A Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa allows a foreigner to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the validity period of the visa. This visa option may be suitable for certain foreign nationals who need to work, invest, practice professionally or stay in Vietnam for a longer period than short-term visa categories.
However, not every foreigner is eligible for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa. The issuance of a 2-year visa depends on the visa category, purpose of entry, sponsorship documents, supporting evidence and the decision of the competent authority.
This article provides an overview of the requirements, documents, fees and application process for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa under current regulations.
What is a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa?
A Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa is a visa valid for more than 01 year and up to 02 years, allowing the foreigner to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the visa validity period.
Unlike a single-entry visa, a multiple-entry visa does not cease to be valid after the foreigner exits Vietnam. As long as the visa remains valid, the foreigner may enter and leave Vietnam multiple times, provided that entry conditions are met and the visa is used for the approved purpose.
A 2-year multiple-entry visa is not a separate visa symbol. It is a description based on two elements: visa validity and number of entries. The specific visa symbol depends on the purpose of entry, such as employment, investment or legal practice in Vietnam.
Who may be considered for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa?
Under Vietnam’s visa validity rules, not all visa categories can be issued for up to 02 years. A foreigner may be considered for a 2-year multiple-entry visa if the visa category allows the relevant validity period and the supporting documents are adequate.
Common cases may include:
- Foreign employees holding a valid work permit or work permit exemption certificate;
- Foreigners working in Vietnam under a work-related visa category;
- Foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam, where eligible under the applicable investment visa category;
- Foreign lawyers holding a practice license in Vietnam;
- Foreigners under other eligible long-term visa categories as prescribed by law.
Depending on each case, the competent authority will review the visa symbol, validity of supporting documents, passport validity, sponsorship documents and the foreigner’s residence status in Vietnam.
Visa categories that may be relevant to a 2-year validity
When considering a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa, the foreigner and sponsoring entity should first determine the correct visa category.
Key visa categories include:
LĐ1 and LĐ2 work visas
Work visas are issued to foreigners entering Vietnam for employment. Under current regulations, work visas may be valid for up to 02 years.
In general, a work visa application requires a work permit or a work permit exemption certificate, together with sponsorship documents from the employer, agency or organization in Vietnam.
ĐT investment visas
Investment visas are issued to foreign investors in Vietnam or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam. Depending on the specific category and conditions, investment visas may be valid for up to 05 years.
In practice, foreign investors who need long-term residence in Vietnam may need to consider whether a multiple-entry investment visa or a temporary residence card is more suitable, depending on the documents, residence purpose and long-term plan.
LS lawyer visa
The LS visa is issued to foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam. Applicants under this category must have a practice license as required by Vietnamese law.
Depending on the application, validity of supporting documents and decision of the competent authority, the foreigner may be considered for an appropriate visa validity period.
Is a 2-year multiple-entry visa the same as a temporary residence card?
No. A 2-year multiple-entry visa and a temporary residence card are not the same document.
A visa permits a foreigner to enter Vietnam and stay for the permitted period. A temporary residence card is a longer-term residence document issued to certain eligible foreigners and may replace a visa during its validity period.
In many cases, foreigners holding a work permit, investors or eligible family members may find a temporary residence card more suitable than a multiple-entry visa. However, not every case qualifies for a temporary residence card. A case-specific review is necessary before choosing between a visa and a temporary residence card.
Requirements for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa
To be considered for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa, the foreigner generally needs to meet the following requirements:
- Having a valid passport or international travel document;
- Passport validity must be suitable for the requested visa period, as the visa validity must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport or travel document validity;
- Having an inviting or sponsoring agency, organization or individual in Vietnam, unless otherwise provided by law;
- Having documents proving the purpose of entry consistent with the requested visa category;
- Not falling under cases of prohibited entry under Vietnamese law;
- Having valid sponsorship documents from the agency, organization or individual in Vietnam;
- Meeting the specific requirements of the applicable visa category, such as employment, investment, legal practice or another eligible category.
For a work visa, the foreigner generally needs a work permit or work permit exemption certificate. For an investment visa, investment-related documents are required. For an LS visa, a lawyer practice license is required.
Required documents for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa
The document checklist for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa may vary depending on the visa symbol, place of submission, current residence status of the foreigner and specific requirements of the competent authority.
In general, the documents may include:
- Valid passport or international travel document;
- Visa application form under the appropriate template;
- Written request for visa issuance from the inviting or sponsoring agency, organization or individual;
- Legal documents of the sponsoring company, agency or organization in Vietnam;
- Work permit or work permit exemption certificate, if applying for a work visa;
- Documents proving investment activities in Vietnam, if applying for an investment visa;
- Lawyer practice license in Vietnam, if applying for an LS visa;
- Introduction letter or authorization letter for the person submitting the application, if applicable;
- Portrait photo if requested by the receiving authority;
- Visa fee as prescribed;
- Other documents requested by the immigration authority or competent authority.
For foreign-issued documents, the receiving authority may require consular legalization, certified translation or authentication. The document checklist should be reviewed case by case to ensure consistency with the requested visa category.
