Discovering that you need to switch from a tourist visa to a work visa in Vietnam can feel like a bureaucratic maze, especially when you are juggling a job offer, a work permit application, and the fear of an unexpected visa run. The rules are strict, and misinformation is common. The good news is that Vietnamese law does provide a clear legal pathway for this conversion under specific conditions, but it is not automatic and requires the active sponsorship of your Vietnamese employer. This guide walks you through the legal requirements, the exact forms, and the step-by-step procedure based on Vietnam’s current immigration regulations.
Can You Actually Convert a Tourist Visa to a Work Visa in Vietnam?
The short answer is: yes, but only under specific conditions, and it is not a simple process of changing your visa status at the airport. Under the general principle of Vietnamese immigration law, a visa may not be converted to a different purpose. Foreigners who wish to change their purpose of residence in Vietnam usually must exit the country and apply for a new visa from scratch according to the new purpose. For example, a person who entered with a tourist visa (DL) cannot directly convert to a work visa (LD) while in Vietnam.
However, to facilitate investment, labor, and family visit activities, the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners (effective July 1, 2020) introduced four exceptional cases where visa purpose conversion is permitted without exiting Vietnam. The relevant case for employment purposes is:
- Employment Case: The foreigner is invited and sponsored by an agency or organization in Vietnam to work and already possesses a valid work permit (Giấy phép lao động) or a written confirmation that they are not subject to the work permit requirement (Xác nhận không thuộc diện cấp giấy phép lao động).
- E-visa Case: The foreigner entered Vietnam on an electronic visa (e-visa) and subsequently obtains a work permit or a confirmation of work permit exemption.
Understanding the LD1 and LD2 Work Visa Categories
When your tourist visa is successfully converted, you will be issued a new visa with one of two codes, depending on your work permit situation. Understanding which category applies to you is essential before you begin.
- LD1 Visa: Issued to foreign nationals working in Vietnam who are exempt from work permit requirements, unless otherwise provided by an international treaty to which Vietnam is a party. Examples include certain board members, internship students, or experts entering for short-term assignments under 90 days.
- LD2 Visa: Issued to foreign nationals who require a work permit to work in Vietnam. This is the most common category for foreign employees hired by Vietnamese companies.
In both cases, the maximum validity of a work visa is two years. The visa is typically granted based on the validity period of your work permit or the sponsoring company’s request.
Required Documents Checklist for Visa Purpose Conversion
Your sponsoring employer is responsible for preparing and submitting the dossier. You cannot file the application in your own name. The following documents must be included in the application set:
- Written request from the sponsoring agency or organization — This letter must state the reason for the conversion, the new purpose (employment), and the requested validity period. It must be signed and sealed by the authorized representative of the company.
- Valid passport — Your original passport with the current tourist visa and entry stamp. Ensure it has at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- Current valid visa — The existing tourist visa (DL) or e-visa under which you entered Vietnam.
- Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động) OR Confirmation of Work Permit Exemption (Xác nhận không thuộc diện cấp giấy phép lao động) — This is the most critical document. Without one of these two, your application will be rejected.
- Form NA5 — Application Form for Visa Issuance and Temporary Residence Extension. As of July 1, 2026, the updated Form NA5 under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA (dated May 25, 2026) is mandatory. Applications using the older template will be refused reception.
- Two recent color photos (4x6 cm) — White background, taken within the last 3–6 months, no hat, no glasses, facing forward. One photo should be affixed to the NA5 form, and one loose.
- Confirmation of temporary residence — Photocopy or original confirmation from the local police where you are registered, or hotel registration records.
Form NA5 Field-by-Field Translation & Breakdown
Form NA5 is bilingual (Vietnamese and English), which reduces translation barriers. However, completing it accurately is critical to avoid processing delays. Below is a breakdown of the key fields you must complete for a visa purpose conversion application.
- Họ và tên / Full name: Enter your full name exactly as it appears in your passport.
- Sinh ngày / Date of birth: Day, month, year.
- Quốc tịch / Nationality: Your current nationality.
- Số hộ chiếu / Passport number: Your passport number, type, issuing authority, and expiry date.
- Thị thực / Visa: Your current visa number, category (e.g., DL for tourist or EV for e-visa), and expiry date.
- Nhập cảnh Việt Nam ngày / Date of entry into Vietnam: The date of your most recent entry.
- Được phép tạm trú đến ngày / Permitted to stay until: The expiry date of your authorized stay.
- Lý do chuyển đổi / Reason for conversion: State “Chuyển đổi mục đích thị thực sang lao động” (Convert visa purpose to employment).
- Địa chỉ tạm trú tại Việt Nam / Temporary residential address in Vietnam: Your registered address in Vietnam.
- Tên cơ quan, tổ chức bảo lãnh / Name of sponsoring organization: The full name and address of your sponsoring company.
Copyable Template: Employer’s Official Request Letter for Visa Conversion
Below is a copyable template for the written request that your sponsoring employer must submit. Replace all bracketed placeholders with the company’s actual information. This letter should be printed on the company’s official letterhead and signed by the authorized representative.
