Business Visas in Vietnam: DN1

A DN1 visa is a commercial visa issued by Vietnam to foreign nationals. This multiple-entry visa is typically valid for 3 months.

Key points

• What is a DN1 Visa?
• Visa Duration
• DN1 Visa Process
• Visa Extension

I. What is DN1 Visa

A DN1 visa is essentially a business visa issued by Vietnam. It allows foreign professionals to work for Vietnamese companies. Whether you're an expat looking to relocate or a company hiring international talent, knowing the ins and outs of a DN1 visa is crucial.

II. DN1 Visa Duration

According to the regulations, 'Visas marked NG1, NG2, NG3, NG4, LV1, LV2, ĐT4, DN1, DN2, NN1, NN2, NN3, DH, PV1, PV2, and TT shall have a duration of no more than 12 months.' This implies that a DN1 visa, being included in this category, can have a maximum duration of 12 months. However, in practical terms, DN1 visas are typically issued with a validity of only 3 months.

III. The DN1 Visa Process

Companies must undertake sponsorship procedures at the Immigration Department to obtain visas for foreign nationals. The process of acquiring a commercial visa involves two primary steps:

1. Application for an entry permit (invitation letter): The company must first apply for an entry permit from the Immigration Department.
2. Visa issuance: The visa is then issued at the border checkpoint or at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate.

III.1. Entry Permit Application Procedures

Article 16 of the Immigration Law stipulates the procedures for inviting and sponsoring foreign nationals to enter the country at the immigration management agency.

1. Foreign nationals who do not fall under the categories specified in clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Article 8 of this Law must go through the inviting or sponsoring organization or individual to complete the procedures at the immigration management agency. The inviting or sponsoring organization or individual shall directly submit a written request for a visa to the immigration management agency.

The sponsoring enterprise must submit a visa application for the foreign national. The Immigration Department is responsible for receiving the application.

Currently, this procedure is conducted online. Therefore, the enterprise needs to prepare:

• An electronic account registered with the Immigration Department.
• A visa application form NA2.

The results will be returned to the enterprise's electronic account.

III.2 DN1 Visa Issuance

Once the immigration department approves the entry permit request, the sponsoring company will notify the foreign national. The foreign national can then proceed to obtain the visa at either:

• A Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country
• An international airport in Vietnam, such as Tan Son Nhat, Noi Bai, Da Nang, or Huu Nghi

To receive the visa, the following documents are required:

• Original passport
• Two recent passport-sized photos
• The printed entry permit

Visa fees must be paid at the time of issuance.

III. Can the Visa DN1 be extended?

If a foreign national wishes to stay in Vietnam beyond the initial 3-month period, they may consider extending their visa.

A DN1 visa can be extended for an additional month. Alternatively, it can be converted to a longer-term visa such as a work permit or an investor visa.

IV. Additional notes

• Online Application: The application process for entry permits can now be done online through the Immigration Department's electronic system.
• Required Documents: When applying for a DN1 visa, foreign nationals will generally need a valid passport, two passport-sized photos, and the entry permit issued by the sponsoring company.
• Visa Fees: Visa fees must be paid when applying for or extending a DN1 visa.