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  • Home
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  •  /  Vietnam
  • Country Overviews

Vietnam

At a Glance

Capital Hanoi
Language Vietnamese
Population 97,339,000
GDP Total $244.9 billion
GDP Per Capita $2,563.20
Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

 

When traveling to Vietnam, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work permit. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Vietnam, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • » Attend business meetings
  • » Buy goods for sale outside the country
  • » Tour a company facility
  • » Receive classroom or technical training

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Vietnam?

Most foreign nationals, including those of the United States and the European Union member states, are required to obtain a visa to enter Vietnam as a business visitor.

Select nationalities are eligible to obtain an e-Visa prior to travel. Only nationals from select countries are eligible for visa waiver status, which allows visitors to enter and conduct business activities in Vietnam.

Those ineligible for a visa waiver or e-Visa must apply for a Business Visa from a Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate prior to traveling. Depending on nationality and circumstances, visas on arrival are available, provided that appropriate pre-approval has been obtained. However, it is strongly recommended that business visitors obtain an e-Visa or consular visa prior to travel. An individual assessment is required before traveling to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver, e-Visa, visa on arrival, or Business Visa.

Vietnam is a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and foreign nationals in possession of a valid APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) endorsed with a “Valid for travel to VNM” are eligible to enter Vietnam on visa-waivered status.

 

Working in Vietnam

 

What types of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Vietnamese law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Vietnam, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • » Hands-on technical work
  • » Repairs and maintenance
  • » Consulting

 
In limited circumstances, foreign nationals may engage in certain short-term professional activities without obtaining work authorization, although strict preconditions must be met. An individual assessment is recommended to determine whether a work authorization exemption is applicable.

 

If I am traveling to Vietnam for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The requirements for a work permit depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Vietnam. The most common Vietnamese work permits are:

  • » Work Permit – Local Hire (direct-hire work permit)
  • » Work Permit – Assignment (assignee work permit)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Work permit exemption certificates are available in Vietnam for certain groups and professions, including foreign journalists, students, and various others. In these cases, a legal assessment to determine the possibilities for a work permit exemption should be obtained prior to traveling.

 

What else should I know?

 

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2022 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.


News and Events

21 Mar 22

COVID-19: Vise-free travel program resumed, pre-pandemic immigration policies...

COVID-19 Vietnam

21 Jan 22

COVID-19: Entry requirement exemptions announced

COVID-19 Vietnam

28 Oct 21

COVID-19: Vaccine certificates from 72 countries recognized

COVID-19 Vietnam

15 Sep 21

COVID-19: Administrative requirements for work permits reduced

COVID-19 Vietnam

6 Aug 21

COVID-19: Quarantine requirements reduced

COVID-19 Vietnam

27 Jul 21

COVID-19: Entry restrictions, health protocols updated

COVID-19 Vietnam

2 Jul 21

Work permit applications resumed for Chinese e-passport holders

Vietnam

27 Jan 21

New Labor Code impacts work permits

Vietnam

5 Jun 20

COVID-19: Process for foreign investors, workers entry approval...

COVID-19 Vietnam

22 May 20

COVID-19: Automatic extension of stay for certain foreigners

COVID-19 Vietnam

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At a Glance

Capital Hanoi
Language Vietnamese
Population 97,339,000
GDP Total $244.9 billion
GDP Per Capita $2,563.20

Related News

  • COVID-19: Vise-free travel program resumed, pre-pandemic immigration policies...

    VIET NAM   21 Mar 22

  • COVID-19: Entry requirement exemptions announced

    VIET NAM   21 Jan 22

  • COVID-19: Vaccine certificates from 72 countries recognized

    VIET NAM   28 Oct 21

  • COVID-19: Administrative requirements for work permits reduced

    VIET NAM   15 Sep 21

  • COVID-19: Quarantine requirements reduced

    VIET NAM   6 Aug 21

  • COVID-19: Entry restrictions, health protocols updated

    VIET NAM   27 Jul 21

  • Work permit applications resumed for Chinese e-passport holders

    VIET NAM   2 Jul 21

  • New Labor Code impacts work permits

    VIET NAM   27 Jan 21

  • COVID-19: Process for foreign investors, workers entry approval...

    VIET NAM   5 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Automatic extension of stay for certain foreigners

    VIET NAM   22 May 20

  • Multiple new COVID-19 travel measures implemented

    VIET NAM   5 Mar 20

  • Government implements further restrictions to contain coronavirus

    VIET NAM   12 Feb 20

  • New labor code and law on foreigners to...

    VIET NAM   16 Dec 19

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    VIET NAM   22 Mar 19

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    VIET NAM   21 Mar 19

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    VIET NAM   20 Nov 18

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    VIET NAM   23 Jul 18

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    VIET NAM   11 May 18

  • New work permit category offered for transferees in...

    VIET NAM   19 Sep 17

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    VIET NAM   31 Aug 17

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    CHILE, VIET NAM   21 Aug 17

  • Slight delays possible as Ho Chi Minh City...

    VIET NAM   18 Jul 17

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    VIET NAM   20 Jun 17

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    VIET NAM   17 Apr 17

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    VIET NAM   17 Apr 17

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    AUSTRALIA, VIET NAM   23 Feb 17

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    VIET NAM   12 Jan 17

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    VIET NAM   21 Dec 16

  • E-visa system approved for 2017

    VIET NAM   20 Oct 16

  • Vietnam begins issuing 1-year visas to US travelers

    UNITED STATES, VIET NAM   15 Sep 16

  • Foreign Labor Use Report now due quarterly

    VIET NAM   5 May 16

  • Reform of work permit rules announced

    VIET NAM   22 Feb 16

  • Draft decree on work permit changes released

    VIET NAM   12 Aug 15

  • Revised work permit regulations expected this summer

    VIET NAM   10 Jun 15

  • Vietnam strictly enforcing 6-month passport rule

    VIET NAM   3 Feb 15

  • Multiple-entry business visas no longer issued on arrival

    VIET NAM   7 Jan 15

  • Immigration overhaul takes effect Jan. 1

    VIET NAM   23 Dec 14

  • ICTs may apply for exemptions from work permits

    VIET NAM   22 Dec 14

  • Decree sets mandatory procedures for recruitment of Vietnamese...

    VIET NAM   30 Sep 14

  • Resolution would relax proof of work experience for...

    VIET NAM   21 Aug 14

  • Government passes immigration law overhaul

    VIET NAM   21 Jul 14

  • Older work permits must meet new rules for...

    VIET NAM   5 Jun 14

  • Vietnam tightens local police clearance rules on recent...

    VIET NAM   8 Apr 14

  • Long-awaited circular clarifies new regulations for foreign workers

    VIET NAM   27 Feb 14

  • Work Permit Processing on Hold in Ho Chi...

    VIET NAM   13 Nov 13

  • Details on Implementation of New Labor Law Expected...

    VIET NAM   21 Oct 13

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