BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind A Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind A Visa
BorderProof

Discover the world's visas in one place.

Platform

  • Explore Visas
  • Compare Visas
  • Country Guides
  • Sponsored Jobs
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
LĐ1 — Work Visa LĐ1 (Work Permit Exempt)
VisasVietnamLĐ1 — Work Visa LĐ1 (Work Permit Exempt)
VietnamVietnam•Asia
Open

LĐ1 — Work Visa LĐ1 (Work Permit Exempt)

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 week

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Employer-sponsored work visa for skilled professionals exempt from standard permit requirements, valid up to 2 years.

The LĐ1 visa is Vietnam's specialized work visa for foreign professionals exempt from standard work permit requirements—typically those in international assignments, diplomatic roles, or intra-company transfers. Issued under Law 51/2019/QH14, it streamlines entry for skilled workers. Applicants must hold at least a Bachelor's degree with minimum three years of relevant professional experience.

Valid for up to two years under the statutory maximum set by Law 51/2019/QH14 Article 9, with duration tied to exemption certificate validity. Processing takes 10 working days per Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (effective August 7, 2025). The visa is renewable and requires employer sponsorship; dependents are permitted, though spouses have no independent work authorization.

This visa is ideal for bachelor-level professionals with three years of experience working for multinational firms or in diplomatic roles who require expedited work qualification.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Minimum education: Bachelor

Minimum experience: 3

Age: 18-

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

3+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Health examination

Work permit approval (sponsor)

Invitation letter (sponsor)

Employment contract (sponsor)

Company registration (sponsor)

Company financial records (sponsor)

Job description (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Streamlined approval path for exempt professionals (no standard work permit needed)
  • Up to 2 years of continuous residency (statutory maximum per Law 51/2019/QH14)
  • Processing time of 5-7 working days per application step (per Decree 219/2025/ND-CP timeline)
  • Employer-sponsored, streamlining the application process
  • No language test requirement specified
  • Targets high-skill professionals (3+ years experience, bachelor's degree minimum)
  • Covers dependents without additional major sponsorship barriers
  • Direct path for intra-company transfers and international treaty professionals

Worth Knowing

  • Strict qualification—applicant must be certified as work-permit-exempt professional under exemption categories
  • Employer must initiate process and maintain sponsorship throughout visa validity
  • Limited to specific professions and exemption categories; not a general-purpose work visa for all backgrounds
  • Requires employer petitioner; individuals cannot self-petition
  • Mandatory education (bachelor's degree) and 3+ years experience—high barriers to entry

Application Process

1

Employer obtains work permit approval: Vietnamese employer applies for foreign worker work permit

2

Receive work permit approval: Labor authorities approve work permit

3

Get invitation letter: Employer issues official employment invitation

4

Apply at embassy/consulate: Submit LD2 visa application with work permit approval

5

Prepare employment documents: Contract, job description, company details

6

Await visa approval: 5-7 working days

7

Receive visa stamp: Visa stamped in passport

8

Register temporary residence card: Upon arrival in Vietnam

Application Forms

Go to application portal
LD1 Work Visa Application (Work Permit Exemption)—

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026
Forms
LD1 Work Visa Application (Work Permit Exemption)
english.luatvietnam.vn
Max Stay
Up to 2 years (statutory maximum per Law 51/2019/QH14 Article 9; duration tied to exemption certific…
english.luatvietnam.vn
Max Stay Estimate
type: days, initialDays: 730, notes: Must not exceed 2 years per Law 51/2019/QH14 Article 9
english.luatvietnam.vn
Official Code
LĐ1
english.luatvietnam.vn
Petitioner
employer
vietnam.gov.vn
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":10,"maxDays":10}
vietnamlawmagazine.vn
Processing Time
10 working days (Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, effective August 7, 2025)
vietnamlawmagazine.vn
Apply Now Official Information

Ready to see if the LĐ1 — Work Visa LĐ1 (Work Permit Exempt) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery