What are the requirements for applying Work Permit Vietnam?

To apply for a Work Permit in Vietnam, both the foreign employee and the Vietnamese employer must satisfy specific requirements set by the Vietnamese government. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the requirements for 2025:

The requirements for applying for a Work Permit in Vietnam as follows:

• Be at least 18 years of age. This is a standard requirement for most work permits around the world.
• Be in good enough health to satisfy job requirements. This requirement ensures that foreign workers are healthy enough to perform their job duties without posing a risk to themselves or others.
• Have a job offer from a Vietnamese employer. This is a key requirement, as it shows that there is a genuine need for the foreign worker’s services in Vietnam.
• Have a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. This is necessary for the foreign worker to enter and remain in Vietnam legally.
• Have a health certificate issued by a recognized Vietnamese hospital or clinic within the last 12 months. This is to ensure that the foreign worker is free of any contagious diseases.
• Have a criminal record clearance certificate issued by your home country or Vietnam within the last 6 months (if applicable). This is to ensure that the foreign worker does not have a criminal record that would pose a risk to public safety.
• Have certified copies of your academic degrees or professional certificates. This is to demonstrate that the foreign worker has the necessary qualifications and experience for the job.
• Have copies of your passport-sized photos. These photos will be used on the Work Permit and other immigration documents.

In addition to the above requirements, foreign nationals applying for a Work Permit in Vietnam must also meet one of the following criteria:

• Be a manager, executive director, or expert with technical skills and knowledge necessary for the job. This criterion is designed to attract highly skilled foreign workers who can contribute to Vietnam’s economic development.
• Be a highly skilled worker in a field that is in short supply in Vietnam. This criterion is designed to address labor shortages in key industries.
• Be a foreign national who is married to a Vietnamese citizen or has a Vietnamese child. This criterion is designed to support families and promote social cohesion.

The application process for a Work Permit in Vietnam can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to start planning early. It is also recommended to work with a qualified immigration consultant or lawyer to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

If you are interested in applying for a Work Permit in Vietnam, you should contact your local Vietnamese embassy or consulate for more information. You can also find more information on the website of the Vietnamese Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.

The visa agent can assist you in preparing the necessary paperwork and legalizing the documents issued abroad.

What kind of visas and permits do foreign workers need?

The type of visa or permit that a foreign worker needs depends on the country they are entering, the type of work they will be doing, and the length of time they will be staying.

Visas

A visa is an official stamp in a passport that allows the holder to enter a specific country for a specified period of time. There are many different types of visas, but the most common type for foreign workers is the nonimmigrant work visa.

Nonimmigrant work visas are issued for a specific time and for a specific type of work. There are many different types of nonimmigrant work visas, but some of the most common include:

• H-1B visas: These visas are issued to highly skilled workers who have a job offer from a U.S. employer.
• L-1 visas: These visas are issued to employees of multinational companies who are being transferred to a U.S. office.
• J-1 visas: These visas are issued to exchange visitors, including students, researchers, and trainees.
• O-1 visas: These visas are issued to individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.

Permits

A permit is a document that allows a foreign worker to live and work in a country for a specified period of time. Permits are typically issued by the government of the country where the worker will be working.

There are many different types of work permits, but some of the most common include:

• Open work permits: These permits allow the holder to work for any employer in the country.
• Closed work permits: These permits are tied to a specific employer and a specific job.
• Student work permits: These permits allow students to work for a limited number of hours per week.

How to apply for a visa or permit

The process for applying for a visa or permit varies from country to country. However, in general, the first step is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you will be working. They will be able to provide you with information on the specific requirements and application process.

Once you have gathered the required information and documentation, you can submit your application to the embassy or consulate. The processing time for visa and permit applications can vary depending on the country and the type of visa or permit you are applying for.

