Vietnam Business Visa (DN1 & DN2): What Expats Need to Know Before Applying
If you are a foreign professional planning to conduct business in Vietnam, the visa category you choose can make or break your legal compliance. The DN1 and DN2 business visas look similar on the surface, but they serve fundamentally different purposes — and selecting the wrong one can lead to rejected applications, wasted fees, and even entry denials. Many applicants also confuse a business visa with a work permit, assuming that a DN visa grants the right to work. It does not. This guide breaks down the exact legal definitions, eligibility conditions, required documents, application process, and extension procedures for DN1 and DN2 visas, based strictly on Vietnam’s Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, as amended by Law No. 23/2023/QH15) and implementing circulars.
DN1 vs. DN2: The Legal Definition That Determines Everything
Vietnam’s visa system assigns a specific symbol to each visa category, and that symbol defines both your permitted activities and your sponsoring entity. The distinction between DN1 and DN2 comes down to what you intend to do in Vietnam and who is sponsoring you.
- DN1 visa — Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to work with enterprises or organizations that have legal entity status under Vietnamese law. This is the appropriate category for foreign employees, experts, partners, clients, or suppliers entering Vietnam under an invitation from a Vietnamese company for meetings, contract negotiations, market research, short-term assignments, or preparation of investment and labor procedures. A DN1 visa is not a work permit. If you will work under an employment relationship, you must also obtain a work permit or work permit exemption certificate in accordance with labor regulations.
- DN2 visa — Issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or carry out activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member. This category suits service providers, representatives of foreign enterprises exploring trade promotion, and individuals preparing to establish a commercial presence in Vietnam.
Validity Period and Entry Type Options
Under Article 9 of the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, DN1 and DN2 visas are valid for no more than 12 months. Both visa categories can be issued for single or multiple entries.
According to Vietnamese immigration regulations, business visas may be issued in the following validity and entry configurations:
- 1-month single entry
- 1-month multiple entry
- 3-month single entry
- 3-month multiple entry
The maximum validity for DN1 and DN2 visas is 12 months. Note that visa validity is always shorter than the remaining validity of your passport by at least 30 days.
Required Documents Checklist for DN1 and DN2 Applications
The following documents are required for a business visa application. Requirements may vary slightly depending on whether you are applying from outside Vietnam or extending your stay from within the country.
- Visa application form (Form NA2) — For entry approval, submitted by the sponsoring organization. The NA2 form is the official request for examining and approving foreigners entering Vietnam.
- Visa application form (Form NA5) — For visa issuance or temporary residence extension, submitted if you are already in Vietnam. This form was updated under Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA.
- One recent photograph, size 4 x 6 cm — White background, taken within the last 6 months.
- Passport or valid international travel document — Must have at least 6 months of remaining validity and at least 2 blank pages.
- Certified copy of the business license — Or the decision issued by the competent authority regarding the establishment of the sponsoring organization.
- Letter of introduction — With the official seal and signature of the authorized person of the sponsoring organization. This letter should clearly state the purpose of entry and the relationship between the applicant and the sponsoring entity.
- Sponsorship or invitation letter — From the Vietnamese company, confirming their responsibility for the foreign national during the stay.
Key Vietnamese Terms Translation Table
Use this table to identify the correct terms in your application documents. Mismatched terminology is a common cause of delay at the immigration office.
| English | Vietnamese | Where It Appears |
|---|---|---|
| Business visa (DN1) | Thị thực doanh nghiệp DN1 | For working with Vietnamese enterprises |
| Business visa (DN2) | Thị thực doanh nghiệp DN2 | For services/commercial presence |
| Visa application form | Tờ khai đề nghị cấp thị thực | Form NA2 or NA5 |
| Entry approval letter | Công văn nhập cảnh | Form NA2, submitted by sponsor |
| Temporary residence extension | Gia hạn tạm trú | Form NA5 |
| Sponsoring organization | Tổ chức bảo lãnh | Vietnamese company inviting you |
| Letter of introduction | Thư giới thiệu | With seal and signature |
| Immigration Department | Phòng Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh | Provincial Immigration Office |
Copyable Cover Letter for Business Visa Application
Below is a cover letter template you can adapt for your DN1 or DN2 application. The letter should be printed on the sponsoring company’s letterhead and bear the company seal.
