A Vietnam work permit is essential for foreigners who want to work legally in Vietnam. Vietnam has clear regulations and specific documentation requirements, and understanding these can help simplify the process, ensure compliance, and smooth the path to employment.
Who needs a Vietnam work permit?
In Vietnam, most foreign workers are required to have a work permit. However, there are certain exemptions, such as those providing services under contracts of less than three months, members of foreign representative offices, and foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens.
In addition, a temporary residence card (TRC) is also a necessary requirement for foreign workers to be allowed to reside in Vietnam for a certain period of time.
See more: Conditions for foreign investment in Vietnam
Requirements for applying for a Vietnam work permit
Foreigners applying for a Vietnam work permit must meet certain eligibility criteria:
- Health standards: Medical certificate from a licensed medical facility within six months prior to application submission.
- Clean criminal record: Criminal record check from the applicant’s country of residence or Vietnam (if they have resided there for six months or more).
However, depending on the position and job title, there will be additional specific requirements for professional qualifications and work experience:
- For Foreign Experts: must have a bachelor’s degree or higher and at least 3 years of related work experience; or a certificate of at least five years of related work experience.
- For Technical Workers: must have at least 1 year of training in engineering or related fields and have at least 3 years of work experience in the trained field; or have at least 5 years of relevant experience.
- For Executive Directors and Managers: must have an appointment decision and certificate with at least 3 years of relevant work experience.
Application process
This process usually includes:
Preparing documents: Collecting all necessary documents, ensuring notarization and obtaining Vietnamese translations.
Submitted by employer: The recruiting company submits the application to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA) 15 days before the expected start date.
Approval time: Processing usually takes about 5-10 working days.
Work permit duration and renewal
A work permit in Vietnam is valid for up to two years, depending on the employment contract. Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiry date and usually follow the same process as a new application.
Work Permit Exemptions and Exemptions
Some foreigners may qualify for work permit exemptions. For example, foreign investors, managers, and experts who meet specific criteria may not need a work permit. However, they must obtain a Work Permit Exemption Certificate.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Working without a valid work permit or exemption is illegal and can result in significant fines and deportation for foreign workers, as well as fines for employers.
The work permit process in Vietnam can be complex, but with careful preparation and an understanding of the legal requirements, foreigners and their employers can ensure compliance with Vietnamese labor laws. Whether you are a foreigner looking to start a business in Vietnam or a business planning to hire foreign employees, staying informed about these regulations is essential.
Contact us for more! Hotline/Zalo 088 969 8877