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
--------o0o-------- [Date: DD/MM/YYYY] OFFICIAL REQUEST FOR VISA PURPOSE CONVERSION To: The Immigration Management Agency
[Office Address] Company Name: [Sponsoring Company Name]
Business Registration Number: [Company Registration Number]
Address: [Company Address in Vietnam]
Represented by: [Full Name of Legal Representative]
Position: [Position/Title]
Contact Phone: [Phone Number]
Email: [Email Address] We, the undersigned, hereby request the conversion of the visa purpose for the following foreign employee from tourist to employment: Full Name (as in passport): [Employee Full Name]
Passport Number: [Passport Number]
Nationality: [Nationality]
Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Current Visa Code: [DL / EV]
Current Visa Expiry Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Date of Entry: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Temporary Residence Address in Vietnam: [Full Address] Reason for Request: The above-named foreigner has been hired by our company for the position of [Job Title]. We have obtained a valid Work Permit / Confirmation of Work Permit Exemption (Document No. [Document Number], issued on [Issue Date] by [Issuing Authority]) and request the issuance of a new visa with code [LD1 / LD2] for employment purposes. We commit that all information provided is accurate and truthful, and we take full responsibility for the guaranteed foreigner during their temporary residence in Vietnam. We further commit to full compliance with Vietnamese immigration and labor laws. Respectfully, [Signature and Full Name]
[Company Seal]
Step-by-Step Procedure for Converting Your Visa
Follow these steps in order. The process involves both your employer and the immigration authority, and timing is critical.
- Step 1: Secure your work permit or exemption confirmation. Your employer must complete the work permit application process with the provincial Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs. Do not proceed to the immigration office until you have the work permit or the official confirmation of exemption in hand. This is the foundational document for the conversion.
- Step 2: Prepare the complete dossier. Your employer prepares the official request letter, Form NA5, photos, passport, and all supporting documents. Ensure the NA5 form is the updated version under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA.
- Step 3: Submit the application. Your employer (or an authorized representative) submits the dossier at the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, or at the provincial-level Immigration Management Division of the Public Security Department, depending on your location and the guidance provided for your specific case.
- Step 4: Receive acknowledgment. If the dossier is complete and valid, the receiving officer will accept it and issue an appointment slip for result return. You will receive a receipt and instructions for fee payment.
- Step 5: Wait for processing. The immigration authority will review your application and determine whether the conversion is approved. The approval is determined on a case-by-case basis by the immigration management authority.
- Step 6: Receive your new work visa. If approved, your passport will be stamped with the new LD1 or LD2 visa. Collect your passport on the appointed date with your receipt.
Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection
- Applying without a work permit or exemption confirmation. This is the most common reason for rejection. The immigration office will not accept a conversion application without proof of work authorization.
- Using the outdated NA5 form. After July 1, 2026, only the NA5 form under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA is accepted. Old forms will be rejected.
- Starting work before the conversion is approved. Working on a tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines of 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND and deportation.
- Submitting after your tourist visa has expired. You must apply for the conversion before your current visa expires. An expired visa complicates the process significantly.
- Incomplete employer sponsorship documents. The official request letter must be on company letterhead with the company seal and signature of the legal representative. Missing these will result in rejection.
Official Processing Time, Fees & Submission Locations
Processing Time
The immigration authority processes visa purpose conversion applications on a case-by-case basis. There is no fixed statutory processing time for the conversion approval itself, as it depends on the completeness of your dossier and the assessment of the immigration officer. Once approved, the visa stamping process is typically completed within a few working days. Always confirm the expected timeline with your employer’s HR department or the receiving immigration office.
Official Government Fee
The fee you will pay is for the issuance of the new visa. Under the fee schedule effective April 1, 2026 (Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC), the visa issuance fees are:
- Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 90 days: 50 USD/piece
- Multiple-entry visa valid from over 90 days to 180 days: 95 USD/piece
- Multiple-entry visa valid from over 180 days to 1 year: 135 USD/piece
- Multiple-entry visa valid from over 1 year to 2 years: 145 USD/piece
Since LD1 and LD2 visas are typically issued for up to two years, the applicable fee is likely to be 145 USD. However, always verify the exact fee at the local immigration office before submission, as fee schedules are subject to change.
Submission Locations
The application must be submitted by your sponsoring employer or an authorized representative at one of the following locations:
- Hanoi: Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security
- Ho Chi Minh City: Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security
- Provincial Level: Immigration Management Division of the provincial/municipal Public Security Department, as guided for your specific case
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I convert my tourist visa to a work visa in Vietnam without leaving the country?
A: Yes, but only under specific exceptions. Under the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, visa purpose conversion is permitted without exiting Vietnam if you are invited and sponsored by an agency or organization to work and you already possess a valid work permit or confirmation of work permit exemption. Otherwise, you must exit Vietnam and apply for a new work visa from scratch.
Q2: What is the difference between an LD1 and LD2 work visa?
A: LD1 visa is issued to foreign nationals working in Vietnam who are exempt from work permit requirements. LD2 visa is issued to foreign nationals who require a work permit to work in Vietnam. Both have a maximum validity of two years.
Q3: What form do I need for a visa purpose conversion?
A: You need Form NA5 (Application Form for Visa Issuance and Temporary Residence Extension), issued under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA, effective July 1, 2026.
Q4: Can I start working while my conversion application is pending?
A: No. Working in Vietnam while holding only a tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines of 15,000,000 to 20,000,000 VND and deportation. You must wait until your new LD1 or LD2 visa is stamped in your passport before beginning any employment.
Q5: Who is responsible for submitting the visa conversion application?
A: Your sponsoring employer or an authorized representative must file the application. The foreign national may not file the application in their own name.