Procedures for issuance visa for foreigners

I.  Conditions for visa issuance

1.  Has a passport or laissez-passer;

2.  Is invited or sponsored by an organization or individual in Vietnam, except for the cases mentioned in Clause 3 Article 17 of Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam;

Agencies and organizations which invite and guarantee foreigners must conform to the functions, tasks and powers prescribed by law or issued licenses. Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in Vietnam, foreigners having permanent residence cards or temporary residence cards, who are invited or guaranteed foreigners to entry into Vietnam to visit and must have papers evidencing their relations with the invited or guaranteed persons.

3.  Not suspended from entry in the cases mentioned in Article 21 of Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam; 

4.  Proof of entry purposes must be provided when applying for a visa in the following cases:

a)  Any foreigner who comes to make investment must have papers proving the investment in Vietnam in accordance with the Law on Investment;

b)  Any foreigner who works as a lawyer in Vietnam must have a practice license in accordance with the Law of Lawyers;

c)  Any foreigner who comes to work in Vietnam must have work permits in accordance with the Labor Code;

d)  Any foreigner who comes to study in Vietnam must have written acceptance of a school or an education institution in Vietnam.

II.  Records for the procedure:

1.  An application for issuance of visa; 

2.  Foreigner’s passport or laissez-passer;

3.  Photos size 3x4.

III.  Legal basis:

1.  Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam in 2014;

2.  Circular No.04/2015/TT-BCA on 5^th January, 2015 on regulations on speciman papers concerning foreigners entering, leaving and residing inVietnam;

3.  Cicurlar No.31/2015/TT-BCA on 6^th July, 2015 on guidelines for issuance of visas, temporary residence cards, entry/exit permits and granting permanent residence status for foreigners in Vietnam.