Vietnam Work Visa: Complete 2026 Guide (Process and Costs)

Thinking about working in Vietnam and wondering how to get a work visa? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of French professionals choose Vietnam for its dynamic economic growth, its attractive cost of living and its quality of life. But finding your way through Vietnamese red tape can quickly become a headache.

In this complete guide, I'll walk you through EVERYTHING you need to know about the Vietnam work visa in 2026. You'll learn about the types of visas available, the exact step-by-step procedure, the documents you need, the real prices in 2026 and, above all, how to avoid the mistakes that cost time and money.

Whether you're an employee of a Vietnamese company, an entrepreneur, a freelancer or a digital nomad, this guide gives you everything you need to get your work visa fully legally.

01Understanding the Types of Work Visas in Vietnam

Vietnam offers several categories of work-related visas, and understanding the differences is crucial to choosing the one that fits your situation. Contrary to popular belief, there isn't ONE single "work visa" but several options depending on your professional status.

The LD visa (Labour) is the standard work visa for foreign employees hired by a Vietnamese company or a foreign representative office in Vietnam. It is directly tied to your employment contract and always requires a work permit. Validity: up to 2 years, renewable.

The DN visa (Business) lets you carry out commercial activities, attend business meetings or oversee projects without being officially employed in Vietnam. Be careful: this visa does NOT allow you to work legally for a Vietnamese company or to receive a local salary. Validity: up to 1 year.

The DT1 visa (Investment) is for foreign investors who set up or take part in a business in Vietnam. If you're launching your own company, this is probably the visa you need. Validity: up to 5 years, depending on the capital invested.

The NN3 visa covers highly qualified experts and technicians working on specific projects. This visa is often sponsored by international organizations or government projects.

Tip: Many digital nomads work illegally in Vietnam on a simple tourist visa. It's risky and can lead to fines of up to 10,000,000 VND (370€) or even deportation. If you work remotely for foreign clients while living in Vietnam, read our digital nomad guide to understand your legal options.

02The Complete Procedure for Getting a Vietnam Work Visa

Getting a work visa in Vietnam follows a multi-step process that can look complicated, but becomes simple once you know the exact order. Here is the detailed procedure.

Step 1: Get a Job Offer and an Employment Contract

Everything starts with your Vietnamese employer. The company hiring you must be legally registered in Vietnam and hold a valid operating license. Your employment contract must clearly state your position, salary, contract length and responsibilities.

Documents required from the employer:

• Business Registration Certificate
• Operating license (Investment Certificate, if applicable)
• Official invitation letter (Sponsor Letter) addressed to the Immigration Department
• Justification for hiring a foreigner (proof that no qualified Vietnamese candidate is available for the position)

Step 2: Apply for the Work Permit

This is the crucial step and often the longest. The work permit must be obtained BEFORE the work visa. Your employer must file the application with the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) of the province where you'll be working.

Your personal documents:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
• 6 passport photos, 4x6 cm (white background)
• Degrees and professional certificates, apostilled and translated into Vietnamese by a sworn translator
• Detailed resume
• Criminal record certificate from your home country (less than 6 months old, apostilled)
• Medical certificate issued by an approved Vietnamese hospital (HIV, hepatitis and tuberculosis tests)
• Proof of professional experience (reference letters, employment certificates)

Tip: An apostille is an international certification that authenticates your documents. In France, you request it from the Court of Appeal in your region. Allow 2-4 weeks. NEVER skip this step; it's the leading cause of refusal.

Processing time: 15 working days in theory, but expect 3-4 weeks in practice.

Cost of the work permit: Officially free, but translation, apostille and medical certificate fees come to around 200-300€.

Step 3: Get the Visa Approval Letter

Once the work permit has been issued, your employer applies for an approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department. This document authorizes the Vietnamese embassy or consulate to issue you a visa.

Processing time: 5-7 working days. Cost: Varies depending on the agency your employer uses (50-100€).

Step 4: Apply for the Work Visa

With your approval letter in hand, you have two options:

Option A: Applying from France Go to the Embassy of Vietnam in Paris (62 Rue Boileau, 75016) or the consulate in Marseille. You'll submit your passport, the approval letter, the completed visa application form and the photos.