[COMPANY LETTERHEAD] Date: [DD/MM/YYYY] To: The Immigration Department
[Provincial/City Name] Police Department
[Address of Immigration Office] RE: REQUEST FOR BUSINESS VISA APPROVAL FOR FOREIGN NATIONAL Dear Sir/Madam, We, [Company Legal Name], business registration number [Tax Code], headquartered at [Company Address], hereby request approval for the entry of the following foreign national to conduct business activities with our company: - Full Name: [Applicant Name]
- Nationality: [Nationality]
- Passport Number: [Passport Number]
- Date of Birth: [Date of Birth]
- Position/Title: [Position]
- Proposed Visa Type: [DN1 / DN2]
- Proposed Entry Date: [DD/MM/YYYY]
- Proposed Duration of Stay: [Number] months Purpose of Entry:
[Describe the specific business purpose, e.g., attending meetings, signing contracts, conducting market research, providing services, establishing commercial presence.] We confirm that [Applicant Name] will be working with [Company Name] and that we take full responsibility for the foreign national during their stay in Vietnam. We ensure compliance with all Vietnamese laws and regulations regarding entry, exit, and residence. We kindly request your approval for the issuance of a [DN1 / DN2] visa to facilitate the above-mentioned business activities. Attached documents:
1. Copy of passport of the foreign national
2. Certified copy of the company's business registration certificate
3. [Any additional supporting documents] Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
[Signature and Seal]
[Authorized Signatory Name]
[Title]
[Company Name]
Step-by-Step Application and Extension Procedure
The application process differs depending on whether you are outside Vietnam or already in the country seeking an extension. Note that under Vietnamese law, visas cannot be extended in the traditional sense. You must apply for a new visa that corresponds to your current purpose of stay.
Applying from outside Vietnam (DN1/DN2 initial issuance):
- The sponsoring company prepares the application dossier, including Form NA2, a certified copy of the business license, and a letter of introduction with the company seal.
- The sponsoring company submits the dossier to the Provincial Immigration Management Office or via the National Public Service Portal.
- The Immigration Department reviews the documents and issues an entry approval letter.
- The applicant presents the approval letter at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country to receive the visa stamp.
- The applicant enters Vietnam with the DN1 or DN2 visa.
Extending your stay from within Vietnam:
- Prepare the extension dossier, including Form NA5, passport, photo, and supporting documents from the sponsoring company.
- Submit the application to the Vietnam Immigration Department or Provincial Immigration Office at least 5 to 7 working days before your current visa expires to avoid administrative penalties for overstaying.
- If the documents are complete and valid, the receiving officer will issue an appointment slip for result collection.
- Pay the applicable government fee.
- Retrieve your passport with the extended visa stamp or new visa. Processing typically takes 5 to 7 working days.
Common Mistakes and Rejection Warnings
- Using a DN1 visa for employment without a work permit. A business visa does not authorize employment. If you are working under an employment relationship, you must obtain a work permit or exemption certificate. Violations can result in fines, deportation, and entry bans.
- Choosing the wrong visa category. DN1 and DN2 serve different purposes. Applying for DN1 when your activities fall under DN2 (or vice versa) can result in rejection or complications during extension.
- Submitting an incomplete dossier. Missing the letter of introduction, an uncertified copy of the business license, or an expired passport copy are common causes of rejection. Double-check all documents before submission.
- Applying too late for extension. Submit your extension application at least 5 to 7 working days before your current visa expires. Overstaying — even by one day — triggers administrative penalties.
- Assuming the visa can be extended indefinitely. Under Vietnamese law, visas are not extended in the traditional sense; you apply for a new visa. The maximum duration upon reissuance for DN1 and DN2 is up to 1 year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between a DN1 and DN2 visa?
A DN1 visa is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to work with enterprises or organizations that have legal entity status under Vietnamese law. A DN2 visa is issued to foreigners entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or carry out activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member. The choice depends on your entry purpose and sponsoring entity.
Q2: How long is a DN1 or DN2 visa valid?
Under Article 9 of the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners, DN1 and DN2 visas are valid for no more than 12 months. They can be issued for single or multiple entries with validity periods of 1 month, 3 months, or up to 12 months.
Q3: Can I work in Vietnam on a DN1 visa without a work permit?
No. A DN1 or DN2 visa allows business activities only. If you will work in Vietnam under an employment relationship or fall under a work permit requirement, your sponsoring company must complete the work permit or work permit exemption procedure in accordance with applicable labor regulations before you begin working.
Q4: What form do I need for a visa extension in Vietnam?
For visa issuance or temporary residence extension from within Vietnam, you need Form NA5 (Application form for visa issuance and temporary residence extension), issued under Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA. For entry approval from outside Vietnam, the sponsoring company submits Form NA2.
Q5: How long does visa extension processing take?
The processing time is no more than 5 working days from receipt of a complete and valid dossier. In practice, many applicants experience processing times of 5 to 7 working days. Submit your application at least 5 to 7 working days before your current visa expires to avoid penalties.