Services
Support services for foreigners in Vietnam
Beyond visas and residence documents, we take care of what usually comes up around an application or a trip: SIM cards and eSIMs, certified translation, consular legalisation and flight tickets.
Overview
One contact for everything around your application
A work permit or residence card application usually brings a string of smaller jobs: degrees need consular legalisation, documents need certified translation, and a new arrival needs a Vietnamese phone number to receive verification codes. Instead of finding a different provider for each, you can hand them to the same specialist who is handling your file.
Support services
| Service | What it is | Usually needed when |
|---|---|---|
| Vietnam SIM card | A physical SIM with a Vietnamese number, registered to your passport | Longer stays, where you need a number for banking codes, ride-hailing and delivery apps |
| eSIM | A data plan activated by QR code, with no SIM swap | Short trips, when you want data the moment you land |
| Certified translation | Translation into or from Vietnamese, with certification of the translation | Filing degrees, marriage and birth certificates, criminal record certificates |
| Consular legalisation | Certification so that foreign documents are recognised in Vietnam, and the reverse | Work permit, family residence card, marriage and study applications |
| Flight tickets | International and domestic bookings, date changes, invoices for companies | Matching flight dates to your visa validity and filing schedule |
Requirements and documents
What you need to prepare
Vietnam SIM cards and eSIMs
- Advice on a physical SIM or an eSIM, based on length of stay and how you will use it.
- Subscriber registration under your passport, as the rules require.
- eSIM code emailed before you fly, ready to activate on arrival.
- Guidance on top-ups and renewing your plan.
An eSIM only works on a phone that supports eSIM and is not network-locked.
Certified translation
- Degrees, transcripts, experience letters and employment contracts.
- Civil status documents: marriage and birth certificates.
- Criminal record certificates and health certificates.
- Certification of translations for filing with the authorities.
Consular legalisation
- Legalisation of foreign documents for use in Vietnam.
- Consular certification of Vietnamese documents for use abroad.
- Guidance on the order of steps in the issuing country.
- Translation and certification after legalisation.
Documents from some countries are exempt under treaties or reciprocity. We check before you start.
Flight tickets
- International flights to Vietnam and domestic flights.
- Flight dates chosen to match the start of your visa.
- Help with date and name changes, subject to airline rules.
- Invoices for companies booking for their experts.
What we do for you
- 1
You tell us what you need and when you need it by.
- 2
We quote the fee, the timeline and the documents to send.
- 3
You send the documents or your travel details.
- 4
We carry out the work and keep you updated.
- 5
We deliver by email, courier or at our office.
Costs
- Fees are quoted per job: pages translated, documents legalised, mobile plan, flight itinerary.
- Government and diplomatic mission fees are itemised separately in the quote.
- Flight and mobile plan prices follow the airline's and carrier's prices at the time of booking.
Important notes
- Consular legalisation is usually the slowest step in a work permit application. Start early.
- Documents must be legalised first, then translated and certified.
- Book non-refundable, non-changeable tickets only once your visa is issued.
- Mobile subscriptions in Vietnam must be registered to the user. Bring your passport when collecting a SIM.
Can I use a support service without applying for a visa through Gateway Visa?
Yes. You can request any single job, such as certified translation or consular legalisation.
Should I choose a physical SIM or an eSIM?
For a short trip where you only need data, an eSIM is more convenient. If you are staying longer and need a Vietnamese number for verification codes, use a SIM with a number.
Do my documents need consular legalisation?
It depends on the issuing country and the type of document. Send us a copy and we will check before you spend time and money.
How long does consular legalisation take?
It depends on the issuing country and the offices involved, from a few days to several weeks. We give you a specific timeline after reviewing the documents.
Quote
Get advice on your case
You get a document checklist, an expected timeline and a specific quote by email.
Gateway Visa is a private company providing advice and procedural support. It is not a government agency. Visas and related documents are issued at the decision of the competent Vietnamese authorities.