Processing time: 5-7 working days (express service in 2-3 days for an extra fee). Cost: 80-135€ depending on the length of the visa.

Option B: Visa on Arrival (VOA) If you're already in Vietnam on a tourist visa or you're flying in directly, you can get your work visa at the international airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang). You must present the approval letter and pay the stamping fee.

VOA cost: official fees from 25 USD (single entry) to 145 USD (multiple entries for 1 to 2 years), depending on the length (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC).

Tip: The VOA option is faster and cheaper, but it's only possible if your employer specifically applied for an approval letter for a "visa on arrival". Double-check this detail with your employer.

Step 5: Get the Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

Within 15 days of arriving in Vietnam on your work visa, you must apply for the Temporary Residence Card (TRC) at the local police station or your province's Immigration Department.

Required documents:

• Passport with work visa
• Work permit
• Employment contract
• Rental Agreement for your housing
• 6 passport photos
• TRC application form

Processing time: 7-10 working days. Cost: 145 USD (up to 2 years), 155 USD (2 to 5 years) or 165 USD (5 to 10 years), according to Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC. Validity: The same as your work visa.

The TRC is your real "residence card". It makes it easier to open a bank account and sign contracts, and it serves as everyday ID. You won't need to carry your passport everywhere anymore.

03Essential Documents: The Complete Checklist

To avoid any delays, here is the full checklist of documents to prepare BEFORE you start the process. I recommend scanning everything and keeping digital copies accessible on your phone.

Personal documents:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after the application date
• 12 passport photos, 4x6 cm, white background (bring plenty)
• University degrees and professional certificates, apostilled
• Certified Vietnamese translations of all your degrees
• French criminal record less than 6 months old, apostilled
• Vietnamese medical certificate (done on site)
• Detailed resume in English
• Reference letters from former employers
• Employment certificates proving your experience

Documents provided by the employer:

• Signed employment contract
• Official invitation letter
• Business Registration Certificate
• Operating license
• Justification for recruiting a foreigner

Administrative documents:

• Work permit application form (provided by DOLISA)
• Visa application form (downloadable from the embassy website)
• TRC application form
• Rental agreement for your housing in Vietnam

Tip: Get your documents apostilled AND translated in France BEFORE you leave. Vietnamese sworn translators are more expensive (50-100€ per document vs 30-50€ in France) and take longer. For a complete checklist for your move, see our dedicated guide.

04Real Costs and Processing Times in 2026

Let's talk money. Getting a work visa in Vietnam takes a significant investment of both money and time. Here's an indicative table of costs in 2026.

Realistic total cost: 270-500€ for the whole process, excluding the residence card (145 to 165 USD) and excluding agency fees if you use one.

Realistic total time: 8-12 weeks from the start of document preparation to receiving your TRC.

Tip: Many Vietnamese employers cover part or all of these costs. Negotiate this in your employment contract; it's common practice for skilled positions.

05Special Cases: Freelancers, Entrepreneurs and Digital Nomads

Don't fit the mold of a standard employee? You're not alone. More and more French professionals are choosing to settle in Vietnam without a traditional employment contract. Here are your legal options.

Freelancing for Foreign Clients

This is the legal gray area. Technically, if you work remotely for clients in France or elsewhere, with no Vietnamese clients and no local income, you don't need a work permit. However, no visa officially corresponds to this status.

Possible options:

• Renewable DN (Business) visa: lets you stay in Vietnam for up to 1 year, but doesn't officially allow you to "work". Cost: 95-135€.
• Tourist visa + trips out of the country: cheaper but restrictive (you have to leave every 90 days).
• Setting up a Vietnamese company: the safest but most complex solution (see below).

Discover all the legal strategies in our complete guide to being a digital nomad in Vietnam.

Setting Up Your Own Company in Vietnam

If you want to launch your business in Vietnam, you need to create a legal entity. There are two main options:

1. Representative Office Lets you represent a foreign company in Vietnam without direct commercial activity. Ideal for testing the market.

