How to Get A Vietnam Work Permit
Foreigners who want to work in Vietnam need a work permit. It is a legal step, but also one that confuses a lot of people. This article breaks everything down for getting your Vietnam work permit. From the first step to the final result, you will find what is needed, how it works, and what to expect at each stage. With the latest guidance and official sources, you will be fully prepared to navigate Vietnam work permit processing time and more.
What is a Vietnam Work Permit?
A Vietnam work permit is a legal authorization issued by the Vietnamese authorities, allowing foreign nationals to work in the country lawfully. This permit is compulsory for most foreigners who intend to work in Vietnam for more than three months under a formal labor contract.
Usually valid for up to two years, the permit can be renewed once before requiring a fresh application. Its issuance depends on both the applicant’s qualifications and the specific nature of the job. That said, not all foreign workers are required to obtain a work permit in Vietnam. There are specific exemption cases, including:
- Individuals working in Vietnam for less than 3 months.
- Intra-company transferees.
- Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens (under specific cases).
- Volunteers and students on internship programs.
The Vietnam work permit is a regulatory requirement and a foundation for applying for a temporary residence card (TRC), which allows for long-term stay and multiple entries.
Vietnam Work Permit Requirements
Foreign nationals looking to work in Vietnam must meet the legal requirements specified by the Vietnam Labor Code and the regulations issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MoLISA). These requirements for a work permit in Vietnam apply to both the individual applicant and the sponsoring employer.
General Conditions
To qualify for a Vietnam work permit, applicants must satisfy the following:
- Be at least 18 years old and have full legal capacity
- Be in good health as defined by the Ministry of Health, suitable for the specific job
- Have no criminal record in Vietnam or their home country
- Not be undergoing criminal prosecution or serving a sentence under either Vietnamese or foreign law
- Hold a visa granted by the Vietnamese authorities (unless otherwise exempt)
In addition, all foreign documents must be legalized, notarized, and translated into Vietnamese before submission. With a TRC, foreign workers can stay in Vietnam for an extended period and travel in and out of the country without the need for additional visas.
Requirements Based on Job Position
The qualifications and documents needed for a work permit in Vietnam vary based on the position. Below are the three primary categories used in assessing a foreign worker’s eligibility for a work permit in Vietnam:
For Experts
Those applying as experts must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field relevant to the job position, along with a minimum of 3 years of work experience in that field
- Alternatively, have at least 5 years of practical experience and a professional practice certificate relevant to the job
- In exceptional cases, an expert designation may be granted by decision of the Prime Minister based on a proposal from MoLISA
For Managers or Executives
To qualify under this category, the applicant must:
- Have a formal appointment decision issued by a parent company, agency, or enterprise
- Provide supporting corporate documents such as the company charter, certificate of business registration, or official establishment decision
- Have at least 3 years of work experience in a similar managerial or executive position
For Technical Workers
Technical workers must meet one of the following sets of conditions:
- Have completed at least one year of training in a technical or related field and possess a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience
- Alternatively, demonstrate at least 5 years of work experience in a field aligned with the job position in Vietnam
Employer’s Responsibilities
Vietnamese employers sponsoring a foreign employee must take specific steps before and during the Vietnam work permit application process. These include:
- Submitting a formal report on the demand for foreign labor to the local Department of Labor (DoLISA) at least 30 days prior to the intended start date
- Providing relevant company documentation, including the business license, job description, and labor contract draft
- Assisting the foreign worker with preparing and submitting the necessary documents for the work permit
Many applications get delayed or rejected due to simple mistakes. One common issue is missing the 30-day deadline for labor demand registration. Another is submitting documents that are incomplete or not properly legalized. Choosing the wrong job title is also a problem. For instance, applying as an expert when the experience fits a technical role can cause complications.
A Vietnam work permit is generally issued with a maximum validity of two years and may be renewed one time for an additional two-year period. A new application must be submitted if the employee continues working after that.
How to Apply for a Vietnam Work Permit
Getting a Vietnam work permit requires going through several steps, with responsibilities shared between the employer and the foreign worker. Most of the paperwork is handled by the employer, but the employee must provide personal documents on time to avoid delays in the Vietnam work permit processing time.
