10 Crucial Facts Foreigners Must Know About Vietnam Work Permit Regulations

Navigating work permit (WP) matters can be complex, especially for foreigners in a rapidly growing country like Vietnam. The nation’s economy has been booming, attracting international talent across various industries.

However, applying for a Vietnam work permit involves multiple steps, specific criteria, and can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the country’s legal framework.

In the following, our labor lawyers provide a comprehensive guide to understanding everything you need to know about Vietnam work permits, offering insights into eligibility, application processes, requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re a new expat, an employer, or a long-term foreign resident in Vietnam, this guide will help you confidently navigate Vietnam’s work permit landscape.

What is a Vietnam Work Permit?

A Vietnam work permit is an official document issued by the Vietnamese government that grants permission to foreigners to work legally within the country. Typically, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA) is responsible for issuing these permits. The document serves as a legal acknowledgment that a foreign worker has met all necessary criteria to engage in employment under Vietnamese law.

Possessing a valid Vietnam work permit not only ensures compliance with local regulations but also provides job security. Foreigners found working without a valid work permit can face severe penalties, including fines, deportation, and potential blacklisting from re-entry into Vietnam.

Who Needs a Vietnam Work Permit?

Almost all foreign nationals intending to work in Vietnam require a Vietnam work permit. However, the need for a work permit depends on several factors, including job type, duration of stay, and company sponsorship.

Those who typically need a work permit include:

• Foreign nationals employed by Vietnamese companies or organizations
• Foreigners working as managers, executives, or technical experts
• Contract workers under companies or projects based in Vietnam

Note: Certain cases might be exempt from the requirement, such as those on short-term assignments. However, even in these situations, reporting obligations to local authorities may apply.

Key Eligibility Criteria for a Vietnam Work Permit

To obtain a Vietnam work permit, foreigners must meet specific eligibility criteria. These include professional qualifications, health status, and compliance with Vietnamese regulations. Here are the main requirements:

• Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• Education and Professional Background: The applicant should have a relevant educational qualification or significant experience in their field. Often, a degree and 3-5 years of experience in a related role are standard requirements.
• Health Status: A health examination conducted by an authorized Vietnamese medical institution is required. It typically includes general health assessments and testing for communicable diseases.
• No Criminal Record: Applicants need to provide a criminal background check from their home country and, if they have resided in Vietnam for more than six months, from Vietnamese authorities as well.
• Employer Sponsorship: Only companies licensed in Vietnam can sponsor a foreigner’s work permit application.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Vietnam Work Permit

Navigating the process of securing a Vietnam work permit can be lengthy and intricate, requiring attention to detail and careful planning. Below is an outline of the steps involved:

1. Gather the Necessary Documents .
2. Medical Examination: Complete a health check at a Vietnamese hospital accredited for foreigner health examinations.
3. Obtain a Criminal Background Check: Obtain a police clearance certificate from your home country. If you’ve been in Vietnam over six months, a Vietnamese police clearance is also needed.
4. Submit the Application: Your employer will usually submit the work permit application on your behalf to the local Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DOLISA).
5. Approval: If the application meets all requirements, MOLISA will issue the Vietnam work permit within 10-20 working days.
6. Receive Work Permit: Upon approval, the permit is sent to the employer, who should ensure you receive and keep it safely.

Required Documents for a Vietnam Work Permit Application

The Vietnam work permit application process requires detailed documentation. Each document plays a crucial role in proving your eligibility to work in Vietnam. Here is the comprehensive list:

• Job Offer or Contract: An employment contract or job offer from a Vietnamese company.
• Passport: A notarized copy of your passport, with at least six months’ validity.
• Photos: Passport-sized photos taken within the last six months.
• Degree and Professional Certificates: Authenticated copies of educational and professional qualifications.
• Health Certificate: Results from an approved Vietnamese medical institution.
• Criminal Background Check: A police clearance from your home country (and from Vietnamese authorities if applicable).

Each of these documents must be notarized, translated into Vietnamese, and authenticated by relevant authorities if not originally in Vietnamese.

Vietnam Work Permit Exemptions

Not all foreign workers in Vietnam need a work permit. Here are cases where a Vietnam work permit is typically not required:

• Short-Term Assignments: Foreigners working in Vietnam for fewer than 30 days or less than 90 cumulative days per year may be exempt.
• Intra-Company Transferees: Foreign employees transferred from a company’s international offices to a branch or representative office in Vietnam may not require a permit.
• Certain Professionals: Foreigners working as lawyers, accredited journalists, or in other specific professions may be eligible for exemptions.

Those exempt from needing a Vietnam work permit are usually required to report their employment to DOLISA for official documentation and approval.

Common Challenges in Obtaining a Vietnam Work Permit

Securing a Vietnam work permit is not without challenges. Understanding these obstacles can help applicants prepare adequately:

• Complex Paperwork Requirements: Documents need to be translated, notarized, and often apostilled, which can be time-consuming.
• Employer Responsibility: Employers are responsible for completing applications, which can lead to delays if they are unfamiliar with the process.
• Health Checks: The health examination must be done in Vietnam, adding an extra step for those not currently in the country.
• Strict Background Check Rules: Providing police clearances from both your home country and Vietnam can be a challenging requirement for applicants with limited resources.

Renewing a Vietnam Work Permit

Work permits are usually valid for up to two years. To continue working, permit holders must renew their Vietnam work permit before its expiration. The renewal process resembles the initial application but may require fewer documents if the applicant’s employment and residency status remain unchanged.

Steps for Renewal:

1. Check Renewal Eligibility: Confirm with your employer whether renewal is possible.
2. Complete Health Check: A new medical certificate may be needed.
3. Application Submission: Your employer submits the renewal application to DOLISA.
4. Receive Renewed Permit: If approved, the renewed permit typically extends your work permission for another two years.

FAQs on Vietnam Work Permit for Foreigners

Q1: How long does it take to get a Vietnam work permit?

A: The process generally takes 10-20 working days once all documents are correctly submitted, though it may take longer if additional verification is needed.

Q2: Can I work in Vietnam without a work permit?

A: No, foreigners working without a valid Vietnam work permit face fines, deportation, or blacklisting from re-entering Vietnam.

Q3: Is a Vietnam work permit transferable between employers?

A: No, each Vietnam work permit is linked to a specific employer. Changing employers requires applying for a new work permit.

Q4: Can I enter Vietnam on a tourist visa and apply for a work permit?

A: Yes, but you will need to switch to a business or work visa once the work permit is approved.

Q5: What happens if my work permit application is rejected?

A: If rejected, applicants can review reasons with their employer and attempt to correct any issues or reapply.

Vietnam Work Permit: Few Last Thoughts for Foreigners

Obtaining a Vietnam work permit can be a detailed and sometimes challenging process, but it is essential for all foreigners intending to work legally in the country. Key considerations include preparing complete documentation, adhering to health and background check requirements, and working closely with a local employer to ensure a smooth process. Understanding exemptions, renewal procedures, and potential challenges will help you navigate the process effectively, avoiding legal complications and ensuring a secure working environment in Vietnam.

Navigating the requirements for a Vietnam work permit can be complicated, but with the right information and preparation, it is entirely manageable. By following the steps, maintaining thorough documentation, and consulting with your employer or legal professionals, you can successfully acquire or renew your Vietnam work permit and build a secure, rewarding career in Vietnam.

About ANT Lawyers, a Law Firm in Vietnam

We help clients overcome cultural barriers and achieve their strategic and financial outcomes, while ensuring the best interest rate protection, risk mitigation and regulatory compliance. ANT lawyers has lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi,  and Danang, and will help customers in doing business in Vietnam.