A work permit for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City is a mandatory procedure for the majority of foreign workers legally employed in Vietnam. Given that Ho Chi Minh City is a major economic hub with a growing demand for international personnel, understanding the requirements, required documents, procedures, and costs of obtaining a work permit will help businesses be more proactive in employing foreign workers. This article updates the latest regulations and important notes to know when applying for a work permit in Ho Chi Minh City.
| Content | Information |
|---|---|
| Applicable subjects | Foreign workers working in Ho Chi Minh City |
| Issuing authority | Ho Chi Minh City Department of Interior Affairs, HEPZA, SHTP (applying the new management mechanism) |
| Processing time | Approximately 30 to 45 days |
| Work Permit Expiration Date | Maximum 2 years |
| Is it possible to extend it? | Yes, a maximum of once (with a maximum additional 2 years). |
| Submission method | Submit online via the Public Service Portal or in person. |
What is a Work Permit for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City?
Understanding the legal nature and practical role of work permits will help businesses be much more proactive in their operations and in recruiting international personnel when consulting with relevant parties. Work Permit application service for foreigners.
What is a Work Permit?
A Work Permit, also officially known as a Labor Permit, is a legal document issued by a competent state management agency in Vietnam to foreign workers who meet all the prescribed conditions. This permit records core information including the worker's identity, the name of the sponsoring company, the workplace, the job position, the job title, and the specific duration of employment.
The role of work permits for foreigners
For foreign workers, a work permit serves as the most important document proving the legality of their residence and work in Vietnam. Not only does it protect their legal rights under the Labor Law, such as insurance, wages, and workplace safety, but it is also the sole basis for applying for a temporary residence permit for workers, valid for up to two years. This allows them to freely enter and exit the country and establish a long-term life with their families in Ho Chi Minh City.
Current legal basis for Work Permit
The current regulations on labor management and licensing in Ho Chi Minh City are based on a unified legal framework, including:
- Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14 Officially implemented from January 1, 2021.
- Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP The Government's regulations on foreign workers working in Vietnam, officially effective from August 7, 2025, completely replace the previous Decree 152/2020/ND-CP and Decree 70/2023/ND-CP.
Is a work permit required for foreigners working in Vietnam?
In principle, all foreign nationals working in Vietnam are required to have a work permit issued by the competent authority, except in special cases exempted by law. Working without a permit or employing foreign workers without authorization is a serious violation of the law, leading to severe administrative penalties for both the sponsoring company and the worker, and even deportation for the foreign national.
Who needs to apply for a Work Permit for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City?
According to current labor laws, those requiring work permits are clearly divided into four main groups based on the nature of their work, professional qualifications, and managerial role within the enterprise.
Foreign experts
The expert group comprises foreign workers who have graduated from university or equivalent and have work experience relevant to the position they are expected to assume in Vietnam. According to the latest regulations in Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, the experience requirements for experts have been relaxed to attract international talent.
Business manager
Managers are individuals directly involved in managing a business, including private business owners, partners, chairmen of the board of members, members of the board of members, company presidents, chairmen of the board of directors, members of the board of directors, directors or general managers, and other individuals holding managerial positions with the authority to sign company transactions on behalf of the company as stipulated in the company's charter.
CEO
The CEO includes the head of a branch, representative office, or business location of an enterprise. In addition, personnel who head and directly manage at least one area of an agency, organization, or enterprise, and are under the direct supervision of the head of the enterprise, are also included in this group, with the requirement to demonstrate relevant practical management experience.
Technical workers
For technical workers, the mandatory requirement is to have specialized technical training or other relevant specialization and practical work experience that meets the requirements of the position they intend to assume in Vietnam.
Common job positions that require a work permit.
In the context of the market in Ho Chi Minh City, the types of jobs that frequently require work permit procedures are quite diverse:
| Common job positions | Classify the corresponding objects. |
|---|---|
| Director of Commerce, Director of Global Marketing | CEO / Expert |
| Information Technology Engineer, Data Analyst | Experts / Technical Workers |
| Head of Industrial Plant Engineering Department | CEO / Technical Worker |
| Foreign language teachers at international centers | Expert |
This classification helps businesses accurately identify the required documents, avoiding submitting them to the wrong category, which could lead to rejection or lengthy requests for clarification.
