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Vietnam Work Permit Service

Due to globalization nowadays, there is a diversity of job opportunities that meet the need for expats travelling around the world. In Vietnam, English is the main communicating language with foreigners, as well as the need to be fluent in this international language is highly demanded, more and more people are willing to have a ‘long-term relationship’ when accidentally falling in love with its stunning characteristics.

As a matter of fact, foreigners can come to Vietnam to look for a job on a tourist visa or business visa. And then, when they find a job, they will get a work permit in Vietnam sponsored by their employers, whose company/organization is registered and recognized in Vietnam.

Vietnam work permit fee

The fee for a work permit application in Vietnam varies with three major levels. Below are examples of the work permit fee, approximately:

Service Fee (USD)
New applicants 300 Apply Now
Re-issued work permits 300 Apply Now
Renewal work permits 300 Apply Now

Note: If you do not have enough those documents above, price of service will be change from time to time. Please contact us at [email protected].

Vietnam work permit requirements

To get a work permit in Vietnam, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Over 18 years of age
  2. Possess suitable technical qualifications, working experience and good health that satisfies the job requirements
  3. Not currently serving a sentence; does not have an unspent conviction; is not undergoing criminal prosecution under his/her home country’s law or Vietnam’s law;
  4. Be an executive officer or a manager, specialist or technical worker with qualifications and occupational skills
  5. Have their employment approved in writing by a competent state agency
  6. Not enter Vietnam on a tourist visa, except for some special cases permitted by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs on a case-by-case basis.

Documents need submitting for Vietnam work permit application

  1. Request form for Vietnam work permit
  2. Health certificate;
  3. Criminal records (issued within 180 days),
  4. Certified copy of your certificate/degree;
  5. Working experience confirmation document from former employers;
  6. A copy of passport and valid visa;
  7. Approval certificate which allows the employer to use foreign workers from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or the People’s Committee where the employer resides. This certificate should be applied for at least 20 days before the expected date of recruitment of foreign workers by the employer;
  8. Certified copy of the Employer’s Business Registration Certificate;
  9. 02 4*6cm photos;
  10. Employment contract.

Work permit typical exemptions

A foreign worker may be exempt from Vietnam’s work permit if falling in one of the following common cases:

  • Being a chief representative or director of a project, or being in charge of operation of a Vietnam-based international organization or foreign non-governmental organization.
  • Entering and staying in Vietnam for under three months to offer services.
  • Entering Vietnam for a period of under three months to solve or to adversely impact production or business activities and cannot be solved by Vietnamese experts and foreign experts currently in Vietnam.
  • Having married a Vietnamese and is currently residing in Vietnam’s territory.
  • Being the owner or capital contributor of a limited liability company with a contributed capital value of at least VND 3 billion.
  • Being the chairperson or a member of the Board of Directors of a joint-stock company with a contributed capital value of at least VND 3 billion.
  • Vоluntееrѕ
  • Меmbеrѕ оf thе Bоаrd оf Dіrесtоrѕ оf а јоіnt-ѕtосk соmраnу
  • Ѕtudеntѕ аnd trаіnееѕ undеrtаkіng іntеrnѕhірѕ
  • Іntеrnаl trаnѕfеrѕ wіthіn еntеrрrіѕеѕ thаt аlrеаdу hаvе аn еѕtаblіѕhеd рrеѕеnсе іn Vіеtnаm

Work permit application procedures

In order to obtain work permits for foreign employees, an employer must carry out two procedures: one for asking for approval of employment of foreigners and the other for application for work permits.

First of all, a report explaining the demand for foreign employees must be sent to the provincial-level People’s Committee chairperson. Later, the employer must send a dossier of application for a work permit as prescribed in Article 10 of Decree 102 (including the written approval of employment of foreign employees) to the provincial-level Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Department at least 15 (instead of the current 20) working days before the foreign employee starts working. The Department will give a reply on whether to grant a work permit within 10 working days after receiving the dossier.

How can a work permit be re-granted or renewed?

A granted work permit would be valid for at most two years and could be extended once for another two years. At least five days but no more than 45 days before the work permit of a foreign worker expires, his employer would have to submit a dossier of application for extension of the work permit to the provincial-level Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs that has granted the work permit.

