Determine the need for foreign labor (approximately 10 days)
Businesses must provide explanations and request written approval from the labor management agency for the job positions that employ foreign workers.
Work Permit Application Service for Foreigners
We provide comprehensive consulting and services for the application and renewal of work permits for foreigners working in Vietnam — fast, compliant with regulations, and with multilingual support.
Introduction to Work Permits
What is a work permit?
A work permit is a legal document issued by a competent state agency in Vietnam, allowing foreign workers to legally work in Vietnam in a specific position, job title, location, and for a specific period as stipulated by labor law.
This serves as the basis for businesses to legally employ foreign workers, and also as the foundation for workers to sign labor contracts, apply for temporary residence permits, and exercise their related rights and obligations during their employment in Vietnam.
The Importance of a Work Permit
01
Working legally
Mandatory conditions for foreigners to work legally in Vietnam.
02
Employment contract signing facility
The basis for businesses to legally sign contracts and employ foreign workers.
03
Conditions for applying for a temporary residence permit
The basis for workers to apply for long-term temporary residence permits and sponsor family members.
04
Avoid legal risks.
It helps businesses and workers avoid penalties and deportation for working without a permit.
Who needs to apply for a work permit?
A Work Permit is required:
- Foreigners working under labor contracts
- Business managers and executives
- Foreign experts and technical workers
- Internal transfers within a business (branch, parent-subsidiary company)
- Foreign nationals performing service contracts/agreements
Exempt from Work Permit:
- Owners/contributing members of limited liability companies with contributed capital of 3 billion VND or more.
- Chairman/member of the Board of Directors of a joint-stock company with contributed capital of 3 billion VND or more.
- Head of representative office/project of an international/non-governmental organization.
- Foreigners who marry Vietnamese citizens and live in Vietnam.
- Those who work for less than 30 days and no more than 3 times a year are eligible.
Special case
- Those who are exempt still have to go through the procedure. Confirmation that the applicant is not subject to work permit requirements.
- Submit the application to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs at least 10 days before the start date of employment.
- This is a mandatory step to avoid being considered an undocumented worker, even if you are exempt.
Conditions for granting work permits
Obtain a work permit, sign an employment contract, and proceed with post-permit procedures (temporary residence card, personal income tax registration, etc.).
| group of conditions | Specific requirements |
|---|---|
| Regarding personal information | Must be 18 years of age or older, have full legal capacity, and be in good health as prescribed by the Ministry of Health. |
| In terms of qualifications and position | As a manager, executive director, specialist, or technical worker, you must have the qualifications and experience appropriate for the position. |
| Regarding criminal record | Not currently serving a sentence, with no criminal record, and not under criminal investigation under Vietnamese or foreign law. |
| From the business perspective | A written approval from the competent authority is required before recruitment can begin. |
| Regarding job position | The job opening is for a position that Vietnamese workers are unable to fill, and it aligns with the actual needs of the business. |
Application form
| No. | Type of document | Legal details and notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for a work permit | Prepared by the employer according to Form No. 11/PLI, Decree 152/2020/ND-CP |
| 2 | Document approving the need to employ foreign workers. | Issued by the competent authority before hiring employees. |
| 3 | Medical certificate | Issued within 12 months at a qualified medical facility. |
| 4 | Criminal record certificate | Valid for no more than 6 months; if issued by a foreign country, it must be consular legalized and translated by a certified translator. |
| 5 | Documents proving expertise/technical worker/manager status | Qualifications and work experience certificates; consular legalization if issued by a foreign country. |
| 6 | Passport copy | Still valid, certified in accordance with regulations. |
| 7 | 2 color photos 4x6 cm | White background, photo taken no more than 6 months ago, no colored glasses worn. |
| 8 | Other relevant documents (depending on the case) | Employment contracts, work assignment documents, documents proving internal company transfer, etc. |
⚠ Special document requirements
- Documents issued by foreign countries must be consular legalization and certified translation Translate into Vietnamese (except in cases where exemption is granted under international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory).
- Criminal record certificate: If you reside in Vietnam, apply in Vietnam; if you do not reside in Vietnam, apply abroad, valid for no more than 6 months.
- Medical certificate: The examination can be conducted in Vietnam or abroad and is valid for 12 months.
- Document approving the need for labor: Approval must be obtained at least 15 days before the expected date of employment.
- Application deadline: At least 15 working days prior to the employee's expected start date.
| No. | Type of document | Legal details and notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for a work permit | Prepared by the employer according to Form No. 11/PLI, Decree 152/2020/ND-CP |
| 2 | Document approving the need to employ foreign workers. | Issued by the competent authority before hiring employees. |
| 3 | Medical certificate | Issued within 12 months at a qualified medical facility. |
| 4 | Criminal record certificate | Valid for no more than 6 months; if issued by a foreign country, it must be consular legalized and translated by a certified translator. |
| 5 | Documents proving expertise/technical worker/manager status | Qualifications and work experience certificates; consular legalization if issued by a foreign country. |
| 6 | Passport copy | Still valid, certified in accordance with regulations. |
| 7 | 2 color photos 4x6 cm | White background, photo taken no more than 6 months ago, no colored glasses worn. |
| 8 | Other relevant documents (depending on the case) | Employment contracts, work assignment documents, documents proving internal company transfer, etc. |
⚠ Special document requirements
- Documents issued by foreign countries must be consular legalization and certified translation Translate into Vietnamese (except in cases where exemption is granted under international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory).
