🇻🇳work Visa

LD1 Work Visa

Vietnam

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Duration

2 years (renewable)

Visa Fee

$25-$50

Time

10-14 days

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

The LD1 is Vietnam's work visa for certain foreign workers. Your Vietnamese employer sponsors you, and the government confirms you fit special rules. Then you can legally work in Vietnam. You qualify if you're an investor, company manager, married to a Vietnamese person, or work for an international organization. This visa is faster than getting a regular work permit. This visa lets you work, live, and bring your family. You can renew it forever if you want to stay longer.

Key Benefits

  • Work legally for sponsor company
  • Bring spouse and children with dependent visas
  • Access to public and private hospitals
  • Travel freely in and out of Vietnam
  • Live 2+ years renewable indefinitely
  • Path to permanent residence after 3 years if married to Vietnamese citizen
  • Skip complex work permit process

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be 18 or older
  • Must have good health for the job
  • Must have clean criminal record
  • Must fit one of 15 exemption categories: Investor with VND 3B+ capital, OR Company manager/expert transferred to Vietnam, OR Married to Vietnamese citizen, OR Work for NGO/international organization, OR Teach at international school, OR Licensed lawyer or journalist, OR Short-term consultant (under 3 months), OR University teacher or researcher, OR Other special work cases (15 categories total)

Financial Requirement

If investing: VND 3 billion (~$114,000). Other jobs: No specific amount required.

Documents

  • Valid passport6+ months remaining validity
  • Health certificateLess than 1 year old from competent institution
  • Approval Entry LetterFrom Vietnam Immigration Department
  • Work exemption formForm 09/PLI from DOLISA
  • Criminal record checkClean record showing no convictions
  • Marriage certificateIf applicable - translated to Vietnamese
  • All foreign documentsMust be translated to Vietnamese and officially certified

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.