Changing your visa type in Vietnam is possible depending on your circumstances and purpose of business or stay. However, there are certain conditions and procedures that must be followed. Here is what you need to know before proceeding.
Under current regulations enforced by the Vietnam Immigration Department pursuant to Law No. 47/2014/QH13 and its amendments, Vietnamese visas cannot be renewed or directly converted.
When your visa is about to expire or your circumstances change, a new visa application of the appropriate type must be submitted. Approval is at the sole discretion of the Immigration Authority and is not guaranteed.
Note: Changing the purpose of stay under a visa is limited and subject to strict conditions.
Which Vietnam visa types can be changed or extended?
Tourist Visa (DL)
The Vietnam tourist visa can be reapplied for within Vietnam if the applicant maintains legal residency status and has a valid reason for continued stay. However, switching directly from a tourist visa to a work or business visa requires meeting additional eligibility criteria, including a valid work permit or sponsoring company.
Note: Tourist visas are generally not extendable except under exceptional circumstances such as medical emergencies.
Business Visa (DN)
The Vietnam business visa (DN1 and DN2) is one of the most flexible categories in terms of reapplication and extension. Holders can apply for a new business visa within Vietnam provided they have a valid sponsoring enterprise. Business visas are eligible for extension and are among the most commonly converted visa types.
Work Visa (LD)
Transitioning to a Vietnam work visa from another visa type is only possible once a work permit has been formally issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). The sponsoring employer must submit the visa approval letter to the Immigration Department on the applicant’s behalf.
Investor Visa (DT)
Holders of a Vietnam investor visa can apply for a new DT visa within Vietnam provided their Investment Registration Certificate remains valid. The DT1 visa offers validity of up to 10 years, making it a preferred long-term option for foreign investors.
Family Visit Visa (TT)
The family visit visa is eligible for extension within Vietnam and can in some cases be converted to a longer-term temporary residence arrangement if the family relationship is formally documented.
E-visa
The Vietnam e-visa is one of the most restrictive categories when it comes to type changes.
- Cannot be extended under standard circumstances
- Does not support direct conversion to another visa category while in Vietnam
- Travelers wishing to switch from an e-visa to a business, work, or investor visa are generally required to exit Vietnam and reapply before reentering
Conditions for changing Your Vietnam Visa Type
A visa is generally not permitted to be used for purposes other than its original intent, except in certain specific cases as detailed below.
- Being invited or sponsored to work by a Vietnamese agency or organization, with a valid work permit or exemption in accordance with the Labor Code.
- Entering Vietnam on an e-visa for tourism purposes while holding a valid work permit or qualifying for a work permit exemption under the Labor Code.
How to change Vietnam Visa Type
Before change what you have to prepare:
- Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months remaining validity
- Legal residency status in Vietnam, no overstay or immigration violations
- Proof of lawful residence, typically a temporary residence confirmation from the local ward or commune police
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photo (4×6 cm, white background)
Step-by-step:
- Confirm your eligibility for the target visa type before submitting any documents
- Gather all required supporting documents based on the new visa category
- Obtain a temporary residence confirmation from your local ward or commune police if required
- Have your sponsoring organization submit the visa approval letter to the Vietnam Immigration Department if applicable
- Submit your complete application to the relevant authority
- Monitor your application status via the National Public Service Portal or by contacting the Immigration Department directly
- Upon approval, collect your new visa and verify all details are correct before your current visa expires
Processing time and fees
Standard visa type change processing takes approximately 5–7 working days from the date a complete application is received by the Vietnam Immigration Department. Complex cases may take longer.
|
Visa Type |
Fee |
|
Single entry |
USD 25 |
|
Multiple entry (up to 90 days) |
USD 90 |
|
Multiple entry (up to 180 days) |
USD 95 |
|
Multiple entry (up to 1 year) |
USD 135 |
|
Multiple entry (up to 2 years) |
USD 145 |
|
Transfer from old passport or visa |
USD 5 |
Common mistakes when changing Visa Type
- Submit your application before your visa expires. If done in time and you have an appointment slip, you can stay legally while it’s being processed.
- Choosing the wrong visa type or working on a tourist visa is a direct violation of immigration law.
- Incomplete documents can lead to rejection or delays.
- Frequent visa runs may result in entry refusal or a temporary ban.
- Failing to register your residence within 12–24 hours at a new address is a legal violation.
*Note: If your application is denied, you will receive a written notice stating the reason. You must then exit Vietnam before your current permitted stay expires.
Sometime, navigating the Vietnam visa type change process can be complex, particularly when switching between categories that require sponsorship or work permits. Our team is available 24/7 to assist with your application and ensure all documentation meets current Vietnam Immigration Department requirements.
For urgent cases, explore our emergency Vietnam visa service for expedited processing options.
- Phone/WhatsApp: (+84) 856 598 868
- Email: info@simplevietnamvisa.com
*Visa requirements and regulations are referenced based on the official guidelines from the Immigration Department of Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. However, business/work visas require a sponsor in Vietnam and additional procedures, so using a visa agency is recommended.
Standard processing takes 5–7 working days. Complex cases may take longer.
If your application was submitted before expiry and you have received an official appointment slip from the Vietnam Immigration Department, you are permitted to remain legally in Vietnam while your application is under review.
