How To Apply for Vietnam work permit for foreigners in 2025 (Requirements & Processing time)
A Vietnam work permit serves as an official certificate from the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, allowing foreigners to work legally in the country. Employers or service centers in Vietnam must handle the application process on behalf of the worker. This permit plays a crucial role in securing a temporary residence card or a working visa. Governed by Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14 and Decree No. 52/2020/ND-CP, eligibility requires employment with a registered and recognized company or entity. Check out If you need a visa to visit Vietnam
Understanding the processing time, requirements and how to apply for a Vietnam’s work permit can be complex for foreign aiming to wok in the country. This guide simplifies the steps to obtaining a Vietnam Work Permit, covering key requirements, application procedures, and important regulations. Whether applying for the first time or renewing a permit, these expert insights will help ensure a smooth path to legal employment in Vietnam.
How do I get a work permit in Vietnam?
Foreigners need a work permit to be employed legally in Vietnam. Issued by the Vietnamese government, this document includes essential details like the worker’s full name, passport number, date of birth, nationality, employer’s information, and job position.
Having a work permit is an essential factor, as working without one can lead to serious legal consequences for both employees and employers, including fines or deportation. The first step would be an employers must sponsor the business visa application for the foreigner employee, once they are inside the country, the company (employer), should process to apply for a work permit.
Who Needs to apply for a Work Permit in Vietnam?
Foreign employee including teachers, company experts, technical managers, managers and executives are all required to obtain a work permit to be legally employed in Vietnam. This requirement ensures they have the same rights and responsibilities as local employees.
Requirements for a Vietnam Work Permit
To qualify for a work permit, applicants must meet following conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old with a clean legal record.
- Provide a medical certificate ensuring a good health for the job.
- Having a clear criminal record. Check how to apply for a Vietnam Police check
- Possess the necessary qualifications and experience, such as a bachelor’s degree, relevant certifications, or documented work experience.
- Present valid identity documents issued abroad and legalized for use in Vietnam.
How to Qualify for Different Types of Work Permits in Vietnam
Vietnam issues different categories of work permits based on the applicant’s role and expertise. Understanding the specific requirements helps foreign workers meet eligibility criteria smoothly.
Apply for foreign experts
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent certification related to the job.
- Have 3–5 years of work experience, supported by official certificates.
For Technical Workers
- Provide legal business certificate from the previous workplace in abroad.
- Prove of 3–5 years of relevant work experience.
- Have at least one year of professional training in a related field.
For Department Heads and Directors
- Present an official appointment letter from a legally registered company in Vietnam.
- Prove at least three years of prior managerial experience.
Vietnam Work Permit Application Process (Step by step guide)
Submit following documents (within at least 30 days from the date foreign worker start the work), to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) or the local People’s Committee. Alternatively, submit online at http://dvc.vieclamvietnam.gov.vn
1: Understand Requirements for Your Job Position
Identify the job or position you’re applying for and review the qualifications needed. Make sure to provide all necessary documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
2: Submit the Application
Employers must prepare and submit the following:
- Application for foreign labor demand approval (Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP or the latest version).
- A notarized copy of business registration certificate .
- Power of attorney (if the company’s legal representative is absent).
Foreign Workers should also be prepared with following documents, all these documents should be notarized and authenticate though your embassy.
- Work permit application form (No. 11/PLI).
- Medical certificate (examined in Vietnam or a notarized foreign copy with Vietnamese translation, issued within 12 months).
- Notarized copy of passport.
- Job acceptance letter from the Vietnamese employer.
- Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm).
- Notarized and translated documents proving qualifications and work experience.
Submit at least 15 days before the planned start date to MoLISA or the local Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.
Renewal & Extension
Work Permit Fees:
The fee for a work permit in Vietnam is typically around 400,000 Vietnamese đồng (VND) in Hanoi (USD16), with fees potentially varying depending on the province, with Ho Chi Minh City charging slightly higher at 600,000 VND; the maximum fee across Vietnam can reach 1,000,000 VND depending on location and specific circumstances.
- New permit: 600,000 VND
- Renewal: 450,000 VND
3: Receive Your Work Permit
Obtain your work permit at least 5 days before your first workday to avoid any issues. If rejected, the authority will explain the reason for denial.
Work Permit’s Validity, Renewal, and Expiration
Validity
- The permit lasts up to 2 years based on company labor needs.
- A valid work permit remains unaffected by passport expiration. However, if the passport is updated, employers must request a permit reissuance with the new passport details.
