Visas for Relatives of Foreign Residents in Vietnam

1. Dependent Visas

Based on the provisions of Article 10 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, as amended and supplemented by Points a and b, Clause 5, Article 1 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, amended in 2019, the conditions required for obtaining a visa for relatives of foreigners residing in Vietnam are as follows:

• Possession of a passport or other valid travel document: Foreigners must possess a valid passport or other internationally recognized travel document. This is a prerequisite for establishing the identity and travel rights of the visa applicant.
• Invitation or sponsorship from an organization, agency, or individual in Vietnam: Foreigners must have an invitation or sponsorship from an organization, agency, or individual in Vietnam, except in cases specified in Articles 16a, 16b, and Clause 3 of Article 17 of this Law. This ensures that the foreigner has a clear purpose for visiting Vietnam and that there is a responsible party in case of need.
• Not falling into the categories of persons prohibited from entry as stipulated in Article 21 of this Law: Foreigners must not be on the list of individuals prohibited from entering Vietnam, such as those with serious criminal records or those who are banned from entering for reasons of national security.
• Cases requesting a visa must have documents proving the purpose of entry: Depending on the purpose of entry, foreigners must provide appropriate supporting documents, including:
  • Investment: Foreigners entering Vietnam for investment must have documents proving their investment activities in accordance with the Investment Law, ensuring that they have legal business operations or investment projects in Vietnam.
  • Legal practice: Foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam must have a practicing license as prescribed by the Law on Lawyers, ensuring that they meet the qualifications and standards for practicing law in Vietnam.
  • Employment: Foreigners entering Vietnam for employment must have a work permit as prescribed by the Labor Code, proving that they have legal employment and are permitted to work in Vietnam.
  • Study: Foreign students must have an acceptance letter from a school or educational institution in Vietnam, ensuring that they have been accepted into a legitimate study program.
• Electronic visa: An electronic visa is granted to foreigners who hold a passport and do not fall into the categories specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Article 8 of this Law. This facilitates entry into Vietnam for foreigners through a quick and efficient electronic process.

Analysis and Key Points

The Vietnamese government has established clear and specific criteria for issuing visas to relatives of foreign residents. Key points to note include:

• Purpose of Visit: The primary reason for the visit must be clearly stated and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Sponsorship: A sponsor in Vietnam is typically required to vouch for the foreigner's visit and ensure their compliance with Vietnamese laws.
• Prohibited Categories: Individuals with criminal records or those posing a security threat are barred from entry.
• Documentation: A comprehensive set of documents is necessary to demonstrate eligibility, including passports, invitation letters, and proof of financial support.
• Electronic Visa: The introduction of electronic visas has streamlined the visa application process.

Additional Considerations:

• Visa Type: The specific type of visa (e.g., dependent, tourist, business) will determine the exact requirements.
• Processing Time: Processing times may vary depending on the embassy or consulate and the individual circumstances of the applicant.
• Changes in Regulations: Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, so it's essential to verify the most current information before applying for a visa.

For those seeking to bring their relatives to Vietnam, it is highly recommended to consult with a qualified immigration attorney or the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their home country to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

2. Visitor Visas

Types of Visitor Visas:

There are several types of visitor visas available for relatives of foreign residents in Vietnam:

• Tourist Visas: For individuals visiting Vietnam for tourism, sightseeing, or leisure activities.
• Business Visas: For individuals visiting Vietnam for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or conducting trade activities.
• Family Visit Visas: For family members visiting foreign residents who are legally residing in Vietnam.

Eligibility Criteria and Documentation:

The specific eligibility criteria and documentation requirements for visitor visas may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. However, generally, applicants will need to provide:

• Valid Passport: A passport with a validity of at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in Vietnam.
• Proof of Financial Support: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover travel expenses and living costs during the visit.
• Return Ticket: A confirmed return ticket or onward travel ticket.
• Invitation Letter (if applicable): If visiting for business or family reasons, an invitation letter from the host in Vietnam may be required.

Duration and Extensions:

Visitor visas are typically issued for a limited period, such as 30 days or 90 days. Extensions may be possible under certain circumstances, but applicants will need to provide valid reasons and meet additional requirements.

Important Considerations:

• Multiple Entry Visas: If you anticipate multiple visits to Vietnam within a certain period, you may consider applying for a multiple-entry visa.
• Visa Fees: Visa fees may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality.
• Processing Time: The processing time for visitor visas can vary, so it's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel.

It's essential to consult with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visitor visa requirements and procedures.

3. Family Reunification Visas

Eligibility Criteria:

Family reunification visas are typically granted to family members of foreign residents who have a legal basis for residing in Vietnam. This may include:

• Spouses: Spouses of foreign residents who are legally employed or have a valid visa.
• Unmarried Children: Unmarried children under a certain age (usually 18 or 21) of foreign residents.
• Dependent Parents: In some cases, dependent parents of foreign residents may be eligible for family reunification visas.

