Vietnam Visa Types from July 1, 2026

Vietnam Visa types for foreigners entering Vietnam are an important content that individuals, organizations, and businesses need to pay special attention to when carrying out entry procedures. Clearly understanding each visa type based on the purpose such as tourism, labor, investment, visiting relatives, or working with agencies/organizations in Vietnam helps minimize legal risks and ensures strict compliance with regulations. The following article will analyze the visa system applicable from July 1, 2026, and guide you through the issues to note when performing the procedures.

From July 1st, 2026, two additional types of visas will be added for foreigners

From July 1, 2026, the Vietnamese legal system will officially implement supplementary regulations to clearly separate the entry purposes of foreign entities. Specifically, Clause 2, Article 2 of the Law amending and supplementing a number of articles of 10 Laws related to security and order 2025 adds Clauses 22 and 23 after Clause 21, Article 8 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended in 2019) as follows:

• UĐ1 Visa: Issued to foreigners who are high-quality digital technology industry personnel and other incentivized cases as prescribed by laws, resolutions of the National Assembly, or resolutions of the National Assembly Standing Committee.
• UĐ2 Visa: Issued to foreign spouses and children under 18 years old of foreigners granted the UĐ1 visa.

Both of the above Vietnam visa types will have a duration of no more than 5 years

>>> See more: Procedures for issuing visa exemption certificates at Vietnamese representative offices abroad

Vietnam Visa types for foreigners entering Vietnam from July 1, 2026

The visa symbol system is specified in Article 8 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners 2014 (amended in 2019 and supplemented by the 2025 amended law). Each symbol is tied to a specific purpose and subject, and must not be used for the wrong purpose. This classification mechanism aims to ensure strict management of foreigners’ activities in Vietnam. Currently, visa types are categorized as follows:

• NG1: Members of delegations invited by the General Secretary of the Communist Party, State President, National Assembly Chairman, and Prime Minister.
• NG2: Members of delegations invited by the Standing Secretariat of the Communist Party, Vice President, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, Deputy Prime Minister, and other high-ranking officials.
• NG3: Members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, UN representative agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and their spouses, children under 18, and accompanying domestic helpers.
• NG4: People coming to work with diplomatic missions, consular offices, UN/intergovernmental agencies; accompanying spouses/children under 18; people visiting members of these missions.
• LV1: People working with central agencies of the Communist Party, National Assembly, Government, Supreme People’s Court, Supreme People’s Procuracy, State Audit, Ministries, and provincial-level authorities.
• LV2: People working with socio-political organizations, social organizations, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
• LS: Foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam.
• ĐT1: Foreign investors and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with a capital contribution of 100 billion VND or more, or investing in incentivized business lines/areas.
• ĐT2: Investors with a capital contribution from 50 billion VND to under 100 billion VND, or investing in encouraged development business lines.
• ĐT3: Investors with a capital contribution from 03 billion VND to under 50 billion VND.
• ĐT4: Investors with a capital contribution of less than 03 billion VND.
• DN1: Foreigners working with enterprises and other organizations having legal status in Vietnam.
• DN2: Foreigners entering to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or perform other activities under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.
• NN1: Heads of representative offices or projects of international organizations and foreign NGOs in Vietnam.
• NN2: Heads of representative offices/branches of foreign traders, representative offices of foreign economic, cultural, and other professional organizations in Vietnam.
• NN3: People working with foreign NGOs, representative offices/branches of foreign traders, and other foreign professional organizations in Vietnam.
• DH: People entering for internship or study.
• HN: People attending conferences or seminars.
• PV1: Resident journalists and press in Vietnam.
• PV2: Journalists and press entering for short-term activities.
• LĐ1: Foreigners working in Vietnam who are confirmed to be exempt from a work permit (unless international treaties stipulate otherwise).
• LĐ2: Foreigners working in Vietnam who are required to have a work permit.
• DL: People entering for tourism.
• TT: Foreign spouses and children under 18 of foreigners holding LV1, LV2, LS, ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ1, LĐ2 visas; or foreign parents, spouses, and children of Vietnamese citizens.
• VR: People visiting relatives or entering for other purposes.
• SQ: Cases prescribed in Clause 3, Article 17 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014.
• EV: Electronic Visa (E-visa).
• UĐ1: High-quality digital technology industry personnel and incentivized cases.
• UĐ2: Spouses and children under 18 of UĐ1 visa holders.