- Criminal record certificate: If you reside in Vietnam, apply in Vietnam; if you do not reside in Vietnam, apply abroad, valid for no more than 6 months.
- Medical certificate: The examination can be conducted in Vietnam or abroad and is valid for 12 months.
- Document approving the need for labor: Approval must be obtained at least 15 days before the expected date of employment.
- Application deadline: At least 15 working days prior to the employee's expected start date.
Work permit application process
The total processing time averages 15–25 business days, depending on the progress of consular legalization and the completeness of the documents.
Time and cost
Processing time:
| Items to be implemented | Content details | Estimated time |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Please approve the request. | Register and obtain approval for the need to employ foreign workers from the labor management agency. | 10 working days |
| Step 2: Prepare the documents | Collect, translate, notarize, and consular legalize necessary documents. | 3-5 business days |
| Step 3: Submit and review your application. | Submit your application to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs or the Industrial Park Management Board. | 5-7 business days |
| Total | Complete package process | 15-25 business days |
Service fees:
- Comprehensive work permit application servicePackage deal – estimated price for foreigners & businesses5.000.000VND
- Consultation on conditions, location, and licensing scope.
- Please provide written approval for the need to employ workers.
- Preparing, translating, and legalizing documents.
- The representative will submit the application and monitor it until a result is available.
- Assistance with temporary residence permits and personal income tax registration after permit issuance.
Government fees
The state fees are regulated by the Provincial People's Council, so they may vary between localities. The above fees do not include translation, notarization, consular legalization, and service fees (if used).
- New issuance Work permit: 400,000 – 600,000 VND/permit
- Reissue Work permit: 300,000 – 450,000 VND/permit
- Extend Work permit: 300,000 – 450,000 VND/permit
Types of Work Permits
1. Initial work permit
- Applicable to foreigners working in Vietnam for the first time.
- Maximum term of 2 years, depending on the contract/job position.
- Complete documentation is required: criminal record certificate, health certificate, diplomas/certificates, and consent form.
2. Renewal of work permit
- This applies while the work permit is still valid and the employee continues to work.
- Extended once, maximum term 2 years
- Submit your application at least 5 days and no more than 45 days before the deadline.
3. Reissuing work permits
- This applies when the license is still valid but has been lost or damaged.
- Or when changing information: full name, nationality, passport number, place of work
- The application process is simpler compared to a new application.
4. Confirmation that the applicant is not subject to the work permit requirement.
- This applies to foreigners who are exempt from work permit requirements.
- Businesses must complete the verification procedures at the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.
- Submit the payment at least 10 days before the employee starts work.
Related procedures
After obtaining a Work Permit
Additional documents:
- Work permit has been issued (or document confirming exemption from work permit).
- Valid passport and valid visa
- Letter requesting temporary residence permit from sponsoring enterprise.
- Application form for temporary residence permit (Forms NA6, NA8)
- Proof of accommodation and required photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Work Permits
1. Who is required to obtain a work permit, and who is exempt?
Foreigners working in Vietnam under contract, or holding managerial, executive, expert, or technical positions, must obtain a work permit. Some cases are exempt (such as owners/contributors with capital exceeding 3 billion VND, those working for less than 30 days and no more than 3 times per year, etc.), but they still need to go through the procedure to confirm they are not subject to work permit requirements.
2. How long is a work permit valid for, and how is it renewed?
Work permits are valid for a maximum of two years, depending on the contract duration or job position. Upon expiration, employees can renew their permits once for a maximum of two years; renewal applications must be submitted at least five days and no more than 45 days before the expiration date.
3. What are the penalties for foreigners working without a work permit?
Workers may be fined and forced to leave the country or deported. Businesses employing unlicensed workers also face administrative penalties, with fines increasing with the number of workers involved. Therefore, obtaining the necessary permits before starting work is mandatory.
Important note
Thorough preparation is necessary:
- Foreign investor 100% capital
- Joint ventures with foreign capital (from 1% onwards)
- Large-scale investment project (capital from 300 billion VND)
- Investing in a conditional industry
- Projects in industrial parks and economic zones.
Avoid common mistakes:
- Submitting applications late (less than 15 working days prior to the start date) → may not be granted the permit in time.
- Lack of written approval for the need to employ foreign workers.
- Foreign documents that have not been legalized by the consulate.
- Criminal record certificate or health certificate has expired.
- The job title does not match the professional qualifications shown on the resume.
Advice:
- Please approve the labor needs early (the most time-consuming step).
- Prepare your criminal record check and consular legalization from scratch.
- Even those exempt should still obtain confirmation that they are not subject to the work permit requirement.
- Keep track of your license expiration date to renew it on time (5–45 days in advance).
- Using a consulting firm helps avoid errors and the need for multiple revisions.
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