Vietnam Working E-Visa: Requirements, Work Permit and Application Guide

Apply Working E-visa to Vietnam

Foreign professionals entering Vietnam for business projects, employment preparation or other work-related activities may consider a Vietnam Working E-visa as an entry option. Vietnam’s electronic visa can be valid for up to 90 days and may allow either single or multiple entry.

The government fee is US$25 for a single-entry e-Visa and US$50 for a multiple-entry e-Visa. However, an e-Visa mainly provides permission to enter and stay in Vietnam. Foreigners taking up formal employment may also need a Work Permit or a recognized Work Permit exemption.

Expedite Vietnam Visa helps applicants review their visa information, prepare application details and choose a suitable processing option before travelling.

What Is a Vietnam Working E-Visa?

A Vietnam Working E-visa generally refers to a Vietnam e-Visa used by a foreign professional travelling for work-related purposes. It is not a separate legal category that automatically gives the holder permission to work.

Vietnam’s e-Visa can currently be issued for up to 90 days.

E-Visa Feature	Information
Maximum validity	Up to 90 days
Entry type	Single or multiple
Single-entry fee	US$25
Multiple-entry fee	US$50
Application	Online

The e-Visa may be suitable for professionals attending meetings, visiting business partners, joining project discussions or preparing for a longer employment assignment.

Does a Vietnam Working E-Visa Allow You to Work Legally?

An e-Visa alone should not automatically be treated as legal authorization for employment in Vietnam.

The visa and Work Permit systems serve different purposes:

An e-Visa allows entry and temporary stay.
A Work Permit authorizes eligible foreign employment.
A Work Permit exemption may apply to certain qualifying foreigners.
An LĐ1 or LĐ2 visa may be relevant for longer employment arrangements.

This means a foreign national can legally enter Vietnam on an e-Visa but may still need additional work authorization before starting formal employment.

Who Can Use a Vietnam E-Visa for Work-Related Travel?

A Vietnam e-Visa may be appropriate for professionals entering the country temporarily for commercial or work-related activities.

Examples may include:

Attending business meetings
Meeting a prospective employer
Participating in negotiations
Visiting suppliers
Attending conferences
Joining project discussions
Visiting a workplace before a longer assignment

The correct visa route depends on what the foreigner will actually do in Vietnam.

For travellers coming mainly for meetings, negotiations or other commercial activities, the Vietnam Business Visa may also be relevant.

What Is the Difference Between an E-Visa and a Work Permit?

An e-Visa and a Work Permit are different documents with different legal functions.

Document	Main Purpose
Vietnam e-Visa	Entry and temporary stay
Work Permit	Permission for eligible foreign employment
Work Permit exemption	Recognized exemption from standard Work Permit rules
LĐ1 Visa	Work-related visa for certain exempt workers
LĐ2 Visa	Work-related visa for workers requiring a Work Permit
Temporary Residence Card	Longer-term residence for eligible foreigners

A short business visitor may only need an appropriate entry visa. A foreigner entering into formal employment may need both immigration status and employment authorization.

Do Foreign Workers Need a Work Permit in Vietnam?

Many foreign workers need a Work Permit, although exemptions are available in specific cases.

A Work Permit may be relevant to foreigners working under arrangements such as:

Employment contracts
Intra-company transfers
Service contracts
Project assignments
Management positions
Expert roles
Technical positions

The fact that an e-Visa is valid for up to 90 days does not automatically mean that a Work Permit is unnecessary.

The foreign worker and Vietnamese employer should determine the correct employment status before work begins.

Who May Qualify for a Work Permit Exemption?

Certain foreign nationals may qualify for an exemption from the standard Work Permit requirement.

Depending on the circumstances, exemption categories may include some:

Intra-corporate transferees
Company owners
Capital-contributing members
Board members
Short-term professional workers
Service providers
Foreigners covered by international agreements

An exemption should not be assumed simply because an assignment is short.

The Vietnamese employer or sponsoring organization should confirm whether the worker meets the required conditions.

What Is the Difference Between a Vietnam Working E-Visa and LĐ1 or LĐ2?

A Vietnam e-Visa is mainly designed for temporary entry, while LĐ1 and LĐ2 are more directly connected to employment status.

What Is an LĐ1 Visa?

LĐ1 generally applies to foreign workers who qualify for a Work Permit exemption.

The worker must have a valid legal basis for that exemption.

What Is an LĐ2 Visa?

LĐ2 generally applies to foreign workers who are required to hold a Work Permit.

This visa is more relevant to people entering Vietnam for formal or longer-term employment.

Foreign professionals should therefore choose their visa route based on their actual work arrangement rather than only on processing convenience.

Foreigners can generally apply for an e-Visa independently, but formal employment normally requires support from a Vietnamese employer or qualifying organization.

The company may need to:

Confirm the employment position
Provide company documents
Support the Work Permit process
Confirm whether an exemption applies
Support an LĐ visa application
Assist with residence documentation

This is one of the main differences between applying for a basic e-Visa and preparing for long-term employment in Vietnam.

