All About Applying for a Vietnam Dependent Visa

The Vietnam Dependent Visa is for people planning to move to Vietnam and wish to bring along family members with them. The dependent visa lets them live together with you as you stay in the country. The procedure is very simple, given you have all the proof documents with you relating to your family, including proof of the relationship and a valid visa. Then, when your application is approved, your dependents will be allowed to accompany you to Vietnam, which will make it so much easier to settle down there as a family. And it's all about keeping close to your family while experiencing life in Vietnam!

Who Can Apply for a Vietnam Dependent Visa?

If you're planning to apply for a Vietnam Dependent Visa, it’s important to know who qualifies and what’s required. This visa is designed for family members of foreign nationals living or working in Vietnam, ensuring your loved ones can stay with you during your time there.

Who can apply?

1. Spouse: If you're married, then your spouse can come over and join you in Vietnam by applying for a dependent visa.

2. Dependent Parents: In some cases, the dependent parents of the foreign national can apply for this visa.

3. Children: If your children are under 18 years of age, they can also be included, which will ease things for the whole family to stay together.

The key requirements:

1. You must have an active work or residence visa in Vietnam. This visa will act as the primary basis for your family’s Dependent Visa.

2. You might be asked to provide documents such as a marriage certificate or birth certificates of kids to establish the family tie.

3. Submit the completed official application form for the dependent visa.

4. All family members' passports should be valid at least for six months after you enter Vietnam.

5. As the primary visa holder, you’ll need to provide a letter confirming your financial ability to support your dependents.

Document checklist for a Vietnam Dependent Visa

If you are interested in obtaining a Vietnam Dependent Visa, then it will be useful to gather all of the proper documents. This way, you will avoid running into trouble later on. Here is an expanded checklist of what you will need, so you can rest assured that you tick all the boxes off with confidence.

1. Original Passport:

Your dependant will need to submit their original passport with a minimum of six months of validity from the submission date.

2. Valid Vietnam Visa/TRC (Temporary Residence Card):

In case your dependant already has a visa or TRC, it must be submitted along with the application.

3. Passport-Sized Photos:

You may require two passport-sized photos, of 2x3cm with a white background. The photos must be new and true to size as specified.

4. Temporary Residential Certificate:

This certificate proves your dependent is living in Vietnam. You can get this from your local authorities.

5. Relationship Evidence:

You are expected to demonstrate that you are related to your dependent. This means you’ll need:

• A Marriage Certificate for your spouse.

• A Birth Certificate for your children. If these documents were issued by a foreign government, they must be consular legalised and translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator.

6. Sponsor Documents:

As the primary visa applicant, you will need the following notarised documents:

• Photocopy of your Passport

• Temporary Residence Card

• Work Permit (if applicable)

• Company Business Registration Certificate (if you are sponsored by an employer)

7. Application Form:

Complete the official dependent visa application form, ensuring all details are correct.

8. Processing Time and Fees:

It takes 5-7 working days to process the dependent visa application. The fee is around $145 for a two-year TRC.

The Application Process for a Vietnam Dependent Visa

Applying for a Vietnam Dependent Visa can seem a bit complex, but with the right steps, it becomes straightforward. Whether you're applying from inside Vietnam or abroad, here’s a clear breakdown of the process to help you through it:

Understand the Requirements

Before you start, ensure you have all the required documents. This is crucial as any missing paperwork can delay your application.

If the Sponsor is a Vietnamese Citizen:

• Form NA2: This is required if you’re applying from outside Vietnam.

• Form NA5: This is the application form for a dependent visa in Vietnam.

• Original Passports: Both yours and your sponsor's must be valid for at least six months and have at least one blank page.

• Photos: Provide two passport-sized photos (4x6cm) of the dependent.

• Copy of Vietnam Visa: Include a copy of your current Vietnam visa.

• Proof of Family Relationship: Documents like a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

• Sponsor's Documents: Copies of the sponsor’s ID card and family book, notarised as per Vietnamese law.

