Thursday, 23/04/26
A labour visa is a mandatory requirement for foreigners who wish to work legally in Vietnam. This visa allows foreign nationals to enter Vietnam for labour purposes. According to updated 2026 guide for foreigners working in Vietnam, a foreigner must first secure a work permit in Vietnam and be sponsored by a Vietnamese company to obtain a Working Visa or Labour Visa (Symbol: LĐ2). This is not a new regulation; however, it has been applied more strictly than before. So, how can you properly prepare a complete and compliant application? In this article, Visa5s.com provide a detailed guide to the Vietnam labour visa process, including the required documents and key notes to help you complete your application correctly, save time, and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
HOW TO GET WORKING VISA/ LABOUR VISA (LD2) IN VIETNAM 2026
To obtain a Work / Labour Visa (LD) in Vietnam in 2026, foreign nationals must follow the legal process in compliance with Vietnamese regulations. The procedure includes the following steps:
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Step |
Process to get Vietnam Working visa |
Conditions for foreign employees to be eligible to apply for a Vietnam Working visa |
Step by step guidance on how to get Vietnam Working Visa |
Who handles each step of the Vietnam Working Visa application? |
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1 |
Document Preparation for Vietnam Labor Visa Application |
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Prepare all required documents, including passport, current visa, work permit, and documents from the sponsoring company. For detailed document requirements, please refer to the section below |
The Sponsored Company and the foreign employee |
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2 |
Online submission for a Vietnam Labor Visa application |
The sponsoring company must have a public portal account and be legally registered in Vietnam |
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The Sponsored Company |
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3 |
Original Submission for a Vietnam Labor Visa application |
Must present at Immigration Department/office to submit Vietnam Labor Visa application |
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Vietnamese company employee or the foreign employee |
VIETNAM LABOUR VISA REQUIREMENTS - DOCUMENT CHECKLIST FOR VIETNAM WORKING VISA 2026
To learn Vietnam Labour Visa requirements and ensure a smooth application, you must prepare the following document checklist:
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Category |
Document required for a Vietnam Labour Visa |
How to prepare document for Vietnam Labour Visa |
Notes for Vietnam Labour Visa |
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FOREIGN DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST FOR VIETNAM LABOR VISA |
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Original |
Must be valid |
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Original |
Must be valid |
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Original |
Must enter Vietnam by correct Visa type |
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Notarized true copy |
Must be valid |
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SPONSORING COMPANY DOCUMENTS CHECKLIST FOR VIETNAM LABOR VISA |
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Original signed and sealed by sponsored company |
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Notarized true copy or electronic file |
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Photocopy |
Provide in case your application is supported by a Vietnam-based company staff |
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LABOUR VISA (LD2) AND BUSINESS VISA (DN1)
It is crucial for foreign employee to understand the key differences between a Labour Visa (LD2) and a Business Visa (DN1), as the permissions, activities allowed, and long-term options vary significantly:
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The different between Vietnam Labour Visa and Vietnam Business Visa |
Vietnam Labour Visa (LD1/LD2) |
Vietnam Business Visa (DN1) |
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Purpose |
Full-time employment in Vietnam under a Vietnamese employer |
Short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, market research, or company training |
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Required Documents |
Work permit, Vietnamese company sponsorship, passport, visa application form |
Invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or organization, company registration documents, passport, visa application form |
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Activities Permitted |
Legal employment in Vietnam according to labour contract; includes professional duties, payroll registration, social insurance |
Restricted to business-related activities only; cannot engage in direct employment or receive a salary from a Vietnamese company |
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Duration of each type of visa |
Typically 1 year, renewable; can apply for extension |
Usually 1 to 3 months; single or multiple entry |
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Eligibility |
Must have a valid work permit and sponsorship from a Vietnamese company |
Must have an invitation from a Vietnamese company or organization |
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Conversion to TRC |
ELIGIBLE: LD visa holders can apply to convert to a TRC for work, allowing longer-term stay and multiple entries without repeated visa applications |
NOT ELIGIBLE: DN visa holders cannot convert to a TRC for labour purpose; they must convert to LD1/LD2 visa first, then apply for a proper TRC type LD1/LD2 |
If your goal is long-term employment and the ability to reside in Vietnam, a Labour Visa (LD2) is required. A Business Visa (DN) is strictly for short-term business activities and does not provide a pathway to a TRC for work. Understanding these distinctions ensures compliance with Vietnamese labour and immigration regulations and avoids potential legal issues.
PROCESSING TIME & COSTS FOR VIETNAM LABOUR VISA 2026
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Processing Time for Vietnam Working Visa |
10–17 working days. Includes 05-07 working days for online submission and 05–10 working days for original document submission at the Immigration Office |
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Visa Fees of Vietnam Working Visa |
Depends on Vietnam Labor Visa duration:
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Additional Costs for Vietnam Labour Visa application |
Document notarization, translation, courier fees. May vary depending on individual case and additional services |
Note: Planning ahead and preparing all documents according to the updated 2026 guide for foreigners working in Vietnam can minimize processing delays, reduce extra costs, and ensure a smooth approval for your LD visa. Proper preparation is key to saving both time and money.
OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT VIETNAM VISA, AND TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD
DI TRAVEL
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Email: contact@ditravel.vn
www.visa5s.com | www.ditravel.vn
