Vietnam Visa for Russian Citizens: 45-Day Visa Exemption, 90-Day E-visa, Work Visa and Temporary Residence Card

Russian citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free and stay for up to 45 days from the date of entry, under Resolution 44/NQ-CP. Visa exemption does not mean permission to work: to take a job you still need a work permit or an exemption certificate, and the correct visa.

If your trip is longer than 45 days or involves work, you need to apply for the correct type of visa or switch to a temporary residence card. This guide helps you choose the right route before you book your flights.

45-day visa exemption: when it applies

Resolution 44/NQ-CP of 7 March 2025 exempts citizens of 12 countries, including Russia, from visas regardless of passport type or purpose of entry, provided they meet the entry conditions. The policy applies from 15 March 2025 to 14 March 2028 and may be considered for extension.

The 45 days are counted from the date of entry. If you plan to stay longer or to work under a contract, send your details to Gateway before you buy tickets.

90-day e-visa for short trips

The e-visa suits tourism, visiting friends or short business trips of under 90 days. From 15/8/2023, citizens of all countries, including Russia, may apply for an e-visa. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days, for single or multiple entries, and does not allow you to work in Vietnam.

Standard processing time is 3 working days. Peak periods may take longer, so apply well before your flight. State fees differ between single-entry and multiple-entry e-visas, and Gateway will confirm the exact amount when we receive your file.

The e-visa can only be used when entering and exiting through checkpoints on the approved list, so choose your checkpoint before booking your flights. The basic documents required are:

• A valid Russian passport
• A photo of the passport information page
• A 4x6 cm portrait photo, white background, no hat, no glasses
• Expected dates of entry and exit, and the checkpoint
• Expected place of residence in Vietnam

Staying longer than 45 or 90 days: what to do

If your stay in Vietnam is longer than the exemption period or the e-visa period, you need to apply for a visa for your purpose, or switch to a temporary residence card when you are eligible. How to extend or apply for a new visa while already in Vietnam depends on each person's file.

The exact period depends on the file, and Gateway will check it according to your situation.

The type of visa you enter on determines whether you can later apply for a temporary residence card. So ask before you book your flights, and do not choose a visa type only because the procedure is simpler.

Visa types by purpose

Each type of visa has a code corresponding to the purpose of entry. The types most commonly used by Russian citizens include:

• E-visa (EV): short-term entry, applied for online, up to 90 days
• Tourism (DL): tourists, up to 90 days
• Business, enterprise (DN1, DN2): entry to work with an enterprise in Vietnam, up to 12 months
• Family visit (TT, VR): for spouses, children under 18 of a person residing in Vietnam, or relatives who are Vietnamese citizens
• Work (LĐ1, LĐ2): workers who already hold a work permit or a letter of exemption, up to 2 years
• Investment (ĐT1 to ĐT4): investors contributing capital, with validity depending on each capital contribution group

Work visa and work permit

Russians recruited to work in Vietnam need a work permit or a letter of exemption before applying for an LĐ visa. Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP was issued on 07/8/2025, took effect on the same day, and replaces Decrees 152/2020/NĐ-CP and 70/2023/NĐ-CP. It is the currently applicable regulation on issuing work permits to foreigners.

The file includes a written explanation of the need for labour and a request for a work permit under Form No. 03. Decree 219 merges the labour needs explanation into the permit application file. Processing takes about 10 working days from receipt of a complete and valid file. An LĐ visa is valid for up to 2 years.

The process usually includes the following steps:

• The employer identifies the position and the reason for hiring a foreign worker
• The worker prepares diplomas, certificates of work experience and a criminal record certificate; documents issued in Russia may need legalisation and notarised translation
• The employer submits the application for a work permit or letter of exemption
• Once approved, the employer applies for an entry approval letter so the worker can apply for an LĐ visa

Temporary residence card and temporary residence declaration

A temporary residence card is a document allowing residence for a set period, and during the card's validity a foreigner may enter Vietnam without applying for a separate visa. Long-term workers usually apply for an LĐ1 or LĐ2 temporary residence card. LĐ1 is for workers who do not fall under the work permit requirement, while LĐ2 is for those who must hold a work permit. LĐ1 and LĐ2 cards are valid for up to 2 years and may not exceed the validity of the work permit or letter of exemption.

Foreigners on temporary residence must declare their residence electronically or by declaration form. If you change your place of residence or your passport information, you must declare again. The file for a card usually includes:

• A passport valid long enough to cover the requested card period
• A visa of the correct type in the passport, or documents proving the purpose has been changed
• A valid work permit or letter of exemption
• An application form for a temporary residence card in the prescribed format, with photos attached

How Gateway can help

Gateway identifies the suitable visa type based on your purpose, expected length of stay in Vietnam and Russian nationality, then prepares your documents in the correct order. The issuance of visas, work permits and temporary residence cards is decided by the competent Vietnamese authorities, or Vietnamese representative offices abroad. Contact [email protected] or +84708094198 to have your situation checked.

• Identifying the suitable visa type based on purpose and length of stay in Vietnam
• Applying for a single-entry or multiple-entry e-visa
• Obtaining an entry approval letter for visas requiring sponsorship, such as DN or LĐ
• Guidance on collecting the visa at a representative office or at the checkpoint, and extending temporary residence when eligible