The employment of foreign workers in Vietnam is becoming increasingly common as businesses expand internationally. However, to ensure legal compliance, foreign workers are required to have a valid work permit. Since August 7, 2025, regulations regarding work permit applications have undergone significant changes according to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, requiring sponsoring entities and individuals to update their knowledge promptly to avoid administrative risks.
Overview of work permit application regulations in 2026
A work permit is a legal document issued by a competent state agency in Vietnam, allowing a foreigner to work legally in a specific position for a certain period of time. This is a prerequisite for workers to be able to apply for temporary residence permits and long-term residency.
The fundamental legal documents governing the work permit application process include: Decree 219/2025/ND-CP This is in accordance with the Government's regulations and Circular 85/2019/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance on fees. A notable point in 2026 is that the work permit application process has been completely digitized, helping to shorten waiting times and increase transparency in the application review process.
Eligibility and conditions for granting work permits to foreigners.
To obtain a work permit in Vietnam, both workers and businesses need to meet stringent standards regarding competence and professional ethics. Below are the basic requirements that applicants need to prepare before submitting their work permit application.
- Workers must be 18 years of age or older and have full legal capacity.
- Having good health, as confirmed by competent medical facilities listed in the Ministry of Health's catalog.
- Not currently serving a sentence or with an unexpunged criminal record, and not under criminal investigation under Vietnamese or foreign law.
- This includes specific groups such as managers, executives, specialists, or technical workers with qualifications and experience that match the requirements of the position for which the work permit is being sought.
Where should I submit my application and where is the authority that issues work permits?
One of the most common questions businesses have is which authority they should file their work permit application with to ensure proper jurisdiction. According to the new regulations, the correct filing location depends on the employer's headquarters or business location.
The provincial People's Committee, specifically the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, is the highest authority at the local level in receiving, issuing, and renewing work permits. In cases where an employee works for an employer with multiple branches in different provinces and cities, the work permit application will be submitted to the province where the company's head office is located. Currently, most provinces have shifted the application process to local public administrative service centers to optimize the work permit application process for citizens.
Specifics of applying for work permits for common nationalities
Each country has different regulations regarding the issuance of personal documents, therefore the process of preparing work permit applications also has specific considerations for each group of applicants. Understanding these specifics helps businesses shorten preparation time and increase the approval rate of applications.
| Nationality | Special type of document | Issuing authority in the country of origin | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea | Criminal Record Check | National Police Agency (KNPA) | Consular legalization is required at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
| Japan | University degree & proof of experience | University or Previous Company | Often presented in great detail, requiring accurate certified translation. |
| India | IT Professional Certifications & Degrees | Training institutions/Specialized agencies | The qualification verification process usually takes longer, so prepare two months in advance. |
| China | Criminal record check & Professional qualifications | Notary Office (Gong Zheng Chu) | It must be legalized by the Chinese diplomatic agency before being allowed to enter Vietnam. |
Latest application form for a work permit for foreigners.
Preparing a complete and accurate work permit application is crucial to the speed of processing by the authorities. A standard application, in accordance with Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, includes the following documents.
- The explanatory document regarding the need to employ foreign workers shall be prepared according to Form No. 03 in the Appendix issued with Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP.
- A certified copy of your passport, valid for at least one year or as required by current law.
- The criminal record certificate (number 1 or number 2) must be issued within 06 months prior to the date of application for a work permit.
- Two color portrait photos, size 4x6cm, with a white background, no colored glasses, and taken within the last 6 months.
- Qualifications, professional certificates, or documents confirming at least three years of work experience in a similar position must all be legalized by the consular office for use in applying for a work permit.
- The document from the competent authority approving the need to employ foreign workers was previously approved.
Procedures for applying for a work permit online and in person.
The current work permit application process has been streamlined to reduce the administrative burden on businesses. You can choose to submit your application online to save travel time and track your work permit application more easily.
First, businesses need to submit a report explaining their labor needs at least 15 days before the expected date of employing foreign workers. After receiving the approval document, you proceed to submit the work permit application following the instructions below.
- Step 1: Access and register an account on the National Public Service Portal or the Public Service Portal of the respective province or city where the business is headquartered.
- Step 2: Scan and upload electronic copies of the prepared paper documents to submit your work permit application online.
- Step 3: Monitor the application status on the system. The authorities will respond regarding the validity of the documents via email or identified text message.
- Step 4: After receiving online approval, the business submits a paper copy for verification and receives the official work permit application result at the one-stop service center.
Processing time for applications and validity of work permits.
The processing time for work permit applications has been significantly shortened compared to before, aiming to help businesses stabilize their workforce sooner. Below is the actual timeframe that businesses should be aware of when applying.