Tips for foreign workers

Here are some tips for foreign workers:

• Start the application process for your visa or permit early.
• Be sure to gather all of the required information and documentation before you submit your application.
• Be truthful and complete on all of your application forms.
• Be prepared to answer questions from the embassy or consulate officer about your work and your plans for the future.
• If you are denied a visa or permit, you may be able to appeal the decision. Contact the embassy or consulate for more information.

What documents are required to apply for a Work Permit in Vietnam?

The following documents are required to apply for a Work Permit in Vietnam:

From the employer:

• Application form for a work permit of the employer (Form No. 11/PL1)
• Certified copy of business registration
• Letter of attorney in case the submitter is not the company’s legal representative

From the foreign worker:

• Passport-size photo (taken recently, with a white background and the applicant facing forward with a neutral expression)
• Copy of passport
• Fitness to work certificate issued by a foreign or Vietnamese competent health facility within the last 12 months
• Criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority in the foreign worker’s country of origin or residence within the last 6 months
• Documents confirming that the foreign worker is a manager, chief executive officer, expert, or technician (if applicable)

The specific documents required may vary depending on the individual’s circumstances, so it is always best to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Additional notes:

• All documents must be in Vietnamese or translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator.
• The fitness to work certificate and criminal record certificate must be legalized by a Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
• The documents confirming the foreign worker’s professional qualifications and experience must be apostilled or legalized by a Vietnamese embassy or consulate, if required.

Process:

The employer will first need to apply for approval of the demand on using foreign workers to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). Once this application is approved, the employer can then apply for the work permit to the MOLISA.

The work permit application will be processed by the MOLISA within 30 days of submission. If the application is approved, the foreign worker will be issued a work permit.

The work permit is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional two years.

Procedure for the consular legalization of a foreign document used in Vietnam

Consular legalization is the process of verifying the authenticity of a foreign document so that it can be used in another country. In Vietnam, consular legalization is required for foreign documents that will be used for legal purposes, such as immigration, education, or business.

Here is the procedure for consular legalization of foreign documents used in Vietnam:

Step 1: Prepare the documents

• Collect all of the original documents that you need to legalize.
• Make copies of all of your documents.
• Translate any documents that are not in Vietnamese or English.
• Get your documents notarized by a notary public in your country.

Step 2: Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Issuing Country

• Send your notarized documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the country where the documents were issued.
• The MOFA will authenticate your documents.
• The MOFA will return your authenticated documents to you.

Step 3: Authentication by the Embassy/Consulate General of the Issuing country in Vietnam

• Send your authenticated documents to the Embassy/Consulate General of the issuing country in Vietnam.
• The Embassy/Consulate General will legalize your documents.
• The Embassy/Consulate General will return your legalized documents to you.

Step 4: Translation into Vietnamese

• If your documents are not in Vietnamese or English, you will need to have them translated into Vietnamese.
• You can get your documents translated by a certified translator in Vietnam.

Step 5: Submission to the competent bodies of Vietnam

• Once you have your legalized and translated documents, you can submit them to the competent bodies of Vietnam.
• The competent bodies of Vietnam will review your documents and make a decision on whether to accept them.

Additional notes:

• The processing time for consular legalization can vary depending on the country where the documents were issued and the complexity of the documents.
• The fees for consular legalization can also vary depending on the country where the documents were issued.
• You can find more information about consular legalization on the website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Here is a table that summarizes the procedure for consular legalization of foreign documents used in Vietnam:

Step	Description
1	Prepare the documents
2	Authentication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Issuing Country
3	Authentication by the Embassy/Consulate General of the Issuing country in Vietnam
4	Translation into Vietnamese
5	Submission to competent bodies of Vietnam

🇻🇳 Vietnam Work Permit – Frequently Asked Questions (Q&As)

✅ 1. Who needs a work permit in Vietnam?

All foreign nationals working in Vietnam for more than 30 days and not exempted by law are required to obtain a work permit. This applies to:

• Experts
• Managers
• Technicians
• Foreign workers under labor contracts

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✅ 2. Who is exempt from a work permit in Vietnam?

