Context & Official Legal Basis: What Exactly Is Form NA2?
If you've ever tried to sponsor a foreign colleague, business partner, or family member for a Vietnam visa, you've probably heard the term "Approval Letter" (Công văn nhập cảnh) thrown around. But here's the catch: foreigners cannot apply for an Approval Letter themselves. The application must be submitted by a sponsoring entity inside Vietnam using Form NA2 — and if you don't know what that form requires, your entire visa timeline can collapse before your flight even takes off.
Form NA2 (Mẫu NA2) is the official application form used by Vietnamese agencies, organizations, and enterprises to request immigration approval for foreign personnel entering Vietnam . This form was originally issued under Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA dated January 5, 2015, by the Ministry of Public Security . It has since been amended by Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA, effective from July 1, 2026 .
Required Documents Checklist for the Sponsoring Entity
Before your Vietnamese sponsor can submit Form NA2, they need to assemble a complete application package. The exact documents vary depending on your purpose of entry, but here are the core items:
- Completed Form NA2 — the official request letter for immigration approval, submitted in original
- Certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate (or Investment License) of the sponsoring organization — must be valid and active
- Document introducing the seal and signature of the authorized representative (Form NA16) — required for first-time submissions or when the submitting representative changes
- Scanned copy of the foreigner's passport information page — must be clear and valid, with remaining validity at least 30 days beyond the intended visa period
- Photo of the foreigner — according to regulations
- Personal information declaration of the foreigner
Supplementary Documents by Purpose of Entry
- Labor (LĐ): Work permit or written confirmation of work permit exemption
- Investment (ĐT): Investment Registration Certificate
- Business/Commercial (DN): Employment contract, invitation letter, or business itinerary in Vietnam
- Family Visit (TT): Documents proving family relationship such as birth certificate or marriage registration
Official Form NA2 Field-by-Field Breakdown
Form NA2 is completed by the sponsoring organization, not the foreign applicant. Here is a breakdown of the key information fields the form requires:
| Field | Description | How to Fill |
|---|---|---|
| Organization Info | Inviting/sponsoring agency or organization details | Full legal name, address, tax code |
| Foreigner Name | Full name of the foreigner | Exactly as in passport, capital letters |
| Date of Birth | Birth date | DD/MM/YYYY format |
| Nationality | Foreigner's nationality | As shown in passport |
| Passport Number | Passport or travel document number | From passport information page |
| Purpose of Entry | Reason for entering Vietnam | Must match visa type requested |
| Visa Type | Requested visa category and validity | E.g., DN1, DN2, LĐ1, LĐ2, ĐT1-ĐT4 |
| Entry Date | Expected date of entry | Match travel itinerary |
| Visa Collection Location | Where visa will be issued | Airport (VOA) or Embassy/Consulate |
Copyable Cover Letter Template for Form NA2 Submission
When submitting Form NA2, the sponsoring organization typically includes a formal cover letter. Here is a copyable template you can adapt:
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
--------------- [ORGANIZATION NAME]
[Organization Address]
[Tax Code] No: Date: [Submission Date] REQUEST FOR IMMIGRATION APPROVAL
(For foreign personnel entering Vietnam) To: Immigration Department - Ministry of Public Security Pursuant to Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA dated January 5, 2015, amended by Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA; [ORGANIZATION NAME] respectfully requests the Immigration Department to consider and approve the entry of the following foreign personnel: 1. Full name: [Applicant Name]
2. Date of birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
3. Nationality: [Nationality]
4. Passport number: [Passport Number]
5. Purpose of entry: [Business/Labor/Investment/Family Visit]
6. Requested visa type: [DN1/DN2/LĐ1/LĐ2/ĐT1-ĐT4/TT]
7. Expected entry date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
8. Visa collection location: [Airport/Embassy Name] The above-mentioned personnel will enter Vietnam to [specific purpose]. Our organization commits to ensuring compliance with Vietnamese laws and regulations regarding entry, exit, and residence. Supporting documents enclosed:
- Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate
- Passport scan of the foreigner
- [Other relevant documents] We look forward to your favorable consideration. Respectfully, [Authorized Representative Name]
[Title]
[Signature and Seal]
Step-by-Step Submission Procedure
Here is the official process for obtaining an immigration approval letter through Form NA2:
- Step 1: The sponsoring organization prepares all required documents in digital format (PDF/scans). The foreigner cannot submit Form NA2 independently .
- Step 2: The organization logs into the Public Service Portal and uploads Form NA2 along with supporting documents. A digital signature is required .
- Step 3: The Immigration Department reviews the application. Processing typically takes a certain number of working days (verify current timeframe at the local office or official portal) .
- Step 4: If approved, the Immigration Department issues the Approval Letter (Công văn nhập cảnh) as a PDF file with an electronic seal, sent to the sponsoring organization via email .
- Step 5: The organization forwards the Approval Letter to the foreigner, who prints it and presents it at the Visa on Arrival counter or the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate .
Common Mistakes & Rejection Warnings
- Passport validity insufficient: The foreigner's passport must have remaining validity of at least 30 days beyond the intended visa period. If your passport expires too soon, the application will be rejected .
- Mismatched purpose and visa type: Requesting a business visa (DN) for someone who is actually coming to work without a work permit will cause rejection. The purpose must match the documentary evidence .
- Missing Form NA16: First-time submissions or changes in the authorized representative require Form NA16 (seal and signature introduction). Without it, the application will not be processed .
- Technical format errors: Online submissions must be in the correct file format. Poor-quality scans or wrong file types can cause rejection before human review even begins .
- Foreigner attempting to submit directly: Individuals cannot submit Form NA2 on their own behalf. Only the sponsoring Vietnamese entity can do so .
Official Form NA2 — Visa Approval Letter Request (Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA)
Download Official PDFFrequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner submit Form NA2 themselves?
No. Foreigners cannot apply for an Approval Letter on their own behalf. The application must be submitted by a sponsoring organization or qualified individual inside Vietnam using Form NA2 .
What is the difference between Form NA1 and Form NA2?
Form NA1 is the individual visa application form filled out by the foreigner. Form NA2 is the sponsoring organization's request form submitted to the Immigration Department to obtain an Approval Letter .
How long does it take to process Form NA2?
Standard processing typically takes several working days, though urgent processing options may be available. Exact timelines are not specified in the official source data. Verify current processing times at the local Immigration Office or through the official Public Service Portal.
What documents does the sponsoring organization need for Form NA2?
The organization needs a certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate, Form NA2, Form NA16 (if applicable), the foreigner's passport scan, photo, and personal information declaration. Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of entry .
Is the Approval Letter the same as a visa?
No. The Approval Letter is only permission to obtain a visa. It does not replace the visa itself. You must still receive the actual visa at the airport Visa on Arrival counter or at a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate .