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Vietnam has over a dozen visa categories. From tourist and business to work permits and investor visas — here's what each one means and who needs it.
Overview: Vietnam's Visa Classification System
Vietnam classifies visas by purpose of entry using a code system. Each visa code corresponds to a specific activity — from tourism and business to employment and diplomatic service.
Understanding these codes helps you apply for the right visa and avoid complications at immigration. Using the wrong visa type for your activity (e.g., working on a tourist visa) can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans. For a broader overview, see our Vietnam visa guide.
All Vietnam Visa Types at a Glance
Here is a complete overview of all major visa categories:
| Code | Name | Purpose | Max Duration | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DL | Tourist Visa | Tourism, sightseeing, leisure | 90 days | eVisa ($25-$50) |
| DN1 | Business Visa | Working with Vietnamese organizations | Up to 12 months | Embassy + sponsor |
| DN2 | Business Visa | Trade, services, international treaties | Up to 12 months | Embassy + sponsor |
| LD1 | Work Visa (Exempt) | Workers exempt from work permit | Up to 2 years | Embassy + employer sponsor |
| LD2 | Work Visa | Workers requiring work permit | Up to 2 years | Embassy + work permit |
| DT1-DT4 | Investor Visa | Foreign investors (by capital tier) | Up to 5 years (varies by tier) | Embassy + investment docs |
| DH | Student Visa | Study, internships, research | Duration of program | Embassy + school letter |
| TT | Family Visa | Spouse/children of visa holders | Up to 12 months | Embassy + family docs |
| NG1-NG4 | Diplomatic Visa | Diplomats, government officials | Duration of assignment | Government channel |
| LS | Lawyer Visa | Foreign lawyers practicing in VN | Up to 5 years | Embassy + law license |
| LV1-LV2 | Visit Visa | Visiting for various purposes | Up to 12 months | Embassy |
Tourist Visa (DL) — Most Common
The tourist visa (code DL) is what most visitors need. It's designed for tourism, sightseeing, visiting friends, and short leisure trips.
The most straightforward method to obtain a tourist visa is through the eVisa system. As of August 2023, citizens of all nationalities can apply online for stays of up to 90 days. The fee is $25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa. Holders of an eVisa are permitted to enter and exit through any of the 83 designated entry ports across Vietnam. For a detailed walkthrough, see our step-by-step eVisa application guide.
The tourist visa does not permit employment, formal business activities, or enrollment in educational programs.
For most visitors, the eVisa (DL category) is the only requirement. Applications must be submitted through the official National Web Portal on Immigration. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 working days.
Business Visa (DN1 & DN2)
Business visas are for foreigners conducting business activities in Vietnam. There are two sub-categories:
• DN1: For foreigners working with Vietnamese enterprises, organizations, or state agencies. You need an invitation letter from the Vietnamese entity.
• DN2: For foreigners providing services, establishing commercial presence, or performing activities under international trade agreements.
Business visas can be issued for up to 12 months with single or multiple entries. They require a sponsoring Vietnamese organization and are applied for through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
A business visa (DN) permits attending meetings and signing contracts, but it strictly prohibits paid employment. Employment requires a work visa (LD) and a corresponding work permit.
Work Visa (LD1 & LD2)
Work visas are for foreigners who will be employed in Vietnam:
• LD1: For workers who are EXEMPT from the work permit requirement (e.g., intra-company transfers, workers under WTO commitments, or those with specific expertise).
• LD2: For workers who are REQUIRED to have a work permit. This is the standard work visa for most foreign employees.
Work visas can be valid for up to 2 years and require sponsorship from a Vietnamese employer. The employer typically handles the application process, including obtaining the work permit.
Investor Visa (DT1-DT4)
Investor visas are issued to foreign nationals investing capital in Vietnam. They are categorized by the scale of investment:
• DT1: Investors with a capital contribution of 100 billion VND or more, or those investing in government-prioritized sectors (valid for up to 5 years). • DT2: Investors with a capital contribution from 50 billion VND to under 100 billion VND (valid for up to 5 years). • DT3: Investors with a capital contribution from 3 billion VND to under 50 billion VND (valid for up to 3 years). • DT4: Investors with a capital contribution below 3 billion VND (valid for up to 12 months).
Investor visas require documented proof of investment and are processed through Vietnamese embassies or consulates.
Student Visa (DH)
Student visas are for foreigners enrolled in educational institutions in Vietnam, including:
• University degree programs • Language courses • Exchange programs • Internships (with educational institutions) • Research programs
The duration matches the length of your program. You need an acceptance letter from a recognized Vietnamese educational institution to apply.
Family Visa (TT)
The TT visa is for family members of foreigners who hold valid visas in Vietnam. Eligible applicants include:
• Spouses of LD, DT, DN, or DH visa holders • Children under 18 of the above visa holders • Parents of Vietnamese citizens
The TT visa allows you to reside in Vietnam with your family member but does not permit employment without a separate work permit.
Which Visa Do You Need?
Use this quick guide to determine the right visa for your situation:
- Vacation or visiting friends → Tourist eVisa (DL) via the National Web Portal on Immigration. Check the requirements page before applying.
- Business meetings or conferences → Business visa (DN1/DN2) via a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Full-time employment → Work visa (LD2) and work permit via an employer.
- Investing in Vietnam → Investor visa (DT1-DT4) via a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Studying at a Vietnamese school → Student visa (DH) via a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Joining a spouse or parent in Vietnam → Family visa (TT) via a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
- Short trip (under 45 days for UK, DE, FR, IT, ES, JP, KR, RU, DK, NO, SE, FI, BY; or 14-30 days for ASEAN depending on nationality) → Visa-free entry. Consult the latest fees and processing times if an eVisa is required.