VietnamWork

Vietnam work visa (LĐ)

Labour visa (LĐ1, LĐ2) and LĐ temporary residence card

In short

Foreigners who come to Vietnam for employment need an LĐ visa (LĐ1 or LĐ2) sponsored by their employer and a work permit, or a certificate that they are exempt from one, under the Labour Code. The visa is valid for up to two years; once in Vietnam, holders can obtain an LĐ temporary residence card valid for up to two years, and their spouse and children under 18 can follow on TT visas.

checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Temporary residence of up to 12 months on entry; then a residence card of up to 2 years
Validity
LĐ visa: up to 2 years
Fee
US$145Residence card up to 2 years USD 145; visa USD 25 single or USD 50–145 multiple depending on validity
Processing time
Visa approval within 5 working days; residence card within 5 working days of a complete file
Work
Yes, for the employer and position in the work permit
Family
Spouse and children under 18 receive TT visas and TT residence cards (up to 3 years)
Where to apply
Employer applies in Vietnam; visa collected abroad or at a border gate; card issued in Vietnam

Work permit first

The Law makes the work permit a condition of the visa: a foreigner entering to work must hold a work permit under the Labour Code or a certificate confirming that no work permit is required. The employer applies for the permit before sponsoring the visa. Since the 2019 amendment the labour visa is issued as LĐ1 (for those exempt from a work permit) or LĐ2 (for those who need one).

From 1 July 2026 Law 118/2025 adds a UĐ1 visa for high-quality human resources in the digital industry and other preferential cases, with a UĐ2 visa for their spouse and children under 18; UĐ residence cards can run for up to 10 years.

Fees

Visa fees under Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC: USD 25 single entry; multiple entry USD 50 (up to 90 days), USD 95 (up to 180 days), USD 135 (up to one year) and USD 145 (one to two years). Temporary residence cards cost USD 145 for up to two years. An extension of temporary residence costs USD 10.

Visa sponsorship

The employer, which must have notified the Immigration Department of its establishment documents and seal, files the visa request with your details, position and the place where you will collect the visa. The Department replies within five working days and informs the Vietnamese mission or border gate. You then submit your passport, application form and photo, and the embassy issues the visa within three working days of receiving the notice.

  1. Your Vietnamese employer obtains your work permit or the exemption certificate.
  2. The employer files the LĐ visa request with the Immigration Department.
  3. After approval, collect the visa at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate or the border gate named in the approval.
  4. Enter Vietnam; the border officer grants up to 12 months of temporary residence and your accommodation registers your address.
  5. The employer applies for your LĐ temporary residence card; collect it after five working days and pay USD 145.
  6. Before the card expires, the employer applies for a new card if your work permit is renewed.

Temporary residence card

On arrival with an LĐ visa the border officer grants temporary residence of up to 12 months and you can be considered for an LĐ temporary residence card. The employer files the card application at the immigration office where it is based: its request letter, your declaration form with photo, your passport and proof of the work permit. The card is decided within five working days, is valid for up to two years and must expire at least 30 days before your passport. It costs USD 145 and replaces the visa for re-entry.

Bringing your family

Your spouse and children under 18 qualify for TT visas as dependants of an LĐ holder. With the employer's agreement, a residence card holder may sponsor them to live in Vietnam for the term of the card; TT residence cards are valid for up to three years. Grandparents and parents can be sponsored for visits.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid at least 30 days beyond the visa or card

Money

  • Visa fee and USD 145 residence card fee

Work

  • Work permit, or certificate of exemption from a work permit, issued under the Labour Code
  • Employer's visa request filed with the Immigration Department

Other

  • Visa application form with photo; for the card, declaration form with photo

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Family

  • Marriage and birth certificates for dependants applying for TT visas

Frequently asked questions

Can I come on an e-visa and switch to a work visa?

E-visa holders invited or sponsored by an organisation in Vietnam may be considered for a new visa inside Vietnam, but you still need a work permit or exemption certificate before working.

How long is a Vietnamese work visa valid?

The LĐ visa is valid for up to two years, and the LĐ temporary residence card for up to two years.

What is the difference between LĐ1 and LĐ2?

LĐ1 is for foreigners who are exempt from a work permit, LĐ2 for those who must hold one.

Can my spouse work in Vietnam?

A TT holder can work only with their own work permit, unless exempt under the Labour Code.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Vietnam

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to the visa validity, at most 1 year
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months stamped on entry, then a residence card (ĐT1 up to 10 years from 1 July 2026)

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: DH residence card up to 5 years, at least 30 days shorter than the passport

Family

Residence

  • Residence permit Validity: ĐT1, UĐ1, UĐ2: up to 10 years; NG3, LV1, LV2, DH and other ĐT: up to 5 years; NN1, NN2, TT: up to 3 years; LĐ, PV1: up to 2 years
  • Permanent residence Validity: Card exchanged every 10 years

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days, matching the validity printed on the e-visa
  • Visa on arrival Maximum stay: According to the visa issued, for example up to 90 days for a DL tourist visa

Vietnam visa guide