Contents

How to Sponsor a Foreigner to Enter Vietnam

To sponsor a foreigner to Vietnam, a company, organisation or individual in Vietnam asks the Immigration Department to approve the person and issue a visa. Companies file form NA2 (after registering their seal and signature on form NA16, or through a company e-account); Vietnamese citizens and foreigners holding a residence card sponsor family members on form NA3. The Immigration Department replies within 5 working days, and the visa is then collected at the airport or an embassy. The sponsor is responsible for making sure the foreigner acts according to the purpose of entry.

On this page

Who can sponsor
Company sponsorship
Individual (family) sponsorship
Timing, where to file, fees
Sponsor’s responsibilities
FAQ

Who can sponsor (Article 14)

Agencies and organisations: companies, representative offices, schools, state bodies, within their functions.
Individuals: Vietnamese citizens, and foreigners with a permanent or temporary residence card (for family members).

Tourists without a local contact can apply for an e-visa without a sponsor, or use a visa service.

Company sponsorship

First-time registration (Art. 16.2): legal documents of the company plus the seal and signature introduction (form NA16), once only unless details change. A company e-account allows online filing.
Request for entry approval and visa (form NA2). See how to fill form NA2.
Purpose documents: work permit or exemption (LD), investment certificate (DT), contracts or invitations (DN).

Individual (family) sponsorship

Form NA3 sponsorship letter for a foreign family member.
Proof of relationship (birth or marriage certificate, legalised and translated if foreign).
Sponsor’s ID or residence card.

Family members usually receive a TT visa and can then apply for a TT residence card. See also the Vietnam family visa.

Timing, where to file, fees

Where: the Immigration Department (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) or online on the Ministry of Public Security portal; in person, by post or electronically from 1 July 2026.
Timing: 5 working days (Art. 16.3). Need it faster? See urgent Vietnam visa.
Visa fee paid by the foreigner: 25 USD single, 50–155 USD multiple entry. See Vietnam visa fees.

Sponsor’s responsibilities (Article 45)

Complete the sponsorship procedures correctly.
Guide the foreigner to comply with Vietnamese law and customs.
Make sure the foreigner acts according to the stated purpose; cooperate with authorities if problems arise.
Notify the immigration authority in writing when sponsorship ends or an employee leaves early, and return the residence card.
Ensure the foreigner’s temporary residence is declared (see penalties for not declaring).