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Vietnam Student Visa (DH): Requirements and Residence Card

The Vietnam student visa has the symbol DH and is issued to foreigners who come to study or do an internship, for up to 12 months. You need an acceptance letter from a Vietnamese school, which also acts as your sponsor. For longer courses you can get a DH temporary residence card (up to 5 years). A DH visa does not allow you to work; employment needs a work permit and an LD visa.

On this page

Who qualifies
Documents
Process, timing, fees
DH residence card
Family members
Can students work?
FAQ

Who qualifies

Foreigners studying (university, postgraduate, Vietnamese language, short courses) or doing internships at Vietnamese education institutions, with the school’s written acceptance (Art. 8 and 10, Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners).

Documents

The school’s request to the Immigration Department (form NA2).
Admission letter or acceptance decision.
Passport copy (the visa must expire at least 30 days before the passport).
The school’s NA16 registration or company e-account.

Process, timing, fees

The Immigration Department replies within 5 working days; collect the visa at a Vietnamese embassy or on arrival at the airport.
Fees (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC): 25 USD single entry; multiple entry 50 USD up to 90 days, 95 USD up to 180 days, 135 USD up to 1 year. See visa fees.

DH residence card

DH visa holders can apply for a DH temporary residence card valid up to 5 years. Documents: the school’s request (NA6), form NA8, passport, proof of enrolment, two 2×3 cm photos; 5 working days; fee 145–165 USD by validity.

Family members

Spouses and children under 18 of DH holders can get a TT (family) visa and then a TT residence card.

Can students work?

No, not on a DH visa alone. You need a work permit or exemption and then a change to an LD visa (see visa conversion). Check with your school before any part-time work or internship.