• Setup cost: 2,000-3,000 USD
• Timeline: 2-3 months
• Visa obtained: DN (Business) or LD depending on status

2. Limited Liability Company (LLC) Allows full commercial activity. You can be a 100% shareholder (minimum capital: 0 VND in theory, but 100,000,000 VND / 3,700€ recommended).

• Setup cost: 3,000-5,000 USD (with a lawyer)
• Timeline: 3-6 months
• Visa obtained: DT1 (Investor), then LD as director of your company

This route lets you get a work permit as the director of your own company, and therefore an LD work visa valid for 2 years. See our guide to setting up a business abroad for more details.

Tip: NEVER set up a company in Vietnam without a specialized local lawyer. The rules change frequently, and mistakes are expensive. Budget: 3,000-5,000 USD for a full service (setup + first year of accounting).

Teaching English or French

Teaching is one of the most common ways to get a work visa in Vietnam. Language schools actively recruit native-speaking teachers.

General requirements:

• University degree (at least a bachelor's degree, in any field)
• TEFL, TESOL or CELTA certificate (minimum 120 hours) for English
• Clean criminal record
• Medical certificate

Average salary: 20-30 USD per hour (540,000 - 810,000 VND), or 1,500-2,500 USD/month (40,500,000 - 67,500,000 VND) full time.

Most schools sponsor your work visa and work permit. The process takes 6-8 weeks. Some schools bring you over on a business visa and start the paperwork once you're there.

06Renewing and Extending Your Work Visa

Is your work visa about to expire? Don't panic: renewal is generally simpler than the initial application, provided your professional situation hasn't changed.

Renewal Conditions

• Your employment contract must still be valid (or renewed)
• Your work permit must be renewed BEFORE the visa
• You must be up to date with your taxes (tax returns filed)
• Your company must still be legally operating

Renewal Procedure

Step 1: Your employer applies to DOLISA to renew the work permit 45 days before it expires.

• Documents: current work permit, renewed employment contract, recent medical certificate
• Processing time: 10-15 days
• Cost: Free

Step 2: Visa renewal application with the Immigration Department.

• Documents: renewed work permit, passport, current TRC, photos
• Processing time: 7-10 days
• Cost: 1,080,000 - 2,160,000 VND (40-80€)

Step 3: TRC renewal.

• Automatic with the new visa
• Processing time: 5-7 days
• Cost: 145 to 165 USD depending on the card's length

Tip: NEVER let your visa expire. Overstay fines are 500,000 VND (18€) per day, up to a maximum of 10,000,000 VND (370€). Beyond 90 days of overstay, you risk deportation and a ban from the country.

Changing Employers

If you change employers, your current visa and work permit become invalid. Your new employer has to start a new full procedure. You have two options:

Option 1: Leave Vietnam and come back Cancel your current visa, leave the country, and come back on a new visa sponsored by your new employer. Expensive but fast (2-3 weeks).

Option 2: Change of status in the country Apply to the Immigration Department for a change of sponsor. It takes longer (4-6 weeks), but you stay in Vietnam. Your new employer must prove that it is able to sponsor you.

07Pitfalls to Avoid and Common Mistakes

Some recurring mistakes cost time and money, and sometimes jeopardize the whole procedure. Here are the pitfalls you absolutely need to avoid.

Mistake #1: Neglecting to Apostille Your Documents

This is THE number one reason work permits are refused. All your degrees and your criminal record must be apostilled in France BEFORE you leave. A simple consular legalization is not enough. An apostille is an international certification. The Hague Apostille Convention has been in force for Vietnam since September 11, 2026; before that, consular legalization was required. Have your employer confirm the expected format.

Solution: In France, you request an apostille from the Court of Appeal in your region. Allow 2-4 weeks. For your criminal record, request it apostilled directly when you apply online.

