Eligibility Quiz
Is your passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay and does it have at least 2 blank pages?
Overview
The VR (Visiting Relatives) visa is a specific entry permit designed for foreign nationals who wish to enter Vietnam to visit family members. While it is often confused with the DL (Tourist) visa or the TT (Dependent) visa, the VR visa is a distinct category intended for private family visits rather than tourism or long-term residency as a dependent of a foreign worker.
Governed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, this pathway was significantly updated by Law No. 23/2023/QH15 to streamline the entry process. It serves as a vital bridge for those who need to stay in Vietnam longer than a standard tourist visa allows but do not yet qualify for a long-term residence card.
Legal Framework and Recent Changes
The Vietnamese immigration system has undergone rapid digitalization. Under Decree No. 221/2025/ND-CP, Vietnamese citizens can now sponsor relatives through the National Public Service Portal using the VNeID identity app.
Most Approval Letters (the document required to get the visa) are now issued with a QR code, allowing for digital verification at the border. This has largely replaced the need for physical paper trails at international airports like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Important Limitation: If you enter on a standard DL (Tourist) E-visa, you may find it difficult to convert that status into a long-term residency permit while inside the country. If your goal is to eventually apply for a 5-year visa exemption or a residence card, you should ensure you enter specifically on a VR visa obtained through the formal sponsorship process.
Rights as a VR Visa Holder
- Duration of Stay: You are typically granted a stay of 3 to 6 months. If you are an immediate relative (spouse or child), you may be eligible for a stay of up to 12 months.
- In-Country Extensions: You have the right to apply for a visa extension without leaving Vietnam, provided your sponsor continues to guarantee your stay.
- Travel Rights: Depending on how your visa was issued, you may have multiple-entry rights, allowing you to leave and re-enter Vietnam during the visa's validity.
- Path to Residency: If you are the spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen, the VR visa is a primary stepping stone to applying for a 5-year Visa Exemption Certificate or a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).
- No Work Rights: You do not have the right to work in Vietnam on a VR visa. Engaging in employment requires a conversion to an LD (Labor) visa and a valid Work Permit.
- Access to Services: You may reside at a private residence, but your sponsor must register your stay with the local ward police (Công an phường) within 24 hours of your arrival.