[Updated] Vietnam Business Visa For US Citizens: Guidelines

• August 30,2023
• 8 views

The expansion of commerce and the promotion of commercial operations are always given top priority when globalization plays a significant role in today's society. Understanding the Vietnam business visa for US citizens and how to apply is becoming more and more important. In this essay, let's dive into the Vietnam business visa and associated criteria.

WHY SHOULD AMERICANS GET A VIETNAM BUSINESS VISA?

Vietnam's economy is promising for foreign investors to find opportunities to develop their business or open a new branch. Vietnam is the only country in Southeast Asia to achieve positive development in retail sales and imports, with a 2.91% growth rate in 2020. These figures put Vietnam at the top of the list, ranked among the highest in the world, despite the terrible COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam is a fantastic country to do business in because its GDP increased by 8.02% in 2022 from 2021's growth rate of 2.58%. A Vietnam business visa for US citizens has become important if visitors wish to enter Vietnam for business purposes.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE VIETNAM BUSINESS VISA FOR US RESIDENTS

It is easy to find out the changes in the Vietnam business visa before and after the COVID-19 epidemic. It has impacted the Vietnamese economy a lot and is recovering gradually.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic

All foreigners have been subject to entry restrictions into Vietnam since March 22, 2020, until further notice because of the COVID-19 epidemic. The measure does not, however, now apply to foreign nationals who serve as ambassadors, officials, foreign investors, highly qualified personnel, or business managers.

It is challenging for foreigners who fall into one of the aforementioned categories and want to travel to Vietnam for business during this time. Visitors must get in touch with the firms or agencies that will be hiring them and are legally permitted to do business there. These firms will be able to assist foreign citizens in obtaining a visa, complying with the Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens.

It is noted that the Vietnam Ministry of Health has set a stringent 14-day quarantine requirement for any foreigners entering Vietnam during the fatal disease. Serious penalties will be applied to violators.

However, foreign experts, managers, high-skilled workers, investors, and diplomats traveling to Vietnam for a brief period of time (less than 14 days) on business are not required to adhere to the 14-day quarantine.

They must closely follow their itinerary and comply with all other necessary health requirements while on their trips. They are permitted to extend their stay without quarantine if they are found to be coronavirus-free after 14 days.

Changes in immigration policy after the Covid-19 pandemic

Vietnam has introduced a number of new immigration and visa laws in an effort to boost the country's flagging tourism industry.

Vietnam adjusted immigration policies to boost tourism in this nation

Following the severe effects of the COVID-19 epidemic, these modifications are anticipated to support the country's socioeconomic development by luring foreign investors.

The National Assembly should get a comprehensive strategy from the government that aims to increase the number of countries that do not require visas and foster the expansion of tourism, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The new immigration laws contain a number of significant amendments that could fundamentally alter how people travel to Vietnam.

The duration of electronic visas would be increased from 30 days to 3 months, and this would apply to both single and multiple entries. Longer stays are encouraged and intended to provide visitors with more flexibility so they can fully experience Vietnam.

In addition, the new policy calls for issuing electronic visas to people of all nations and territories. This measure aims to remove unneeded obstacles and enable easier access for visitors from abroad by streamlining the visa application procedure. This open-minded strategy is a reflection of Vietnam's dedication to promoting cross-cultural exchange and welcoming international visitors.
Extension of the visa exemption duration is another interesting idea. This change allows visitors to stay 45 days instead of the current 15-day limit. This extension intends to accommodate visitors from nations with visa-exempt status by giving them a longer time to appreciate the country's attractions.

WHAT DOES A VIETNAM BUSINESS VISA MEAN?

A business visa is a type of visa that allows US residents to enter the nation for commercial purposes. A business visa may be issued under Vietnamese legislation for a single or several entries, with a validity period of one month, three months, six months, or one year. Foreigners do not need to have a work permit in Vietnam to apply for a business visa with a validity of 1 or 3 months.

Vietnam business visa for US citizens in brief

Abbreviation	DN1 DN2
Visa validity	1 month 3 months 6 months 1 year
Visa procedures	Embassy visas for US citizens Visas on arrival E-Visas

Available Vietnamese business visa types

Regarding the 2019 revisions to the Immigration Law, there are two categories of business visas for visitors from outside the country: DN1 and DN2.