Step 1: Request for approval to hire a foreign worker
At least 30 days before the expected start date, the employer must submit a request to register the need to hire a foreign national. This step is required by law and must be completed before any work permit can be issued.
Required documents include:
- Registration form for foreign worker employment demand (Form 01/PLI under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP)
- Certified copy of the company’s business registration
- Power of attorney (if submitted by someone other than the legal representative)
This request can be submitted either in person at the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA), or online through the portal:
http://dvc.vieclamvietnam.gov.vn
Processing time:
- 12 working days (online submission)
- 15 working days (in-person submission)
After approval, the employer receives a written confirmation letter.
Step 2: Gather documents for the work permit application
Once the approval letter is received, the employer can prepare the full application file. The documents for a work permit in Vietnam include:
- Work permit application form (Form 11/PLI)
- A current health certificate issued within the past 12 months. If issued abroad, it must be legalized and translated into Vietnamese.
- A criminal background check from the last 6 months, which must be translated and legalized if issued outside Vietnam.
- Certified copy of the applicant’s valid passport
- The approval letter from Step 1
- Two 4x6 cm passport-style photos (white background, no glasses)
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates, work experience letters), legalized and translated
- A draft or signed labor contract (in some provinces)
All documents issued outside of Vietnam must be legalized by a consulate, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized according to local law. Incomplete or improperly prepared paperwork is one of the main reasons for the delayed Vietnam work permit processing time.
Step 3: Submit the application to DoLISA
At least 15 days before the foreign employee is expected to begin working, the employer must submit the full application set to the Department of Labor in the same province where the company is located.
The application can be submitted directly or by post, depending on local procedures.
Step 4: Receive the result
If the documents are valid and complete, the work permit will be issued within 5 working days using Form 12/PLI. In case of rejection, the employer will receive a written explanation from DoLISA.
How to Extend a Vietnam Work Permit
A Vietnam work permit is typically granted for a period of up to two years, with the possibility of a one-time extension for another two years. After the extended period expires, a new work permit application is required if the employee continues working in Vietnam.
Criteria for Work Permit Extension
To qualify for a work permit extension, the following requirements must be met:
- The current work permit is valid for between 5 to 45 days at the time of application.
- The foreign employee continues to work in the same position and for the same employer as specified in the original work permit.
- Unless exempted, the employer has obtained approval for the continued employment of foreign workers from the relevant authority.
Required Documents for Extension
The employer must prepare and submit the following documents:
- Application form for work permit extension (Form No. 11/PLI).
- Two 4x6 cm passport-sized photos taken within the last six months.
- A valid, unexpired work permit.
- A health certificate that has been issued in the last 12 months.
- Approval letter for the continued employment of foreign workers (if required).
- Documents proving that the foreign employee will continue working in the same position. If issued abroad, these documents must be legalized, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized.
Submission Process and Timeline
The employer needs to submit the full application to either DoLISA or MoLISA. This should be done at least 5 to 45 days before the current work permit expires. The processing time is typically five working days from receiving a complete and valid application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Vietnam work permit be extended more than once?
No. As per Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, a work permit can be extended only once for up to two years. After that, a new application is required.
What are the consequences of working without a valid work permit in Vietnam?
Employers who allow workers to operate without a valid permit could face fines of up to VND 75 million. Additionally, foreign employees may face deportation.
Can employers apply for a work permit on behalf of a foreign employee who is not yet in Vietnam?
Yes. Employers can initiate the work permit application process while the foreign employee is still abroad.
Do foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens need a work permit to work in Vietnam?
No, foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens are exempt from needing a work permit for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal.
Is a bachelor's degree mandatory to obtain a Vietnam work permit?
Not always. For expert roles, five years of relevant work experience along with a professional practice certificate may be enough.
Conclusion
A Vietnam work permit is not hard to get if you understand the process and stay on top of the paperwork. Still, it can get confusing, especially with different rules depending on your role or location. That is where Seniworld can help. We have worked with both businesses and professionals, making sure nothing gets missed and everything moves on time. If you need a reliable team to walk you through it, we are just one message away.