Experience in Applying for a Visa for “Difficult Nationalities” in Vietnam in 2025

In recent years, Vietnam has become an attractive destination for many foreigners coming to invest, work, and live. However, not all nationalities can easily obtain a visa to enter Vietnam. Some are considered “difficult nationalities” - citizens of countries subject to stricter screening and verification -  and often face more obstacles during the visa application process. The following article shares practical experiences and effective solutions to help applicants from these countries successfully obtain a visa to Vietnam in 2025.

1. What is a “Difficult Nationality”?

“Difficult nationality” is a common term used to describe citizens from countries whose visa applications are subject to tighter scrutiny by Vietnamese immigration authorities.

These may include:

• Certain countries in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, or regions experiencing political instability.
• Nationals of countries that do not have strong diplomatic relations with Vietnam or have a high visa violation rate.

While individuals with such nationalities are not banned from entering Vietnam, their applications usually take longer to process, require more detailed documentation, and must be sponsored by a reputable local entity.

2. Suitable Visa types for difficult nationalities in 2025

Depending on the purpose of entry, applicants may consider the following visa types:

• DN Visa (Business Visa) – For those invited or sponsored by a Vietnamese enterprise for work, cooperation, or business exploration.
• ĐT Visa (Investor Visa) – For foreign investors contributing capital to a Vietnamese company; highly regarded for its legality and strong approval rate.
• LĐ Visa (Work Visa) – For individuals holding a valid Vietnamese work permit.
• DL Visa (Tourist Visa) – Easier to apply for, but riskier for difficult nationalities if no clear sponsor is provided.

Among these, ĐT (Investor) and DN (Business) visas are the most recommended and reliable options for difficult nationalities.

See also: New Policy: Global Talents and Top CEOs Now Exempted from Vietnam Visa Requirements

3. Required documents for Visa application

To increase the chance of approval, applicants from difficult nationalities should prepare a complete and transparent set of documents, including:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months with two or more blank pages.
• An invitation letter or sponsorship document from a legal entity in Vietnam.
• Proof of purpose (investment certificate, work contract, business cooperation letter, etc.).
• Accommodation confirmation or round-trip ticket (for tourist or short-term visas).
• A passport-sized photo meeting official requirements.

Note: It is strongly recommended to submit the application through a professional sponsor or visa consulting company to ensure accuracy and compliance with the Vietnamese Immigration Department’s regulations.

4. Processing time and procedure

For most nationalities, visa applications are processed within 5–7 business days.

However, for difficult nationalities, this period may extend to 10–20 days or longer, depending on the level of background verification required.
Standard process:

• The sponsoring company or individual submits an entry approval request to the Immigration Department.
• Once approved, the applicant receives the visa approval letter and can obtain the visa at an international airport (Visa on Arrival) or at a Vietnamese Embassy abroad.

5. Tips to Increase Visa approval chances

• Submit truthful and consistent information — never use forged documents or false sponsorships.
• Choose the correct visa type that matches the actual purpose (investment, business, work, etc.).
• Use a reputable sponsoring company with a verified business registration and experience dealing with immigration authorities.
• Avoid applying for tourist visas repeatedly if your actual purpose is work or business - this often triggers suspicion.
• Provide a clear residence or business plan when submitting your application.

6. Alternative solution: Investor Visa or temporary residence card

For those planning to stay long-term in Vietnam, an Investor Visa (ĐT4) or a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a smart alternative. With an investment capital of just USD 10,000, foreigners can establish a company and obtain a 1-year investor visa, renewable annually. This option offers legal stability and significantly reduces the risk of visa rejection due to nationality. Obtaining a visa in Vietnam for difficult nationalities is not impossible - it simply requires careful preparation, the right strategy, and a reliable local sponsor.

If you are facing challenges in obtaining a visa due to holding a difficult nationality, or if you are unsure which visa type best suits your needs for investment, work, or residence in Vietnam, Zora Consulting is a trusted partner ready to assist you. The Zora Consulting team is committed to providing the most suitable solutions for each nationality and individual case, helping clients increase their visa approval rate and significantly shorten processing time.

You may also be interested in: Exiting Vietnam, Visa Extension, or Long-Term Stay: Which Option Is Best for Foreigners?