The validity and form of visas

According to Article 7 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners 2014 (amended in 2019), the validity and form of visas are regulated as follows:

• Visas are issued into passports, issued separately, or issued via electronic transactions (E-visa).
• Visas are issued individually for each person, except for children under 14 sharing a passport with a parent/guardian, or visas issued according to a personnel approval list for tourists arriving by sea or foreign military ship members.
• Visas are valid for single or multiple entries; visas issued via approval lists for sea tourists/military ship members are valid for a single entry.
• Visa purposes cannot be converted, except when proving to be an investor, having a family relationship with the sponsor, having a work permit/exemption confirmation when sponsored by an agency, or entering via E-visa and obtaining a work permit/exemption confirmation.
• When converting a visa purpose legally, a new visa with a symbol and duration suitable for the new purpose will be issued.

>>> See more: What is a visa? Legal regulations on visas in Vietnam

Long Phan Consulting Company provides visa application consulting services for foreigners

Long Phan Consulting Company provides in-depth consulting services regarding visas and residence for foreigners in Vietnam, focusing on identifying the correct visa type, standardizing dossiers, and representing clients before immigration authorities. We structure our support into the following key areas:

• We provide consultation to determine the Vietnam Visa types based on the purpose of entry, qualifications, and legal status of the foreign national.
• Review and assess the legality of foreign documents, including consular legalization procedures and certified translations.
• Prepare sponsorship documents and application forms, and submit them on behalf of the applicant to the Immigration Department.
• We provide consultation and assistance with procedures for changing visa purposes, extending visas, or applying for temporary residence permits.
• Assistance in handling legal situations that may arise, such as visa overstay, entry restrictions, or the risk of administrative penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the visa application process for foreigners entering Vietnam

Below are some frequently asked questions about Vietnam Visa types for foreigners entering Vietnam; please refer to them:

In what way is the validity period of a visa determined compared to that of a passport?

The visa validity period must be at least 30 days shorter than the validity period of the passport or other valid international travel document to ensure the legal validity of the document when the foreigner leaves the country.

(Legal basis: Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, as amended by Clause 2, Article 2 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2023.)

What is the maximum validity period for a visa granted to foreigners visiting Vietnam?

The DL visa is for tourists and has a maximum validity of 3 months (90 days). A new visa may be considered upon expiration.

(Legal basis: Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, amended by Clause 2, Article 2 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, amended 2023)

Under what circumstances are foreigners issued a separate visa instead of having it stamped directly into their passport?

Departure visas are issued when passports have run out of sticker pages, when passports are from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Vietnam, or for special reasons related to diplomacy, national defense, or security; visas are issued in accordance with the provisions of point b, clause 2, Article 7 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014.

(Legal basis: Article 11 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, supplemented by Clause 6, Article 1 of the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2019.)

What is the maximum validity period for a DT visa granted to foreign investors in Vietnam?

The DT visa, issued to investors, has the longest validity period in the visa system, with a maximum duration of no more than 5 years.

(Legal basis: Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners 2014, amended 2019.)

Are foreign workers required to prove the purpose of their entry into the country?

Yes, foreigners entering the country to work are required to have a work permit as stipulated in the Labor Code as a basis for applying for a labor visa.

(Legal basis: Article 10 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, amended and supplemented in 2019.)

Which individuals are exempt from visa requirements when entering Vietnam?

Exempt cases include:

• According to international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory.
• Use your permanent residence card or temporary residence card as prescribed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended and supplemented).
• Entering a border economic zone, a special administrative and economic unit.
• Coastal economic zones are established by government decisions when the following conditions are met: they must have an international airport; be a separate space; have a defined geographical boundary, separated from the mainland; be consistent with socio-economic development policies; and not jeopardize Vietnam’s national defense, national security, public order, and social safety.
• According to the provisions of Article 13 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014.

(Legal basis: Article 12 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, amended and supplemented in 2019.)

Conclusion

Strict enforcement of regulations regarding Vietnam Visa types for foreigners entering Vietnam is a key factor in ensuring their right to legal residence. Long Phan Consulting Company We are ready to assist you in overcoming any obstacles and complex administrative procedures. For expert support and the most accurate technical solutions, please contact us immediately via hotline. 1900636389. 

>>> See more: Instructions for granting visas to foreigners in Vietnam