After receiving a complete and valid work permit application, the competent authority is responsible for reviewing and issuing the permit within 10 working days. In cases where the application requires additional documents or is rejected, the authority will provide a written response stating the reasons within 3 working days. The work permit, once issued, will be valid for the duration of the employment contract or work assignment document, but not exceeding 2 years as currently stipulated.
Costs and fees for obtaining a work permit in Vietnam
The fees for obtaining work permits are not fixed nationwide but are adjusted according to resolutions of the People's Council of each province and centrally-governed city. Understanding these fees helps businesses be more proactive in their budget for recruiting international personnel.
Below is a summary of the reference fees for work permit applications in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
| Type of procedure performed | Reference fee (VNĐ) |
|---|---|
| Issuing new work permits | 600,000 – 1,000,000 |
| Reissuing work permits | 450.000 |
| Work permit renewal | 450,000 – 600,000 |
Note: The fees listed in the table above are only the government fees for applying for a work permit. Businesses should budget for additional related costs such as health check-ups (from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 VND), notarized translation fees, and consular legalization fees, depending on the number of documents to be processed.
Price list for work permit application services at MAN – Master Accountant Network
For businesses without a dedicated legal department or those wishing to optimize document processing time, using a comprehensive service package is the most effective solution. MAN – Master Accountant Network provides these services. Work permit application services with high commitment and competitive costs.
Below is a price list for legal assistance and work permit applications in MAN in 2026.
| Support service package | Main content to be implemented | Service fee (VNĐ) |
|---|---|---|
| Application consulting services | Instructions for preparing standard documents and forms. | 2.000.000 |
| Complete license renewal service | This includes explaining the need and issuing permits. | 5.500.000 |
| License renewal service | Process the renewal 45 days before the expiration date. | 4.000.000 |
| Urgent reissue service | Prompt handling of lost or changed information. | 3.500.000 |
| Consular legalization services | Representative at the diplomatic mission | 1.500.000 |
Important Note: The costs in the table above are for reference only and cover basic application requirements. Actual service prices may vary depending on the worker's nationality, the complexity of the application (qualifications, experience), and the client's urgent processing requirements. For the most accurate quote for your specific case, please contact us. Contact directly with MAN – Master Accountant Network.
Notes on consular legalization and document translation
For documents issued by foreign authorities, such as university diplomas or criminal record certificates used to apply for work permits, consular legalization is mandatory to ensure the documents are legally valid in Vietnam.
After consular legalization, documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized at authorized notary offices. Businesses applying for work permits should check the list of countries exempt from consular legalization under bilateral agreements to optimize the time and cost of the procedure.
Procedures for renewing and reissuing work permits for foreigners.
If your work permit is about to expire or is lost or damaged, you need to follow the appropriate procedures to avoid disrupting your work. Applying for a work permit renewal should be done early to avoid illegal residency.
For work permit renewals, employers must submit applications at least 5 days but no more than 45 days before the permit expires. If the deadline is missed, the employee will be required to apply for a new work permit from scratch, with more complex application requirements and higher costs. Reissuance procedures are typically applied when personal information on the permit changes or the permit is lost during use.
Cases that do not require a work permit.
Not all foreigners entering Vietnam for work need to apply for a work permit. There are approximately 20 specific cases that are exempt according to current Vietnamese law.
- Foreign nationals who are owners or contributing members of limited liability companies with capital contributions reaching the level prescribed by the Government.
- Internal movement within businesses in the service sectors is covered by Vietnam's commitments to international organizations such as the WTO.
- Entering Vietnam to provide technical consulting services or perform tasks for less than 30 days and no more than 90 cumulative days in a year.
- The foreign lawyer has been granted a license to practice law in Vietnam by the Ministry of Justice in accordance with regulations.
Although exempt from requiring a work permit, in most cases, businesses are still required to go through the procedure of verifying that the employee does not need a work permit at the local Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for a Work Permit in 2026
During the process of applying for work permits, many businesses and individuals often encounter legal issues that require clear clarification. To optimize your search experience, here are the most common questions related to international employment.
What are the penalties for foreigners working without a work permit?
What are the penalties for businesses employing workers without a permit?
Can individual foreigners apply for a work permit on their own?
Conclusion and recommendations for employers
Obtaining work permits for foreigners in 2026 requires a thorough understanding and strict adherence to the new regulations in Decree 219/2025/ND-CP. To ensure a smooth work permit application process, businesses should plan ahead and prepare their documents early, especially for consular legalization and health check-ups.
A transparent and complete work permit application not only helps businesses comply with the law but also builds a strong reputation with regulatory agencies. If your business does not have a dedicated foreign personnel department, consider seeking assistance from professional consulting firms like MAN – Master Accountant Network to help you complete the work permit application process quickly and accurately.
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 is moderated by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO of Man, CPA Vietnam Auditors With over 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and financial consulting...
