Bringing your spouse to Vietnam: marriage visa guide

What is a Vietnam Marriage Visa?

A marriage visa (also called a spouse visa) allows your husband or wife to enter and live in Vietnam with you. Your spouse can stay longer than a tourist and may be able to work if they meet additional requirements. Both Vietnamese citizens married to foreigners and foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens can use this visa option.

Who Can Apply for a Marriage Visa?

You can apply if:

• You are legally married to a Vietnamese citizen or another foreign national living in Vietnam
• You have official marriage documents (certificate, notarized copies)
• Your spouse has a stable residence or workplace in Vietnam
• You can prove financial stability to support your spouse
• You meet your country's minimum age requirements for marriage

Some countries require your marriage to be registered in Vietnam as well as your home country. Check with the Vietnamese embassy in your country to confirm what documents they accept.

Documents You'll Need

Gather these documents before you apply:

• Valid passport
• Marriage certificate (original and notarized copies)
• Birth certificate
• Proof of residence in Vietnam (rental agreement, property deed, or employer letter)
• Bank statements or proof of income
• Police clearance certificate
• Medical examination results
• Sponsor's employment letter or residency proof
• Completed visa application form

Requirements vary by location. The Vietnamese immigration office or your nearest embassy can tell you exactly what they need.

How the Application Process Works

Step 1: Collect and prepare all documents. Get notarized copies if required.

Step 2: Submit your application to the Vietnamese immigration office or embassy handling your case.

Step 3: Pay the visa fee. (Confirm the current cost on the official government website.)

Step 4: Wait for processing. Timeline varies by location and application volume.

Step 5: Receive your visa and travel to Vietnam.

Some applicants use immigration agents to handle paperwork, which can cost extra but may speed things up.

What Your Spouse Can Do on a Marriage Visa

Once approved, your spouse can:

• Stay in Vietnam long-term (usually 1-3 years, depending on the visa type)
• Live with you without renewal fees
• Travel in and out of Vietnam more easily than tourists
• Work if they apply for a separate work permit

Your spouse cannot work automatically on a marriage visa alone—they need an employment contract and separate work authorization.

Next Steps

Contact the Vietnamese Immigration Department or your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. Their website has the most current requirements, fees, and processing times. Laws and rules change, so always confirm details before you apply.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.