Complete Vietnam Visa Guide for Japanese Expats: LD, DN, TT, DT, Work Permit and TRC Explained

To work legally in Vietnam, Japanese expats need three things in place: the right visa, a work permit, and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). The most common combination is LD visa plus work permit plus TRC. From document preparation to receiving the work permit, the realistic timeline is two to four months, so starting early as soon as your posting is confirmed is essential. This guide covers each visa type, the full application process, and practical realities on the ground in Ho Chi Minh City.

Visa types for expat workers: LD, DN, TT and DT compared

Vietnam visas are coded with two-letter symbols. The four categories most relevant to Japanese expat workers and their families are:

LD visa (labor visa): the standard choice for expats

This is the visa for foreign nationals employed by a company in Vietnam. The vast majority of Japanese expats hold an LD visa. Valid for up to two years with multiple-entry permission. A work permit must be obtained first before the LD visa can be issued.

DN visa (business visa): short-term trips without employment

Designed for negotiations, meetings, site visits, and short-term business activity that does not involve employment or receiving a salary. Valid for up to one year. Some expats enter on a DN visa while waiting for their work permit to be approved, but care must be taken not to engage in actual employment under a DN visa.

TT visa (dependent family visa): for spouses and children

Issued to spouses and minor children of LD or DT visa holders. Valid for the same duration as the sponsor's visa. Employment is not permitted under a TT visa. If a spouse wishes to work, a separate work permit and LD visa are required. Application requires an English translation and notarization of the Japanese family register.

DT visa (investor visa): for direct investors

For foreign nationals making direct investments in Vietnam such as establishing a company or factory. Valid for up to five years. This category typically applies to legal representatives of corporate entities, and the process is more complex than for standard LD applicants.

Work permit: required documents, application steps and realistic timeline

Work permits are issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA). In practice, almost all expats handle the process through their company's HR department or a professional visa agency.

Required documents (typical list)

① Passport copy (at least six months of remaining validity recommended)
② ID photos with white background (3x4 cm)
③ Health certificate from a designated hospital in Vietnam or a medical institution in Japan (in English or Vietnamese)
④ Police clearance certificate from the National Police Agency of Japan with Ministry of Foreign Affairs apostille. Allow two to six weeks for this document as it is the biggest bottleneck
⑤ Educational certificates (English translation, notarization, apostille)
⑥ Work history or professional qualification certificates (English translation, notarization)
⑦ Copy of employment contract or secondment letter
⑧ Business registration documents of the employing entity in Vietnam (prepared by the company)

Step-by-step application process

Step 1: Document preparation in Japan (two to eight weeks)
Obtain the police clearance certificate, health check, and educational certificates. Get notarization and apostille at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The police clearance is the longest-lead-time item.

Step 2: Translation and notarization in Vietnam (one to two weeks)
A certified translation firm in Ho Chi Minh City translates documents into Vietnamese and has them notarized.

Step 3: Work permit application at DOLISA (two to four weeks)
Company HR or a visa agency submits the dossier. The permit is issued after review if documents are complete.

Step 4: LD visa application (one to two weeks)
Once the work permit is in hand, apply for the LD visa at the Vietnamese embassy in Japan or at the Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department.

Realistic total timeline: two to four months from the start of document preparation.

Estimated costs when using an agency

Costs vary by agency and case. The following are approximate reference figures for Ho Chi Minh City:

- Work permit agency fee: approximately 50 to 150 USD
- Document translation and notarization per item: approximately 5 to 20 USD
- Health check at a designated hospital: approximately 50 to 100 USD
- TRC agency fee: approximately 50 to 150 USD

Many companies cover these costs for expat employees. Check with your HR department before your posting begins.

Temporary Residence Card (TRC): application flow and benefits

Once you hold a work permit and an LD visa, you can apply for the TRC. This functions like a residence card and allows you to enter and exit Vietnam freely throughout its validity without applying for a new visa. Valid for up to two years (DT visa holders: up to five years).

Documents required: original passport, copy of LD visa, copy of work permit, proof of address (rental contract or address confirmation), ID photos.

Where to apply in Ho Chi Minh City: the Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Department in Binh Thanh District. Using an agency is recommended to avoid document rejections.

Processing time: five to fifteen business days. Express processing is available from some agencies for an additional fee.

Renewal and important reminders

Renewal documents are essentially the same as for initial applications. The police clearance must have been issued within six months of the application date. Start preparing two to three months before expiry to be safe. In practice in Ho Chi Minh City, real processing times tend to run one to two weeks longer than official estimates, especially around the Tet holiday and summer. Overstaying results in daily fines and potential re-entry restrictions. Calendar all three expiry dates: work permit, LD visa, and TRC.

Bringing your family

Spouses and children need their own TT visa applications separate from yours. Documents include an English translation and notarization of the Japanese family register (birth certificate or koseki). If a spouse plans to work, a separate work permit and LD visa are required as the TT visa does not permit employment.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. How long does the entire work permit process take?
Including document preparation in Japan, expect a minimum of one month and typically one and a half to three months. The police clearance certificate alone can take up to six weeks, making it the single most important item to request as soon as your posting is confirmed.

Q2. Do I have to use a visa agency?
Self-application is legally permitted but document requirements can vary by case, and errors lead to delays. There are several agencies in Ho Chi Minh City that offer Japanese and English-language support. For a first-time application, using a reputable agency is strongly recommended.

Q3. I currently hold a DN visa. Can I switch to an LD visa?
Yes. However, if you have been performing employment activities under a DN visa, there is a legal risk. Start the transition early and coordinate with your HR department or a visa professional.

Q4. Once I have a TRC, do I no longer need to renew anything?
The TRC itself needs to be renewed before it expires, and renewing the TRC requires a valid work permit. Think of the three documents as a linked system: work permit, LD visa, and TRC all need to be tracked and renewed together.

Q5. Are there everyday inconveniences during the application period?
Your passport may need to be submitted for a period, so keep several photocopies on hand. For grocery shopping, the Farmi app lets you order Japanese food products in Japanese and delivers to your door in Ho Chi Minh City in as fast as one hour — a practical support when you are busy with paperwork and settling in.

Farmi supports your everyday life in Ho Chi Minh City

The visa and work permit process is demanding, but with early preparation and the right support it is entirely manageable. Once the paperwork is behind you, Farmi is here for the day-to-day. Farmi is an online grocery delivery app for Ho Chi Minh City, offering Japanese food and household products in Japanese, English, and Vietnamese, with delivery in as fast as one hour.

Note: This article and some images were produced with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team before publication. Vietnam's visa and work permit regulations are subject to change. Please verify current requirements with the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam or a qualified legal professional.