Vietnam Work Permit Everything You Need to Know
🇻🇳 Vietnam Work Permit: Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)
If you’re planning to work in Vietnam, you’ll most likely need a Work Permit unless you fall under certain exemptions. This guide breaks down everything from who needs a permit, how to apply, required documents, timelines, and tips for compliance.
✅ Who Needs a Vietnam Work Permit?
Foreign nationals working in Vietnam for more than 3 months must obtain a valid Work Permit, as per Vietnam’s Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14 and Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP.
Exceptions (Work Permit Exemptions):
You do not need a Work Permit if you are:
- Working in Vietnam less than 30 days and no more than 3 times per year
- A member of a limited liability company with two or more members
- An owner or shareholder of a joint-stock company
- A volunteer or foreign student on internship programs
- Appointed by foreign diplomatic or consular missions
- Qualified under Work Permit Exemption Certificate (WPEC) (still needs formal documentation)
📌 Basic Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18+ |
| Health | Fit for work (health check required) |
| Criminal record | Clean (no serious convictions) |
| Qualification | Relevant degrees or certificates |
| Experience | Minimum 3 years in the field |
| Employer in Vietnam | Must provide a job position that cannot be filled by a Vietnamese citizen |
📑 Required Documents for Work Permit Application
The following documents are needed:
- Application form (issued by the Ministry of Labor)
- Valid passport (certified copies of all pages)
- Health certificate (issued within the last 12 months, from Vietnam or your home country)
- Criminal background check:
- From your home country (must be legalized)
- If you’ve been in Vietnam >6 months, you also need a Vietnam police check
- Diploma/Degree (relevant to the job, legalized)
- Experience certificate (from previous employers, confirming 3+ years of work)
- 2 passport-size photos (4x6cm, white background)
- Employment contract or offer letter from the Vietnamese employer
- Company documents from the employer:
- Business license
- Company registration certificate
- Job position approval from the labor authority
✍️ All foreign documents must be notarized, translated into Vietnamese, and consular legalized.
📆 Application Process (Step-by-Step)
🔹 Step 1: Position Approval
- Employer submits a workforce demand report to the local labor department (Department of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs).
- Approval takes ~10 business days.
🔹 Step 2: Work Permit Application
- Submit the full set of documents to the Department of Labor.
- Processing time: 5–7 working days.
🔹 Step 3: Receive Work Permit
- Issued for up to 2 years, renewable once.
🔄 Work Permit Renewal
If your work permit is expiring, you can renew it once before applying for a new permit. Renewal requires:
- Updated employment contract
- New health check
- Valid documents showing continued eligibility
🔄 Transition to Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Once your work permit is approved, you may apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) valid for 1–2 years, allowing multiple entries without reapplying for visas.
🛑 Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Employees without a work permit may be deported
- Employers hiring without permits may be fined up to 75 million VND (~USD 3,000)
✍️ Work Permit Categories (Under Decree 152)
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Expert | University degree + 3+ years’ experience |
| Manager | High-level role (Director, CEO) |
| Technician | 1+ year training + 3+ years’ experience |
| Executive | Company-level leadership |
🧾 Let Us Help You!
VisaOnlineVietnam offers Work Permit application support, including:
- Legal consultation
- Document translation & legalization
- Full application handling
- Fast-track processing
📧 Email: sales@visaonlinevietnam.com
📱 WhatsApp: (+84) 968 18 77 18
🌐 Website: https://visaonlinevietnam.com
📌 FAQs
Q: How long is a Vietnam Work Permit valid?
👉 Typically up to 2 years, and renewable once.
Q: Can I work on a tourist or business visa?
❌ No, it’s illegal. A Work Permit is required for employment.
Q: Can my employer apply on my behalf?
✅ Yes, employers usually sponsor and handle the process.
Q: How long does it take to get a Work Permit?
⏱️ Usually 15–20 working days if all documents are ready.
