Work permit services in Ho Chi Minh City are a key solution to help FDI businesses complete legal procedures for foreign experts in accordance with the latest regulations. Decree 219/2025/ND-CP. In the context of 2026, standards for justifying labor needs associated with projects on Investment Certificates are becoming increasingly stringent. Mastering the process from consular legalization to online application submission will help businesses avoid the risk of unnecessary operational suspension or administrative penalties.
Current legal basis regarding foreign workers.
To ensure the rule of law, all international recruitment activities in Vietnam must comply with the latest legal regulations. Adhering to these regulations through a reputable work permit service provider not only helps businesses stabilize their workforce but also builds a clean legal profile for long-term investment projects.
- Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14.
- Decree 152/2020/ND-CP regulates foreign workers working in Vietnam.
- Decree 70/2023/ND-CP amends and supplements a number of articles of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP.
- Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (Latest update 2026) on administrative procedure reform and e-labor management.
- Circular of the Ministry of Finance stipulating the rates, collection methods, payment procedures, and management of fees for issuing work permits.
Link between investment certificate and work permit
An investment certificate is not only a document confirming the business's right to operate, but also a legal basis for authorities to consider the number of foreign personnel permitted to work in Vietnam.
The importance of matching project information and job positions.
The compatibility between the project objectives in the investment license and the job description of the employee is a crucial factor. If a business registers an investment in the technology sector but hires a finance professional without a convincing explanation, the application for a work permit is very likely to be rejected because it fails to demonstrate the urgency of that position for the project.
The role of registered capital in labor approval
Based on the project scale and contributed capital, the management agency will assess the labor capacity. Large-scale investment projects are often prioritized for approval of a higher number of foreign experts and managers to ensure project implementation progress. This is a crucial step to achieve the highest success rate when using labor permit services through optimization. Investment Certificate.
Why do businesses need professional work permit services?
Handling the procedures in-house often wastes HR departments' time due to frequently changing administrative regulations. By choosing to partner with reputable consulting firms that provide work permit services, businesses will receive the following tangible benefits:
- Significant time savings will be achieved in processing applications as the 2026 regulations on forms and templates include major changes to electronic formats and authentication methods.
- Get the latest updates on cases exempt from work permits according to the newest list issued by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs at the beginning of 2026.
- We assist in processing complex cases, such as diplomas with incorrect training qualifications or experience certificates lacking legal information from foreign countries, through our comprehensive work permit application service.
- This ensures absolute legal compliance for businesses, giving investors peace of mind during periodic post-inspection checks from local labor authorities.
Documents that foreign workers need to prepare
In addition to legal documents from the sponsoring company, individual workers need to prepare important original documents from their home country. Proper and complete preparation from the outset will significantly shorten the processing time when applying for a work permit.
- The original passport must be valid according to regulations (usually more than 2 years).
- A university degree or equivalent professional certification relevant to the position being advertised.
- Documentation confirming work experience abroad (usually more than 3 years required for specialist positions).
- A criminal record certificate is issued by the competent authority in the country of residence.
- A 4x6cm portrait photo with a white background, without glasses (taken within the last 6 months).
Note: All documents issued abroad must be consular legalized and notarized translated into Vietnamese to be legally valid when submitting an application for work permit services. administrative procedures current.
Government fees and charges for obtaining a work permit.
The cost of completing a work permit application includes fees payable to the state budget and other expenses related to document preparation. Understanding these fees helps businesses proactively plan their budget when using work permit services.
| Fee list | The prescribed fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| New issuance fee | 600,000 VND / license | Submit to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City. |
| Reissuance fee | 450,000 VND / license | Applicable in case of loss or damage. |
| Renewal fee | 450,000 VND / license | Submit 5-45 days before the deadline. |
| MAN service fees | Contact us for a specific price quote. | Depending on the complexity of the application |
Note: State fees may vary depending on the City People's Council Resolution at the time of application. Service fees for obtaining a work permit are as follows: MAN This includes drafting, submitting the application, and monitoring the results.
MAN's comprehensive work permit application process
At Master Accountant Network (MAN), we build our work permit service process based on transparency and time optimization for businesses through 5 in-depth steps:
- Step 1: Receive the employee's request and review their original documents to determine the most appropriate solution for the job position.
- Step 2: The business representative drafts the explanatory document and submits the labor needs report to the competent authority through a professional work permit service.
- Step 3: Coordinate with diplomatic agencies to complete the consular legalization and certified translation procedures for documents from the worker's home country.
- Step 4: Complete the online application form in the new 2026 format and submit the work permit application to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.
- Step 5: Regularly monitor progress, handle any arising requests from the management agency, and deliver the work permit results directly to the business.
Things to note to avoid having your work permit application rejected.
Based on our practical experience at Master Accountant Network, we've found that common errors often lie in the preparation time and consistency of information. When using work permit services, businesses need to pay special attention to the following:
- Deadline for submitting explanations: These must be submitted at least 15 days before the expected date of employment to ensure compliance with the post-verification process of the work permit application service.
- Data consistency: Information regarding job titles and positions on the Business License, Investment Certificate, and work permit application documents must completely match.
- Duration and Renewal: Work permits are valid for a maximum of 24 months. Renewals must be made between 5 and 45 days before the old permit expires.
Frequently Asked Questions about Work Permit Procedures in Ho Chi Minh City
Are foreigners with investment certificates exempt from requiring work permits?
How long does it take to process a work permit application?
What should I do if I lose my work permit?
Can I use a medical certificate from a foreign hospital?
What are the penalties for employing foreign workers without a permit?
Conclusion regarding the employment of foreign workers in Ho Chi Minh City.
Compliance with labor permit regulations not only ensures the stable operation of FDI enterprises but also affirms the investor's credibility before Vietnamese law. In the context of increasingly streamlined but stricter international labor regulations, preparing an accurate application from the outset through a labor permit service is crucial. Professional labor permit services will act as a bridge, helping businesses overcome language and legal barriers most effectively.
Contact MAN for professional work permit services.
To optimize the recruitment process for foreign experts and ensure all administrative procedures run smoothly, businesses need a partner providing work permit services with sharp legal expertise. The team at Master Accountant Network is always ready to provide high-quality work permit services, offering customized solutions for each type of investment. contact Join us to experience professionalism and dedication in every step of the work permit application process in Ho Chi Minh City.
Contact information for MAN – Master Accountant Network
- Address: No. 19A, Street 43, Tan Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Mobile/Zalo: 0903 963 163 – 0903 428 622
- E-mail: man@man.net.vn
Content production is overseen by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO of MAN – Master Accountant Network, CPA Vietnam with over 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and financial consulting.