Supporting Documents:

To apply for a family reunification visa, applicants may need to provide the following documents:

• Marriage Certificate: A valid marriage certificate proving the relationship between the foreign resident and the applicant.
• Birth Certificates: Birth certificates of the applicant and any dependent children.
• Proof of Residency: Evidence of the foreign resident's legal status in Vietnam, such as a work permit or a temporary residence permit.
• Financial Support: Proof of sufficient financial means to support the applicant during their stay in Vietnam.

Processing Time and Challenges:

The processing time for family reunification visas can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the workload of the immigration authorities. It's important to apply well in advance of your planned travel to allow sufficient time for the visa application to be processed.

There may be additional requirements or challenges associated with family reunification visas, such as proving the genuine nature of the family relationship or meeting specific financial criteria. It's advisable to consult with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate for detailed information and guidance.

Overall, obtaining a family reunification visa can be a complex process, but it's essential for families seeking to reunite in Vietnam. By understanding the eligibility criteria, preparing the necessary documents, and following the proper procedures, you can increase your chances of a successful application.

4. Multiple Entry Visas

Eligibility:

Multiple entry visas allow for multiple trips to Vietnam within a specified period. Eligibility criteria for multiple entry visas may vary depending on the applicant's nationality, purpose of visit, and relationship with the foreign resident.

Benefits:

• Flexibility: Multiple entry visas provide flexibility for frequent travelers, allowing them to visit Vietnam multiple times without applying for a new visa each time.
• Convenience: This can be especially beneficial for individuals who frequently travel between Vietnam and their home country for business, family visits, or other purposes.

Duration:

Multiple entry visas are typically issued for a specific duration, such as 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year. The duration may depend on the applicant's circumstances and the purpose of the visits.

Considerations:

• Visa Fees: Multiple-entry visas may have higher fees compared to single-entry visas.
• Processing Time: The processing time for multiple-entry visas may be longer than for single-entry visas.
• Validity Period: Ensure that the validity period of the multiple-entry visa aligns with your planned travel dates.

It's important to consult with the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country to determine if you are eligible for a multiple-entry visa and to obtain the most accurate information on requirements and procedures.

5. Visa Fees and Processing Times

For electronic visas (e-visas), the processing time is typically 3 working days. The fees are as follows:

• Single-entry e-visa: $25
• Multiple-entry e-visa: $50

Other Visa Types and Fees:

For visas issued at Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad, the fees may vary depending on the type of visa, nationality, and processing time. It's advisable to check with the specific embassy or consulate for the most accurate information.

Factors Affecting Processing Time:

Several factors can influence the processing time for visas, including:

• Peak Season: During peak tourist seasons, processing times may be longer.
• Document Completeness: Ensuring that all required documents are submitted correctly and in a timely manner can expedite the process.
• Visa Type: Some visa types may have longer processing times than others.

It's generally recommended to apply for visas well in advance of your planned travel to allow sufficient time for processing.

6. Immigration Procedures

Application Submission:

• Embassy or Consulate: Visa applications are typically submitted to the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country.
• Required Documents: The specific documents required may vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's nationality. Common documents include passports, photographs, invitation letters, proof of financial support, and medical certificates.

Interviews and Biometric Data:

• Interviews: In some cases, applicants may be required to attend an interview at the embassy or consulate.
• Biometric Data: Biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs, may be collected as part of the visa application process.

Visa Issuance and Collection:

• Approval: If the application is approved, the visa will be issued and stamped in the applicant's passport.
• Collection: The visa can usually be collected in person at the embassy or consulate or mailed to the applicant's address.

Additional Considerations:

• Processing Time: Visa processing times can vary, so it's important to apply well in advance of your planned travel.
• Fees: Visa fees are typically charged in the local currency of the embassy or consulate.
• Multiple Entries: If you plan to make multiple trips to Vietnam, consider applying for a multiple-entry visa to avoid the need for repeated applications.

It's essential to carefully review the specific requirements and procedures for visa applications at the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. Consulting with a visa expert or immigration attorney can also provide valuable guidance and assistance.

7. Visa Extensions and Changes

Visa Extensions:

• Eligibility: If your visa is nearing expiration and you need to extend your stay in Vietnam, you may be eligible for a visa extension.
• Application Process: The process for extending a visa typically involves submitting an application to the immigration authorities in Vietnam.
• Required Documents: You may need to provide evidence of your continued legal status in Vietnam, proof of financial support, and other supporting documents.

Changes in Visa Status:

• Dependent to Work Visa: If a dependent visa holder wishes to change their status to a work visa, they may need to apply for a new visa and meet the specific requirements for work visas.
• Other Changes: Other changes in visa status, such as from a tourist visa to a student visa, may also be possible under certain circumstances.

Important Considerations:

• Timely Application: It's important to apply for visa extensions or changes well in advance of your current visa's expiration date.
• Documentation: Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation to support your application.
• Fees: There may be associated fees for visa extensions or changes.

It's highly recommended to consult with the Vietnamese immigration authorities or a legal professional for specific guidance on visa extensions and changes. They can provide information on the eligibility criteria, required documents, and procedures involved.

8. Conclusion