2026-2027 Vietnam Business Visa Application Guide | Essential Documents for Japanese Business Travelers and Expats

As Vietnam’s economy takes off rapidly, an increasing number of Japanese companies view Vietnam as a key base for their overseas expansion. Whether you are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City to visit business partners, attending business meetings in Hanoi, or heading to factories in Bac Ninh or Binh Duong for technical guidance, securing a visa beforehand is an indispensable first step.

As of 2026, Japanese passport holders enjoy a 45-day visa exemption treatment in Vietnam. However, if your business trip exceeds 45 days, requires multiple entries, or involves formal work and contract signing, you must apply for a business visa. This article provides a complete overview of the application types, required documents, procedures, and latest policies for the 2026-2027 Vietnam Business Visa to help ensure a smooth journey.

I. Three Key Vietnam Visa Policies for Japanese Business Professionals in 2026-2027

(1) 45-Day Visa Exemption for Japanese Nationals

According to current Vietnamese government regulations (valid until March 14, 2028), ordinary Japanese passport holders are exempt from visa requirements when entering Vietnam for single stays of up to 45 days. Whether for tourism or short-term business trips, as long as the stay does not exceed 45 days and multiple entries are not required, you can enter directly with your passport.

(2) Stays Exceeding 45 Days or Multiple Entries ➔ Apply for a 90-Day E-Visa

If your business itinerary exceeds 45 days, or if you need to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within the validity period, you must apply for a 90-day Electronic Visa (E-Visa). Starting in 2026, Vietnam E-Visas fully offer both single-entry and multiple-entry options, allowing stays of up to 90 days.

(3) Business E-Visa No Longer Requires an Invitation Letter

Starting in 2026, the Business E-Visa no longer mandates a guarantee letter or invitation letter from a Vietnamese company. Applicants only need to fill in the name and address of the Vietnamese company they plan to visit, significantly streamlining the administrative process for business trips, inspections, and exhibitions.

II. Three Ways for Japanese Citizens to Apply for a Vietnam Business Visa

The E-Visa is the most convenient and efficient choice, completed entirely online without the need to visit an embassy in person.

Application Steps:

  • Step 1: Prepare Application Documents
    • Passport Scan: Must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
    • Blank Pages: Must have at least 2 blank pages for customs stamps.
    • Digital ID Photo: Taken within the past 6 months, 4×6 cm, white background, no glasses, no hats.
    • Business Information: Prepare the name and address of the Vietnamese partner company (if none, the address of the hotel you plan to stay at can be used).
    • Valid Email: To receive the application confirmation code and visa results.
    • Payment Tool: Credit card supporting international payments.
  • Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application FormVisit the official Vietnam Immigration Department website or a trusted visa service website (such as https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/) to complete the online form.
    • Important Notes:
      • Accurately select “Business Activities” under the “Purpose of Visit” field.
      • All information must be filled out in English and must match your passport exactly.
      • The entry port cannot be changed once selected, so please double-check.
  • Step 3: Pay the Visa FeeAfter completing the form, pay the visa fee through the secure payment system.
  • Step 4: Wait for Review and Receive VisaStandard processing time is about 3 to 5 working days. Once approved, you will receive your PDF E-Visa via email.
  • Step 5: Print the Visa and Enter VietnamPrint at least 2 copies of the E-Visa in color to carry with you, and present both your E-Visa and original passport at the Vietnamese airport to enter directly.

Option 2: Apply for a Paper Visa at a Vietnamese Embassy (DN Sticker Visa)

If you need to stay in Vietnam for more than 90 days, travel back and forth frequently, or require a longer validity period (such as 6 months to 1 year), it is recommended to apply for a physical sticker visa through the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan.

Application Steps:

  1. Have your Vietnamese guarantor company apply for an Approval Letter / Sponsorship Letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department.
    • The guarantor company must submit:
      • Passport data of the Japanese applicant.
      • Copy of the guarantor company’s business registration certificate.
      • Forms NA2 and NA16.
      • Other related documents.
    • This stage takes about 5 to 7 working days.
  2. Once the approval letter is issued, bring the following documents to the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan to process the visa sticker:
    • Original passport (valid for 6+ months).
    • Original approval letter.
    • Visa application form.
    • Photo (4×6 cm).
    • Visa fee.
  3. Wait about 5 to 10 working days to complete.

Option 3: Visa on Arrival (VOA)

This method requires prior sponsorship by a Vietnamese company and an application for a VOA Approval Letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department. You must obtain this before boarding your flight, and then process the visa sticker at the airport upon arrival in Vietnam.

