HOW TO EXTEND VIETNAM VISA FOR FOREIGNERS IN HO CHI MINH & HA NOI 2025

Applying for a Visa Extension or Visa Renewal within Vietnam

Extension by doing a Vietnam Visa Run (Exit and Re-enter Vietnam with a New Visa)

• This is the most convenient option for those who want to stay in Vietnam longer without crossing the border. It involves submitting a visa extension application directly to the Vietnam Immigration Department.
• Once approved, the authorities will affix a new visa extension in your passport — extending your current visa. You do not need to exit Vietnam, which is why this option is commonly known as “Extending Vietnam visa without leaving the country.”  
• Who Can Apply for a Vietnam Visa Extension in 2025? Unlike previous years where most visa types could be extended multiple times, 2025 marks stricter visa extension rules. Only specific cases are currently eligible:
  • Foreigners awaiting Vietnam Work Permit results: Can extending visa for 01 month or 03 months
  • Foreigners whose Work Permit has expired but need time to arrange their exit or transition: Can extend visa for 15 days or 01 month;
  • Foreigners whose TRC/visa expires before their valid Work Permit ends: Can extend visa up to the validity of current Vietnam Work Permit.

• What is a Vietnam Visa Run? A Visa Run means you leave Vietnam temporarily (often for just a few hours or a day), and then re-enter the country with a new visa. This gives you a fresh visa stamp and a new stay period — depending on the type of visa you use to re-enter.
• This can be a more time-consuming and expensive option than doing Visa Extension, but it can be useful in certain situations. For example, Visa Runs may be beneficial if:
  • You’re not eligible for a visa extension.
  • simply want to “refresh” your stay in Vietnam; do not want to go back to your home country.
  • Some Vietnam visa types that are suitable with Visa Runs are: Visa Exemption, 5-year Visa Exemption, E-visa…  
• If you are considering doing a Visa Run, it is important to carefully research the visa requirements for the country you plan to visit. You should also factor in the cost of transportation, accommodation, and any other associated expenses.
• Popular land border crossings for Visa Runs include:
  • Moc Bai Border (from Ho Chi Minh City)
  • Lao Bao Border (from Da Nang / Hoi An)
• For more information, you can take a look at our article about 02 significant Visa Run services in Vietnam:
  • What You Need To Prepare For Vietnam Visa Run To Moc Bai
  • Vietnam Visa Run At Lao Bao Land Border Crossing From Da Nang- Hoi An

Order of Steps for Vietnam Visa Extension Procedure 2025

Detailed Guidelines and Notes for Each Visa Extension Step

Step 1: Prepare All Required Documents

• Start by collecting and completing all the necessary documents as outlined in our final section. 
• Tip: Double-check signatures, company stamps, and the notarization validity to avoid delays.

Step 2: Visa Extension Online Submission via the Immigration Portal

• Visit: https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn
• Sub-steps to follow:
  1. Select the service for Visa Extension
  2. Upload clear, scanned copies of all required documents for Visa Extension
  3. Complete all required information on the website.
• Note when submission Vietnam Visa Extension Application online:
  + The process requires the company’s digital signature (Token) to complete the online submission;
  + The system may occasionally experience errors or downtime, so it’s recommended to submit well in advance of your current Vietnam Visa expiration date.

Step 3: Submit Original Documents at the Immigration Office

• After successful online submission, bring the original documents to the Immigration Department Ho Chi Minh or Ha Noi.
• Processing time for Vietnam Visa Extension: Usually 5 working days (excluding weekends and public holidays, and time waiting the system to received your application). Delays may occur during peak seasons, so plan accordingly.

Step 4: Collect Your Visa Extension Result

• Once your application is approved, you can return to the immigration office to collect your result of your visa extension.
• Double-check the expiration date before leaving Department Immigration Office.

No.

Document Name for Vietnam Visa Extension

Important Notes when Preparing Documents for Vietnam Visa Extension Application

1

Form NA5 requesting a Visa Extension application

Sign & seal by the Company and the foreigners

2

Form NA16 introducing the signature of the person signing the form and the company’s seal sample

 Sign & seal by the Company

3

Introduction letter for the Company’s employee to submit the application and take result of Vietnam Visa Extension application

 Sign & seal by the Company

4

Business Registration Certificate

Notarized true copy with validity within 06 months

5

Passport of the foreigner

 Original copy

6

Current Vietnam Visa/ Temporary Residence Card

Vietnam Visa/ Temporary Residence Card is still valid at the time of submission

7

Current Work Permit

Provided if you still have a valid work permit

8

Online Temporary Residential Certificate where the foreigner is residing in Vietnam

The landlord of the apartment/ hotel can assist you in completing this document

9

A letter explaining your reason for requesting a Visa Extension

Provided if you are in the case of:

• Need more time to complete your work permit procedure, or
• No longer work for the company and require time to arrange business matters and hand them over to your colleague.