The following are exempt, but must apply for a work permit exemption certificate:

• Owners/Contributors to LLCs
• Board members of Joint Stock Companies
• Foreigners working under less than 30 days per visit and not exceeding 90 days/year
• Teachers and students working under international agreements
• Foreign lawyers with professional licenses
• Volunteers and diplomatic missions

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✅ 3. What are the requirements for a work permit in 2025?

You will need:

• A valid passport (min. 6 months)
• Health certificate (issued within 12 months)
• Criminal background check (home country or Vietnam)
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
• Minimum 3 years relevant work experience
• 2 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm)
• Work permit application form
• Documents from employer in Vietnam (business license, introduction letter, labor contract, etc.)

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✅ 4. How long is a Vietnam work permit valid for?

A work permit is valid for up to 2 years.
It can be renewed once for an additional 2 years.

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✅ 5. Can I start working before getting my work permit?

No. You must have a valid work permit or a work permit exemption certificate before officially starting employment.

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✅ 6. How long does it take to get a work permit?

The processing time is usually:

• 7–10 working days from the date of submitting a complete application
• Pre-approval of demand for foreign labor must be submitted 30 days before hiring

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✅ 7. Where do I apply for a work permit in Vietnam?

At the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA) in the province/city where your employer is registered.

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✅ 8. What happens if I work without a permit?

Working without a valid permit can result in:

• Fines for both the employer and employee
• Deportation for the foreign national
• Suspension of the employer’s ability to sponsor foreigners

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✅ 9. Can I convert a business visa into a work permit in Vietnam?

Yes. If you’re in Vietnam on a DN1/DN2 (business) visa, you can apply for a work permit and subsequently for a temporary residence card (TRC).

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✅ 10. How do I extend my work permit?

Work permits can be extended once for up to 2 years. You must apply at least 45 days before expiration and provide:

• New labor contract
• Updated health check
• Updated criminal record (if required)

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🔹 1. General Conditions for Foreign Workers

A foreign national must meet the following criteria:

• ✅ Be at least 18 years old
• ✅ Have full civil capacity
• ✅ Have professional qualifications, skills, and working experience
• ✅ Be in good health, suitable for the job and working environment
• ❌ Have no criminal record in Vietnam or abroad
• ❌ Not currently serving a sentence or have unexpired criminal penalty

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🔹 2. Required Documents from the Foreign Worker

These typically include:

1. Application form for a work permit (according to the template).
2. Health certificate issued within the last 12 months (from Vietnam or a recognized hospital abroad).
3. Police clearance certificate (from the country of residence or Vietnam if the applicant has stayed for over 6 months).
4. Notarized copy of passport (must be valid at least 6 months).
5. Proof of qualifications:
   • University/college degree (if applicable).
   • Professional certificates relevant to the job.
6. Work experience confirmation:
   • At least 3 years of experience in a field relevant to the job.

📌 All foreign-language documents must be notarized, translated into Vietnamese, and legalized (except those exempted by agreements).

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🔹 3. Documents Required from the Employer (Company in Vietnam)

1. Business Registration Certificate (Giấy phép đăng ký kinh doanh).
2. Job position explanation letter – why this position needs a foreigner.
3. Approval letter from the Department of Labor (explaining the demand for foreign labor).
4. Labor contract draft between the company and a foreigner.
5. An introduction letter or authorization for who submits the dossier.

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🔹 4. Application Process

1. Step 1: Employer submits an explanation of the need to hire a foreign worker to the Department of Labor at least 30 days before the foreigner starts working.
2. Step 2: Submit the work permit application dossier at least 15 days before the intended start date.
3. Step 3: Receive the work permit (within 5–10 working days if the dossier is valid).

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🔹 5. Validity & Extension

• 📅 Work permits are generally valid for up to 2 years.
• Can be renewed once for another maximum of 2 years.
• After that, the employer must apply for a new work permit if needed.

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