Table of Contents
Information regarding Vietnam's Family Reunion Visa (TT) and the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate for spouses, children, and overseas Vietnamese.
Introduction to Vietnam Family Visas
Foreign nationals working in Vietnam or married to Vietnamese citizens have two primary visa options for dependent family members in 2026: the Family Reunion Visa (TT) and the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate.
The TT Visa: For Dependents of Foreign Workers
The TT (Thăm Thân) Visa is issued to spouses and children (under 18 years of age) of foreign workers who hold a valid Vietnamese Work Permit, Temporary Residence Card (TRC), or applicable Business/Investor visas (such as DN1, DN2, or DT). The validity of the TT Visa corresponds with the sponsor's visa or TRC, typically issued for a period of 1 to 2 years.
Required documentation includes a legalized marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children), the sponsor's valid passport and visa, and a sponsorship letter from the employing organization.
The 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate
Spouses and children of Vietnamese citizens, as well as overseas Vietnamese, may apply for a 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate. This document permits multiple entries over a 5-year period. The maximum duration of stay per entry is 180 days.
Upon reaching the 180-day limit, the holder must exit and re-enter the country or apply for an extension through the Vietnam Immigration Department. Corporate sponsorship is not required for this exemption.
Application Process
Applications for a TT Visa or a 5-Year Exemption require the submission of physical documents and cannot be processed entirely online like a standard tourist eVisa.
- Document Preparation: Collect passports and legalized proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates).
- Sponsorship Submission: For TT visas, the sponsoring organization must submit a visa approval request to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- Visa Collection: Upon issuance of the approval letter, the visa can be collected at a Vietnamese embassy or at a designated port of arrival.
Applicants requiring immediate entry before the family visa is processed may apply for an eVisa. A subsequent exit and re-entry (border run) will be required to activate the newly issued TT visa or Exemption Certificate.
Important Rules and Restrictions
The TT Visa and the 5-Year Exemption do not permit employment in Vietnam. Individuals intending to work must obtain a separate Work Permit and transition to a Labor (LD) visa. Passports must possess at least 6 months of validity and a minimum of two blank pages prior to application. For further information, contact us.