Conditions for granting Work Permits to foreigners
To obtain a work permit in Ho Chi Minh City, both foreign workers and sponsoring businesses must demonstrate full compliance with standards regarding legal capacity, health, professional qualifications, and judicial record.
| Object | Condition |
|---|---|
| Expert | University degree + minimum 2 years of experience (or 1 year for priority fields such as technology, innovation, digital transformation). |
| Manager | Business managers or heads and deputy heads of agencies and organizations. |
| CEO | Head of a branch, representative office, business location, or directly managing a specific area + minimum 3 years of experience. |
| Technical workers | Training of at least one year and a minimum of two years of relevant experience; or a minimum of three years of relevant work experience. |
Age and civil capacity requirements
Foreign workers must be at least 18 years old and possess full legal capacity as stipulated by law to be held responsible for all their actions and work activities throughout their stay and work in Vietnam.
Health conditions
Applicants must ensure they are in good health to work as stipulated by the Minister of Health. They must undergo a health examination at licensed hospitals or medical facilities in Ho Chi Minh City that are qualified to conduct health examinations for foreigners, or provide a health certificate issued by a competent health authority abroad within 12 months of the application date.
Qualifications and experience requirements
Depending on the job title applied for, employees must possess the corresponding training diplomas and professional certificates, along with documentation confirming practical experience. The new regulations from Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP have opened up significant opportunities by reducing the required number of years of experience for experts and technical workers, making it easier for businesses to access high-quality human resources.
Criminal record requirements
The worker must not be currently serving a sentence or have an outstanding criminal record, nor be subject to criminal prosecution under Vietnamese or foreign law. This can be proven by a valid criminal record certificate issued in Vietnam or the country of residence within the last 6 months.
In which cases is a work permit not required?
Not all foreign workers are required to go through the full work permit application process. Vietnamese law stipulates common cases exempt from work permit requirements, including:
- The owner of the limited liability company contributed capital starting from 3 billion VND.
- Board members of joint-stock companies contribute capital of 3 billion VND or more.
- Foreign nationals who are married to Vietnamese citizens and are residing in Vietnam.
- Internal enterprise relocation falls within the scope of 11 WTO service sectors.
- Experts, managers, executives, and technical workers who work less than 90 days a year.
Owner of a limited liability company
Owners or contributing members of a limited liability company with one member or two or more members are exempt from work permits, provided that the value of their capital contribution to the business reaches a minimum of 3 billion VND or more, according to the latest regulations.
Internal company transfers
Foreign workers moving within enterprises in the 11 service sectors listed in Vietnam's service commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO) include: business, information, construction, distribution, education, environment, finance, health, tourism, culture and entertainment, and transport. To qualify for this category, the employee must have been employed by the foreign enterprise for at least 12 consecutive months.
A person married to a Vietnamese citizen.
This is one of the most humane and open policies currently in place. Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens and residing in Vietnam are exempt from work permits. Businesses employing this group only need to report to the labor management agency where the employee works, without having to go through a complicated assessment process.
What documents are required for a Work Permit application? A typical Work Permit application for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City usually includes documents from the foreign worker and documents from the sponsoring company. Documents issued by foreign countries must be legalized by the consular office and translated by a certified translator before submission.
Work Permit application process for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City
The document preparation process is always the most time-consuming and error-prone step in the entire process of dealing with authorities. Detailed categorization and thorough review of each document item are key to getting your application approved quickly.
Foreign worker's file
| Documents | Request |
|---|---|
| Passport | A certified copy of at least two valid copies, or equivalent to the expected validity period of the work permit. |
| Medical certificate | Issued by a qualified healthcare facility, valid for 12 months. |
| Criminal record | Issued in Vietnam or abroad, not exceeding 6 months (unless online integration is implemented). |
| Degrees and certificates | Suitable for the job position, consular legalization and certified translation have been completed. |
| Experience verification | Original or certified copy, as required, proving sufficient years of experience. |
| 4x6 photo | Two photos with a white background, eyes looking straight ahead, taken no more than 6 months ago. |
Company guarantee documents
The guaranteeing company in Ho Chi Minh City needs to prepare the following documents:
- A certified copy of the Business Registration Certificate or the decision to establish the organization.
- The document explaining the need to employ foreign workers and requesting a work permit follows Form No. 03 in the Appendix issued with Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP.
Requires consular legalization for foreign documents.
All documents issued by foreign authorities, such as diplomas, certificates of experience, and foreign criminal records, must undergo consular legalization at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin, or at the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, or the Department of Foreign Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City, in order to be legally valid for use in Vietnam.
Translation and notarization required.
After being legalized by the consulate, all foreign-language documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized at the District Justice Departments or legally licensed Notary Offices in Vietnam before being included in the application submitted to the Department of Interior.
The documents are often missing or incorrect.
