What is a Visa for Foreigners Working in Vietnam?
A visa for foreigners working in Vietnam is a long-term visa issued by the Vietnamese government for individuals who meet the requirements for a work permit or are eligible to work under Vietnam’s Labor Law. This visa is crucial for legal employment and obtaining a temporary residence card.
Types of Work Visas for Foreigners and Their Validity
Type of Visa |
Short-term Visa |
Long-term Visa |
---|---|---|
Eligible Individuals |
Foreigners working short-term without a work permit |
Individuals with a work permit or those exempt from a work permit |
Validity |
Up to 3 months |
Up to 1 year (12 months) |
Details:
- LD1 Visa: Valid for up to 1 year (12 months), issued to foreigners exempt from a work permit.
- LD2 Visa: Valid for up to 1 year (12 months), issued to foreigners with a work permit.
Note: If the work permit is valid for less than 1 year, the visa duration will match the validity period of the work permit.
Visa Application and Extension Documents
For Enterprises/Organizations:
- Operating license.
- Seal registration certificate.
- Seal introduction document.
- Visa application form.
- Original passport.
For Foreign Nationals:
- Copy of the work permit or work permit exemption certificate.
- Temporary residence book or temporary residence confirmation.
- Special Note: Foreign nationals from China and Taiwan must provide an additional 3×4 cm photo for visa issuance.
Where to Submit the Application:
- Submit visa applications to the Immigration Department or the Immigration Office in the province/city where the enterprise is located.
- Applications can also be submitted online through the National Public Service Portal and the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal.
KMC’s Responsibilities in Visa Services for Foreign Nationals
KMC manages the visa process through the following steps:
- Consultation and Identification: Determine the appropriate visa type (tourism, business, study, work, etc.).
- Guidance and Support: Assist in preparing necessary documents, including visa application forms, passports, photos, and related papers.
- Document Preparation: Draft and provide supporting documents such as invitation letters, labor contracts, and certificates from organizations in Vietnam.
- Submission: Submit the visa application to the Vietnamese representative office in the foreign national’s country.
- Follow-up: Monitor and manage the application, including providing additional information if required.
- Notification: Notify the result and assist in obtaining the visa once issued.
Q&A
Q1: What types of visas can be issued to foreigners entering Vietnam?
A1: Common types of visas include:
- Tourist Visa (DL): For tourism and visiting relatives.
- Business Visa (DN): For short-term business trips.
- Work Visa (LD): For foreign workers employed in Vietnam. A work permit is required.
- Study Visa (DH): For students studying in Vietnam.
- Investment Visa (DT): For investors and businesspeople.
- Family Visit Visa (TT): For visiting family members residing in Vietnam.
Q2: How long does it usually take to process a visa?
A2: Visa processing time generally ranges from 5 to 15 working days, depending on the type of visa and the country where the application is submitted. Expedited services are available for urgent cases.
Q3: What documents are required to apply for a work visa in Vietnam?
A3: Required documents include:
- Visa application form.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Two color photos, white background, size 4×6 cm.
- Job offer letter from a company in Vietnam.
- Labor contract or appointment decision.
- Health certificate.
- Judicial record card or certificate of no criminal record.
- Notarized copy of the passport.
- Legal documents of the company in Vietnam (business registration certificate, investment license).
Q4: Do foreign documents need to be legalized when applying for a visa?
A4: Yes, foreign documents typically need to be translated, notarized, and consular legalized before submission for a visa. This ensures their recognition and validity under Vietnamese law.
Q5: What can I do if my visa application is denied?
A5: If your visa application is denied, you can request an explanation from the issuing authority to identify any unmet requirements. You may resubmit the application after addressing the issues or seek consultation services to adjust your application to meet the requirements.
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