Vietnam Work Permit Service for Foreigners

A Vietnam work permit is a document that foreign employees must obtain to be able to work legally in Vietnam. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about this type of document, its requirements, application fees and common mistakes to avoid.

What is a Vietnam work permit and who needs one?

A Vietnam work permit is the mandatory authorization that foreign employees generally need to work legally in Vietnam. It also serves as an important basis for applying for a work-related LD visa or temporary residence card (TRC).

Foreign workers must present their work permits when requested by competent Vietnamese authorities. Employers that hire foreign workers without the required work permits may be subject to penalties in accordance with Vietnamese law.

Even if a foreign worker falls under a category exempt from the work permit requirement, they may still be required to obtain a confirmation of work permit exemption before legally working in Vietnam.

It is mandatory to get a work permit to work legally in Vietnam (Source: collected)

Eligibility requirements for Vietnam work permit

Foreigners who wish to work in Vietnam are required to obtain a work permit, with few exceptions. The eligibility criteria for a work permit in Vietnam are as follows:

• The foreigner must be 18 years or older.
• The foreigner must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
• The foreigner must be healthy and not suffer from any contagious diseases.
• The foreigner must have no criminal record or any record of violation of Vietnamese law.
• The foreigner must have a job offer from a Vietnamese company or organization.
• The foreigner must meet the qualifications and requirements for the job.

Application procedures for Vietnam work permit

The process of obtaining a work permit in Vietnam can be time-consuming, so it's important to start the application process as early as possible. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Apply for a Work Permit Application Form

The first step in the application process is to obtain a work permit application form. This form can be obtained from the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) or downloaded from their website.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The next step is to gather all the necessary documents for the application, which include:

• A valid passport
• A certified copy of the applicant's highest degree
• A certified copy of the applicant's criminal record
• A medical certificate issued by a Vietnamese or foreign medical facility
• A job offer letter from a Vietnamese company or organization
• 2 portrait photo (4x6)

Step 3: Submit the Application

Once all the required documents are gathered, the application should be submitted to the DOLISA in the city or province where the applicant plans to work. The processing time for a work permit application is typically five working days.

Step 4: Receive the Work Permit

If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a work permit valid for up to two years, depending on the length of the employment contract. The work permit can be renewed after its expiry.

Vietnam work permit cost & processing itme: Standard vs. Urgent

The government fee for a Vietnam work permit depends on the province or city where the foreign worker is employed. It generally ranges from 400,000 VND to 600,000 VND. Some localities may offer reduced or waived fees for online applications.

These government fees do not include other application-related expenses, such as document translation and notarization, medical examination fees, or criminal record certificate fees.

Standard work permit processing can take several weeks when document preparation, approvals, and administrative procedures are taken into account. Our Vietnam emergency processing service helps streamline document preparation and application filing for cases with tight employment start dates.

Work permit vs. work visa: What's the difference?

Vietnam work permit and Vietnam work visa is different (Source: collected)

The work permit authorizes employment, while the work (LD) visa authorizes entry and stay in Vietnam. In general, the work permit is required as part of the process for obtaining or converting to the appropriate work-related visa or temporary residence card.

Related blog post: Vietnam Visa Types: Tourist, Business, Work, e-Visa & Full List

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Vietnam Work Permit

The process of obtaining a work permit in Vietnam can be complex, and there are several common mistakes that applicants should avoid:

• Failing to meet the eligibility criteria.
• Failing to prepare all required documents or submitting incomplete documentation.
• Applying for a position that does not match the applicant's qualifications or work permit requirements.
• Failing to submit the application within the required timeframe.
• Applying for a work permit through an unregistered or ineligible company.

Why Trust Urgent Visa to Vietnam for work permit processing?

Navigating Vietnam work permit requirements can be complicated, especially when foreign documents, employer sponsorship, document legalization, or urgent processing are involved. Urgent Visa to Vietnam provides professional 24/7 Vietnam work permit assistance to help foreign workers and their sponsoring companies simplify applications, handle documentation, and reduce unnecessary delays.

With 15+ years of experience since 2010, we have assisted more than 56,000 clients from 190+ countries, with a 99.68% success rate in Vietnam visa processing. Contact us today to discuss your case and find the fastest suitable processing option.

Tel: +84.904.879.729
Tel: +1 (778) 788 2310
Email: [email protected]
Address: No. 10A, Sai Dong, Long Bien, Hanoi