In practice, supporting thousands of businesses, the legal experts at MAN – Master Accountant Network Common errors that lead to rejected applications include: work experience certificates stating job titles that don't match the job title being applied for, health certificates not conforming to the prescribed format for foreigners, or criminal record certificates that are more than six months old. A thorough review beforehand will save businesses weeks of processing revisions.
Work Permit Application Process for Foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City
To complete the work permit renewal process, the sponsoring company and the employee must follow a strict sequence of steps in accordance with the timelines stipulated by current labor laws.
Step 1. Register your need for foreign workers.
At least 15 days before submitting the explanatory report, businesses must post job advertisements for Vietnamese workers for positions intended for foreign workers on the website of the Department of Employment or the website of the Ho Chi Minh City Employment Service Center.
Step 2. Prepare the documents.
The company instructs employees to prepare all necessary personal documents, including passports, diplomas, work experience certificates, and criminal record certificates that have been legalized by the consulate and notarized for translation.
Step 3. Submit your work permit application.
Businesses submit integrated application documents (Form No. 03 including explanation of needs and request for licensing) to the competent state management agency in Ho Chi Minh City through the online public service portal.
Step 4. Track your application and receive the results.
Businesses regularly access the public service system or check their registered email to promptly receive additional notifications if their application is incomplete, and to receive the original work permit after successful approval.
Step 5. Sign the employment contract as per regulations.
After obtaining the license, the business and the employee will sign a written employment contract before the expected start date of actual work. A copy of the employment contract will be submitted to the licensing authority upon request.
The work permit application process typically takes about 30–45 days.
Which agency issues work permits for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City?
From March 1st, 2025, the function of managing foreign workers in Ho Chi Minh City will be transferred from the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to the Department of Home Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City.
The competent authority for issuing work permits.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the authority to issue work permits currently rests with the following management agencies:
- Ho Chi Minh City Department of Internal Affairs: Receives and processes applications from the majority of businesses, non-governmental organizations, and trade representative offices located outside industrial parks and export processing zones.
- Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing Zones and Industrial Parks Management Board (HEPZA): Authority to process applications for foreign workers employed in businesses operating within export processing zones and industrial parks in the city.
- Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park Management Board (SHTP): Responsible for granting permits to personnel working on high-tech projects under the Board's management.
Application submission locations in Ho Chi Minh City
For applications submitted in person or with additional paper submissions as requested, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Internal Affairs' reception and results delivery location remains at the familiar address: 159 Pasteur Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, to avoid causing disruption to citizens and businesses.
Is it possible to submit the application online?
Businesses can and are even encouraged to complete the entire application process online. This method minimizes travel time, waiting times, and queuing for company personnel.
Current application submission method
Businesses register for online business accounts and submit high-quality scanned documents (PDF files) through the Ho Chi Minh City Online Public Service Portal or the National Public Service Portal. After the online application is successfully approved, businesses only need to bring the original documents for verification to receive the results in person or register to receive the results via postal delivery.
How long does it take to get a Work Permit for foreigners?
The work permit issuance process has been greatly optimized since the implementation of a mechanism that integrates the reporting of the need to employ foreign workers with the permit application dossier.
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Job posting for Vietnamese workers | At least 15 days before the expected application date. |
| Request Approval & Licensing | Within 10 working days (Decree 219/2025/ND-CP). |
| License Reissuance / License Renewal | Within 05 working days. |
| Total time to complete the procedure | Approximately 30 to 45 days (including document preparation time). |
Factors affecting the processing time of applications
Several factors commonly cause delays in processing applications, including:
- The waiting time for consular legalization of diplomas abroad is lengthy due to the diplomatic procedures of the host country.
- The notarized translation documents contain inaccurate professional terminology or personal information compared to the original passport.
- The online submission system experiences technical issues or an overload of applications during the peak months at the beginning of the year.
- Authorities require businesses to provide additional written explanations regarding specific job positions.
What is the validity period of a Work Permit?
Vietnamese work permits have limited legal validity and are tied to the duration of the employment contract expected to be signed between the two parties.
Maximum duration of a work permit
The maximum duration of a newly issued or renewed work permit is no more than 2 years (24 months). The actual duration may be shorter than 2 years, depending on the duration of the employment contract, the employer's guarantee period, or the remaining validity period of the foreign worker's passport.
Cases requiring re-issuance
Businesses must go through the procedure of applying for a completely new work permit in the following cases:
- Foreign workers change their job position or job title compared to their current work permit.
- The worker moved on to work for another company in Vietnam.
- The old work permit has expired, and the company has already renewed it once before (work permits can only be renewed a maximum of once for a maximum period of 2 years; after that, if you want to continue working, you must go through the procedure to obtain a new permit from scratch).
