How to Move to Vietnam
Vietnam separates entry (the e-Visa, a simple online system anyone can use) from work authorisation (the work permit, which only your employer can apply for). You need both a job offer meeting the degree/experience requirements and an employer willing to handle the Vietnamese-side paperwork. English teaching is one of the most accessible sectors for African graduates.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Vietnam embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Vietnam has embassies in Nigeria and South Africa, but NO embassy in Kenya — East African applicants will need to apply via South Africa or another regional mission.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
9 River Niger Street, off Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja
+234 9 870 3678 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Vietnam has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Work permit: 20 working days once documents are complete. Apply 30+ days before your intended start date.
Work permit fee VND 400,000–600,000 (~$16–24, varies by province) + health check VND 1–4 million + police check VND 200,000.
Tied to your contract, up to 2 years, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a company registered in Vietnam.
- A bachelor's degree + 3 years' relevant experience, OR 5+ years of certified professional experience.
- Age 18+, clean criminal record, medically fit.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
Secure an offer from a Vietnam-registered employer.
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2
Employer applies for your work permit
Your employer submits the work permit application with your qualification documents to the local labour authority.
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3
Complete your health check
Undergo the required medical examination (can be done in Vietnam or before travel, confirm with your employer).
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4
Apply for your LD visa
Once your work permit is approved, apply for the LD (work) visa, referencing your permit.
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5
Travel to Vietnam
Enter Vietnam and begin work under your approved permit and visa.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- English teaching is one of the most accessible sectors for African graduates — many language centres sponsor work permits directly.
- A genuine employer handles and pays for the work permit application — you should not be asked to pay for this step.
Who submits this application
You don't fill this form yourself — your employer does.
For this visa, there is no public application a candidate can submit alone. Your employer files everything through their own official portal once you have an offer or a confirmed sponsor. A genuine employer never asks you to pay for this step.
See the official portal your employer uses
Create an account on the official e-Visa portal to apply for entry. Work permits are a separate process handled by your employer with Vietnam's Department of Labour — the e-Visa system only covers your entry visa, not work authorisation.
View official portalSeveral days to a couple of weeks.
Government visa fee is nominal (VND 50 reported for some categories) — confirm the current fee with your school/embassy.
3 months to 1 year, tied to your study period, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Official admission letter from a Vietnamese school or university.
- Valid passport.
- Supporting financial/health documents as required by your institution.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Apply directly to a Vietnamese university and receive your admission letter.
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2
Apply for your DH visa
Submit your application via the e-Visa portal or with your school's sponsorship letter at a Vietnamese embassy.
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3
Travel & register
Enter Vietnam and complete enrolment formalities.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Vietnam offers some of the lowest tuition and living costs in Asia — a strong option for budget-conscious students.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Vietnam e-Visa account first
Create an account on the official e-Visa portal to apply for entry. Work permits are a separate process handled by your employer with Vietnam's Department of Labour — the e-Visa system only covers your entry visa, not work authorisation.
Create accountStart your Student visa (DH) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few days via e-Visa.
e-Visa fee ~$25 (single-entry) or ~$50 (multiple-entry), valid up to 90 days.
Up to 90 days per entry; renewable/re-applicable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You are the spouse or child (under 18) of a foreigner holding a Vietnamese visa, or a relative of a Vietnamese citizen.
- Sponsor documentation from the family member in Vietnam.
What to do, step by step
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1
Confirm your sponsor's status
Your family member in Vietnam must hold valid status there.
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2
Gather relationship documents
Prepare marriage/birth certificates as proof.
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3
Apply via the e-Visa portal
Submit your TT visa application online.
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4
Travel
Enter Vietnam within your visa's validity window.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- The TT visa is for visiting/short stays — for longer-term family residence, check with your local Vietnamese embassy about extension options.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your Vietnam e-Visa account first
Create an account on the official e-Visa portal to apply for entry. Work permits are a separate process handled by your employer with Vietnam's Department of Labour — the e-Visa system only covers your entry visa, not work authorisation.
Create accountStart your Family visit visa (TT) application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Vietnam work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Vietnam — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Vietnam visas
How much does the Vietnam Work permit & LD (work) visa cost?
The Vietnam Work permit & LD (work) visa costs: Work permit fee VND 400,000–600,000 (~$16–24, varies by province) + health check VND 1–4 million + police check VND 200,000. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Vietnam Work permit & LD (work) visa take?
Processing for the Vietnam Work permit & LD (work) visa takes work permit: 20 working days once documents are complete. Apply 30+ days before your intended start date. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Vietnam Work permit & LD (work) visa valid for?
The Vietnam Work permit & LD (work) visa is valid for tied to your contract, up to 2 years, renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Vietnam Student visa (DH) cost?
The Vietnam Student visa (DH) costs: Government visa fee is nominal (VND 50 reported for some categories) — confirm the current fee with your school/embassy. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Vietnam Student visa (DH) take?
Processing for the Vietnam Student visa (DH) takes several days to a couple of weeks. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Vietnam Student visa (DH) valid for?
The Vietnam Student visa (DH) is valid for 3 months to 1 year, tied to your study period, renewable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Vietnam Family visit visa (TT) cost?
The Vietnam Family visit visa (TT) costs: e-Visa fee ~$25 (single-entry) or ~$50 (multiple-entry), valid up to 90 days. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Vietnam Family visit visa (TT) take?
Processing for the Vietnam Family visit visa (TT) takes a few days via e-Visa. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Vietnam Family visit visa (TT) valid for?
The Vietnam Family visit visa (TT) is valid for up to 90 days per entry; renewable/re-applicable. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.