  • VOA requires an additional airport stamping fee of $25–$50 USD.
  • ⚠️ Important Reminder: According to the latest 2026 policies, the traditional VOA approval letter system has gradually been replaced by the E-Visa system. Unless you have special requirements, it is recommended to apply directly for an E-Visa for greater convenience.

III. Complete Checklist of Required Documents (for Japanese Applicants)

ItemSpecification RequirementsRemarks
Passport Data Page ScanComplete, clear, no reflections, no cut cornersMust be valid for at least 6 months from entry date
Passport Blank PagesAt least 2 blank pagesRequired for customs stamps
Digital ID Photo4×6 cm, white background, recent photo within 6 monthsFront view, no glasses, no hats
Vietnam Business InfoPartner company name and addressIf none, hotel address can be used
Payment ToolVisa / MastercardUsed for online visa fee payment
Valid EmailTo receive confirmation code and visa results

IV. 2026-2027 Visa Fees and Processing Times

Processing Time1-Month Single1-Month Multiple3-Month Single3-Month Multiple
4 Working Days$80 USD$110 USD$100 USD$130 USD
3 Working Days$100 USD$130 USD$120 USD$150 USD
2 Working Days$120 USD$150 USD$140 USD$170 USD
1 Working Day$160 USD$190 USD$180 USD$210 USD
4 Working Hours$200 USD$230 USD$220 USD$250 USD
1-2 Working Hours$220 USD$290 USD$280 USD$310 USD

The above fees are totals combining government charges and agency service fees. Actual prices may fluctuate slightly due to exchange rate changes.

V. Important Notes (Please Read Carefully)

⚠️ Do Not Confuse Visa Types

Vietnamese law strictly defines business visas as limited to commercial activities such as “attending meetings, market surveys, and signing contracts.” Conducting commercial negotiations or signing contracts on a tourist visa is considered a violation and may result in entry obstruction, fines, or even deportation.

⚠️ 100% Accuracy in Passport Information

Vietnamese customs strictly require 100% accuracy for E-Visa data. Even if it is just a reversed name order (the most common mistake among Japanese travelers), ground staff will often directly refuse to issue a boarding pass. If errors are found after issuance, you must reapply and pay the fee again.

⚠️ Choosing Between 45-Day Exemption vs. Business Visa

  • Short-term business survey ≤ 45 days: Can directly use visa exemption entry.
  • Business trip > 45 days: Must apply for a business E-Visa.
  • Multiple entries required: Even if total stay is under 45 days, a multiple-entry visa is still required.
  • Compensated work involved: Requires a work visa (LD visa); business visas cannot be used.

⚠️ E-Visas Cannot Be Extended In-Country

Business E-Visas cannot be extended within Vietnam. If you need to prolong your stay, you must leave the country and reapply.

⚠️ Apply in Advance

It is recommended to apply at least one to two weeks in advance to avoid travel disruptions caused by review delays.

VI. Why Choose Professional Agency Services?

Applying for a Vietnam business visa through https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/ provides you with the following guarantees:

  1. 100% Success Rate Guarantee, or full refund.
  2. 2 to 8-Hour Fast-Track Review Options, resolving urgent needs instantly.
  3. Professional Document Pre-screening, preventing rejections due to data errors.
  4. Transparent Pricing, with zero hidden fees.
  5. Multilingual Customer Support, including Traditional Chinese, Japanese, English, and Vietnamese.
  6. Full Chinese/Japanese Guidance, suitable for all age groups and first-time applicants.

As an important commercial hub in Southeast Asia, Vietnam attracts a growing number of international business professionals looking to expand their operations. The 2026-2027 new visa policies have significantly simplified the application process—business E-Visas no longer require invitation letters, are processed entirely online, and offer up to 90 days of multiple-entry flexibility—providing unprecedented convenience for Japanese business travelers.

Whether you are on a short business trip, attending a meeting, or conducting business inspections, a Business E-Visa is the most efficient and convenient choice. Start your Vietnam business visa application now:

👉 Apply for a Vietnam Business Visa Now: https://www.vietnam-visa.in/apply-vietnam-visa/

When choosing your visa type, remember to select “E-Visa” and choose “Business” under the “Purpose of visit” field.

Contact Us:

📧 Email: info@vietnam-visa.in

💬 LINE: https://line.me/ti/p/nqB711G8TX

💬 WeChat: vietnam-visa

Disclaimer: This website is not a government website and is not affiliated with any embassy. This website is a commercial site providing Vietnam visa consultation and application assistance services.

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