What Documents Are Needed for a Vietnam Working E-Visa?

The e-Visa application normally requires basic passport and travel information.

Applicants should prepare:

Valid passport
Digital passport data-page image
Clear portrait photo
Entry date
Departure date
Entry and exit checkpoint
Accommodation information where required
Contact and travel information

Applicants should make sure that the passport number, full name, nationality and dates are entered correctly.

If a Work Permit is also required, additional documents may include:

Employment documents
Employer information
Professional qualifications
Evidence of work experience
Health documents
Criminal record documents
Work Permit exemption evidence where applicable

How Do You Apply for a Vietnam Working E-Visa?

The application is completed online.

Step 1: Confirm Your Travel Purpose

Determine whether the trip involves temporary business activities or formal employment.

This helps establish whether an e-Visa alone addresses the immigration requirement.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Prepare your passport copy, portrait photo and travel information.

Make sure all details match the passport.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Enter the required personal and travel information carefully.

Pay particular attention to:

Full name
Passport number
Nationality
Entry date
Entry checkpoint

Step 4: Pay the E-Visa Fee

The current government fee is:

US$25 for single entry
US$50 for multiple entry

The fee is generally non-refundable.

Step 5: Check and Download the Result

Use the application registration information to check the result.

Once approved, download the e-Visa and check all information before travel.

Step 6: Complete Work Authorization if Required

If you will begin employment in Vietnam, coordinate with the employer to complete any required Work Permit or exemption procedure.

How Long Is a Vietnam Working E-Visa Valid?

A Vietnam e-Visa can be valid for up to 90 days.

It may allow either:

Single entry, or
Multiple entry.

Applicants should check the exact validity period shown on the approved visa.

A 90-day e-Visa should not be considered a replacement for a longer-term employment immigration solution.

Workers remaining in Vietnam for an extended period may need to move to the appropriate work-related visa or residence status.

How Long Does Vietnam Working E-Visa Processing Take?

Standard e-Visa processing is generally completed within several working days, but applicants should avoid applying immediately before departure.

Processing may be affected by:

Weekends
Public holidays
Incorrect application details
Poor passport images
Incorrect photos
Requests for corrections

Applicants should also remember that Work Permit processing follows a separate timeline.

The Vietnam Visa Processing Time page can help travellers understand available processing options for their visa application.

Can You Enter Vietnam Before Your Work Permit Is Ready?

A foreigner may be able to enter Vietnam on a valid e-Visa before a Work Permit is completed, depending on the circumstances.

However, entry permission and work authorization are separate.

Before beginning employment, the foreign worker should confirm:

Whether a Work Permit is required.
Whether an exemption applies.
Whether employer documents are complete.
Whether an LĐ visa is required later.

Holding an e-Visa does not automatically mean the holder may begin formal employment.

What Common Mistakes Should Applicants Avoid?

Many problems arise because applicants treat the e-Visa and Work Permit as the same thing.

Common mistakes include:

Assuming an e-Visa automatically allows employment
Ignoring Work Permit requirements
Assuming all short-term work is exempt
Entering incorrect passport information
Uploading unclear images
Choosing the wrong entry type
Applying too close to departure
Failing to coordinate with the employer

Checking the visa route and employment requirements early can reduce delays and unnecessary corrections.

How Can Expedite Vietnam Visa Support Working E-Visa Applicants?

Expedite Vietnam Visa helps foreign professionals prepare their Vietnam visa applications with greater clarity and fewer avoidable errors.

Support may include:

Reviewing passport information
Checking application details
Reviewing passport and portrait images
Identifying common form errors
Helping applicants select a suitable processing option
Supporting application-status tracking
Explaining the difference between short-term e-Visa entry and longer-term work visa routes

This is particularly useful for professionals who already have a business assignment or employer in Vietnam but are unsure which visa option is suitable for their initial entry.

Applicants using the service can also access the Check Status page to monitor their application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Working E-Visas

Is Vietnam Working E-Visa an official visa category?

The term is commonly used for a Vietnam e-Visa used in connection with work-related travel. It should not be confused with a Work Permit or the LĐ1 and LĐ2 visa categories.

How long can a Vietnam e-Visa last?

A Vietnam e-Visa can currently be valid for up to 90 days with either single or multiple entry.

How much does a Vietnam e-Visa cost?

The government fee is US$25 for single entry and US$50 for multiple entry.

Can I work in Vietnam with only an e-Visa?

Not automatically. Depending on the type of work, a Work Permit or recognized exemption may also be required.

Do I need a Vietnamese employer to apply for an e-Visa?

An e-Visa can generally be applied for independently. Formal employment procedures, however, usually require participation from the Vietnamese employer.

Is an e-Visa the same as an LĐ2 visa?

No. An e-Visa is a temporary electronic entry visa, while LĐ2 is a work-related visa associated with foreigners who require a Work Permit.