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A comprehensive guide to obtaining a Vietnam Business Visa (DN1/DN2) in 2026, including sponsorship requirements, 1-year validities, and when to use a 90-day eVisa for short business trips.
What is the Vietnam Business Visa (DN1/DN2)?
The Vietnam Business Visa is issued to foreigners coming to Vietnam for business purposes, such as exploring market opportunities, establishing a commercial presence, or working with Vietnamese enterprises. As of 2026, the primary categories are DN1 and DN2:
- **DN1 Visa:** Granted to foreigners working with other enterprises and organizations that have legal status according to the laws of Vietnam. - **DN2 Visa:** Granted to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or perform other activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
A business visa is not a Work Permit. If you intend to work long-term and receive a salary in Vietnam, your sponsor must also apply for a Work Permit for you.
Using an eVisa vs. a Business Visa
Many travelers wonder if they need a formal DN1/DN2 visa for short business trips. As of late 2023 and continuing into 2026, the Vietnam eVisa is available to ALL nationalities and offers a generous 90-day validity with multiple-entry options.
For short-term business activities—such as attending meetings, signing contracts, participating in conferences, or exploring investment opportunities—the standard 90-day eVisa is often sufficient. You can apply for an eVisa here without needing a sponsor letter.
However, if your stay exceeds 90 days, or if you need to perform direct work for a Vietnamese entity that requires a local contract, you must apply for a proper DN1/DN2 visa, which can be valid for up to 1 year.
- **Use an eVisa for:** Short meetings, conferences, exploring the market, unpaid consultations.
- **Use a DN1/DN2 Visa for:** Long-term business stays (up to 1 year), signing official company documents as a legal representative, preparing for long-term employment.
Sponsorship Letter Requirements
Unlike the eVisa, a DN1/DN2 Business Visa requires official sponsorship from a company registered in Vietnam. Your sponsor must apply for an "Approval Letter" from the Vietnam Immigration Department on your behalf.
The sponsoring company must provide their business registration certificate, tax code, and a formal request detailing your visit's purpose. Once approved, the Immigration Department issues a letter allowing you to pick up your business visa at a Vietnamese Embassy or upon arrival at the airport.
You cannot apply for a DN1/DN2 visa on your own. Your inviting company in Vietnam must initiate the process locally. Learn more about the invitation letter process.
How to Apply for a DN1/DN2 Business Visa
The process involves coordination between you and your Vietnamese sponsor:
1. **Provide Documents to Sponsor:** Send a copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months with 2 blank pages) and your travel dates to your inviting company. 2. **Sponsor Applies Locally:** The company submits the application to the Vietnam Immigration Department. 3. **Receive Approval Letter:** After 5-7 working days, your sponsor will receive the approval letter and send it to you via email. 4. **Get the Visa Stamped:** Present the printed approval letter, your passport, 2 passport-sized photos, and the stamping fee at the designated Vietnam Embassy or international airport (Visa on Arrival).
If you are only attending a 2-week conference, skip this complex process and get a 90-day eVisa instead.