Legal News

[Personnel and Labor Relations] Update on Visa and Residence Card Application Procedures

2024/04/25

Following the previous news (January 25, 2024 issue) that some administrative procedures are conducted online through the authorities’ website, we summarize the following practical points for visa and residence card application procedures in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

1. procedures for obtaining a foreigner’s entry visa (DN)

(1) There have been cases where inviting companies have applied for entry visas for many foreigners at the same time, or have applied for entry visas for the same foreigners multiple times, and the immigration authorities have required additional submission of “a. Certificate of approval for use of foreign workers” or “b. Explanatory materials during application procedures for work permit”. Therefore, companies that fall under the above cases should prepare and submit the materials mentioned in a. or b. above.

(2) Recently, there have been several cases in which some enterprises in the northern region required more time than before for foreign workers to receive their entry visas at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in Japan. Normally, the Immigration Office sends the results of entry visa approval to the embassy or consulate by fax, but a system error caused the delay in sending the results. In light of this situation, it is recommended that the timing of going to the embassy to apply for an entry visa should be at least 2-3 working days after the Vietnamese company receives the approval letter to avoid any changes in airline tickets or entry schedule.

2. application procedures for obtaining a work visa (LD) and residence card in Hanoi

From April 15, 2024, these procedures in Hanoi will be carried out online on the website of the Ministry of Public Security (https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn) using the electronic account of the enterprise. Approximately one to two days after the submission date, upon receipt of the notification from the system, the enterprise will bring the original documents to the Hanoi Immigration Department (44 Pham Ngoc Thach). The result will be issued 5 working days after the date of receipt of all original documents by the authorities. This online process usually takes 7-14 days, so companies should set an appropriate schedule.

The above are just a few practical considerations when processing visas and residence cards in some regions. Companies located in other provinces/regions are encouraged to check with the competent authorities for specific details, as procedures may vary depending on the region in which the company is located and the competent authorities’ officers.