Can I work legally on a tourist visa in Vietnam?

Tourist visas don't permit local employment, but remote work for foreign companies exists in a legal gray area. Keep work activities private and don't advertise your digital nomad status to authorities.

How long can I stay in Vietnam as a digital nomad?

Practically unlimited with visa runs. Many nomads do 45 days visa-free, exit for 2 days, then return for another 45 days. Alternatively, get 3-month tourist visas and do quarterly border runs.

Which Vietnam visa is best for remote workers?

For stays under 45 days, use visa-free entry if eligible. For 1-3 months, get an e-visa ($25). For longer stays, get a 3-month tourist visa from a consulate ($95-135) and plan visa runs.

Can I extend my tourist visa inside Vietnam?

No, tourist visas cannot be extended. You must exit the country and return with a new visa or use visa-free entry. Plan your visa runs to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand.

What documents do I need for a Vietnam visa application?

Passport with 6+ months validity, completed application form, passport photo, proof of accommodation booking, and sometimes proof of funds or onward travel ticket depending on visa type and your nationality.

How to get Vietnam's digital nomad visa

Vietnam doesn't offer a specific digital nomad visa, but you can work remotely on a tourist visa for up to 45 days visa-free (many nationalities) or get a 30-day e-visa. For longer stays, apply for a 3-month multiple-entry tourist visa through a Vietnamese consulate or use visa runs to neighboring countries.

Check if you need a visa for short stays. Citizens of 25 countries including UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Japan, and South Korea can enter Vietnam visa-free for 45 days. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens need a visa for any stay length.
Apply for an e-visa for 30-day stays. Visit evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn and complete the application. Upload a passport photo and passport scan. Pay the $25 USD fee online. Processing takes 3 business days. Print the e-visa approval letter to show at immigration.
Get a 3-month tourist visa for extended remote work. Apply at a Vietnamese consulate in your home country or a nearby country. Submit your passport, completed application form, passport photo, and proof of accommodation. Fee is typically $95-135 USD depending on your nationality. Processing takes 5-7 business days.
Plan visa runs for longer stays. Tourist visas cannot be extended inside Vietnam. Exit to Cambodia, Thailand, or Laos for 24-48 hours, then return with a new visa or visa-free entry. Popular border crossings are Moc Bai (to Cambodia) and Lao Cai (to Laos).
Consider a business visa for 6-month stays. If you have remote work contracts or can show business activities, apply for a 3-month business visa that can be extended to 6 months inside Vietnam. Requires invitation letter from a Vietnamese company or business registration documents. Fee starts at $135 USD.

Can I work legally on a tourist visa in Vietnam?: Tourist visas don't permit local employment, but remote work for foreign companies exists in a legal gray area. Keep work activities private and don't advertise your digital nomad status to authorities.
How long can I stay in Vietnam as a digital nomad?: Practically unlimited with visa runs. Many nomads do 45 days visa-free, exit for 2 days, then return for another 45 days. Alternatively, get 3-month tourist visas and do quarterly border runs.
Which Vietnam visa is best for remote workers?: For stays under 45 days, use visa-free entry if eligible. For 1-3 months, get an e-visa ($25). For longer stays, get a 3-month tourist visa from a consulate ($95-135) and plan visa runs.
Can I extend my tourist visa inside Vietnam?: No, tourist visas cannot be extended. You must exit the country and return with a new visa or use visa-free entry. Plan your visa runs to Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand.
What documents do I need for a Vietnam visa application?: Passport with 6+ months validity, completed application form, passport photo, proof of accommodation booking, and sometimes proof of funds or onward travel ticket depending on visa type and your nationality.