Eligibility Quiz
Is your sponsor a Vietnamese citizen?
Application Process
The TT visa (Thăm Thân - family visit) is the primary pathway for family reunification in Vietnam. The process typically begins with your sponsor in Vietnam obtaining an entry clearance, followed by you receiving the visa stamp at a Vietnamese embassy or airport.
Step 1: Document Preparation and Legalization
Before starting the application, you must prepare your proof of relationship. Any document issued outside of Vietnam (such as a Marriage Certificate or Birth Certificate) must be legalized/apostilled by the competent authorities in the issuing country and then translated into Vietnamese by a certified agency in Vietnam.
Step 2: Obtain the Entry Permit (If you are outside Vietnam)
Your sponsor in Vietnam must initiate the process at the Vietnam Immigration Department.
- For relatives of Vietnamese citizens: Your sponsor submits Form NA2 along with their ID card (CCCD) and household registration.
- For dependents of foreign workers/investors: The sponsor’s employer usually submits Form NA2 along with the sponsor’s passport, valid visa/Temporary Residence Card (TRC), and the company’s legal file (Business License and Form NA16).
- Once approved (usually within 5–7 working days), the Immigration Department issues a Visa Approval Letter (Công văn nhập cảnh). This letter will specify where you will pick up your visa (at a specific Embassy/Consulate or a designated international airport).
Step 3: Visa Stamping
Once you have the Approval Letter, you can obtain the actual visa stamp:
- At a Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate: Bring your original passport, two 4x6cm photos (white background, no glasses), a printed copy of the Approval Letter, and the stamping fee.
- At the Airport (Visa on Arrival): This is only possible if your Approval Letter specifically authorizes "Visa at Border Checkpoint." Upon landing at a Vietnamese international airport, head to the "Landing Visa" counter with your documents and fee.
Step 4: In-Country Status Change (If you are already in Vietnam)
If you entered Vietnam on a different visa (like an E-visa) and wish to switch to a TT visa without leaving:
- Your sponsor submits Form NA5 to the local Immigration Department office in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City.
- You must provide the original legalized relationship documents and your current passport.
- The Immigration Department will process the change of status, provided your current visa is still valid.
Step 5: Apply for a Temporary Residence Card (Optional)
If you plan to stay long-term, you should convert your TT visa into a TT Temporary Residence Card (TRC). This card acts as a long-term visa and ID.
- Apply at the Immigration Department while your TT visa has at least 30 days of validity remaining.
- The TRC can be issued for up to 3 years, but its expiry date will always be at least 30 days before your passport expires or before your sponsor’s visa/TRC expires.
Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single Entry Visa | $25 USD |
| Multiple Entry Visa (up to 3 months) | $50 USD |
| Multiple Entry Visa (3 to 6 months) | $95 USD |
| Multiple Entry Visa (6 to 12 months) | $135 USD |
| Temporary Residence Card (TT) | $145 – $165 USD |
Total Estimate: Government fees range from $25 to $165 USD depending on the duration and document type. Does not include: Costs for international document legalization/apostille, certified Vietnamese translation services (typically $20–$50 per document), or private agency service fees (ranging from $100–$300).
Processing Time
- Visa Approval Letter (Entry Permit): 5 to 7 working days from the date of submission in Vietnam.
- Visa Stamping at Embassy: 3 to 5 working days, depending on the specific consulate's workload.
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC): 5 to 10 working days after the physical application is accepted at the Immigration Department.
- Total Timeline: You should allow 3 to 5 weeks for the entire process, including the time needed for document legalization and translation.
Document Validity: Note that some immigration officers may require legalized documents (like marriage certificates) to have been issued or legalized within the last 3 to 6 months. Always check the current preference of the specific regional office before submitting.