Changing Visa Purpose in Vietnam: Who Can Convert and How
A Vietnam visa generally cannot be converted to a different purpose inside the country. Clause 4, Article 7 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners allows four exceptions: investors or representatives of foreign organisations; parents, spouses or children of the sponsoring individual; people sponsored by an employer who hold a work permit or work-permit exemption; and e-visa holders who hold a work permit or exemption. The application is filed with the provincial immigration office or the Immigration Department and takes 5 working days.
On this page
- The four cases where conversion is allowed
- When conversion is not possible
- Documents
- Where to file, timing and fees
- FAQ
The four cases where conversion is allowed
| Case (Art. 7.4) | Proof required | Typical new visa |
|---|---|---|
| Investor or representative of a foreign organisation | Investment registration, capital contribution or appointment documents | DT1–DT4, NN1–NN3 |
| Parent, spouse or child of the sponsoring individual | Birth or marriage certificate (legalised and translated if foreign) | TT |
| Sponsored by an employer, with a work permit or exemption | Work permit or exemption certificate | LD1, LD2 |
| Entered on an e-visa, with a work permit or exemption | Work permit or exemption certificate | LD1, LD2 |
When conversion is not possible
- Tourists on a DL visa or e-visa without a work permit or exemption cannot switch to a work visa.
- Visa-exempt entries are not visas, so they do not fall under these four cases; you normally need to exit and re-enter on the right visa (see visa run).
- If your stay has already expired, the overstay must be settled first (see overstay fines).
Documents
- Sponsor’s request: form NA2 (company) or NA3 (individual).
- Form NA5 visa and extension application (new template under Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA from 1 July 2026). See how to fill form NA5.
- Original passport.
- One 4×6 cm photo if a loose-leaf visa is issued.
- Proof that you fall into one of the four cases.
A company sponsoring for the first time must register its legal documents and seal/signature (form NA16) or use a company e-account.
Where to file, timing and fees
- Where: the provincial immigration office where the company is based or the sponsor lives, or the Immigration Department; in person, online or by post.
- Timing: 5 working days after a complete file.
- Government fee (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC): 25 USD single entry; 50–155 USD multiple entry by validity. See Vietnam visa fees.
After the new visa is issued, many applicants go on to a temporary residence card.
FAQ
Can I change a tourist visa to a work visa in Vietnam?
Yes, once you hold a work permit or exemption and your employer sponsors you. Without one, no.
Can an e-visa be converted?
Yes, under point d, clause 4, Article 7, with a work permit or exemption.
I married a Vietnamese citizen. Can I switch to a family visa?
Yes. Spouses, children and parents sponsored by a Vietnamese citizen can switch to a TT visa and then apply for a TT residence card.
Need help converting your visa?
We check your case and handle the conversion, work permit and residence card. Contact us or call +84 327 828 822.
Legal basis: Art. 7.4 and Art. 19, Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners (consolidated 2023); Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA; Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC.
