A Vietnam business visa (DN visa) is a short-term entry permit that allows foreign nationals to conduct commercial activities such as meetings, contract signings, and market research in Vietnam. It is available as a DN1 or DN2 visa, issued for 1 to 12 months, and can be obtained through an e-visa, visa on arrival, or embassy application. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and application method you need to know in 2026.
Whether you are attending a trade exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City or negotiating a partnership in Hanoi, entering Vietnam on the correct visa is essential. Using a tourist visa for business activities can result in penalties and future entry bans. The Vietnam visa types guide covers all available categories, but for professional and commercial purposes, the DN visa is the one you need.
What Is a Vietnam Business Visa?
A Vietnam business visa is an official entry permit issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit Vietnam for legitimate business purposes. It is distinct from a tourist visa, which restricts holders to leisure activities only.
With a valid business visa, you are permitted to:
- Attend business meetings, conferences, and negotiations
- Sign commercial contracts and partnership agreements
- Conduct market research and feasibility studies
- Participate in trade fairs and exhibitions
- Engage in short-term training or technology transfer
- Carry out investment and trade cooperation activities
Important: A business visa does not authorize long-term employment or salaried work in Vietnam. For that, you need a work permit and a separate work visa (LD category).
DN1 vs DN2: Which Business Visa Type Do You Need?
Vietnam issues two official categories of business visa, classified by the purpose of entry and the legal status of the sponsoring entity.
| Feature | DN1 Visa | DN2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Working with Vietnamese-registered companies or organizations | Providing services, establishing a commercial presence, or operating under international treaties |
| Typical users | Investors, consultants, trade partners | Representatives of international companies, treaty-based operators |
| Sponsorship | Vietnamese company or organization | Foreign organization operating in Vietnam, or Vietnamese entity |
| Validity | Up to 12 months | Up to 12 months |
The DN1 visa is the most common choice for foreign professionals visiting Vietnamese partners, attending meetings, or exploring business opportunities. The DN2 visa is designed for those operating under international trade agreements or establishing a foreign business presence in Vietnam.
How Long Is a Vietnam Business Visa Valid?
Vietnam business visas are issued with varying validity periods depending on the purpose of entry and the sponsoring company’s status.
| Duration | Entry Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month (30 days) | Single or multiple entry | Short business trips, conferences |
| 3 months (90 days) | Single or multiple entry | Extended projects, multiple visits |
| Up to 12 months | Multiple entry | Long-term corporate assignments |
The 3-month multiple-entry visa is the most widely issued option. It allows you to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the validity period, which is ideal for professionals who travel frequently in and out of the country.
If you need to stay longer than your visa allows, business visas (except e-visas) can be extended from within Vietnam. You can also convert a business visa to a work permit or Temporary Residence Card (TRC) if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Who Is Eligible for a Vietnam Business Visa?
To qualify for a Vietnam business visa, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a valid passport or international travel document with at least 6 months of validity remaining from the intended entry date
- Have at least two blank passport pages for visa stamps
- Have a Vietnamese company or organization acting as the visa sponsor (for VOA and embassy applications)
- Not be subject to any entry ban or immigration restriction in Vietnam
- Clearly demonstrate a legitimate business purpose for the visit
For e-visa applications, a sponsor is not strictly required, but applicants must select “Business Activities” as the purpose of entry.
Documents Required for a Vietnam Business Visa
The application requires documentation from both the applicant and the Vietnamese sponsoring company.
Applicant Documents
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date, with two blank pages
- Completed visa application form (NA1 or NA5, depending on the method)
- Recent passport-size photo (4 x 6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Visa approval letter (for VOA and embassy applications)
- Invitation letter or proof of business purpose (contracts, meeting confirmations, cooperation agreements)
Sponsoring Company Documents
- Business registration certificate issued by a competent Vietnamese authority
- Official invitation or guarantee letter, signed and sealed by the authorized representative
- Letter of introduction stating the applicant’s role, purpose of visit, and length of stay
Additional documents may be requested depending on your nationality and the specific immigration office handling the application.
