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.

News

How to apply for UK Tourist visa

How to Apply for U.K Tourist Visa

Vietnamese citizens and expats in Vietnam who do not belong to Visa Exemption to UK wanting to travel to UK will require Tourist Visa. The processing time: 7 – 15 working days Documents required for UK Tourist Visa Visa Application form Original passport must be valid for at least 6 months 2 portraits with the size of 3,5 x 4,5 (Taken on white background within...

Read More


vietnam business visa (DN visa)

Vietnam Business Visa (DN Visa)

According to the new Vietnam Immigration Law affected on January 1st, 2015, foreigners who travel to Vietnam for business purpose in short time must be guaranteed by your host organizations/ partners/ invitees in Vietnam to apply Vietnam Business visa. Vietnam Business Visa (DN) offers the validity not longer than 12 months in maximum with single or multiple entries. However, if you work in Vietnam longer...

Read More


Circular on Specimen Papers Concerning Foreigners Entering, Leaving, and Residing in Vietnam

Circular Giving Regulations on Specimen Papers Concerning Foreigners Entering, Leaving, and Residing in Vietnam

THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY ——- SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Independence – Freedom – Happiness ————— No.: 04/2015/TT-BCA Hanoi, January 05, 2015 CIRCULAR REGULATIONS ON SPECIMEN PAPERS CONCERNING FOREIGNERS ENTERING, LEAVING AND RESIDING IN VIETNAM Pursuant to the Law on entry, exit and residence in Vietnam by foreigners; Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Decree No. 106/2014/NĐ-CP dated November 17, 2014 defining the functions, tasks, entitlements...

Read More


Ordinances on entry, exit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam

Ordinance on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam

Related to entry, exit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, the Standing Committee of Vietnam National Assembly issued a National Ordinance No. 24/2000/PL-UBTVQH10 on the 28 April, 2000. The Ordinance includes 07 chapters and 26 articles stating specifically who is responsible for what in term of Vietnam visa issuance, and who and how and how long can get a visa to entry Vietnam. Subscription 38 (4/2000) 31 August 2000 STANDING COMMITTEE OF...

Read More


Vietnam Immigration law no.47/2014/QH13

New Rules in Vietnam Immigration Laws on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam

The Vietnamese Government issued a new Law No. 47/2014/QH13 dated June 16, 2014 on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam. This new Vietnam Immigration Law is implemented from January 1st, 2015. NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ——- SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM Independence – Freedom – Happiness ————— No. 47/2014/QH13 Hanoi, June 16, 2014   LAW ENTRY, EXIT, TRANSIT, AND RESIDENCE OF FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM Pursuant...

Read More


Page 68 of 71« First...102030...6667686970...Last »