If Applying Outside Vietnam:

1. Form NA5: Same as above.

2. Sponsor’s Documents: Include copies of the sponsor's passport and their Vietnam visa or temporary residence card.

3. Original Passport: Yours must also be valid for six months with one blank page.

4. Proof of Family Relationship: As mentioned before.

5. Letter of Introduction: This should state the purpose of your application and be addressed to the Vietnam Immigration Department.

6. Company Certificates: Copies of your sponsor’s organisation or company certificates, like the Business Registration Certificate and Tax Registration.

Gather Your Documents

Once you have everything in order, double-check that all documents are notarised according to Vietnamese law. This step is essential to avoid any hiccups later on.

Submit Your Documents

1. In Vietnam

• Head to the Vietnam Immigration Department located in cities like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi, or Danang. Submit all the gathered documents there.

• After submitting, you’ll receive a receipt with an appointment date for visa processing.

2. Outside Vietnam

• Your sponsor should submit the documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department in one of the major cities.

• After the application is submitted, the sponsor will be issued a dependent visa approval letter and will forward it to you.

Appointment Day

If you’re in Vietnam, return to the immigration office on your appointment date. Bring the receipt along with your passport, and you’ll get your visa stamped. This is a key moment, as it finalises your application.

Arriving in Vietnam

If you are applying from outside Vietnam, you can get your dependent visa approval letter stamped when you arrive at one of Vietnam's eight international airports. Once you have your approval letter, it's a pretty seamless process. Having Vietnam Travel Insurance ensures you’re covered for emergencies, from lost luggage to travel interruptions, offering peace of mind.

Processing Time for a Vietnam Dependent Visa

When applying for a Vietnam Dependent Visa, understanding the processing time is crucial. This knowledge can help you plan your move or visit more effectively, ensuring your loved ones can join you without unnecessary delays. Here’s a look at the processing times and what you should keep in mind.

Expected Processing Times

The processing time for a Vietnam Dependent Visa may take between a set range, but most of all it depends on some factors of the process:

1. 1 Working Day

Only 5% of applicants get a very swift response and get the visa within one working day, however, this is usually only for those who have everything placed perfectly.

2. 2-3 Working Days

This would be the processing time for about 75% of applicants. If you are neat and proper in the submission process, given all your documents are correct and properly submitted, then you will not need to wait much more than this timeframe for your dependent visa.

3. 3 - 5 Working Days

About 15% of applicants face a slight delay of up to five working days. This is brought about by minor faults in the application or by a more sensitive check-up by the immigration authorities.

4. More than 5 Working Days

An estimated 5% of applicants will likely be delayed by at least five working days. These cases usually occur in instances with heavy volumes of applications such as during peak seasons or public holidays, among other documentation issues.

Factors That Affect Speed of Processing

There are many different factors, but it might take some time to process your dependent visa application. Let the following be a few of your references:

1. Accuracy of Information

Most delays on an application are due to incorrect information. Carefully fill out the form and ensure that all the requirements for your documents, such as quality photographs and names according to the guidelines of ICAO, are prepared according to the specifications.

2. The volume of Applications

During particular peak holidays or seasons, this immigration department receives a large volume of applications. This may make its processing time slow, hence requires planning.

3. Public Holidays

Vietnam has several public holidays throughout the year, which can affect processing times. Here are a few key holidays in 2024:

• New Year’s Day (January 1): 3 days off from December 30 to January 1.

• Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday) (February 10): May last up to 7 days.

• Hùng Kings' Festival (April 18): Typically lasts 2-3 days.

• Reunification Day (April 30).

• Independence Day (September 2).

Recommendations

1. Apply well in advance

If you are planning to travel during public holidays, it is best that you apply for your visa 2-3 weeks in advance. Then when there are unexpected delays, the buffer period can help you and accommodate that.

2. Expedited Service

You can submit your application under expedited service in case you need to apply urgently. Expedited service completes your application within 4-8 working hours. This is ideal for last-minute plans or sudden situations.

3. Local Tips

Lastly, always double-check the information you include in your application. If everything is accurate and complete, it can smoothen out the process, allowing you to focus on preparing for your time with your loved ones in Vietnam.