Where to apply for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa
Depending on the specific case, a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa application may be submitted through:
- Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security;
- Provincial immigration authority, where applicable;
- Vietnamese visa-issuing authority overseas;
- International border gate, if an entry approval document has been issued and the case is eligible for visa collection at the border gate;
- National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal, where online submission is available.
If the foreigner is already temporarily residing in Vietnam and needs a new visa, the inviting or sponsoring agency, organization or individual in Vietnam must carry out the procedure with the immigration authority or competent authority as prescribed.
Application process for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa
The application process generally includes the following steps:
Step 1: Check eligibility and determine the correct visa category
Before preparing the application, the foreigner and sponsoring entity should determine the purpose of entry and the appropriate visa symbol. This step is important because the maximum visa validity depends on the visa category.
If the visa category is incorrectly identified, the application may not be accepted, may require amendment or may not be approved for the expected validity period.
Step 2: Prepare sponsorship documents and supporting evidence
The sponsoring entity prepares its legal documents, written request for visa issuance and documents proving the foreigner’s purpose of entry.
The foreigner prepares the passport, personal documents, work, investment, legal practice or other relevant supporting documents depending on the visa category.
Step 3: Submit the application to the competent authority
The application is submitted to the immigration authority, a Vietnamese visa-issuing authority overseas or through the online system where applicable.
The receiving authority will review the application, request supplementation if necessary and process the case within the statutory timeframe.
Step 4: Receive the visa result
After the result is issued, the foreigner or sponsoring entity receives the visa or approval document according to the authority’s instructions.
Upon receipt, all visa information should be checked carefully, including full name, passport number, nationality, visa symbol, validity, number of entries and purpose of entry.
Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa fee
Under Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC, the visa issuance fee for a multiple-entry visa valid for more than 01 year and up to 02 years is USD 145 per visa.
In addition to the government fee, the foreigner or sponsoring entity may incur other costs such as translation, notarization, consular legalization, document delivery, travel, document preparation or professional service fees if using a consulting service provider.
Actual costs may vary depending on the time of application, visa collection location, submission method and specific case requirements. Clients should check the current fee schedule before proceeding.
Processing time for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa
Under current regulations, the processing time for visa issuance at the immigration authority or competent authority under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is generally 05 working days from receipt of a complete and valid application.
If the visa is to be collected at a Vietnamese visa-issuing authority overseas or at an international border gate, the actual timeline may vary depending on the approval process, visa collection method and relevant entry approval document.
The actual service timeline may be longer than the statutory processing time because it also includes consultation, eligibility review, document checking, preparation, consular legalization, translation, submission coordination, result monitoring and handling of supplementation requests, if any.
Key notes when applying for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa
When applying for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa, foreigners and sponsoring entities should note the following:
- Not all visa categories can be issued for a 2-year validity;
- Visa validity depends on the visa symbol, supporting documents and decision of the competent authority;
- Visa validity must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport or international travel document validity;
- A visa cannot be converted to another purpose, except in cases allowed by law;
- The foreigner must use the visa for the approved purpose;
- A multiple-entry visa allows multiple entries and exits during the validity period, but does not replace a temporary residence card;
- If long-term residence is needed, eligibility for a temporary residence card should be reviewed;
- Work, investment or legal practice documents must clearly support the requested visa category;
- Foreign-issued documents may need consular legalization, translation and certification.
Should you apply for a 2-year multiple-entry visa or a temporary residence card?
In certain cases, foreigners who need to stay in Vietnam for a longer period may consider either a 2-year multiple-entry visa or a temporary residence card.
A 2-year multiple-entry visa may be suitable where the foreigner needs multiple entries and exits during a specific period but is not yet eligible for, does not require or is not suited for a temporary residence card.
A temporary residence card may be more suitable for foreigners working, investing or joining eligible family members in Vietnam for a longer period, provided that all statutory conditions are met. A temporary residence card may replace a visa during its validity and is often more convenient for stable residence needs.
The appropriate option should be determined based on the specific application, purpose of stay, validity of supporting documents, passport validity and the foreigner’s travel plan.
Nhi Gia’s consulting service for Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visas
Applying for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa requires proper identification of the visa symbol, purpose of entry, eligibility conditions and supporting documents. If the application is inconsistent or the wrong visa category is selected, the visa validity granted may not meet the foreigner’s actual needs.
With practical experience in Vietnam visa and foreigner-related documentation, Nhi Gia assists clients in reviewing eligibility, preparing documents and selecting a suitable option based on each specific case.
Nhi Gia supports clients with:
- Advising on eligibility for a Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visa;
- Identifying the visa symbol suitable for the purpose of entry;
- Reviewing work, investment, legal practice or sponsorship documents;
- Checking passport validity and supporting document validity;
- Advising on the choice between a multiple-entry visa and a temporary residence card;
- Guiding legal documents of the sponsoring entity;
- Advising on consular legalization, translation and certification of foreign-issued documents;
- Monitoring the application and advising on next steps if supplementation is required.
The statutory processing time and the actual service timeline may differ depending on the condition of the application, supplementation requests, consular legalization timeline, the working schedule of the receiving authority and other factors arising during the process. Nhi Gia will advise the expected timeline after reviewing the client’s specific case.
For consultation on Vietnam 2-year multiple-entry visas for foreigners or temporary residence card options, please contact Nhi Gia for detailed support.
