Plan your Vietnam work adventure with our guide to visa costs for international applicants! Learn about work permit fees, visa types, application processes, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Start your work visa-prepared journey with Vietnam’s vibrant glow (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.
Applicants, please note: Vietnam work visas require a work permit first, issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). International applicants must secure employer sponsorship for a work permit before applying for a work visa. This guide details work visa costs, requirements, and application processes for international applicants, along with travel tips for a seamless relocation or business trip.
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 costs ensures smooth relocation for international applicants seeking employment in sectors like IT, education, or manufacturing vietnam-visa.com. Work visas (LD1/LD2) cost $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), requiring a work permit first. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international applicants.
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 costs, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
International applicants require a work permit (cost: $20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND, processing 15–30 days) from MOLISA before applying for a work visa (LD1/LD2, $25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND, valid 2 years). 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 (Prerequisite for Work Visa):
Purpose: Required for legal employment in Vietnam.
Eligibility: International applicants with employer sponsorship; must be at least 18 years old, have relevant qualifications, and no criminal record vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND), depending on processing time and type vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Employer submits application to MOLISA with applicant’s passport copy, qualifications, job offer, and no-criminal-record certificate vietnam-visa.com.
Processing takes 15–30 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Once approved, use the work permit to apply for the work visa vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for additional 2 years; fees apply ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Work Visa (LD1/LD2):
Purpose: For employment with a work permit (LD1 for experts, managers, executives; LD2 for skilled workers).
Eligibility: International applicants with a valid work permit and employer sponsorship vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, aligned with work permit vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
Application Process:
Employer or applicant submits work permit, passport copy, application form, photos (4x6 cm), and job contract to the Immigration Department or Vietnamese embassy vietnam-visa.com.
Processing takes 5–15 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Collect visa at embassy or upon arrival with approval letter (if applicable) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable for up to 2 years with renewed work permit; fees vary ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
Purpose: For long-term work stays (over 1 year).
Eligibility: International applicants with a work visa and work permit vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 1–5 years vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Work permit, work visa, application form, photos, and employer sponsorship vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable; fees apply ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Work without a permit is illegal, with fines up to $4,000 (100,000,000 VND) and deportation travel.state.gov.
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: Work visas require a work permit first; e-visas are not for work purposes. International applicants must comply with MOLISA regulations 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, qualifications (degree or experience), no-criminal-record certificate, and health check vietnam-visa.com.
Visa Application: Submit work permit, passport, photos, and job contract to Immigration Department or embassy vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 24 hours, handled by employers; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth integration for work visa holders during Vietnam Tours. 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 documents to show respect, especially in professional settings culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest, professional clothing for work and temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature); a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) aligns with local norms vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in workplaces and cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry work visa or residence card 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; 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 visa handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen work visa holders 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 (e.g., punctuality); respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An; carry a printed work 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) for eco-friendly commuting vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your work visa-prepared experience, 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 after securing your work visa; suitable for applicants with valid work permits and visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use work visas (LD1/LD2, $25–$100); carry a printed work visa or passport photocopy; register residence with employer travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
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 requirements with MOLISA; apply early; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was smooth with the 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 work 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 Canada noted: “Legend’s tour ensured work 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 work visas for extended stays; carry a printed work 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 Australia noted: “The combo tour was work 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 work visas for long-term stays; carry a printed work visa or passport photocopy; confirm 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 the UK noted: “The multi-day tour was a work visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for applicants with work visas.
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, festive with temple ceremonies; 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 work travel and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for indoor activities; expect rain. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Visa Needs: Secure a work permit ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND) through employer and MOLISA; apply for work visas (LD1/LD2, $25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND) at the Immigration Department or embassy vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry work permit, visa, qualifications, and no-criminal-record certificate; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm employers 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 commuting.
Tip: Apply for work permits 15–30 days early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status with MOLISA or Immigration Department. 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 visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), work visa ($25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), work permit ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND), passport photocopy, qualifications/no-criminal-record certificate, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Professional clothing for work; modest 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 Permit Costs: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND), depending on processing time and type vietnam-visa.com.
Work Visa (LD1/LD2) Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on visa type and processing time travel.state.gov.
TRC Costs: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) for long-term stays vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Costs: Work visa/TRC: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) 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 (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use employer sponsorship to offset work visa costs.
Visa Tips: Secure a work permit ($20–$50 or 500,000–1,250,000 VND) through employer and MOLISA; apply for work visas (LD1/LD2, $25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND) at the Immigration Department or embassy; use TRC ($100–$200 or 2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) for long-term stays vietnam-visa.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).
How much does a Vietnam work visa cost? Work visa (LD1/LD2): $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND); work permit: $20–$50 (500,000–1,250,000 VND); TRC: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
What is required for a Vietnam work visa? Employer sponsorship, work permit from MOLISA, qualifications, no-criminal-record certificate, and health check vietnam-visa.com.
How long does a Vietnam work visa take? Work permit: 15–30 days; work visa: 5–15 days; TRC: 5–10 days vietnam-visa.com.
Can work visas be extended? Yes, for up to 2 years with renewed work permit; fees $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for working without a visa? Fines up to $4,000 (100,000,000 VND) and deportation travel.state.gov.
Are e-visas available for work? No, e-visas are for tourism/business; work visas require work permits and embassy/Immigration Department applications evisa.gov.vn.
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 Cost with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and visa-smart planning—unlocks a vibrant, eco-friendly 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 adventure and sustainability for international applicants. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, secure a work permit first and apply for work visas early, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
evisa.gov.vn
travel.state.gov
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
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