Plan your Vietnam work adventure with our guide to visa requirements for international applicants! Learn about work permit applications, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritage (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Travelers, please note: Vietnam requires a work permit before applying for a work visa. International applicants must secure a work permit through a Vietnamese employer or sponsoring organization, followed by a work visa application. E-visas are not valid for work purposes—use embassy/consulate visas or specific work visa categories. This guide details work visa requirements for international applicants, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless professional journey in Vietnam.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding work visa requirements ensures smooth entry for professional opportunities, whether joining Vietnam Tours as a guide or working in business sectors. International applicants benefit from updated regulations, including eased labor market testing and consolidated work permit steps, facilitating employment in Vietnam vietnam-briefing.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international workers.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, the country is accessible via 13 international airports (e.g., Noi Bai in Hanoi, Tan Son Nhat in Ho Chi Minh City), 16 land borders, and 13 seaports. This guide blends work visa requirements for international applicants, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free professional stay.
International applicants require a work permit before obtaining a work visa, with costs ranging from $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) for visas and additional fees for permits. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 24 hours, typically handled by employers or hotels. Verify visa requirements via evisa.gov.vn or travel.state.gov.
Work Permit (LD1, LD2, DN1, DN2):
Purpose: Required for all foreign workers in Vietnam, except exempt categories (e.g., intra-company transfers, short-term assignments under 30 days).
Eligibility: Foreign nationals employed by a Vietnamese entity; must meet criteria like being 18+, having relevant qualifications (e.g., bachelor’s degree + 3 years experience for experts, or 5 years experience) vietnam-briefing.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable vietnam-briefing.com.
Cost: Application fees vary ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND); labor market testing may apply unless exempt vietnam-briefing.com.
Application Process:
Employer submits labor demand report to the Provincial Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) 30 days in advance vietnam-briefing.com.
If approved or exempt, employer applies for work permit with applicant’s documents (passport, health certificate, criminal record, qualifications) vietnam-briefing.com.
Processing time: 7–15 working days; approval leads to work permit issuance vietnam-briefing.com.
Extension: Renewable for another 2 years with updated documents vietnam-briefing.com.
Work Visa (Business Visa - DN):
Purpose: Entry for work after obtaining a work permit.
Eligibility: Holders of a valid work permit travel.state.gov.
Duration: Matches work permit duration, up to 2 years travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and type travel.state.gov.
Application Process: Apply at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate with work permit approval letter, passport, application form, and photos; processing time: 5–10 working days travel.state.gov.
Extension: Extendable in Vietnam with work permit renewal vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
Purpose: For long-term workers, replacing repeated visa extensions.
Eligibility: Work permit holders staying over 2 years vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 2–5 years vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $145–$155 (3,625,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Work permit, passport, application form; applied through employer at the Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Work without a permit can lead to fines (up to 75,000,000 VND or $3,000) and deportation vietnam-briefing.com.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 24 hours, handled by employers or hotels travel.state.gov.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential exit bans or deportation travel.state.gov.
Important Note: The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022. International applicants must obtain work permits and visas before arrival vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Work Permit Application: Requires employer sponsorship, health certificate, criminal record, qualifications (e.g., degree + experience), and photos vietnam-briefing.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, handled by employers or hotels travel.state.gov.
Proof of Employment: Work contract or invitation letter from Vietnamese employer vietnam-visa.com.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth work experience during Vietnam Tours for international workers. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for business cards or gifts to show respect, especially in meetings culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest, professional clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits or formal meetings; a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in workplaces or cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals; carry work permit or visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased my work visa transition and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An; complete residence registration within 24 hours travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to colleagues or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep work permit handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen international workers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in business areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but translation apps are useful culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow workplace rules (punctuality, hierarchy); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or motorbike taxis ($0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND) to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your visa-prepared work stay, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently during work breaks; suitable for workers with valid work visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use work visa for long stays; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register temporary residence at hotels travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Hanoi’s Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay cruises available daily.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm work visa eligibility for leisure travel; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with my work visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid work visa; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Australia noted: “Legend’s tour ensured visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a work visa for long stays; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from the UK noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a work visa for long stays; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from Canada noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for workers with visa-prepared plans.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for border crossings and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences; expect rain at land borders. Morning crossings (7:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds and heat. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Secure a work permit through a Vietnamese employer; apply for a work visa at an embassy with the permit approval; use e-visas for initial entry if needed, but switch to work visa for long-term stay vietnam-briefing.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry work permit approval, health certificate, criminal record, qualifications, and photos vietnam-briefing.com.
Residence Registration: Confirm employers or hotels register your stay with local police within 24 hours; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital visa copies to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for work permits 30 days in advance; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status at the Provincial DOLISA. For embassy visas, contact the nearest Vietnamese embassy (e.g., Washington D.C.: +1 202 861 0737, London: +44 20 7937 1912).
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable stay:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), work permit approval letter, printed work visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), passport photocopy, work contract or invitation letter, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest, professional clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Travel Costs
Work Visa Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration and type; work permit fees vary ($10–$50 or 250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-briefing.com.
TRC Costs: $145–$155 (3,625,000–3,875,000 VND) for long-term stays vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use work visa extensions to save on renewals.
Visa Tips: Secure a work permit through a Vietnamese employer; apply for a work visa at an embassy with the permit approval; use TRC for long-term stays; double-check details to match passport vietnam-briefing.com.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress modestly for temples; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or motorbike taxis; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets or nightlife areas; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Who needs a work visa for Vietnam? All foreign nationals working in Vietnam require a work permit and work visa, except exempt categories like short-term assignments vietnam-briefing.com.
How do international applicants apply for a Vietnam work visa? Secure a work permit through an employer; apply at a Vietnamese embassy with the permit approval, passport, and supporting documents travel.state.gov.
How much does a Vietnam work visa cost? Work visa: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); work permit fees: $10–$50 (250,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-briefing.com.
Can work visas be extended? Yes, extendable with work permit renewal; TRC for long-term stays ($145–$155 or 3,625,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for working without a visa? Fines up to 75,000,000 VND ($3,000) and deportation vietnam-briefing.com.
Is Visa on Arrival available for work? No, discontinued in 2022; use work permits and embassy visas for work purposes vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your work visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Work Visa with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, professional journey through this Southeast Asian gem. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers opportunity and sustainability for international applicants. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, secure a work permit and visa early, and respect local customs for the best experience. Note that Visa on Arrival is no longer available; plan accordingly. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-briefing.com
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vietnam.travel
Favorite experiences booked by travelers
