Work Visa LD Approval Letter: Process and Timeline
This page covers the LD filing process. See all categories in Vietnam visa types explained.
Stages and realistic timing
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Labour demand registration | 10–15 working days |
| Document legalisation abroad (degree, criminal record) | 2–4 weeks |
| Work permit issuance | 10–15 working days |
| Approval letter / conversion to LD | 5 working days |
| Residence card | 6–15 working days |
Two routes
- Employee still abroad: approval letter filed with NA2, visa collected at the airport or a Vietnamese mission.
- Employee already in Vietnam on DN, DL or visa-free status: convert to LD with form NA5 once the work permit exists — no need to leave the country.
Mistakes that cost a second filing
- Requesting a visa period longer than the work permit remaining validity
- Filing the conversion after the current status has already expired — that becomes an overstay
- Job title on the work permit different from the one in the labour contract
- Missing temporary residence declaration for the employee address
Conditions and checklist: LD requirements. For HR planning across a team, see the HR guide.
