Table of Contents
A complete 2026 guide to Vietnam's Family Reunion Visa (TT) and the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate for spouses, children, and overseas Vietnamese.
Introduction to Vietnam Family Visas
For expatriates working in Vietnam or foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens, bringing your family to live with you is a top priority. In 2026, Vietnam offers two primary options for family members: the Family Reunion Visa (TT) and the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate. Understanding which one applies to your situation is crucial for a smooth relocation.
The TT Visa: For Dependents of Foreign Workers
The TT (Thăm Thân) Visa is designed for spouses and children (under 18 years old) of foreign workers who hold a valid Vietnamese Work Permit, Temporary Residence Card (TRC), or Business Visa (DN1/DN2/DT). The TT Visa's validity usually matches the sponsor's visa or TRC, up to a maximum of 1 to 2 years.<br><br>Key requirements include a legalized marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children), along with the sponsor's valid passport, visa, and employer sponsorship letter.
The 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate
If you are the spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen, or an overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu), you are eligible for the 5-Year Visa Exemption Certificate. This is highly advantageous as it allows multiple entries over a 5-year period, with a maximum stay of 180 days per entry.<br><br>After 180 days, you must either exit the country and re-enter, or apply for an in-country extension. Unlike the TT visa, this exemption does not require a corporate sponsor.
Application Process in 2026
While you cannot apply for a TT Visa or 5-Year Exemption entirely online like a standard tourist eVisa, the process involves preparing physical documents for submission. <br><br>1. <strong>Preparation:</strong> Gather passports, legalized relationship proofs (marriage/birth certificates).<br>2. <strong>Sponsorship:</strong> For TT visas, the sponsoring company must submit an approval request to the Vietnam Immigration Department.<br>3. <strong>Stamping:</strong> Once the approval letter is issued, you can collect the visa at a Vietnamese embassy or upon arrival at the airport.<br><br>If you need to enter Vietnam quickly before your family visa is processed, you can apply for an eVisa first, but you may need to do a border run to activate your new TT visa or Exemption.
Important Rules and Restrictions
Holders of the TT Visa or 5-Year Exemption are strictly prohibited from working in Vietnam. If you intend to work, you must obtain a separate Work Permit and transition to an LD (Labor) visa. Always ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages before applying for any long-term visa. If you need assistance with document preparation, feel free to contact us for guidance.