Many people enter Vietnam on a tourist visa (DL symbol) and later wish to stay and work. So can a tourist visa be converted into a work visa? The answer is YES — but only when two statutory conditions are met simultaneously. This article explains the legal basis, the specific conditions, and the risks of working on a tourist visa.
1. The rule: visas may not change purpose
Article 7.4 of Law 47/2014/QH13 (as supplemented by Law 51/2019/QH14) establishes the rule: a visa may not be converted to another purpose, except in four cases:
- (a) The foreigner has documents proving they are an investor or a representative of a foreign organisation investing in Vietnam;
- (b) The foreigner has documents proving a parent, spouse or child relationship with the inviting/guaranteeing individual;
- (c) The foreigner is invited or guaranteed by an agency or organisation to work in Vietnam and holds a work permit or a certificate of work-permit exemption;
- (d) The foreigner entered on an e-visa and holds a work permit or a work-permit-exemption certificate.
2. The answer: DL → work visa is possible — under two conditions
A tourist (DL) visa can be converted into a work visa, but only under point (c) or (d) above. The foreigner must simultaneously satisfy two conditions:
- Be invited and guaranteed by an agency or organisation in Vietnam to come and work; and
- Already hold a work permit or a written confirmation of work-permit exemption.
Missing either condition → no conversion; the foreigner must exit and apply for a new visa matching the work purpose.
3. When conditions are met: a new visa is issued
Under Article 7.5, when conversion conditions are met, the foreigner is issued a new visa with the appropriate symbol and validity for the converted purpose, following the procedures in Article 19:
- LD1: for those holding a certificate of work-permit exemption;
- LD2: for those who must hold a work permit;
- A work visa’s validity is no more than 02 years (Article 9.5).
4. Warning: working on a tourist visa carries heavy fines
Working while on a tourist visa breaches the duty to “operate in line with the purpose of entry” (Article 44.2.b). Under point b, clause 7, Article 21 of Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, a foreigner engaging in activities inconsistent with the visa’s stated purpose is fined VND 20,000,000 to 25,000,000.
5. Work permits under the new rules
Work permits are now governed by Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (effective 7 August 2025, replacing Decree 152/2020/ND-CP and Decree 70/2023/ND-CP): the work-permit issuance and the approval of demand for foreign labour are merged into a single step, processed within 10 working days; the issuing authority is the Department of Home Affairs (Sở Nội vụ).
Applicable legal framework (in force at the time of writing)
- Law 47/2014/QH13 (VBHN 62/VBHN-VPQH) — Articles 7.4, 7.5, 8, 9.5, 19, 44.2.b.
- Decree 219/2025/ND-CP — replaces Decree 152/2020/ND-CP (expired, no longer applicable).
- Decree 282/2025/ND-CP — replaces Decree 144/2021/ND-CP (expired, no longer applicable).
Frequently asked questions
I’m in Vietnam on a DL visa and a company wants to hire me — can I convert to an LD visa?
Yes, if simultaneously: (1) the Vietnamese company invites and guarantees you to work; and (2) you already hold a work permit or a work-permit-exemption confirmation. You will then be issued a new LD1/LD2 visa.
What is the difference between LD1 and LD2?
LD1 is for those certified as exempt from work-permit requirements; LD2 is for those who must hold a work permit. Do not confuse the two symbols.
Can I convert without a work permit yet?
No. A work permit (or exemption confirmation) is a mandatory condition; without it, you must exit and apply for a new visa.
Sources
- Articles 7, 8, 9, 19, 44 — Law 47/2014/QH13 (VBHN 62/VBHN-VPQH; Article 7.4 supplemented by Law 51/2019/QH14).
- Decree 219/2025/ND-CP of the Government.
- Point b, clause 7, Article 21 — Decree 282/2025/ND-CP of the Government.
For reference only — not legal advice. This content was quality-checked by the AI Legal Council and has not been reviewed by a human lawyer.
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