This article is for spouses and children of Vietnamese nationals where both spouses/ children are residing in Vietnam. We’ll walk you through the process of applying for a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate step by step.
All foreign citizens who are spouses and children of Vietnamese nationals residing in Vietnam are eligible to apply for a 5-year Vietnam visa exemption certificate if he/she has:
(a) At least 01 of the following documents (as proof of the relationship between concerned individuals):
- Certificate of Marriage;
- Birth certificate;
- Certificate of relationship with father, mother, children;
- Decision on child adoption;
- Other valid documents as stipulated by Vietnamese laws.
(b) A valid foreign passport or equivalent travel document with at least 13 months validity remaining.
- A Visa Exemption Certificate is valid for a maximum period of 05 years, or 06 months less than the expiration date of the holder's passport/travel document, if the passport/travel document's validity is less than 05 years by the time of submission.
- With a Visa Exemption Certificate, passenger can stay in Vietnam for a maximum period of 180 days for each visit, and the duration of stay can be extended in Vietnam for a maximum period of another 180 days. Extension fee depends on the port of entry. Please contact us for more details on cost.
Applicants need to prepare the following required documents:
a) An application form for Visa Exemption Certificate (NA9 form - you MUST print out and fill out the form);
b) Two recent color photos (3x4 cm, white background, straight head, no sunglasses and/or head), of which 01 photo is glued on the form and 01 photo is stapled with it;
c) The original and 01 copy of the passport with at least 13 months validity remaining;
d) One copy of Identification card and Vietnamese household registration book of Vietnamese spouse;
e) One copy attached to originals of at least 01 of the following documents (as proof of the relationship between concerned individuals):
- Certificate of marriage issued in Vietnam or marriage recording certificate in Vietnam, for cases of marriage registration in foreign countries.;
- Birth certificate;
- Certificate of relationship with father, mother, children;
- Decision on child adoption;
- Other valid documents as stipulated by Vietnamese laws.
Applications can be submitted by yourself at one of the three following offices of the Vietnam Immigration Department - Ministry of Public Security:
Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh: 333-337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang: 07, Tran Quy Cap Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang (Representative office in the Central region and the Central Highlands)
* Business hours:
Monday – Saturday: 08:00 A.M – 11:30 A.M
Monday – Friday: 01:30 P.M – 04:00 P.M
The offices are closed on Saturdays afternoon, Sundays, and during Vietnam holidays.
* In case of emergency, you may contact the Immigration Department's hotline at (024) 38260114.
Processing time: within 05 - 07 business days, after all required complete and valid documents are submitted.
Please contact the Vietnam Immigration Department for more details on cost. Our company does it for 120 US$.
- You can apply for this 5 year visa exemption certificate while in country but it will become effective when you leave the country and return with this visa.
- You can stay in Vietnam for a maximum period of 180 days for each visit. If you want to stay longer than 180 days without leaving the country, you can get it extended for a maximum period of another 180 days.
- 5 year visa exemption certificate can be issued to tourist visa holders. The application should be submitted 3 days prior to visa expiry date by latest.
Your current visa being used in Vietnam MUST be right purpose otherwise you will be fined about 20 million Dong according to Decree No. 167/2013/ND-CP sanction of administrative violation in social security order safety domestic violence. If you are holding a DN visa (business visa) you must have Minutes for Termination of Labour Contracts signed and stamped by the company that sponsored your current DN visa before applying for a 5 year visa exemption certificate.
If you are worried about which immigration forms and documents you need to complete and not sure whether you are doing the right process Go Viet Travel will help you with ease and peace of mind. Your complete 5 year visa exemption certificate application package will include all of the forms and supporting documents that you’ll need to sign. Applying for a 5 year visa exemption certificate through Go Viet Travel has never been easier.