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A comprehensive guide to obtaining a Vietnam Business Visa (DN1/DN2), including official fees, sponsorship requirements, APEC card exemptions, and when a 90-day eVisa is sufficient.
If you are traveling to Vietnam for short business activities such as meetings or conferences, apply for the 90-day eVisa online; it requires no local sponsor. For long-term work, signing contracts, or establishing a company, you must obtain a DN1/DN2 Business Visa sponsored by a Vietnamese entity, or use an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) for visa-free entry.
1. What is the Vietnam Business Visa?
The Vietnam Business Visa is issued to foreigners coming to Vietnam for commercial purposes. It is one of several Vietnam visa types available to foreign nationals. According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14), business visas are categorized primarily as DN1 and DN2:
- DN1 Visa: Granted to foreigners working with other enterprises and organizations that have legal status in Vietnam.
- DN2 Visa: Granted to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or perform activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
Important Distinction: A business visa is NOT a Work Permit. If you intend to work long-term and receive a local salary in Vietnam, your sponsor must apply for a formal Work Permit for you after you enter the country.
Business Visa vs. Investor Visa (DT)
Do not confuse the DN visa with the DT (Investor) Visa. If you are a foreign investor contributing capital to a company in Vietnam, you should apply for a DT1, DT2, DT3, or DT4 visa, depending on the investment amount. Investor visas often allow for longer stays and can be converted into Temporary Residence Cards (TRC) valid for up to 10 years.
2. eVisa Alternative for Short-Term Business
Travelers may assume a formal DN1/DN2 visa is required for any corporate trip. However, as of 2026, the Vietnam eVisa is available to citizens of all countries and offers a 90-day validity with multiple-entry options. The eVisa is accepted at 83 designated entry ports.
| Feature | 90-Day eVisa | DN1 / DN2 Business Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Meetings, conferences, market research, short unpaid consulting. | Long-term projects, signing official documents, preparing for a Work Permit. |
| Sponsorship | Not required. Apply on your own. | Required. Must be sponsored by a local Vietnamese company. |
| Max Validity | 90 Days | Up to 1 Year |
| Entries | Single or Multiple | Single or Multiple |
| Processing Time | 3 - 5 business days | 5 - 7 business days (for the approval letter) |
For short-term activities, the standard 90-day eVisa is recommended because it bypasses the sponsorship requirement. You can submit your application via the official National Web Portal on Immigration, or use our service to apply for an eVisa securely online.
3. Vietnam Business Visa Government Fees
If you determine that a DN1/DN2 visa is necessary, be prepared for two separate costs: the Approval Letter Fee (paid to a service agency if your sponsor uses one) and the Government Stamping Fee (paid at the embassy or airport upon arrival). For a comparison with standard eVisa costs, see our Vietnam visa fees and processing time breakdown.
Government Stamping Fees (Mandatory)
- Single Entry (1 - 3 months): $25 USD
- Multiple Entry (1 - 3 months): $50 USD
- Multiple Entry (up to 6 months): $95 USD
- Multiple Entry (up to 1 year): $135 USD
Note: The stamping fee must typically be paid in cash (USD or VND) if you are getting the visa stamped upon arrival at a Vietnamese international airport.
4. APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Exemption
Business travelers from an APEC member economy may be exempt from a visa.
Businesspeople holding an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) with the "VNM" (Vietnam) code printed on the back are exempt from a Vietnamese visa for stays of up to 60 days per entry. You can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times as long as your ABTC remains valid.
5. Requirements and the Application Process
Unlike the eVisa, a DN1/DN2 Business Visa requires official sponsorship. You cannot apply for it independently; your inviting company in Vietnam must initiate the process.
Step 1: Provide Documents to Your Sponsor
You must send the following to your Vietnamese partner:
- A scanned copy of your passport data page (valid for at least 6 months).
- Your tentative arrival date and designated port of entry.
Step 2: Sponsor Applies for the Approval Letter
Your sponsor submits the application to the Vietnam Immigration Department. They must provide:
- Their Business Registration Certificate (Enterprise Registration Certificate).
- Certificate of Tax Code registration.
- A formal letter detailing your working schedule and the purpose of your visit.
Step 3: Receive the Approval Letter
After 5-7 working days, the Immigration Department issues the Approval Letter. Your sponsor will email you a scanned copy. You must print this letter and carry it with you.
Step 4: Get the Visa Stamped
Upon arriving at a Vietnamese international airport (or at a designated Vietnam Embassy beforehand), proceed to the "Visa on Arrival" or "Landing Visa" counter. Present:
- Your original passport.
- The printed Approval Letter.
- A completed Entry and Exit Form (NA1).
- Two passport-sized photos (4x6cm, white background).
- The cash stamping fee ($25 or $50 USD).
6. What's Next? (Work Permits and TRCs)
Once you enter Vietnam on a Business Visa, you may need to take further steps if you plan to relocate permanently:
- Work Permit: If you will receive a salary from a Vietnamese entity, your employer must apply for a Work Permit within 30 days of your arrival.
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC): After obtaining a Work Permit (or if you are an investor with a DT visa), you can apply for a TRC. A TRC replaces the visa, allowing you to live in Vietnam for 2 to 5 years without needing to renew your visa frequently.