Renewal & Extension
- Work permits can only be extended once, for a maximum of 2 additional years (Article 19, Decree 152/2020/ND-CP).
- Submit renewal applications 5 to 45 days before permit expiration to MoLISA or the Department of Labor.
The authority to grant Vietnam Work Permits primarily belongs to the Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs of each province or city, but in some cases, approval may come from the Management Board of industrial parks or the Department of Employment under MoLISA; employers must follow regulations on recruitment timelines, prioritizing Vietnamese workers, reporting obligations for multi-province work, and justifying foreign hires based on job requirements.
Conditions to exempt from Work Permit in Vietnam
Vietnam exempts foreign workers from requiring a work permit under specific conditions outlined in Article 154 of the 2019 Labor Code and Decree 152/2020/ND-CP. Eligible individuals include:
- Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens and living in Vietnam.
- Owners or capital contributors of a limited liability company, or Board directors of a joint stock company, with at least VND 3 billion invested (USD 150.000)
- Foreign workers transferred within enterprises operating in 11 WTO-committed service industries.
- Heads of representative offices, project managers, or key personnel of international organizations in Vietnam.
- Specialists handling technical and technological issues or providing essential services.
- Foreign lawyers with a valid Law Practice License in Vietnam.
- Workers covered under international treaties that Vietnam has signed.
- Foreign journalists and media professionals licensed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Managers, executives, experts, or technical workers staying for under 30 days per visit, up to three times per year.
- Participants in international agreements that Vietnam has implemented.
- Relatives of foreign diplomatic and consular staff.
- Holders of official passports working for state agencies or political organizations & Embassies.
- Holders of official passports working for state agencies or political organizations & Embassies.
Vietnam Work Permit: Key Regulations and Common Questions
1. What Happens If a foreigner Work Without a Work Permit?
Foreign workers in Vietnam must obtain a work permit; otherwise, they face deportation under immigration laws. Employers hiring foreign workers without proper authorization will also face legal consequences. A work permit is essential and mandatory for foreigners working in Vietnam.
2. Work Permit Processing Time
A work permit application in Vietnam typically takes 30–45 days, including around 15 days for foreign employment allowance approval and 5 days for the permit issuance, with employers needing to apply at least 30 days before the employee’s start date and employees at least 15 days prior.
3. Can foreigners apply for a work permit themselves?
No, foreigners must apply through their employers. Decree 152/2020/ND-CP states that employers must submit work permit applications to the Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs or relevant authorities.
4. What to do if i lose or damage my work permit?
You must request a reissued work permit from the Department of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs or the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs, depending on the issuing authority.
5. What are common reasons for work permit rejection?
- Incorrect information: Mismatched details like name, title, or passport number.
- Invalid documents: Expired passports, outdated criminal records (over six months old), or improper health certificates.
- Missing documents: Failing to provide required paperwork.
- Lack of justification: Employers must clearly explain the need for foreign workers.
6. Can I convert my tourist visa to work permit in Vietnam?
No,it isn’t possible to directly convert a tourist visa to a work permit in Vietnam; to work in Vietnam, you need to apply for a separate work permit through a Vietnamese employer, meaning you would need to leave the country and re-enter with a work visa after securing a job offer and work permit approval.
7. Can a Vietnam work permit be extended after two years?
Yes, extending a Vietnam work permit is possible but only once. After the extension period ends, the employer must apply for a new work permit for the foreign employee.
8. Do I need a college/university degree to apply for a work permit?
A university degree is not always required for a Vietnam work permit, check following cases;
- Company management personnel such as legal representatives, general director, board members, or company presidents.
- Technical workers who have completed at least one year of training in a relevant technical field (college/technical school) or have at least five years of experience in a related job.
- Foreign experts with at least five years of work experience and a professional practicing certificate in a relevant field.
9. What can a work permit holder’s family get?
Family members of a work permit holder can enjoy several benefits in Vietnam. The permit holder can apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) valid for up to two years, allowing their family to apply for a dependent TRC.
Vietnam Work Permit Termination
Your work permit could be terminated if:
- The permit, or, the labor contract has expired
- The content of the labor contract is not consistent with the granted work permit.
- The foreign employer announces the termination of the employee’s job in Vietnam.
- Authorities revoke the work permit.
- The operation of the company, Vietnam has been terminated.
A work permit remains valid for two years. To continue working in Vietnam, apply for an extension. Foreign employees must return the permit to their employer within 15 days after their employment ends, and the employer must submit it along with a notification letter to the local Labor Department.