After having his work permit extended, a foreigner working in Vietnam on a contractual basis and his employer would sign a new labor contract before the date the foreign worker is expected to resume working. The employer would have to send a certified copy of the signed contract to the authority that has extended the work permit.

Frequently asked questions

Can I manage to get a work permit by myself?

Yes you can. However, the application for a work permit in Asian countries such as Vietnam can be complicated as cultural differences and communication problems are quite dominant. It is easier for foreigners to apply for the work permit through a reliable and professional visa consultancy. Furthermore, some of them can provide sponsorship to those who cannot secure a sponsor in Vietnam on their own, but it is not recommended.

Can I change my tourist visa into a work permit when I am in Vietnam?

As a matter of fact, foreigners can come to Vietnam to look for a job on a tourist visa or business visa. And then, when they find a job, they will get a work permit in Vietnam sponsored by their employers, whose company/organization is registered and recognized in Vietnam.

Is it possible to extend my work permit?

Yes you can. Your Vietnam work permit can be extended when the following requirements are met:

  • Your work permit is valid for 5 to 45 days only;
  • Your employer gets approval of demand on employing foreign workers (as mentioned in Step 1 of the work permit extension procedure below); and
  • There is a document supporting that the you will continue working for the employer as specified in the work permit to be extended

Can I get a work permit without the sponsorship letter?

No you cannot. A work permit may be terminated in the following circumstances:

  • Expiration of work permit;
  • Termination of labor contract;
  • The content of the labor contract is not consistent with the work permit granted;
  • If the foreign employee is fired by the foreign employer;
  • Withdrawal of work permit by authorized state agencies;
  • Termination of operation of the company, organization, and partners in Vietnam; and
  • The foreigner is sentenced to prison, dies, or is proclaimed missing by the court.

Can foreigners apply for a Vietnam work permit without university/ bachelor degrees?

For those who can apply for a Vietnam work permit without a bachelor degree, they can be foreign specialists, legal representatives of the company, managers and members of board of directors who are not an owner or company shareholders.

Can I work without a work permit in Vietnam?

Yes you can if you are belong under these common situations:

  • Working duration is less than 3 months.
  • Members of a limited company which consists of more than 1 member.
  • Owner of a 1 member limited company in Vietnam.
  • Members of BOD at a joint-stock company.
  • Foreign lawyer with a law practice license issued by the Ministry of justice.
  • Doing service sales activities for a foreign company in Vietnam

What are the requirements to apply for a work permit/TRC in Vietnam?

Work permit TRC
Definition Vietnam business visa is issued for those traveling to Vietnam for business-related purposes. A Vietnam visa is usually valid for three months (single or multiple entries) or even six months to 1 year. to conduct the business activities under Vietnam legislation… Work permits are issued by government authorities to foreign nationals who wish to earn an income or compensation overseas.
Requirements Foreigners must meet the following criteria to be able to apply:

  • At least 18 years old
  • Must have required technical skills and professional qualifications
  • Fit to work, mentally and physically
  • Do not have previous criminal records or activities
  • For foreigners hired in Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector, private medical sectors, or sector relevant to direct disease examination or treatment, must comply with regulations set out according to pharmaceutical and private medical practices
Foreign nationals can apply for a TRC when they fulfill one of the following requirements:

  • An owner of a limited liability company with only one person
  • A member of a limited liability company with two members or more
  • A student, professional or trainee in authorized programs by the government
  • A registered lawyer authorised for law practice in Vietnam
  • A family member of a Vietnamese national
  • A foreigner with work permit in a foreign company

What is the difference between a work permit and business visas?

Business Visa Work permit
Definition Vietnam business visa is issued for those traveling to Vietnam for business-related purposes. A Vietnam visa is usually valid for three months (single or multiple entries) or even six months to 1 year. to conduct the business activities under Vietnam legislation… Work permits are issued by government authorities to foreign nationals who wish to earn an income or compensation overseas.
Purposes
  • Attend meetings
  • Business events/conferences
  • Investigate business opportunities and ventures
  • Obtaining full-time or part-time employment
  • Working under contract
  • Contracted labor such as assembling an exhibit