Mistake #2: Working on a Tourist Visa

Many digital nomads and new teachers work illegally on a tourist visa, thinking that "nobody checks". That's wrong. Checks are becoming more frequent, especially in the big cities. The consequences:

• Fine of 5,000,000 - 10,000,000 VND (185-370€)
• Immediate deportation
• Ban from the country for 1 to 3 years
• Inability to get a work visa in Vietnam in the future

Mistake #3: Choosing an Unreliable Employer

Some Vietnamese companies (especially small language schools) promise to sponsor your visa but don't keep their commitments. The result: you arrive in Vietnam and the paperwork was never started.

Warning signs:

• The employer asks you to pay the visa fees (it's up to them to cover them upfront)
• They bring you over on a tourist visa "for the time being"
• They have no other foreign employees
• They refuse to show you their operating license

Solution: Before accepting, ask to speak with other expats working for the company. Check the company's registration on the Vietnamese government website.

Mistake #4: Underestimating Processing Times

Many expats think they can get their work visa in 2-3 weeks. The reality: at least 8-12 weeks. If you have a contract start date, start the process AT LEAST 3 months ahead.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Your Tax Obligations

With a work visa, you become a Vietnamese tax resident if you stay more than 183 days a year. You have to declare your income and pay local tax (progressive rates from 5% to 35%). Failing to file can block your visa renewal. Read our guide to expat taxes in Vietnam to optimize your situation.

Tip: ALWAYS keep copies of all your documents (passport, visa, work permit, TRC, employment contract) on your phone and in the cloud. If you're checked or lose something, you'll save valuable time.

08Alternatives and Interim Solutions

Not ready for a full work visa yet, or your situation doesn't allow it? Here are the legal alternatives for staying in Vietnam in the meantime.

The Renewable DN Business Visa

If you're a freelancer, a consultant or exploring business opportunities, the DN (Business) visa is an interesting interim solution. It lets you stay in Vietnam for up to 1 year (renewable) without a work permit.

Pros:

• No work permit needed
• Faster procedure (2-3 weeks)
• Fewer documents required
• Lower cost (95-135€)

Cons:

• Doesn't allow you to work officially for a Vietnamese company
• Doesn't allow you to receive a local salary
• Less stable than a work visa (annual renewal)

Who can get it? You must be invited by a Vietnamese company (business partner, client, or a company you set up). Many digital nomads set up a micro-company in Vietnam (minimal cost) just to get this visa.

The 90-Day Tourist E-Visa

Since 2023, Vietnam has offered a tourist e-visa valid for 90 days, with multiple entries. It's a temporary solution for trying out the country before committing to a work visa.

Pros:

• 100% online procedure
• Processing time: 3 working days
• Cost: 25 USD for a single entry, 50 USD for multiple entries (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC)
• Multiple entries (you can leave and come back)

Cons:

• Working is prohibited (legally, even remotely)
• Cannot be renewed in the country (you must leave)
• 90 days maximum

This option is ideal for a first exploratory visit, looking for a job on the ground, or negotiating your employment contract before starting the official paperwork.

The Hybrid Approach: Tourist Visa + Paperwork in Parallel

This is the strategy I often recommend: arrive in Vietnam on a 90-day tourist e-visa, start your job (with the employer's written agreement), and launch the work permit process in parallel. Once the permit is issued, you convert your tourist visa into a work visa without leaving the country.

Warning: This conversion is only possible if your employer planned ahead and started the paperwork AS SOON AS you arrived. Otherwise, you'll have to leave Vietnam to get your work visa.

09Living in Da Nang on a Work Visa

Now that you have your work visa, let's talk about quality of life. Da Nang has become THE favorite destination of French expats in Vietnam, and for good reason.

Why Da Nang?

Cost of living: 30-50% cheaper than in France. A single expat lives comfortably on 1,000-1,500€/month (housing, food, going out, transport). See our guide to a monthly budget in Da Nang for detailed figures.

Quality of life: Beautiful beaches, mountains 30 minutes away, a tropical climate, modern infrastructure, ultra-fast internet (100 Mbps for 10€/month), a lively coworking scene. Discover the best neighborhoods in Da Nang to choose where to live.

French-speaking community: Da Nang has an active, welcoming French community. Regular events, Facebook groups, associations.

Professional opportunities: A booming tech hub, many foreign companies (Samsung, LG, etc.), international schools, a dynamic tourism sector.

