Vietnam’s vibrant cities and growing economy make it an attractive destination for travelers and job seekers alike. However, many wonder, can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa? This guide provides a clear, updated answer, covering legal requirements, visa options, and practical steps to ensure compliance with Vietnamese immigration laws.

You Cannot Work in Vietnam on a Tourist Visa

The straightforward answer to can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa is NO. According to Vietnam’s Immigration Law (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14), tourist visas (symbolized as DL) are strictly for tourism or vacation purposes and prohibit any work or business-related activities. This includes paid employment, freelancing, or teaching English, even for short periods. Violating this rule can lead to fines, deportation, or a ban from re-entering Vietnam, as enforced by the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Tourist visas, including e-visas, allow stays of up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) for citizens of most countries, with fees of $25 USD (single entry) or $50 USD (multiple entry). They’re ideal for exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Da Nang’s beaches but cannot be used for employment. If caught working on a tourist visa, you may face penalties, including fines up to 75,000,000 VND ($3,000 USD) or an exit ban until resolved. To work legally, you must obtain a work permit and a work visa (LD1 or LD2), which we’ll explore next.

How to Work Legally in Vietnam in 2025

If you’re asking can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa and hoping to transition to legal work, you’ll need a work permit and an appropriate visa. Here’s how to do it in 2025:

• Work Permit Requirements: To obtain a work permit, you must be 18 or older, in good health, and free of criminal records. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree or higher with three years of relevant experience, or five years of experience in the job’s field without a degree. Your employer must apply for the permit through the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MoLISA), proving no local candidate can fill the role. The process takes about 10-15 working days, with fees around 400,000 VND ($16 USD).

• Work Visa (LD1/LD2): Once you have a work permit (or exemption for specific roles), you can apply for an LD2 work visa, valid for up to two years or the duration of your work permit. LD1 visas are for those exempt from work permits, such as certain diplomats. Applications require a sponsor (your employer) and are submitted at a Vietnamese embassy, consulate, or immigration office in Vietnam. Fees vary by duration, starting at $25 USD.

• Converting a Tourist Visa: Since 2020, you can convert a tourist visa to a work visa without leaving Vietnam if you have a work permit and an employer sponsor. Submit documents (passport, work permit, sponsor letter) to the Vietnam Immigration Office in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, with processing taking about five working days. This costs around $50-$100 USD, depending on the visa type.

• Temporary Residence Card (TRC): For long-term stays, foreigners with work permits valid for one year or more can apply for a TRC, valid for 1-10 years. This allows multiple entries and exits, costing about 1,000,000 VND ($40 USD) for a two-year card.

• Investor Visa (DT1-DT4): If you plan to invest or start a business in Vietnam, you can apply for an investor visa (DT visa), which allows you to live and work in Vietnam. There are four types based on investment amount:

• DT1: For investments of VND 100 billion (~$4 million USD) or in government-prioritized sectors; valid up to 5 years.
• DT2: For investments of VND 50-100 billion (~$2-4 million USD) or in encouraged sectors; valid up to 5 years.
• DT3: For investments of VND 3-50 billion (~$118,000-$2 million USD); valid up to 3 years.
• DT4: For investments under VND 3 billion (~$118,000 USD); valid up to 1 year. To qualify, you need an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) and Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC), proving your capital contribution. Submit documents (e.g., passport, IRC, ERC, Form NA2 or NA5) to the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang. Processing takes about 5-7 working days. DT1, DT2, and DT3 holders can apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) valid for up to 10 years, and may sponsor family members for dependent visas.

• Opening a Business in Vietnam: To start a business, foreign investors must register a company, typically a Limited Liability Company (LLC), under Vietnam’s Company Law. Key steps include:

• Obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC): Required for all foreign investments, detailing the project scope and capital.
• Obtain an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC): Registers the business entity with the Department of Planning and Investment.
• Capital Contribution: No minimum capital is required for most LLCs, but specific industries (e.g., real estate) may have higher thresholds. For investor visas, the capital amount determines the visa type (see above).
• Business Registration: Submit incorporation documents, including the company charter and proof of capital, to the Business Registration Office. The process takes about 5-10 working days.
• Tax and Licensing: Register for tax with the local tax authority and obtain necessary operational licenses, depending on the industry. Working with a local law firm or agency is recommended to navigate bureaucratic requirements and ensure compliance with 2025 regulations.

For a smooth process, work with a visa agency or your employer to avoid errors, as even minor discrepancies (e.g., passport name mismatches) can cause delays or entry denials. Tubudd’s Visa Service can streamline your application, ensuring compliance with 2025 regulations—contact us at [email protected] or via our hotline (+84 896 684 588).

Practical Tips for Navigating Vietnam’s Work Visa Process

To answer can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa and plan your legal work journey, consider these practical tips for 2025:

• Start Early: Apply for your work permit and visa at least two weeks before your planned arrival or job start date. Processing times can vary, especially during holidays like Tet (January 29-February 2, 2025).
• Secure a Sponsor: You’ll need a Vietnamese employer or agency to sponsor your work permit and visa. For teaching jobs, schools like ILA Vietnam often guide you through the process, covering costs for full-time roles.
• Check Documents: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date and has two blank pages. Provide legalized copies of degrees, background checks, and experience certificates.
• Avoid Overstaying: If your tourist visa expires before securing a work visa, contact the nearest immigration office (e.g., 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi) to avoid fines (500,000-5,000,000 VND, $20-$200 USD). Extensions are possible but cannot be used for work.
• Use Trusted Services: Navigating Vietnam’s immigration rules can be complex. Tubudd’s VIP Fast Track service ensures swift airport processing, while their Visa Service handles work permit and visa applications with transparency. Book via our app on Appstore or Google Play for a stress-free experience.

For a seamless transition to working in Vietnam, avoid the risks of illegal work on a tourist visa.

Conclusion

The question, can I work in Vietnam on a tourist visa has a clear answer: no, it’s illegal and risky. In 2025, Vietnam’s strict immigration laws require a work permit and LD visa for legal employment, with options to convert tourist visas if you secure a sponsor. By planning ahead and using services like Tubudd Visa Service, you can work in Vietnam confidently and legally. Ready to explore job opportunities in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City? Contact Tubudd at or download our app to make your move to Vietnam smooth and compliant!

---

TUBUDD - THE LOCAL POINT OF VIEW

➖ Email: [email protected]/[email protected]

➖ Instagram: @yourtubudd

➖ Tiktok: @yourtubudd_

➖ Hotline: +84 896 684 588

Our services include:

➖ Local buddies: https://www.facebook.com/tubudd

➖ Visa: https://www.facebook.com/tubuddvisa/

➖ Transportation

👉 Find us on Appstore or Google Play