Can Chinese nationals travel to Vietnam for business under the 45-day visa exemption available to some European citizens? The firm answer: no. China is not among the 12 unilaterally exempted countries, and there is no “business visa just for Chinese nationals” — the DN1, DN2 and EV symbols apply equally to all nationalities, chosen according to the purpose of entry. This article helps you pick the right one from the start.
Quick answer: Chinese nationals must hold a visa
Resolution 44/NQ-CP (issued 07/3/2025, valid 15/3/2025–14/3/2028) grants unilateral 45-day visa exemption to citizens of exactly 12 countries: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland — China is not included. Resolution 128/NQ-CP (13 countries) expired on 15/3/2025 — never cite it. Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam for any purpose (apart from other specific exemption regimes, if eligible).
The choice: DN1, DN2 or EV?
Three common options for a business trip, under the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam (consolidated document 62/VBHN-VPQH; in force from 01/7/2026):
| Symbol | Scope (Article 8) | Validity (Article 9) | When to choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| DN1 | Foreigners working with enterprises or other organisations having legal-entity status under Vietnamese law (clause 8) | Up to 01 year, single or multiple entry (clause 4) | The standard choice for business with a Vietnamese sponsoring partner: negotiations, signing, project implementation |
| DN2 | Entry to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or act under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party (clause 8a) | Up to 01 year, single or multiple entry (clause 4) | Narrow scope — not for ordinary business trips |
| EV (e-visa) | Electronic visa (clause 21) | Up to 90 days, single or multiple entry (clause 2) | Short business trips with no sponsoring partner yet — self-applied online, no prior sponsorship needed (Article 10.2, Article 16a); available to all nationalities under Resolution 127/NQ-CP |
On the DN1 scope of “working with enterprises or other organisations”: this article follows the wording of Article 8.8; activities such as pure market surveys or negotiations should be assessed cautiously case by case.
DN1 needs a REAL sponsoring company — beware “name-lending” firms
The DN1 visa is tied to the invitation and sponsorship procedure (Article 16): the Vietnamese company must be a genuine legal entity with a real working relationship with the entrant. In practice, some service firms “lend their name” as sponsors for a fee without any substantive cooperation — a legal risk for both sides, because foreigners are obliged to act consistently with their declared purpose of entry (Article 44.2(b)). Acting outside the declared purpose may lead to sanctions under the law.
DN is not a work visa
A line that must be drawn clearly: a DN visa does not replace a work permit. For long-term employment in Vietnam, the foreigner needs a work permit (or a confirmation of work-permit exemption) and a labour visa (Article 10.4(c)). Using a DN visa to work long-term as an employee is off-purpose entry.
The good news for those already in Vietnam: the law allows a change of visa purpose to a labour visa once a work permit or work-permit-exemption confirmation is obtained (Article 7.4(c), (d)) — including for those who entered on an EV e-visa.
In practice: E-passports and loose-leaf visas
A practical point to know: Vietnam does not affix stamps or seals to passports bearing the “nine-dash line” image; instead it issues loose-leaf visas (legal framework in Article 11 of VBHN 62). This is applied practice — holders of such passports should check the latest guidance from the immigration authority or Vietnamese representative missions before travelling, rather than assuming identical handling at every border gate.
Brief note: Phu Quoc exemption (tourism only)
Beside the business topic: Phu Quoc island has its own exemption regime — foreigners entering and staying on Phu Quoc are visa-exempt for no more than 30 days, under Decision 80/2013/QD-TTg (issued 27/12/2013, effective 10/3/2014); legal framework in Article 12 of VBHN 62. This regime applies only to tourism on Phu Quoc, not to business trips to the mainland.
FAQs
Are Chinese nationals covered by the 45-day exemption?
No. The 12 countries under Resolution 44/NQ-CP do not include China.
No Vietnamese partner yet — a 2-week market survey, which visa?
The EV e-visa (up to 90 days) fits — self-applied online, no prior sponsorship needed.
I’m in Vietnam on a DN1 visa and just got my work permit — what now?
You may change to a labour visa purpose under Article 7.4(c), (d).
Need help with visa, residence or permanent 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.