Your Guide on How To Get A Vietnamese Work Permit as a Foreigner

As a foreigner, one of the main requirements for you to work in Vietnam is a work permit. Obtaining a work permit in Vietnam is neither straightforward nor quick. If you are chanced to secure a job in Vietnam, then you will be faced with the need for a work permit. To make the process of obtaining a work permit in Vietnam, we are taking a look at the entire process below.

Who Is Eligible For A Vietnamese Work Permit?

Anyone can qualify for a Vietnamese work permit provided you meet the requirements. Amongst the criteria to qualify for a work permit in Vietnam include:

• You should be 18 or over
• You have no criminal prior or charges
• You have a job offer in Vietnam
• You are academically qualified for your intended job
• You must be verified by the parent company about your working experience
• You must meet the health conditions to work and have a medical health certificate

Additionally, the company offering you the job may be required to prove that there were no Vietnamese available to fill the position. Once you can meet all the above-listed qualifications, then you are eligible for a Vietnam work permit.

How Can I Get A Vietnamese Work Permit?

The main thing you will need to know as regards a work permit in Vietnam is that the Department of Home Affairs is in charge. Your employer is usually the one who will handle the process of getting the work permit. Three major steps are involved in getting a work permit in Vietnam which are:

Step 1: The approval of demand for using foreign workers

Seeing as the entire process will need to be completed before you can work in Vietnam, this step needs to be done a month in advance. This step will require simple documents like your employer’s business certificates. There is a registration form that will be filled out and submitted along with the other required documents.

Step 2: Organizing the documents needed for a work permit

A work permit will require you to have certain documents, and you will need to make sure your employer has these documents when the time comes.

Step 3: Submitting the application along with the necessary documents

Department of Home Affairs is the body that handles work permits for foreigners. It is where the documents will be submitted and a work permit issued. The process should be started at least 15 days before the resumption date of your net job. Where all conditions are met and all documents accounted for, you can get a work permit in 5 working days, and you are set to work in Vietnam.

Applying For The Vietnamese Work Permit

One thing you need to note when it comes to a Vietnam work permit is that not every foreigner will need one. The work permit will strictly apply to those who intend to work in the country for longer than a month. Other factors will determine whether you need a work permit or not and you can see them all under Labor Code.

Premia TNC can provide help if you still require further assistance when it comes to applying for a Vietnam work Visa. You can schedule a consultation to ensure you can obtain a Vietnam work permit with relative ease.

Which Documents Do You Need For A Vietnamese Work Permit?

Applying for a work permit will require certain documents as stated earlier, but some of the documents you need will be determined by your job. Some general documents will be required for a Vietnamese work permit. As the employer will be responsible for applying for the work permit, you will need to ensure that you provide them with at least a copy of the following documents:

• A health certificate issued no more than six months before the application
• A certificate showing that you have no criminal record in your home country, with the certificate dated no more than six months prior
• Documents showing your professional background.
• Copies of your academic qualifications
• A passport photograph taken no more than three months prior. The passport will need to have a white background and have 4cm by 6cm dimensions. You are also not expected to wear any headgear or glasses in the passport photograph. If factors like religion prompt you to wear a headgear I the passport, then you must be wearing it upon your arrival as well.

Additionally, your employer will also need to submit some documents like:

• The approval of demand for using foreign workers
• Business registration certificate
• Work permit application form

If all the documents are present and meet the approved standards, then your work permit application should be straightforward. It is also important to note that all documents being submitted will need to be in Vietnamese as opposed to English or the language of your country. You can have the documents translated at the Vietnam Notary Service or Justice Division of a District People’s Committee branch if necessary.

What Is The Duration Of A Vietnamese Work Permit?

The maximum duration a work permit can have in Vietnam is two years, but it can be renewed if you still wish to continue working in Vietnam. If you wish to continue working uninterrupted, then ensure you file for a renewal at least five days before your current permit expires. Any renewal must be done when there is less than 45 left on the current work permit.

3 Common Reasons for Rejection When Learning How to Get a Work Permit in Vietnam

1. Incomplete or inaccurate documentation

One of the most common reasons for rejection when learning how to get a work permit in Vietnam is incomplete or incorrect documentation. Applicants are required to submit legalized and translated copies of essential documents such as degrees, professional certificates, health checks, and criminal background records. If any of these are missing, expired, or improperly translated, the application may be denied by the authorities. 

2. Failure to meet qualification requirements

Applicants must also meet specific qualifications based on their intended role. For positions such as managers, specialists, or technical experts, Vietnam’s regulations often demand relevant academic credentials or substantial work experience. If the applicant’s background does not align with the role’s requirements, rejection is highly likely. 

3. Inconsistent information across documents

Consistency is critical in the application process for how to get a work permit in Vietnam. Inaccuracies or mismatches between documents submitted to various authorities can trigger delays or outright rejection. It is essential to double-check that all forms, certificates, and supporting documents provide accurate and consistent information. 

4 Tips to Streamline the Process When Figuring Out How to Get a Work Permit in Vietnam

1. Prepare all documents in advance

One of the most effective ways to simplify the process of how to get a work permit in Vietnam is by preparing all necessary documents well ahead of time. This involves making sure that all necessary qualifications, criminal background checks, and health certificates are properly legalized and accurately translated into Vietnamese wherever such translation is required by local authorities.

2. Stay informed about regulation updates

Vietnamese labor regulations may change periodically, so staying updated with the latest requirements is essential. Keeping track of updates from official sources helps avoid unnecessary complications during the application process. 

3. Ensure employer compliance with local laws

Employers must comply with Vietnam’s labor regulations to avoid delays in the work permit process. Non-compliance by the employer, such as missing business licenses or labor registrations, can result in rejected applications for foreign employees. 

4. Maintain clear communication throughout the process

Clear and timely communication with the relevant authorities helps prevent misunderstandings or unnecessary delays. Submitting accurate applications and promptly addressing any follow-up requests can help ensure a smoother process for those seeking how to get a work permit in Vietnam. 

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