When do I need to renew my work permit?
Businesses should note that the ideal time to renew a work permit is at least 5 days but no more than 45 days before the current work permit expires. Failing to do so will require the business to restart the entire renewal process, which is complex and time-consuming.
What should I do if my work permit has expired?
When a work permit expires and the foreigner is not eligible for renewal or does not continue working at the enterprise, the enterprise is responsible for retrieving the original old work permit and submitting a report on the termination of the employment contract to the Department of Internal Affairs within 15 days from the date the contract expires, and simultaneously proceeding with the procedure to revoke the temporary residence card for workers issued to that employee.
Cost of obtaining a Work Permit for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City
The total cost to complete a work permit application includes fees paid directly to the state budget and expenses incurred during the actual application process.
| Fee | Reference cost |
|---|---|
| New issuance | 600,000 VND per license. |
| Extend | 450,000 VND per license. |
| Reissue | 450,000 VND per license. |
| Physical examination | 1,500,000 to 3,000,000 VND (depending on the hospital). |
| Certified translation | 150,000 to 300,000 VND per page (depending on the language). |
| Consular legalization | Fee schedules vary depending on the specific country. |
| Package service cost | Detailed pricing is based on the actual profile of each employee. |
Important note: The above price is for reference only at the time of writing. Actual costs may be adjusted based on the complexity of each specific application and any unforeseen fees from the authorities.
Work Permit Extension for Foreigners
Perform the task Work permit renewal in Ho Chi Minh City Meeting deadlines helps businesses retain talented personnel continuously without disrupting work progress in Vietnam.
Renewal conditions
To have your work permit renewal approved, your application must meet the following criteria:
- The work permit must have at least 5 days but no more than 45 days remaining before its expiration date.
- The employer has received approval from the competent authority for the need to employ foreign workers for that job position.
- Foreign workers will continue to work in the same job positions and titles as stated on their existing work permits.
- The workers' health fully meets the requirements of the actual job.
Work permit renewal application
The application for work permit renewal includes:
- Application for extension of work permit from the employer, using Form No. 11/PLI.
- Two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) taken within the last 6 months.
- The original work permit has been issued and is still valid as per regulations.
- The document approving the need to employ foreign workers is issued by the competent authority.
- The health certificate must be valid for 12 months from the date of application.
- A certified copy of the foreign worker's valid passport.
- Documents proving that the employee continues to work for the employer as required (such as an agreement, contract, or assignment decision).
Work Permit Renewal Process
Businesses follow these steps to renew their licenses:
- Please approve the need for foreign workers for the renewal position (submitted at least 15 days before the expected date of continued employment).
- Prepare a complete set of renewal documents according to the list of requirements mentioned above.
- Submit your renewal application online through the Ho Chi Minh City Public Service Portal.
- Receive both the electronic and original paper copies of your work permit renewal results from the relevant authorities.
Processing time for renewal applications
The Department of Interior Affairs will review and process applications for work permit renewal within 5 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid renewal application from the sponsoring enterprise.
What should I do after I get my Work Permit?
Obtaining a work permit is only the first step in legalizing the employment of foreigners in Vietnam. Businesses and employees need to promptly fulfill the following legal obligations:
- Signing a formal employment contract: Businesses and employees sign contracts that comply with regulations and submit copies to the licensing authority when requested.
- Applying for a Temporary Resident Card (TRC) for employment: Proceed with the application process for a [Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners] (code LD1 or LD2) valid for up to 2 months to replace a multiple-entry visa, helping to ensure long-term residency.
- Converting to a work visa: Register to switch to Work visa types LD1 and LD2 In cases where the personnel do not yet meet the eligibility requirements or do not have a need to apply for a long-term temporary residence permit.
- Register for Social Insurance: Businesses must declare the employment of foreign workers and register for mandatory social insurance contributions in full as required by law.
- Personal Income Tax Declaration: Foreigners are required to register for a tax identification number and fulfill their obligation to fully file personal income tax returns for all income earned in Vietnam and globally.
Things to note when applying for a Work Permit for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City.
To avoid unnecessary mistakes that waste time and cause businesses to miss opportunities, there are some key points that the HR department needs to understand before processing applications.
Does changing your passport require a new Work Permit?
When a foreign worker is issued a new passport to replace the old one listed on their valid work permit, the employer must proceed with the work permit re-issuance procedure to update the new passport number within 3 working days from the date of issuance of the new passport to avoid problems when going through immigration procedures or applying for a temporary residence card.
Do I need to apply for a new work permit when switching to another company?
