Many people assume “extending a visa” in Vietnam is simple — just bring a passport to the immigration office. In reality, the first thing to clarify is that Vietnamese law has no concept of a “visa extension.” The correct procedure is called “temporary residence extension” (Article 35 of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam — consolidated document 62/VBHN-VPQH). In other words, what people casually call a “visa extension” is a request to extend the permitted stay (and to be issued a new visa if needed) without changing the purpose of stay.
When is a temporary residence extension allowed?
The prerequisite is lawful temporary residence in Vietnam with the same purpose of stay as originally declared. If the stay has already expired, no extension is possible — in practice, the foreigner usually must pay an administrative fine (under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP), exit Vietnam, and apply for a new visa from abroad.
Note that an extension is not an automatic right. Foreigners who violate Vietnamese law may have their granted stay cancelled or shortened (Article 31.3).
Who carries out the procedure?
The foreigner cannot apply in person. The application must go through the inviting or sponsoring agency, organisation or individual (Article 35.1). The sponsor sends a written extension request together with the foreigner’s passport to the immigration management authority; for NG1–NG4 visas, to the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What documents are required?
- Passport or other valid international travel document;
- Application form NA5 (latest version) — since 01/7/2026 only the form issued under Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA is accepted; older forms are refused. The form must bear the sponsor’s certification and seal;
- Written extension request from the inviting/sponsoring entity;
- Proof of the purpose of stay — e.g. a work permit or confirmation of work-permit exemption for foreign workers.
Processing time and fees
The immigration authority decides within 05 working days of receiving a complete, valid dossier (Article 35.3). In practice, sponsors should file at least 05 working days before the stay expires to avoid overstaying — a practical recommendation, not a statutory obligation.
Fees (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC, replacing Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC from 01/4/2026): USD 10 per extension of a temporary residence certificate. If a new visa is issued under Article 19: USD 25 (single entry), USD 50–165 (multiple entries, depending on validity).
Two special cases
1. E-visas: in practice cannot be extended inside Vietnam — holders must exit and apply for a new e-visa.
2. Tourist (DL) visas: foreigners entering on a DL visa valid for more than 30 days are granted temporary residence 30 days at a time; staying longer requires an extension under Article 35 (Article 31.1(a)).
What happens if you overstay?
Overstaying is sanctioned under Article 21 of Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, with fines rising by overstay length: under 16 days VND 500,000–2,000,000; 16 to under 30 days VND 5–10 million; 30 to under 60 days VND 10–15 million; 60 to under 90 days VND 15–20 million; 90 days to under 180 days VND 20–25 million; 180 days to under 01 year VND 25–30 million; 01 year or more VND 30–40 million. Filing on time remains the safest course.
Do not confuse these three procedures
- Temporary residence extension (Article 35): extends the stay while keeping the same purpose;
- Issuance/re-issuance of a temporary residence card: a separate procedure for eligible persons;
- Change of visa purpose (Articles 7.4–7.5): changes the purpose and visa symbol — allowed only in four statutory exceptions.
FAQs
Can I still extend if I overstayed by 2 days?
No. Once the stay has expired, no extension is available; in practice the usual path is to pay the fine, exit, and apply for a new visa.
What must the sponsoring company prepare?
A written extension request, form NA5 (latest version) certified and sealed by the company, the worker’s passport, and proof of the purpose of stay.
My e-visa is about to expire — can I extend it in Vietnam?
No. E-visas cannot currently be extended inside Vietnam; you must exit and obtain a new e-visa.
Need help with visa or residence procedures for foreigners in Vietnam? Reach us via the Contact page of FLAT Law Firm.
The information above is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.
For reference only, not legal advice. Content quality-checked by the AI Legal Council; not yet reviewed by a human lawyer.