In Vietnam, the importance of a work visa cannot be overstated for foreign nationals employed in the country. Without a valid work visa, foreigners risk deportation, and their employers could incur fines of up to VND 75 million. Both parties must understand the nuances of the work visa renewal process to avoid these severe penalties.
Similar to a visa extension, which allows the holder to remain in the country without exit, visa renewal involves obtaining a new visa sticker. This process also includes an updated stay duration stamp on the passport, generally leading to higher costs due to the stamping and sticker fees. This article dives deep into how to renew a visa in Vietnam, its distinctions from visa extension, conditions, process duration, required documentation, and the possible length of stay offered.
Need to Renew Your Visa in Vietnam? Check out InCorp Vietnam’s Immigration Services
Situations Where Foreigners Can Renew Their Work Visa in Vietnam
According to Vietnam’s Labour Law, foreigners can only renew their work visa if they meet the following conditions:
- The work visa is set to expire within 5 to 45 days
- The work visa has been damaged or lost
- There is a change in the information on the work visa, such as passport number, full name, date of birth, nationality, or work location.
Below, we have listed some popular cases that typically require visa renewal in Vietnam.
To apply for Vietnam Visa Renewal, ensure you meet the following criteria:
- You must confirm that your temporary residence has been declared online through the Vietnam immigration system.
- You must have a valid visa/ temporary residence card (TRC) and a Vietnam passport.
- Your visa renewal application must be sponsored by a company in Vietnam.
Read More: Understanding the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card: Definitions, Requirements, and Validity
How to Renew a Visa in Vietnam?
Employers can assist their foreign employees in renewing expired Vietnam work permits by following four basic steps:
Step 1: Obtain Approval of Demand
Employers need to apply for approval to hire foreign employees one to two months before the foreign employee’s work visa expires.
Below are the required documents:
- Registration Form No. 2, also known as the form for approval of demand on hiring foreign employees
- A certified copy of the business registration
Employers must then submit all the required documents and complete the application form at Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour or the Provincial People’s Committee.
The processing time typically takes about 12 days for in-person submissions and 15 days for online submissions. Upon successful processing, employers will receive approval of the demand certificate.
Step 2: Prepare Compulsory Documents
Employers must also submit the following documents:
- Registration form No. 7 for Vietnam work visa renewal
- Original medical check-up report
- Current Vietnam work permit
- Original police check report
- A certified copy of the passport
- Approval of demand certificate
- Two 4 x 6 cm photos
Read More: Work Permit in Vietnam: Requirements, Procedures, and Agency Services for Your Vietnam Work Visa
Step 3: Documents Submission
Employers must submit all necessary documents between 5 and 45 days before the Vietnam work visa expires to Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour.
You must submit the application form in person at one of the three offices of the Vietnam Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security:
- 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
- 335-337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Eligibility Requirements
- Possession of a passport or an international travel document valid for at least one more year.
- Entry into Vietnam was on a visa exemption certificate, and the applicant is currently residing in Vietnam.
- Documentation proving that the individual resides abroad or is a foreign spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen living abroad or in Vietnam.
- The applicant does not meet any of the conditions for exit suspension as outlined in Article 28 of the Law on foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through, and residence in Vietnam.
Legal Framework
- The Law on Foreigners’ Entry Into, Exit From, Transit Through, and Residence in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014 QH13) was enacted on June 16th, 2014.
- Decree No. 82/2015/ND-CP, issued by the Government on September 24th, 2015, provides regulations on visa exemptions for Vietnamese residents abroad and foreigners who are spouses or children of either Vietnamese residents overseas or Vietnamese citizens.
- Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA by the Ministry of Public Security, dated January 5th, 2015, detailing the required forms for foreigners’ entry into, exit from, transit through, and residence in Vietnam.
- Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC by the Ministry of Finance, issued on October 11th, 2016, outlines the collection, payment, management, and use of fees related to exit, entry, transit, and residence in Vietnam.
Step 4: Issue New Vietnam Work Visa
Upon receiving a complete and valid application, the Ministry of Labour will issue the work visa within 3 working days.
Read Related: Guide to Visas in Vietnam: Types, Application Procedures and Cost for Foreign Investors
Steps to Take if a Foreigner Loses Their Work Visa in Vietnam
The process for renewing a lost Vietnam work visa for foreigners is more intricate than its renewal.
The employer of the foreigner must navigate numerous bureaucratic steps and several authorities to secure a replacement.
– Report the lost visa to the local police or an appropriate authority abroad to secure a certification.
– Inform the employer of the lost visa within three working days from the date the foreigner discovered the loss of the Vietnam work visa.
– After learning of the missing visa, the employer must gather the necessary documents and submit them to the pertinent authorities to apply for a new work permit within five working days. These documents include:
- Certification from the local police or a competent authority abroad
- Vietnam work permit renewal application (Form No. 7)
- Two 4 x 6 cm photographs of the foreigner
- A certified copy of the passport
– Upon submission of all proper and complete documents, the authorities will issue a new work permit to the employer within three working days.
How Long Does Visa Renewal Processing Take?
The visa application process will be carried out at the Immigration Office located in the area where the foreigner lives and works. Typically, the process will proceed in the following manner:
Step 1: Check the Requirements
Ensure you fulfill the eligibility criteria for visa renewal, as these requirements are compulsory.
Step 2: Submit Necessary Documents
Submitting the dossiers for Visa renewal in Vietnam to the Vietnam Immigration Department:
- If the documents satisfy the requirements, the applicant will receive a receipt.
- If the documents are incomplete or do not meet the requirements, the applicant will need to provide additional information or documents.
Step 3: Get Your Result
The individual collecting the results must present a receipt to the officer issuing the results and sign the receipt.
What is the Processing Time?
The application must be submitted 5 to 7 days before the expiration of the current visa, and processing will take 7 to 10 working days.
Fees for Applying for a Visa Renewal in Vietnam
The visa stamping fees paid at the Immigration Office have been revised per Decree No. 62/2023/TT-BTC, effective as of October 3, 2023.
Level of Fines if Foreigners Overstay in Vietnam
Ensure your visa is renewed before its expiration date to avoid fines associated with overstaying.
Should you overstay your visa, administrative penalties will be applied under Decree No. 144/2021/ND-CP, effective from January 1, 2022. The fines for overstaying are tabulated below:
Read Related: How Overseas Vietnamese Can Register for Permanent Residence in Vietnam?
How can InCorp Vietnam assist with Work Visas in Vietnam?
InCorp Vietnam is dedicated to supporting your business in managing employee mobility effectively through our expertise in Vietnam work visa applications. We provide tailored solutions that adhere to local immigration laws and are designed to fit your unique circumstances.
Our team of expert consultants at InCorp Vietnam also offers personalized advice on various visa types, helping you explore options that best meet your specific needs and requirements.
Navigating Vietnam’s work visa processes doesn’t have to be complicated. With InCorp Vietnam’s comprehensive services, we ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for you and your business.
About Us
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