival.

This is usually handled by:

• Hotels
• Landlords
• Employers

► Failure to register temporary residence may lead to fines. Read more here.

Entry port consistency

Based on our daily work with clients, a common oversight is that entry ports must match the visa application.

If the visa approval letter specifies Hanoi airport, entry through another airport may be denied.

Visa scam warnings

To avoid scams:

• Only apply through official government portals
  
• Avoid agencies requesting suspicious fees
• Verify company licenses before payment

Frequently asked questions