Work permits are issued in connection with the specific sponsoring company. Therefore, when a foreign worker moves to work for another company, they are required to terminate their work permit at the old company, and the new company must go through the entire process of applying for a new work permit from scratch before the worker can start working.
Foreign documents must be legalized by the consular office.
All documents issued by foreign agencies or organizations are legally invalid in Vietnam if they lack the consular legalization seal of the competent diplomatic authority. Businesses should remind employees to complete this procedure in their home country before traveling to Vietnam.
Validity period of health certificate
A health certificate is only legally valid for 12 months from the date of the health assessment conclusion to the date of submitting the work permit application to the competent authority. The examination must be conducted according to the list of mandatory tests for foreigners at medical facilities approved by the Ministry of Health.
Validity period of criminal record certificates
Criminal record certificates issued in Vietnam or by foreign authorities are only valid for the last 6 months prior to the date of application for a work permit.
Requirements for the qualification
Qualifications must be at least a university degree for specialists, or a vocational diploma or certificate for technical workers. The work experience certificate must clearly show a minimum of 2 years (or 3 years depending on the applicant) of actual work experience in positions equivalent to the position being recruited by the Vietnamese company. Under no circumstances should the job title be vague or unclear.
What should I do if I lose my work permit?
In the event of a lost work permit, the employee must file a report with confirmation from the police station where the incident occurred or where they temporarily reside. The sponsoring employer then submits an application for a replacement work permit to the Department of Interior within 3 days of discovering the loss.
Penalties for not having a Work Permit.
The act of employing foreign workers without work permits or employing workers whose work permits have expired will be subject to extremely severe administrative penalties:
- For foreign workers: They will be fined between 15,000,000 and 25,000,000 VND, and will also be subject to the additional penalty of deportation from Vietnam.
- For businesses employing foreign workers: Fines range from 30,000,000 to 75,000,000 VND depending on the number of foreign workers illegally employed, and business operations may be suspended for 1 to 3 months in cases of serious violations.
Why should you use Work Permit services for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City?
Administrative procedures related to foreigners in Vietnam always demand absolute accuracy, a deep understanding of the law, and the ability to work skillfully with state management agencies. Choosing to partner with us is crucial. Work Permit services for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City of the service providers Work Permit service Professionalism offers many significant advantages:
- Time saving: Minimize the time spent reviewing complex documents, avoid queuing to submit paperwork, and reduce the need for multiple trips to amend or supplement administrative requirements from staff.
- Minimizing application rejections: Our team of legal experts thoroughly reviews the validity of documents, optimizes the qualifications and job descriptions of foreign applicants, ensuring the highest possible approval rate on the first submission.
- Comprehensive support from Work Permit to Temporary Residence Card: We provide a complete legal solution from translation, consular legalization, work permit application to Temporary Residence Card (TRC) procedures and assistance in completing tax and insurance declarations for foreign personnel.
MAN's Work Permit service for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City.
As one of the leading organizations operating in the field Work permit consultation, accounting and human resources in Vietnam, MAN – Master Accountant Network Proud to offer solutions Issuing work permits for foreigners. Professional, reputable, and comprehensive services in Ho Chi Minh City.
By partnering with MAN, businesses will receive optimal support:
- Free consultation: Verify the eligibility and review all qualifications of the employee before proceeding.
- Prepare and submit the application: Prepare all declaration forms and templates accurately according to the standards of Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP on the online system.
- Representative for dealings with government agencies: Directly submit and explain documents, and promptly handle any arising issues with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Internal Affairs.
- Assistance with TRC and work visas: We provide a complete package of post-licensing procedures, including applying for temporary residence permits, renewing work permits, and changing work visas.
Conclude
A Work Permit is a mandatory requirement for foreigners to work legally in Vietnam. Preparing the necessary documents and following the correct procedures will save businesses time, minimize legal risks, and quickly bring employees to work. If you need assistance with Work Permit procedures for foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City, businesses can contact MAN for comprehensive advice and support.
Contact information for services at 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
- Google Business Profile: View MAN – Master Accountant Network's Google Business Profile
- LinkedIn Founder: View expert Le Hoang Tuyen's LinkedIn profile.
Responsible for production and professional content review by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO of MAN – Master Accountant Network, CPA Vietnam with over 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate financial consulting.
MAN – Master Accountant Network is committed to providing transparent, up-to-date professional information in accordance with current legal regulations and adhering to professional standards in the fields of accounting, auditing, and taxation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Work Permits for Foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City
To help businesses quickly grasp the key information, here are detailed explanations from MAN's legal experts.
