Vietnam Work Permit – How to apply

If you're planning to work in Vietnam, understanding the requirements for a work permit and work visa is essential. Getting a work permit Vietnam lets foreign nationals work legally in the country. You usually need a Vietnam work visa for entry and employment.

In this guide, we will explain the key steps, eligibility requirements, and needed documents. This will help you navigate the process easily and begin your career in Vietnam.

When do you need to apply for a work permit Vietnam?

As per Circular No. 23/2017/TT-BLDTBXH, which provides guidelines on the online issuance of work permits for foreign workers in Vietnam, the employer or their representative must submit the request form and required documents to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs at least 13 working days before the foreign worker's expected start date. This is necessary to apply for the work permit Vietnam.

Work Permit Vietnam Requirements

To secure a work permit in Vietnam, candidates need to fulfill these prerequisites:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be in good health to meet the demands of the job.
• Have no criminal record or national security offenses in their home country and not be under criminal prosecution or serving a sentence by Vietnamese or foreign authorities during their assignment.
• Meet specific qualifications for the job position as follows:

For foreign experts:

• You need a bachelor’s degree or higher. You also need at least 3 years of experience in a related field in Vietnam.
• Have at least 5 years of experience in the relevant field for the position in Vietnam.

For technical workers:

• Must have 1 year of training and 3 years of experience in a technical or related field.
• Possess at least 5 years of work experience in a position relevant to the job in Vietnam.

For directors, CEOs, or similar positions:

• A decision on the appointment.
• At least 3 years of experience in the relevant position.

Additionally, you must legalize all foreign-issued documents before submission. The company hiring the foreign worker must have a business registration certificate. This certificate should match the worker’s job.

Application Procedure and Required Documentation

Step 1: Apply for Approval to Hire Foreign Workers

Employers must submit their application to hire foreign workers. You should complete this at least 15 days before the worker starts. The required documents include:

• A registration form for the demand to hire foreign workers (Form No. 01/PLI under Article 1.2 of Decree 70/2023/ND-CP, amending Article 4 of Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP).
• A certified copy of the company’s business registration.
• A letter of authorization if the applicant is not the company’s legal representative.

The paperwork can be handed in directly to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs in the area where the overseas employee will work, or it can be submitted online through the National Public Service Portal (dichvucong.gov.vn).

Step 2: Get the Documents Ready for the Work Permit Vietnam

The employer must gather the following documents:

• Work permit Vietnam application form (Form No. 11/PLI as per Decree 70/2023/ND-CP, which modifies the rules of Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP).
• Authentic health certificate provided in Vietnam or legalized if given overseas, accompanied by a certified Vietnamese translation (issued in the past 12 months).
• Authentic Vietnam Police Check or legalized if provided overseas, along with a certified Vietnamese translation (issued in the previous 6 months).
• Certified copy of the applicant’s valid passport.
• Approval letter obtained from Step 1.
• Two 4x6cm photos that meet the required specifications.
• Authorized papers that validate the overseas employee's skills and suitability for the job, accompanied by accredited translations in Vietnamese.

Step 3: Present Documents to Secure a Work Permit Vietnam

A minimum of 15 days before the expected commencement date of the foreign employee, the employer is required to initially present the arranged documents digitally to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA) or the Department of Labor (DOLISA) in the corresponding province. After getting the results from the system, the applicant must show the original documents. This is for verification. Then, they will receive the official work permit approval.

Work permit Vietnam processing time and cost

The total time to process a work permit application is 20 working days. This starts when we receive all the required documents. Here is the breakdown:

• 15 working days for approval of the demand to hire foreign workers.
• 5 working days for issuing the work permit.

We strongly recommend beginning the process at least 30 days before the foreign worker’s expected start date.

The cost of a Vietnam work permit varies based on the location where applicants submit the application forms.

For more detailed information about relocating and working in Vietnam, check out our article about Moving To Vietnam For Expats