, , , , ,

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.

Vietnam Work Permit Everything You Need to Know


✅ 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:

  1. Application form (issued by the Ministry of Labor)
  2. Valid passport (certified copies of all pages)
  3. Health certificate (issued within the last 12 months, from Vietnam or your home country)
  4. 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
  5. Diploma/Degree (relevant to the job, legalized)
  6. Experience certificate (from previous employers, confirming 3+ years of work)
  7. 2 passport-size photos (4x6cm, white background)
  8. Employment contract or offer letter from the Vietnamese employer
  9. 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.

Vietnam Work Permit Everything You Need to Know


📆 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

Vietnam Work Permit Everything You Need to Know

📌 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.