Plan your work adventure in Vietnam with our guide to visa fees for international applicants! Learn about work permit requirements, application processes, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Photograph the festive spirit of Vietnam’s culture (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, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Applicants, please note: Vietnam requires a work permit for most foreign workers, followed by a work visa or residence card. The Visa on Arrival (VOA) program was discontinued in 2022, so work visas must be obtained through Vietnamese embassies or consulates. This guide details work visa fees, requirements, and application processes for international applicants, along with travel tips for a seamless transition.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian nation, 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 fees and requirements ensures a smooth transition for international applicants seeking employment in Vietnam, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or settling in. Work visas involve fees ranging from $25–$155 (625,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on type and duration, with additional costs for work permits ($400–$500 or 10,000,000–12,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for applicants from all countries.
Following Vietnam’s updated travel regulations, work visas are processed through embassies, with residence registration required upon arrival. This guide blends work visa fees, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free experience.
International applicants require a work permit (fees $400–$500 or 10,000,000–12,500,000 VND) before applying for a work visa (fees $25–$155 or 625,000–3,875,000 VND). 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 14 days upon arrival. Verify visa requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Work Permit (Required Before Visa):
Purpose: Employment in Vietnam (e.g., teaching, engineering, management).
Eligibility: Applicants with a job offer from a Vietnamese employer, relevant qualifications, and no criminal record vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $400–$500 (10,000,000–12,500,000 VND), depending on province and processing time vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Employer submits application to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) in the province of employment vietnam-visa.com.
Provide passport copy, job offer letter, qualifications (degree, certificates), health certificate, and criminal record check vietnam-visa.com.
Processing time: 15–30 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Receive work permit and proceed to visa application vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable for up to 2 years; fees similar to initial application ($400–$500) vietnam-visa.com.
Work Visa (LD1/LD2):
Purpose: Employment with a work permit (LD1 for managers/executives, LD2 for specialists/technicians).
Eligibility: Holders of a valid work permit vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, aligned with work permit vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $25–$155 (625,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on duration and entry type (single/multiple); additional stamping fees at immigration vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process:
Employer applies for visa approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department vietnam-visa.com.
Applicant submits passport, work permit, approval letter, application form, and photos at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate (e.g., in Phnom Penh, Bangkok, or Beijing) travel.state.gov.
Processing time: 5–15 working days vietnam-visa.com.
Receive visa stamp in passport and enter Vietnam vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Extendable with work permit renewal; fees $25–$155 vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Card (TRC):
Purpose: Long-term stay for work visa holders.
Eligibility: Work visa holders with a work permit vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 5 years vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $145–$155 (3,625,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on duration vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Work visa, work permit, passport, and application through employer vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable with work permit; fees similar to initial application vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Work visas require a sponsoring employer; independent freelance work is not permitted without registration vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary residence registration is mandatory within 14 days upon arrival 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. Applicants must obtain work visas through embassies or consulates vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Work Permit Application: Job offer letter, qualifications, health certificate, criminal record check vietnam-visa.com.
Visa Application: Work permit, approval letter, passport, application form, photos vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days, typically handled by employers or hotels travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a smooth integration for work visa applicants 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 at visa offices or workplaces culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest, professional clothing covering shoulders and knees for official meetings or 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 offices or cultural sites; avoid loud behavior or disputes; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; respect work hierarchies. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our work visa process 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 culturetrip.com.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to officials or colleagues; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep passport handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen work visa applicants 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 offices and tourist areas culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow office or temple rules; respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City; 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) to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your work visa-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, 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 obtaining your work visa; suitable for applicants with valid work visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Use work visas for long-term stays; carry a printed work visa or passport photocopy; register temporary 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 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 and apply through employers; check vietnam-visa.com; 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 Australia 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 a work visa for long-term 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 Canada 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 a work visa for long-term stays; carry a printed work 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 Germany 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 work 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 work visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key work 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 work visa-prepared 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: Work visas require a work permit ($400–$500); apply through employers for LD1/LD2 visas ($25–$155) or residence cards ($145–$155) vietnam-visa.com.
Application Tips: Submit work permit application via employer to DOLISA; provide qualifications, health certificate, criminal record check; processing 15–30 days vietnam-visa.com.
Documentation: Ensure passport validity (6+ months); carry a digital or printed work visa copy or passport photocopy; keep a photocopy of passport bio page separately travel.state.gov.
Residence Registration: Confirm employers or hotels register your stay with local police within 14 days travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or motorbike taxis for sustainable travel.
Tip: Apply for work permits and visas 1–2 months early; double-check details to match passport; carry small VND notes for local purchases; check status at Vietnamese embassies. For extensions, apply through immigration offices with sponsor support.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), printed work visa ($25–$155 or 625,000–3,875,000 VND), work permit ($400–$500), passport photocopy, job offer letter, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest, professional clothing covering shoulders and knees for meetings or 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., banh mi); 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.
Work Visa and Travel Costs
Work Permit Costs: $400–$500 (10,000,000–12,500,000 VND), depending on province vietnam-visa.com.
Work Visa (LD1/LD2) Costs: $25–$155 (625,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on duration and entry type vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Card Costs: $145–$155 (3,625,000–3,875,000 VND), depending on duration 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, work visa fees (if applicable), and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; use work visas to facilitate long-term stays.
Visa Tips: Work visas require a work permit ($400–$500); apply through employers for LD1/LD2 visas ($25–$155) or residence cards ($145–$155); double-check details to match passport 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 Ho Chi Minh City.
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).
What are the fees for a Vietnam work visa? Work permit: $400–$500 (10,000,000–12,500,000 VND); work visa (LD1/LD2): $25–$155 (625,000–3,875,000 VND); residence card: $145–$155 (3,625,000–3,875,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
How do I apply for a Vietnam work visa? Obtain a work permit through your employer, then apply for the visa at a Vietnamese embassy with the permit, passport, and fees vietnam-visa.com.
Can work visas be extended? Yes, with work permit renewal; extension fees $25–$155 vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for working without a visa? Fines up to 50,000,000 VND ($2,000); deportation or blacklisting travel.state.gov.
Is a work permit required for all jobs? Yes, for most foreign workers; exemptions for short-term experts or intra-company transfers vietnam-visa.com.
How long does the work visa process take? Work permit: 15–30 days; visa: 5–15 days 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 Fees 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, apply for work permits and visas early through employers or embassies, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
