Work Permit Services

Understanding Work Permits

A work permit for foreign employees in Vietnam is an official document issued by Vietnamese authorities, granting legal authorization to work in the country. It is mandatory for all foreign employees to obtain a work permit before entering into an employment contract or commencing any work in Vietnam, except in cases where an exemption applies.

A work permit guarantees the legal employment of the foreign employee and the protection of their rights and interests in the labor relationship. This legal framework is designed to uphold the standards set by Vietnamese law, ensuring both compliance and protection for foreign workers.

Duration of Validity

The work permit is valid for up to 2 years, with the option for renewal before expiration to maintain legal work status.

Typical Processing Time

The work permit application typically takes 5 to 8 weeks, requiring submission of all necessary documents for review and approval.

Perks of Hiring
a Work Permit Service Provider in Vietnam

In-Depth Understanding of Local Regulations

A work permit service provider in Vietnam offers specialized knowledge of local laws and regulations, ensuring your application meets all legal requirements. Their expertise minimizes the risk of non-compliance, helping you avoid potential penalties and rejections.

Ensures a Smoother Process

These providers streamline the work permit application process by managing all necessary paperwork and filings. Their efficient handling of each step ensures a smooth and trouble-free experience, reducing the likelihood of delays or complications.

Ideal to Save Time

Hiring a service provider saves your business valuable time by allowing experts to handle the permit process quickly and effectively. This lets your team focus on core activities while ensuring timely and accurate permit approvals.

Cuts Down on Potential Errors and Delays

A professional service provider reduces the risk of errors and delays by ensuring applications are complete and correctly filed from the start. This accuracy helps avoid costly setbacks, facilitating a faster onboarding process for foreign employees.

Current Requirements for
Obtaining a Work Permit in Vietnam

To apply for a work permit in Vietnam, foreign employees must meet several key conditions. They must have full legal capacity, be in good health for the job, and be free of any criminal convictions or ongoing legal proceedings. Additionally, they must qualify as a manager, executive, expert, or technician.

For experts, this means holding at least a bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience, or five years of experience with a recognized practice certificate. Technical workers must have either one year of technical training and three years of experience or five years of relevant work experience. Executives and managers must provide an appointment decision.

Starting January 1, 2021, under Article 151 of the Labor Code, the requirements for work permit eligibility include being at least 18 years old, having full legal capacity, possessing the necessary qualifications, skills, and health as stipulated by the Minister of Health, and having no criminal record or pending criminal prosecution in either their home country or Vietnam.

Stages of a Work Permit
Application Process

01

Application for
Approval to Hire Foreign Employee

Employers in Vietnam (except bidders) must submit a request to the Ministry of Labor or the provincial People’s Committee at least 30 days before hiring a foreign employee. Under Circular 23/2017/TT-BLDTBXH, effective from October 2, 2017, this request can also be submitted online via principal electronic portal at least 20 days before employment begins.

The authority reviews the application within 12 days, notifying the employer of the result via email. Once approved, the employer must submit original documents in person or by post, and the authority will return the original approval result within 8 hours. The application must include a form explaining the demand for foreign employees, as required by Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP

02

Application Submission
for Foreign Employee Work Permit

The application for a work permit in Vietnam must be submitted to the Ministry or Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs in the relevant province at least 15 days before the foreign employee’s start date. If the application is complete and valid, the applicant pays the work permit fee and receives an appointment for result collection. If additional details are needed, the applicant will be notified. The processing time typically takes five working days from the receipt of a complete application.

03

Collect the
Foreign Employee Work Permit

The Ministry or Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs will issue work permits within five working days using Form 12/PLI as per Decree 152/2020/ND-CP. If a work permit is denied, the Ministry or Department will provide a written explanation detailing the reasons for refusal.

Essential Documents for
Work Permit Application

Documentation Provided by
the Employer

Employers will provide the following:

  • A detailed job description for the relevant vacancy
  • A copy of the Enterprise Registration Certificate
  • A draft of the labor contract

Documentation Provided by
the Foreign Employee

Foreign Employee will provide the following:

  • A criminal record certificate from their home country police or from Vietnamese police if residing in Vietnam
  • A health check certificate from an authorized Vietnamese hospital
  • University degree or work experience letter, existing work permit or exemptions
  • Existing work permit or exemptions
  • A letter confirming relevant management experience from their former employer,
  • Passport
  • Valid visa
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Two recent color photos (4 cm x 6 cm, white background, facing forward, no head covering or colored glasses)

Frequently Asked Questions

A work permit is an official document issued by Vietnamese authorities that grants legal authorization for foreign employees to work in Vietnam. It is mandatory for all foreign workers to obtain this permit before starting work, ensuring their employment is legal and their rights are protected under Vietnamese law.
A work permit in Vietnam is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed before it expires to ensure continued legal work status.
The processing time for a work permit application typically takes 5 to 8 weeks, depending on the completeness of the submitted documents and the review process.
Hiring a service provider ensures a smoother application process, reduces the risk of errors and delays, saves time, and provides expertise in navigating local regulations, which helps avoid compliance issues and potential penalties.
Foreign employees must have legal capacity, be in good health, and have no criminal record. Required documents include a criminal record certificate, health check certificate, university degree and/or work experience letter, and a valid passport. Employers must provide a job description, an enterprise registration certificate, and a draft labor contract.