What Is a Work Permit in Vietnam?

A Work Permit in Vietnam is an official document issued by the Vietnamese Department of Labor that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Vietnam. This permit is mandatory for most foreign employees and serves as a legal foundation for signing labor contracts, receiving salaries, and applying for long-term visas such as the Work Visa or Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

Work Permits are issued at the provincial level, meaning the Department of Labor and Internal Affairs (formerly DOLISA) of the province or city where the employer is headquartered is responsible for handling the application.

Key point: A company cannot legally employ or pay a foreign worker without a valid Work Permit unless the worker qualifies for an official exemption.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Vietnam?

Generally, any non-Vietnamese individual who is employed by a company or organization in Vietnam must obtain a Work Permit. This includes:

• Employees under a labor contract

• Experts or technical workers sent by overseas companies

• Internal company transferees

• Foreign executives, directors, and representatives of enterprises

Who Is Eligible for Work Permit Exemption?

While most foreigners need a Work Permit, Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP (amended by Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP) outlines specific exemptions. Eligible individuals must still apply for an Exemption Certificate from the Department of Labor and Internal Affairs..

 Common Cases of Work Permit Exemption:

• Foreigners married to a Vietnamese citizen and residing in Vietnam.

• Investors or shareholders with a capital contribution of at least VND 3 billion.

• Diplomatic and consular personnel, representatives of international organizations.

• Foreigners entering Vietnam to work for less than 30 days and no more than 3 times per year.

• Students or interns working under agreement between training institutions.

• Foreign lawyers licensed to practice in Vietnam.

Important: The exemption is not automatic. An application dossier must be submitted, but the process is generally faster and simpler than obtaining a Work Permit.

Step-by-Step Work Permit Application Process

Applying for a Work Permit in Vietnam involves two main stages, as governed by Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP:

 Step 1: Labor Demand Approval (Position Approval)

The employer must first register the need to employ a foreign worker by submitting a request to the Department of Labor and Internal Affairs. The application explains the job position, why it cannot be filled by a Vietnamese, and the proposed duration.

Timeline: Around 10–15 working days

Step 2: Work Permit Application (Individual Approval)

Once the position is approved, the company can submit the official application to hire a specific foreign individual for the approved role. This application includes personal documents, health checks, diplomas, and work experience records.

Timeline: Around 10–15 working days

Total Processing Time: 4–6 weeks, though delays may occur due to public holidays, incomplete documents, or additional requests from authorities.

Required Documents for Work Permit Application

The required documents depend on the job category of the foreigner. According to Vietnamese labor regulations, there are four recognized categories:

Notes:

• All foreign documents (degrees, experience letters, criminal records) must be consular legalized and certified translated into Vietnamese.

• Health certificates must be issued by a Vietnamese hospital authorized for Work Permit purposes.

• Criminal records can be obtained from Vietnam (for residents) or from the applicant’s home country.

Document legalization can be done at the Vietnamese embassy abroad or at the foreign embassy in Vietnam, depending on the issuing country.

Validity, Renewal, and Management of Work Permits

Work Permit Validity

• Maximum term: 2 years

• Actual term depends on:

  • Length of employment contract

  • Passport validity

  • Company’s demand

Renewal or Re-issuance

• A Work Permit can be renewed once for the same position and employer.

• After expiration of the renewed permit, the applicant must apply for a new Work Permit.

Company’s Responsibility

• The Work Permit is owned by the employer.

• The employer must:

  • Keep the original permit

  • Provide notarized copies to employees for Visa/TRC applications

  • Retrieve the permit when the employee resigns or changes jobs

Changing employers or job titles requires a new Work Permit. Transfer is not automatic.

Need Help with Your Work Permit in Vietnam?

Navigating the Vietnamese Work Permit system can be complicated and time-consuming, especially for those unfamiliar with local regulations and language requirements.

At Green NRJ, we offer end-to-end support for:

• Work Permit application and exemption

• Work Visa and TRC application

• Legalization and translation of foreign documents

• Labor declaration and compliance procedures

📩 Contact us today to ensure your foreign workers are legally employed in Vietnam with full compliance and zero hassle.