Countries Exempt from Vietnam Business Visa
Citizens of certain countries can enter Vietnam for short-term business activities without a visa, provided they stay within the permitted duration.
| Visa-Free Duration | Countries |
|---|---|
| Up to 14 days | Brunei, Myanmar |
| Up to 15 days | Belarus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom |
| Up to 21 days | Philippines |
| Up to 30 days | Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand |
| Up to 90 days | Chile, Panama |
| Up to 90 days | APEC Business Travel Card holders |
Key conditions for visa-free business entry:
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- The exemption applies only to temporary business activities (meetings, negotiations, market visits)
- It does not permit employment or long-term work
- Overstaying the visa-free period can result in fines and future entry restrictions
- For stays beyond the allowed period, a proper Vietnam evisa or business visa is required
How to Apply for a Vietnam Business Visa
There are three official channels for obtaining a Vietnam business visa. The best method depends on your nationality, travel timeline, and the type of visa you need.
Option 1: E-Visa (Online Application)
The Vietnam business e-visa is the fastest and most convenient option for short-term business travel. It is available to nationals of all countries and can be completed entirely online.
Key details:
- Validity: Up to 90 days
- Entry type: Single entry or multiple entry
- Processing time: Approximately 3 working days
- Fee: USD 25 (single entry) or USD 50 (multiple entry)
- Official portal: evisa.gov.vn
How to apply independently:
- Go to the official e-visa portal and complete the online form
- Select “Business Activities” as the purpose of entry
- Upload a clear passport bio-page scan and a recent portrait photo
- Pay the government fee through the online payment gateway
- Use your registration code to track the application status
- Download and print the approved e-visa for entry
How to apply through a sponsoring company:
The sponsoring Vietnamese company can register an account on the immigration portal and submit the application on your behalf. Once approved, they send the e-visa or registration code to you by email.
Limitation: E-visas cannot be converted into a work permit or Temporary Residence Card, and they cannot be extended from within Vietnam. If your trip may exceed 90 days, consider a VOA or embassy-issued visa instead.
Option 2: Visa on Arrival (VOA)
Visa on Arrival is suitable for travelers who need a longer stay or multiple entries and cannot use an e-visa. It is available for air entry only and requires a pre-approved visa letter.
Step 1: The Vietnamese sponsoring company applies for a visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department. Processing takes 5-7 working days. The approval letter is sent to you by email.
Step 2: Prepare the following documents:
- Printed visa approval letter
- Completed visa application form
- Original passport valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages
- Two passport-size photos (4 x 6 cm, white background)
- Cash for the stamping fee
Step 3: Upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport, submit your documents at the visa counter, pay the stamping fee, and receive the visa stamp in your passport.
Stamping fees at the airport:
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Single-entry, 1 month | USD 25 |
| Multiple-entry, 1 month | USD 50 |
| Single-entry, 3 months | USD 25 |
| Multiple-entry, 3 months | USD 50 |
VOA is available at major airports including Noi Bai (Hanoi), Tan Son Nhat (Ho Chi Minh City), Da Nang, Cam Ranh (Nha Trang), and Phu Quoc.
Option 3: Embassy or Consulate
Applying at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate is the best option if you want the visa stamped in your passport before departure or if you are not eligible for an e-visa or VOA.
Step 1: The sponsoring company submits an entry approval request to the Vietnam Immigration Department with the required documents (passport copy, business registration, NA2 form, NA16 form). Processing takes 5-7 working days.
Step 2: Once approved, the sponsoring company sends you the entry approval letter. You then prepare your documents (application form, passport, photos, stamping fee) and submit them to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your country.
Step 3: The embassy processes the application in 3-5 working days and affixes the visa stamp to your passport.
Fees at embassies and consulates vary by location and nationality. Contact the specific diplomatic mission for current pricing.
How Much Does a Vietnam Business Visa Cost?