DN1 visa

For foreigners entering Vietnam to work for a company or organization with legal standing, visa type DN1 is required. These corporations and organizations may be Co., Ltd., joint stock companies, subsidiaries of Co., Ltd., joint stock companies, companies with foreign investment, or domestic companies. They must act as the foreigner's sponsor in order for them to obtain a Visa DN1.

DN2 visa

In accordance with the terms of the international agreements to which Vietnam is a party, foreigners may enter Vietnam with a visa designated as type DN2. 

Even though they are not obliged to work for a specific Vietnamese company or organization in this category, foreign nationals must nevertheless have a sponsor enterprise or agency to ensure their admission and that they are entering Vietnam for the intended reason.

Who may apply?

• An application for a business visa to Vietnam is open to:

• International clients

• Foreigners travel to Vietnam for business-related reasons, such as to sign contracts, exchange information, or collaborate.

• Officials from non-governmental organizations.

• Workers from abroad in Vietnam who possess a work permit or work permit exemption certificate

• Vietnam's Ministry of Justice has granted licenses to foreign attorneys.

HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR BUSINESS VISAS FOR US RESIDENTS?

An online business visa for Vietnam is very simple to obtain. Enrolling in a Vietnam business visa for US citizens can be done online, through an Embassy or Consulate, or through a visa-on-arrival service. The preparation and procedures needed depend on the application method and the Vietnam visa requirements for US citizens.

Get business visas at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate

To make visa procedures run more smoothly, it is fundamental to focus on these easy-to-follow steps:

Step 1: Prepare crucial visa documents

Applicants’ preparations:

• A passport with at least one vacant visa page and a minimum validity of six months upon arrival

• A recent (4x6cm) passport-size photo with a white background, no glasses, and a straight face.

• Materials used for business purposes are necessary, such as work visas (DN, LD), work permits, or work permit exemptions.

• A letter of invitation or sponsorship from a Vietnamese company stating that the applicants are invited to Vietnam for professional reasons (such as work, attending conferences, or temporary events).

Inviting/guaranteeing the enterprise’s preparation:

• Entry application for foreigners to enter Vietnam (Form NA2), notarized copy of business registration certificate

• Form NA5 for applying for a visa to enter Vietnam

• Form NA16 sample with a seal and signature

Step 2: Submit documents to Vietnamese authorities

Applicants must present all critical documents to the Vietnam Embassy or Consulate in their home country if they are staying outside of Vietnam. Another option is to send these papers to one of the Vietnam immigration offices if they are staying inside Vietnam.

Step 3: Pay the cost and await the outcome

Application fees for business visas range from USD 25 to $50 based on the length of stay and the hours of entrance.

It takes 3–5 working days to apply for a business visa at the Vietnam Embassy. Foreigners will receive an admission invitation letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department if their application is accepted. Then, applicants produce this entry letter and all other required documents in one of the three ways listed below to have a visa attached to their original passport:

• At the designated airport

• At land border gates, according to the Vietnam visa requirement for US citizens

• At the Embassy of Vietnam

Business visa on arrival for Americans

If visitors wish to receive a business visa on arrival quickly, they must bring along a visa approval letter issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department in advance.

Vietnam business visa on arrival for US residents in detail

Required documents

Several relevant documents to get a Vietnam business visa for US citizens are mentioned below:

• Letter of authorization for a visa from a Vietnamese organization.

• A passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum 6-month validity period from the date of arrival for visas and immigration stamps.

• Form for requesting a visa.

• 2 recent (4x6cm) passport-size photographs (identical photos, white background, no glasses, straight-looking).

• Work permit or exemption from a work permit for business, work visas (DN, LD).

• A letter of invitation or sponsorship from a Vietnamese company confirming the applicants' invitation to travel to Vietnam for professional reasons.

• Visa stamping fees will be paid in cash; immigration officers do not accept payment by credit card or bank transfer.

Visa application process

Focusing on the easy-to-follow procedure to make sure all visa stages are completed successfully:

• Step 1: Apply for a visa approval letter from a Vietnamese organization.

• Step 2: Obtain the visa application form and letter of pre-approval. Print both documents and complete all the fields.

• Step 3: At the airport (*), present the authorization letter, the visa application form, and other necessary paperwork. To get your visa stamped, you must pay a cash stamping charge.

