Work Permit

Vietnam's Work Permit (Work Permit) is a mandatory document for foreigners to legally work in Vietnam, applicable to foreign employees working for Vietnamese enterprises, organizations, or branches of foreign companies. This pathway requires the employer to sponsor the applicant and demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a local Vietnamese citizen. The Work Permit is typically valid for the duration of the labor contract but not exceeding two years, and can be renewed. Holders of a Work Permit can apply for a Temporary Residence Card for long-term stay in Vietnam. The application process involves approval from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) and requires various documents from both the employer and the applicant. Categories of Work Permits include execution of contracts, provision of services, internal transfers, etc., with specific requirements varying by category. The entire process requires active cooperation from the employer, and it is advisable to prepare materials in advance, ensuring translation and notarization comply with Vietnamese law.

• Applicant must be at least 18 years old.
• Possess professional skills or work experience matching the position, typically requiring a bachelor's degree or higher, or equivalent technical qualifications.
• Employer must prove that efforts to recruit local Vietnamese workers have been unsuccessful, and provide documents such as job description and company registration.
• Applicant must be in good health and have no criminal record (provide a police clearance certificate from home country, authenticated by Vietnamese embassy/consulate).
• Labor contract must comply with Vietnamese labor law, and the position must be managerial, administrative, or technical, not simple labor.
• Simplified procedures apply for foreign investors or intra-company transferees.

1. The employer submits a Work Permit application to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs or provincial labor department, including a job position justification.
2. After review and approval, the department issues a Work Permit approval letter.
3. The applicant uses the approval letter to apply for a work visa (usually LD visa) at the Vietnamese embassy/consulate in their home country.
4. Upon entering Vietnam, apply for a Temporary Residence Card at the local immigration office (optional but recommended).
5. For renewal, submit the renewal application 30 days before the Work Permit expires.

• Confirm with the employer in advance whether the position meets Work Permit requirements to avoid rejection due to job nature.
• All notarized documents must be authenticated by the Vietnamese embassy/consulate; allow 1-2 months for authentication.
• Health checks must be done at a hospital recognized by Vietnam; consult the employer or local labor department.
• Enter Vietnam promptly after Work Permit approval to avoid the approval letter expiring.
• For renewal, provide the original Work Permit, tax payment proof, and social insurance records (if applicable).