The total cost depends on the application method and visa duration.
| Application Method | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa (single entry) | USD 25 | Paid online, non-refundable |
| E-Visa (multiple entry) | USD 50 | Paid online, non-refundable |
| VOA stamping (single entry) | USD 25 | Paid at airport in cash |
| VOA stamping (multiple entry) | USD 50 | Paid at airport in cash |
| Embassy/Consulate | Varies | Depends on location and nationality |
Additional costs to consider:
- Visa approval letter fee (for VOA): varies by agency or sponsor
- Service or express processing fees (if using a visa agency)
- Translation and notarization costs for documents
- For a full breakdown of all visa categories, see our Vietnam visa cost guide
All government fees are subject to change. Confirm the latest amounts before applying.
How to Extend a Vietnam Business Visa
If you need to stay beyond the validity of your current business visa, an extension is possible for VOA and embassy-issued visas. E-visas cannot be extended from within Vietnam – you must leave the country and apply for a new one.
Extension process:
- Prepare the required documents: original passport (valid 6+ months), completed NA5 form, temporary residence confirmation from local police, and supporting documents from the sponsoring company (business registration, seal certificate, invitation letter)
- Submit the application to the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City
- Pay the extension fee (standard government fee is approximately USD 10)
- Receive the result within 5 working days
Tips for a smooth extension:
- Start the process at least 7-10 days before your current visa expires
- Overstaying before applying may result in penalties
- Third-party agencies may charge additional service fees
- The extension duration depends on your original visa type and sponsor status
Business Visa vs Tourist Visa: Key Differences
| Feature | Business Visa (DN) | Tourist Visa (DL) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Meetings, contracts, trade, market research | Sightseeing, leisure, visiting friends |
| Sponsorship | Vietnamese company required (for VOA/embassy) | Not required |
| Validity | Up to 12 months | Up to 90 days |
| Extension | Can be extended in-country | Cannot be extended (e-visa) |
| Conversion | Can convert to work permit/TRC | Cannot convert |
| Entry type | Single or multiple | Single or multiple |
Using a tourist visa for business activities is a violation of Vietnamese immigration law and can result in fines, deportation, and future entry bans.
FAQs About Vietnam Business Visa
What are the requirements for a business visa in Vietnam?
You need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity and two blank pages, a completed visa application form, passport-size photos, an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company, and a visa approval letter (for VOA and embassy applications). The sponsoring company must provide its business registration certificate and a formal guarantee letter.
How long does it take to get a business visa for Vietnam?
Processing times vary by method. E-visas take approximately 3 working days. Visa on Arrival requires 5-7 working days for the approval letter, plus time at the airport. Embassy applications take 5-7 working days for the approval letter and an additional 3-5 working days at the embassy. For a detailed timeline, see our guide on Vietnam eVisa processing time. Express processing is available through some agencies in 24-48 hours.
Can I work in Vietnam with a business visa?
A business visa allows short-term professional activities like meetings, negotiations, and conferences. It does not authorize full-time employment or salaried work. For that, you need a work permit and a work visa (LD category). Working on a business visa beyond its intended scope can result in penalties.
Can I convert my e-visa to a business visa while in Vietnam?
No, e-visas cannot be converted or extended from within Vietnam. If you need a longer stay or a different visa type, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa. For long-term business needs, arrange a VOA or embassy-issued business visa before arrival.
Do I need a sponsor for a Vietnam business visa?
For VOA and embassy applications, a Vietnamese company or organization must act as your sponsor and provide an invitation letter and supporting documents. For e-visa applications, a sponsor is not strictly required, but you must clearly state your business purpose.
How much bank balance is required for a Vietnam visa?
Vietnam does not officially require a minimum bank balance for business visa applications. However, having sufficient funds to cover your stay is recommended, and some embassies may request proof of financial means as part of the application review.
Can I bring my family on a business visa?
A business visa does not automatically cover family members. Your spouse and children must apply for separate visas, typically tourist visas. If you hold a work permit or Temporary Residence Card, eligible family members may apply for dependent residence status.
What happens if I overstay my Vietnam business visa?
Overstaying results in fines of approximately USD 10-20 per day. Overstaying beyond 15 days may lead to deportation and being blacklisted from re-entering Vietnam for up to three years. Always extend your visa before it expires or leave the country on time.