Noi Bai, Cat Bi, Danang, Cam Ranh, Lien Khuong, Phu Quoc, Can Tho, and Tan Son Nhat are just eight of the international airports in Vietnam that accept business visas upon arrival.

Business E-Visas (register online)

A business visa can be requested by foreigners as well as Vietnamese companies that are inviting or insuring business. There are four steps that applicants must take to apply for vietnam e-visa:

Step 1: Having excellent preparation

A passport that's been valid for six months

A photo of the data page of the US passport

A recent (4×6 cm), unframed, and straight-looking passport-size photo with a white background.

A transitory address for a home in Vietnam.

A genuine credit or debit card from another country to make the purchase.

Ports (one of 33 ports in Vietnam accepting E-Visa) and dates of arrival and exit

A registered email address that is legitimate.

A letter of invitation or sponsorship from a Vietnamese company stating that the applicants are welcome to travel to Vietnam for business.

Step 2: Send the application to the Vietnamese government

Visit the Vietnam E-Visa website and fill out all the necessary information to start the visa procedure. For your trip's objective, select "Business Activities" from the menu and get the application's registration code.

Step 3: Pay the visa charge and wait for the processing

A business visa with a 1-month duration and one entry costs USD 25.

Step 4: Get their E-Visa for their trips

When using the official website's search function, enter your registration code, email, and birthdate to get the results. If the application is granted, the E-Visa will be sent to visitors' email addresses. The E-Visa can be printed out and presented at the Vietnam entrance checkpoints by downloading the PDF file.

If visitors wish to have more time to make a travel itinerary, they can consider our Vietnam evisa services. Contact us at +1 315 715 8498 or email support@e-visa-gov.com to meet our staff for more guidelines on using our services.

HOW IS A BUSINESS VISA EXTENDED?

US citizens can submit an application to extend their business visa to Vietnam at the local immigration office there. There are four steps that foreigners must follow strictly:

Step 1: Construct documents

Letter of invitation or sponsorship from a Vietnamese company

Legal proof of sponsoring or guaranteeing businesses (business license, seal certificate)

A passport that will still be valid after the extended period but for at least 6 months

Application for issuance of a visa and/or extension of stay (NA5)

A paper copy of the online temporary residence confirmation or a temporary residence confirmation issued by the local police

Step 2: Present your documents to the Vietnam Immigration Office

Expats can submit all of their paperwork to the immigration office in their province of residence or one of the three Vietnam immigration offices in Hanoi, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh City.

Step 3: Make the visa payment in advance

The cost of an extended business visa is $10 USD. Since the Immigration Department has received the legitimate application and completed payment, the procedure takes around 5 working days.

Step 4: Obtain the visa extension

Foreigners from the US will return to the immigration office and schedule an appointment for the visa extension if their application is accepted.

PROCESS DURATION TO GET BUSINESS VISAS

The Vietnam Embassy requires a sponsor letter or invitation letter and an additional 5–7 working days before approving a business visa.

Business visas on arrival require a visa acceptance letter within 5–7 working days and a stamping fee within 30–1 hour at the airport.

E-Visa: 3-5 working days are needed for the Vietnamese government to review the visa application.

FEES FOR US RESIDENTS TO GET A BUSINESS VISA

The cost of a business visa at each embassy or consulate in Vietnam may be different. Therefore, it is important for US citizens to get in touch with the Vietnamese government directly to learn more about the accurate fees.

Vietnam visa fees need to be paid after submitting the visa application form

For a 1-month single-entry visa, the current fee for a business e-visa is USD 25. When the longer-stay and multiple-entry visas are used (anticipated to be introduced in May 2023), this pricing may change.

The charge for a visa on arrival consists of two fees: a service fee for the visa approval letter and a government stamping fee. Service fees start at USD 90, depending on the agency. You can review the stamping charge details below:

Visa validity	No. entry	Fees for US citizens
1 month	Single entry	USD25
1 month	Multiple entries	USD 50
3 months	Single entry	USD 25
3 months	Single entry	USD 50
6 months	Multiple entries	USD 95
12 months	Multiple entries	USD 135

To conduct business in Vietnam, foreigners need to obtain a Vietnam business visa for US citizens. Our firm is here to provide top-notch business creation, financial support, and a variety of additional visa services. To expedite the visa procedure, please contact us at +1 315 715 8498 or email support@e-visa-gov.com for additional information.

Application Vietnam Visa Online