Getting an LD work visa usually takes 6–10 weeks in total: labour demand registration (10–15 working days), legalising degrees and criminal records abroad (2–4 weeks), the work permit (10–15 working days), then the approval letter or LD conversion (5 working days) and the residence card (6–15 working days). Employees already in Vietnam can convert to LD with form NA5, without leaving, once the work permit is issued.
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.
Info Travel provides end-to-end immigration services for foreigners in Vietnam: approval letters, e-visas, visa extensions, residence cards and work permits. Same-day quote on Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822.
