🧐 Business visa
✨ Extendable
Business Visa
Updated:
Duration
90 days
Required income
Flexible
Program cost
$ 50
Processing
5–14 days
The Business Visa strictly prohibits any paid employment, receiving salary from a Vietnamese company, or performing work that would normally require a work permit. Violations can result in fines up to several thousand USD, deportation, and a multi-year ban from Vietnam. Maximum stay per entry is 90 days; overstaying is heavily penalized. This visa is intended solely for legitimate short-term business activities such as meetings, negotiations, and exhibitions.
Vietnam has one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia with a pro-business climate supported by government incentives for foreign investment. Key industries include electronics manufacturing, renewable energy, IT services, textiles, agriculture, and tourism infrastructure. The Business Visa is perfect for attending international trade exhibitions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, conducting B2B negotiations, performing market research, signing contracts, and taking initial steps toward opening a representative office.
Official program link:
https://evisa.immigration.gov.vn/
✔ Required documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Invitation letter from a registered Vietnamese company or partner
- Sponsorship letter from your employing company detailing business purpose
- Proof of financial guarantees or recent bank statements
- Travel insurance certificate
- Confirmed flights and accommodation reservations
📋 How to apply
-
Prepare Required Documents
Collect passport, invitation letter from Vietnamese partner, company sponsorship letter, proof of funds, and travel insurance. -
Submit Online Application
Complete the e-visa application on the official portal, select Business purpose, and upload all supporting documents. -
Pay the Fee
Pay the non-refundable visa fee of 50 USD through the secure online payment system. -
Await Processing
Wait 5-14 days for approval. You will receive the e-visa by email. -
Travel to Vietnam
Print the approved visa and present it together with your passport at the port of entry. Have copies of flights, accommodation and invitation letter ready.
✅ Approval tips
- Obtain a detailed invitation letter on company letterhead that specifies exact dates, purpose, and your role in the business activities
- Ensure all documents are consistent — any mismatch between letters and application form can lead to rejection
- Apply at least 3 weeks before travel to account for possible delays in processing
- Demonstrate strong business ties and intent to return by providing company registration documents and proof of employment
- Use only official government portals or authorized visa agents to avoid fraudulent websites
❌ Common rejection reasons
- Missing or inadequately detailed invitation letter from a Vietnamese entity
- Inconsistencies or errors between the application form and supporting documents
- Insufficient proof of genuine business purpose or financial means
- Previous visa overstays or immigration violations in Vietnam or other countries
- Passport validity less than 6 months from the date of planned entry
- Criminal record or security concerns identified during background checks
❓ FAQ
Yes. Multiple-entry business visas (valid up to 12 months) are available and allow repeated visits of up to 90 days each during the visa validity period.
Yes, business visas are generally extendable for an additional 30–90 days through the Vietnam Immigration Department or authorized law firms, provided you have a valid reason and supporting documentation.
Yes, conversion is possible. You must secure a sponsoring Vietnamese employer who will apply for a work permit on your behalf and then change your visa status at the immigration office.
Allowed activities include attending meetings, negotiations, signing contracts, participating in trade fairs and conferences, market research, and preliminary discussions about opening a representative office.
Yes, an official invitation letter issued by a properly registered Vietnamese company or organization is almost always mandatory for a Business Visa application.
No. Any form of paid employment, including freelance work for Vietnamese clients or receiving local salary, is strictly prohibited and may result in deportation and future bans.
It is not always strictly required for e-visa approval, but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be requested by border officials or airlines.
🔗 Official sources
- Vietnam E-Visa Official Portal (2026-06-15)
- Vietnam Immigration Department - Business Visa Guidelines (2026-07-10)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam - Visa Information (2026-05-20)