Vietnam Immigration

Vietnam is an increasingly attractive destination for travelers, investors, and foreign workers.
To enter, stay, and exit Vietnam legally, foreigners must understand the key regulations under Law No. 47/2014/QH13 and Law No. 51/2019/QH14, which govern all immigration, residence, and visa matters.

🎯 Our mission: To help foreigners understand and comply with Vietnam’s immigration laws — ensuring a smooth, legal, and worry-free stay.


1. Common Types of Visas in Vietnam

Depending on your purpose of entry, Vietnam offers several visa categories:

  • DL – Tourist Visa
  • LĐ – Work Visa
  • ĐT – Investor Visa
  • DH – Study Visa
  • TT – Family/Dependent Visa

Validity: Visas are generally issued for 30 days to 12 months, depending on the visa type and entry purpose.
Extension: You may extend your visa at the Immigration Department or the provincial police office where you reside.

👉 Important: Foreigners must use the visa for the correct purpose (e.g., a tourist visa cannot be used for employment).


2. Vietnam E-Visa (Electronic Visa)

Since August 15, 2023, Vietnam has expanded the E-Visa program to citizens of all countries and territories.

  • Valid for entry through 40 international checkpoints (air, land, and sea).
  • Duration: up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.
  • Apply directly through the official government portals:
    🔗 https://thithucdientu.gov.vn
    🔗 https://evisa.gov.vn

3. Visa Exemption Policy

3.1. Countries Eligible for Visa Exemption

Vietnam grants visa-free entry to citizens of several countries, including Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, and Cambodia.
Visa-free stays range from 15 to 90 days, depending on nationality.

3.2. 5-Year Visa Exemption for Overseas Vietnamese

Vietnamese citizens residing abroad and their family members may apply for a 5-year visa exemption certificate, allowing each stay of up to 180 days.

📌 Note: Once your visa exemption period ends, you must leave Vietnam and re-enter. On-the-spot extensions are not permitted.


4. Residence Regulations in Vietnam

4.1. Temporary Residence Registration

All foreigners staying in Vietnam are required to register their temporary residence:

  • Within 12 hours of arrival (or 24 hours in remote areas).
  • Registration is done by the host, hotel, landlord, or accommodation provider.
  • You may register online via the Ministry of Public Security’s system or directly at the local police office.

4.2. Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

A TRC replaces long-term visas and is valid for 1 to 5 years. It is granted to:

  • Investors, experts, and foreign employees with valid work permits.
  • Foreigners who are spouses, parents, or children of Vietnamese citizens.

👉 Holders of a TRC can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times without applying for a new visa.

4.3. Permanent Residence Card (PRC)

A PRC allows indefinite residence in Vietnam and is granted to individuals who:

  • Have made special contributions to Vietnam, or
  • Maintain long-term family ties with Vietnamese citizens.

After three years of permanent residence, the card can be renewed.


5. Entry and Exit Requirements

5.1. Conditions for Entry

  • A valid passport (with sufficient remaining validity).
  • A valid visa or eligibility for visa exemption.
  • Not subject to entry bans (e.g., due to security, health, or legal issues).

5.2. Cases of Denied Entry

  • Using falsified or invalid documents.
  • Having violated Vietnamese law previously.
  • Being under an official entry ban by Vietnamese authorities.

6. Handling Common Immigration Issues

Situation Recommended Action
Lost passport Report to the local police immediately and contact your embassy or consulate for replacement documents.
Overstayed visa Pay a fine, exit the country, and you may face re-entry restrictions.
Failure to register residence Subject to administrative fines and possible denial of visa extension.
Using the wrong visa type Visa may be revoked, and you may be required to leave Vietnam.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question Quick answer
Which visa type should I apply for? It depends on your purpose: tourism (DL), work (LĐ), investment (ĐT), study (DH), or family (TT).
Can my visa be extended? Yes, at the Immigration Department or provincial police office.
Is e-Visa available for my country? Yes, for all nationalities, valid up to 90 days.
Can I extend a visa exemption? No, you must exit and re-enter Vietnam.
Do I need to register my temporary residence? Yes, within 12–24 hours of arrival
What should I do if I lose my passport? Report to local authorities and your embassy.
What happens if I overstay? You may be fined and banned from re-entry.

8. Tips for Foreigners New to Vietnam

  • Keep copies of your passport and visa (both printed and on your phone).
  • Regularly check your visa or residence card validity.
  • If you change your address, update your residence registration.
  • For assistance, contact the Vietnam Immigration Department or your embassy/consulate in Vietnam.

✈️ Welcome to Vietnam!
By following the regulations, you’ll enjoy a smooth, safe, and lawful stay in this beautiful country.

Why Choose Vietnam-legal.com for Immigration and Visa Support?

In Vietnam, immigration policies and visa rules change frequently. That’s why having a reliable and experienced consulting partner is essential.
At Vietnam-legal.com, we act as a trusted bridge between foreigners, government authorities, and sponsoring businesses.

🔹 1. Clear Legal Guidance

  • We help clients understand Vietnam’s immigration laws (Law No. 47/2014/QH13 & 51/2019/QH14).
  • Provide accurate advice on the appropriate visa or residence documents for your purpose — tourism, work, investment, or family.
  • Guide you in preparing valid, compliant applications following the latest requirements of the Immigration Department.

🔹 2. Full-Service Application Support

  • We assist in completing forms, submitting documents, and tracking applications.
  • Represent clients to apply for entry approval letters, e-visas, visa extensions, or residence cards.
  • Save your time and minimize the risk of rejection.

🔹 3. Policy Updates and Compliance

  • We keep you informed of new visa and residence policies as soon as they are announced.
  • Ensure you stay compliant and avoid administrative violations.

🔹 4. Personalized & Emergency Support

  • Assistance with special cases: lost passports, overstays, purpose changes, 5-year visa exemption certificates, etc.
  • Bilingual support (English – Vietnamese) available 24/7 via phone, email, or in person.

🔹 5. Confidentiality & Legal Integrity

  • All client information is kept strictly confidential.
  • Our services fully comply with Vietnamese immigration and labor laws.
  • We do not engage in unauthorized or intermediary practices.

With Vietnam-legal.com, you’ll always have access to the most accurate, updated, and trustworthy immigration information.
💼 Your peace of mind is our top priority.

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