Planning to work in Vietnam in 2025? Australian citizens need to secure the correct visa type before starting employment. This guide explains the Vietnam work visa process, updated requirements, processing times, and fees, including urgent options for those who need quick approval.
1. What Is a Vietnam Work Visa?
A Vietnam work visa (LD or LD1/LD2 category) is issued to foreign nationals, including Australians, who intend to work for a Vietnamese company or organization. Unlike a tourist or business visa, it is specifically tied to employment contracts and usually requires a work permit issued by the Vietnamese labor authorities.
Key points:
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Valid for 1–2 years, depending on your employment contract.
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Issued after a work permit is approved (unless exempt under specific treaties).
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Can be single or multiple entry, depending on employer needs.
2. Vietnam Work Visa vs. Business Visa
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Business visa (DN): For short visits, meetings, or exploring investment opportunities; no work permit required.
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Work visa (LD): For long-term employment, tied to an employer, requiring a work permit.
If you are coming to Vietnam for full-time employment, you need an LD visa, not just a business visa.
3. Vietnam Work Visa Requirements for Australians (2025)
Employer-side requirements:
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Company registration certificate.
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Approval from the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DoLISA).
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Sponsorship letter for the visa.
Employee-side requirements:
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Valid Australian passport (at least 6 months remaining).
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Work permit or work permit exemption document.
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Health check certificate (issued within the last 6 months).
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Criminal record (Australian police clearance).
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Passport-sized photos (4x6cm, white background).
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Completed visa application form (NA2/NA16).
4. How to Apply for a Vietnam Work Visa in 2025
Step 1. Secure a Job Offer in Vietnam
You must first have a Vietnamese employer willing to sponsor your visa application.
Step 2. Obtain a Work Permit (or Exemption)
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The employer applies for a work permit on your behalf.
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If you qualify for an exemption (e.g., short-term project, company transfer), obtain the exemption letter.
Step 3. Get Visa Approval Letter (Pre-Approval)
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Your employer submits the necessary documents to the Immigration Department.
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Once approved, you will receive a visa approval letter.
Step 4. Collect Visa at Embassy or Airport
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Embassy method: Get your visa stamped at the Vietnam Embassy/Consulate in Australia.
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Visa on arrival method: Pick up your visa at a Vietnam airport (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang).
5. Processing Times and Urgent Options
Standard processing time: 5–7 working days after submitting complete documents.
If you need to travel to Vietnam urgently to begin work, you can request expedited processing:
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1-hour urgent visa: USD 195
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2-hour urgent visa: USD 165
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5-hour urgent visa: USD 135
(Note: These urgent options apply to the pre-approval visa letter, not the work permit itself.)
6. Vietnam Work Visa Fees for Australians (2025)
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Single-entry LD visa (1–3 months): USD 45–65
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Multiple-entry LD visa (3–12 months): USD 95–135
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Stamping fee at the airport: USD 25 (single) or USD 50 (multiple)
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Urgent processing fees: As listed above (1h/2h/5h options)
Fees may vary depending on whether you apply through the embassy, an agency, or directly via your employer.
7. Extending or Renewing a Vietnam Work Visa
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You can extend your visa inside Vietnam if your work permit is still valid.
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The extension process usually takes 5–7 working days.
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If your work permit expires, you must renew it first before extending the visa.
8. Tips to Avoid Delays or Rejections
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Submit complete documents early. Work permit approval takes time, so don’t wait until the last minute.
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Use a trusted visa agency or have your employer handle the paperwork.
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Check passport validity. Must have at least 6 months remaining.
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Keep your records consistent. Any mismatch (name order, passport number) can cause delays.
9. Why Use a Vietnam Visa Agency?
While your employer can handle the process, many Australians choose to work with a professional visa service to ensure:
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Faster processing with urgent options.
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Guidance through work permit paperwork.
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Fewer errors that can delay your entry to Vietnam.
10. Final Thoughts
Getting a Vietnam work visa in 2025 requires careful preparation, but with the right support, Australians can enter Vietnam smoothly and start their new job on time. Whether you choose standard or urgent processing, make sure your work permit is handled early, and consider using an experienced agency to avoid complications.
