Extending a Vietnam business visa (DN1) can be frustrating when you are dealing with Vietnamese-language forms, shifting regulations, and strict documentary requirements. Many expats discover too late that using an outdated form or missing a single supporting document means a rejected dossier and a rushed visa run. This guide breaks down the DN1 extension process using the latest available official and regulatory information, so you can prepare a compliant application the first time.
Context & Official Legal Basis for DN1 Visa Extension
The DN1 visa is issued to foreigners working with enterprises or organizations that have legal personality under Vietnamese law. Under Article 8 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, as amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 and Law No. 23/2023/QH15), the DN1 visa has a maximum duration of 12 months.
The legal basis for extending temporary residence is Article 35 of the same Law, which provides that foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam who wish to extend their stay must request their inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization, or individual to carry out procedures at the immigration management agency or the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Importantly, from July 1, 2026, Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA (dated May 25, 2026) took effect, amending and supplementing Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA and Circular No. 31/2015/TT-BCA. This circular introduces the updated Form NA5 (Application Form for Visa Issuance and Stay Extension), which must be used for DN1 visa extension applications.
Required Documents Checklist for DN1 Extension
The dossier for DN1 visa extension must include the following documents. This checklist is based on the statutory requirements and implementing guidance for DN1 visa extension procedures.
- Form NA5 — Application Form for Visa Issuance and Stay Extension, issued under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA. The form must include confirmation from the sponsoring company.
- Original passport — Must be valid with sufficient remaining duration and contain the current DN1 visa. Ensure at least 6 months of passport validity and blank pages for the new visa stamp.
- Certified copy of the sponsoring company’s business registration certificate — Notarized true copy of the enterprise registration certificate or investment certificate.
- Document introducing the seal and signature of the competent person of the organization — Required for organizational sponsors.
- Two recent color photos (4x6 cm) — White background, taken within the last 3–6 months, no hat, no glasses, facing forward.
- Confirmation of temporary residence — Photocopy or original confirmation from the local police where you are registered.
- Explanation letter for DN1 visa extension — A letter explaining the reason for the extension, confirmed by the sponsoring company.
Form NA5 Field-by-Field Translation & Breakdown
The NA5 form is bilingual (Vietnamese and English), which reduces translation barriers. Below is a breakdown of the key fields you must complete.
- Họ tên (chữ in hoa) / Full name (in capital letters): Enter your full name exactly as it appears in your passport.
- Giới tính / Sex: Male (Nam) or Female (Nữ).
- Sinh ngày / Date of birth: Day, month, year.
- Quốc tịch hiện nay / Current nationality: Your current nationality.
- Nghề nghiệp/chức vụ / Occupation/position: Your job title or position.
- Hộ chiếu số / Passport number: Your passport number, type, issuing authority, and expiry date.
- Nhập cảnh Việt Nam gần nhất ngày / Date of the latest entry into Viet Nam: The date of your most recent entry and the border gate used.
- Được phép tạm trú đến ngày / Permitted to stay until: The expiry date of your current temporary residence.
- Địa chỉ tạm trú tại Việt Nam / Temporary residential address in Viet Nam: Your registered address in Vietnam.
- Tên cơ quan, tổ chức / Name of hosting organization: The name and address of your sponsoring company.
Copyable Document Template / Extension Request Letter
Below is a copyable template for the explanation letter required for DN1 extension. Replace all bracketed placeholders with your actual information. This letter should be printed on the sponsoring company’s letterhead and signed by the authorized representative.
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
--------o0o-------- [Date: DD/MM/YYYY] EXPLANATION LETTER FOR DN1 VISA EXTENSION 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 an extension of the temporary residence for the following foreign employee: Full Name (as in passport): [Applicant Full Name]
Passport Number: [Passport Number]
Nationality: [Nationality]
Date of Birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Current Visa Code: DN1
Visa Expiry Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
Temporary Residence Address in Vietnam: [Full Address] Reason for Extension: [Briefly state the business reason, e.g., ongoing project implementation, contract completion, business negotiations, or waiting for work permit approval] We confirm that the above-named foreigner is currently employed by our company and that we continue to sponsor their stay in Vietnam. We commit to ensuring full compliance with Vietnamese immigration laws during the extended stay period. Respectfully, [Signature and Full Name]
[Company Seal]
Official Submission Step-by-Step Procedure
- Step 1: Prepare your dossier. Gather all documents listed in the Required Documents Checklist. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months of validity and blank pages for the visa stamp.
- Step 2: Complete Form NA5. Download the latest NA5 form under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA. Fill in all required fields, affix one 4x6 cm photo, and obtain the sponsoring company’s confirmation and seal.
- Step 3: Submit your application. Submit your dossier in person at the Immigration Management Agency office in your jurisdiction (e.g., Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang) or at the provincial-level Immigration Management Office where your sponsor is located. Online submission via the National Public Service Portal is available for some cases but paper submission may still be required.
- Step 4: Receive acknowledgment. If your 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. Standard processing time is typically 5 working days from receipt of a complete dossier. Urgent processing may be available for an additional fee.
- Step 6: Collect your extended visa. Return on the appointed date with your receipt and passport to collect your passport with the extension stamp.
Common Mistakes & Rejection Warnings
- 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.
- Insufficient passport validity. Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity and enough blank pages for the new visa stamp.
- Missing company confirmation. Form NA5 must be confirmed and sealed by the sponsoring company.
- No explanation letter. The explanation letter confirmed by the company is a required document for DN1 extension.
- Submitting too late. Apply at least 5–7 working days before your current visa expires. Overstaying results in fines and potential complications.
Official Processing Time, Fees & Submission Locations
Processing Time
- Standard processing: 5 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier.
- Urgent processing: 2–3 working days may be available for an additional service fee.
Official Government Fee
- Extension of temporary residence: 10 USD per time, according to the official fee schedule effective April 1, 2026.
- Note: Additional service fees may apply if you use an agent or expedited service. Always verify the current fee at the local immigration office before submission, as fee schedules are subject to change.
Submission Locations
Direct submission is available at the Immigration Management Agency under the Ministry of Public Security. Major offices include:
- Hanoi: Immigration Management Agency office
- Ho Chi Minh City: 333–337 Nguyen Trai, District 1
- Da Nang: 7 Tran Quy Cap, Hai Chau District
Online submission may be available through the National Public Service Portal (dichvucong.gov.vn) or the Ministry of Public Security Public Service Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I extend my DN1 visa without leaving Vietnam?
A: Yes. Under Article 35 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam may request their sponsor to apply for a temporary residence extension at the immigration management agency without leaving the country.
Q2: What form do I need for DN1 visa extension?
A: You need Form NA5 (Application Form for Visa Issuance and Stay Extension), issued under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA, effective July 1, 2026.
Q3: How long does DN1 visa extension processing take?
A: Standard processing takes approximately 5 working days from receipt of a complete dossier. Urgent processing may be available in 2–3 working days for an additional fee.
Q4: What is the government fee for DN1 visa extension?
A: The official government fee for extension of temporary residence is 10 USD per time, according to the fee schedule effective April 1, 2026. Additional service fees may apply if using an agent. Always verify at the local immigration office before submission.
Q5: Where can I submit my DN1 extension application?
A: You can submit at the Immigration Management Agency office in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (333–337 Nguyen Trai, District 1), or Da Nang (7 Tran Quy Cap, Hai Chau District), or at the provincial-level Immigration Management Office where your sponsor is located. Online submission may be available through the National Public Service Portal.