Vietnam Visa Types and Symbols Explained (DL, DN, LD, DT, TT, DH, NN)
Vietnamese visas are identified by a letter code printed on the sticker. The code decides how long you may stay, who must sponsor you and whether you can work.
| Symbol | Issued to | Typical validity | Work allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| DL | Tourists | up to 3 months | No |
| DN1, DN2 | Business visitors working with a Vietnamese entity | up to 12 months | No labour contract |
| LD1, LD2 | Employees, exempt or holding a work permit | up to 2 years | Yes |
| DT1 – DT4 | Investors, by capital contribution | 12 months to 5 years | Managing own investment |
| TT | Family of citizens and card holders | up to 12 months | No |
| DH | Students and interns | up to 12 months | No |
| NN1 – NN3 | Representatives of foreign organisations, NGOs and their staff | up to 12 months | Within the organisation |
| EV | E-visa holders | up to 90 days | No |
Choosing the right one
- Coming for meetings, audits or equipment support: DN
- Signing a Vietnamese employment contract: LD with a work permit
- Contributing capital to a company here: DT
- Joining a spouse or parent: TT
- Short trip, no sponsor: e-visa or visa exemption if your nationality qualifies
Changing category inside Vietnam
Switching symbols — for example DN to LD once a work permit is issued — is possible without leaving the country, provided a sponsor files the application. We handle the conversion together with the work permit so there is no gap in status.