Salaries and Purchasing Power

With a work visa, your salary will depend on your sector and experience. Here are realistic ranges in 2026:

• Language teacher: 1,500-2,500 USD/month (40-67 M VND)
• Web developer: 2,000-4,000 USD/month (54-108 M VND)
• Manager / Executive: 3,000-6,000 USD/month (81-162 M VND)
• Senior expert / Director: 5,000-10,000 USD/month (135-270 M VND)

For comparison, the average Vietnamese salary in Da Nang is around 400-600 USD/month. With an expat salary, your purchasing power is considerable. A local meal costs 1-2€, a 2-bedroom apartment in the city center 400-600€/month.

Fitting In and Making Your Move a Success

Getting your visa is just the beginning. To make your move a success, you'll need to:

• Learn the basics of Vietnamese (at least the polite phrases)
• Understand Vietnamese cultural codes
• Open a local bank account (easier with your TRC)
• Take out international health insurance (international hospitals are expensive)
• Know the potential dangers and how to avoid them
• Plan for hidden costs

Read our complete guide to moving to Vietnam so you don't miss anything.

10FAQ: Your Questions About the Vietnam Work Visa

How long does it take to get a work visa in Vietnam in 2026? Allow 8 to 12 weeks for the whole process, from preparing your apostilled documents in France to receiving your temporary residence card (TRC) in Vietnam. The work permit alone takes 3-4 weeks, the visa 1-2 weeks, and the TRC 1 week. Plan at least 3 months ahead of your desired contract start date.

Can you get a work visa in Vietnam without a university degree? No, in the vast majority of cases. The Vietnamese government requires a university degree (at least a bachelor's) to issue a work permit. Exceptions: some highly specialized technical positions where you can prove 5+ years of documented experience, or artistic professions (musicians, artists). But even then, it's case by case and very complicated.

What is the total cost of a Vietnam work visa in 2026? The realistic total cost is between 270€ and 500€, including: apostille and translation of documents (80-150€), Vietnamese medical certificate (37-74€), visa approval letter (50-100€), and the visa itself (80-135€). On top of that comes the residence card (145 to 165 USD depending on its length). The work permit is officially free. If you use an agency, add 200-500€ in service fees.

Can a digital nomad work legally in Vietnam on a work visa? Yes and no. If you work exclusively for foreign clients with no Vietnamese income, you're in a gray area. The LD work visa requires a Vietnamese employer. Your legal options: (1) set up your own Vietnamese company and sponsor yourself (complex but legal), (2) use a renewable DN Business visa (tolerated but not officially for work), or (3) work for a foreign company with an office in Vietnam. See our digital nomad guide for more details.

What happens if my work visa expires while I'm in Vietnam? You're in an illegal overstay situation. The consequences: a fine of 500,000 VND (18€) per day of overstay, up to a maximum of 10,000,000 VND (370€). Beyond 90 days of overstay, you risk deportation, a ban from the country (1-3 years), and being unable to get a Vietnamese visa in the future. ALWAYS start the renewal procedure 45 days before expiry. In an emergency, you can ask the Immigration Department for a temporary 30-day extension.

11Conclusion: Your Vietnam Work Visa, Stress-Free

Getting a work visa in Vietnam in 2026 isn't a walk in the park, but it's not insurmountable either once you know the exact procedure. Let's recap the key points:

• Plan at least 3 months ahead for the whole process
• Get your documents apostilled in France before you leave (degrees + criminal record)
• Choose a reliable employer that has already sponsored other foreigners
• Realistic budget: 270-500€ for administrative fees, excluding the residence card
• The work permit always comes before the visa; it's the longest step (3-4 weeks)
• The TRC is your best friend day to day; apply for it within 15 days of arriving

Your work visa is much more than a stamp in your passport: it's the key to a new life in Vietnam, with considerable purchasing power, an exceptional quality of life and exciting professional opportunities.

Before you take the plunge, a first exploratory trip on an e-visa is often a good way to meet employers on the ground: our guide on how to apply for a Vietnam visa details the process and the official fees.

Your new life in Vietnam starts now.