Work Permit Requirements in Vietnam Documents, Procedures, and Regulations 2024

Learn about the requirements for obtaining a work permit in Vietnam, including necessary documents, application procedures, validity and renewal information, permit exemptions, employer responsibilities, fees, and categories for foreign employees.

Work Permit Requirements in Vietnam

Work permit requirements in Vietnam include:

1. Eligibility: Foreigners who wish to work in Vietnam must meet certain criteria, such as being at least 18 years old, possessing necessary qualifications or skills, and having a clean criminal record.

2. Sponsorship: To obtain a work permit, individuals must be sponsored by a Vietnamese employer or an overseas company that has a legal presence in Vietnam.

3. Job Categories: Work permits are typically granted for specific job categories, and the applicant needs to ensure their desired occupation falls within the permitted list determined by Vietnamese authorities.

4. Application Process: The employer is responsible for initiating the work permit application on behalf of the employee. This usually involves submitting required documents, including a written request, proof of qualifications, health certificates, and a labor contract.

5. Duration and Renewal: Work permits in Vietnam are typically valid for up to two years. If the employment continues beyond the initial period, the permit can be renewed.

6. Quota System: Some industries in Vietnam have limitations on the number of foreign workers they can employ. It’s important to check if there are any quota restrictions relevant to the specific job or industry.

7. Work Visa: Once the work permit is approved, the employee will need to apply for a work visa (also known as the Temporary Residence Card) at the immigration department within 90 days of arrival in Vietnam.

8. Compliance: Foreign workers must adhere to Vietnamese labor laws and regulations, including tax obligations and social insurance contributions.

It’s crucial to consult with a local authority or legal expert to ensure compliance with the most up-to-date regulations and requirements regarding work permits in Vietnam, as these can be subject to change.

Documents Needed for a Work Permit in Vietnam

To obtain a work permit in Vietnam, you typically need the following documents:

1. Valid passport: You will need a passport with at least six months of validity remaining.

2. Job offer or employment contract: You must have a job offer or an employment contract from a company based in Vietnam.

3. Work permit application form: You need to fill out the official application form for a work permit.

4. Health check certificate: You must undergo a medical examination and obtain a health check certificate issued by an authorized medical facility.

5. Criminal record clearance: You need to provide a criminal record clearance certificate from your home country or any other country where you have resided for more than six months.

6. Academic qualifications: You should submit copies of your educational certificates and diplomas relevant to the position you are applying for.

7. Proof of work experience: If applicable, provide documents such as reference letters or employment certificates to verify your work experience.

8. Passport-sized photos: Prepare a few recent passport-sized photos according to the specifications required by the authorities.

9. Work permit fee: You will need to pay the prescribed fee for processing the work permit application.

It’s important to note that specific requirements may vary depending on the type of work permit and the local regulations. It’s advisable to consult with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate or seek assistance from an immigration lawyer or expert to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information for your particular case.

Work Permit Application Procedures in Vietnam

To apply for a work permit in Vietnam, you need to follow these procedures:

1. Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Vietnamese company or employer.

2. Work Permit Application: The employer should submit an application for a work permit on your behalf to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DoLISA) in the province where you will be working.

3. Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include:

• Valid passport with a valid visa or temporary residence card.
• Medical examination report issued by an authorized medical facility in Vietnam.
• Criminal record check issued by your home country or Vietnam (if applicable).
• Certified copies of relevant educational degrees, certificates, or qualifications.
• Employment contract or labor agreement.
• Other supporting documents as required by DoLISA.

4. Review and Approval: DoLISA reviews the application and supporting documents. If the application is complete and meets the requirements, a work permit will be issued within 15 working days.

5. Work Permit Duration and Renewal: The initial work permit is generally valid for up to two years. Before its expiration, you can apply for a renewal through DoLISA. The renewal process should be initiated at least 30 days before the current permit expires.

Note: It’s important to consult the local authorities or seek professional advice to ensure compliance with any specific requirements or changes in the work permit application procedures in Vietnam.

Validity and Renewal of Work Permits in Vietnam

Validity and renewal of work permits in Vietnam depend on several factors. Work permits are typically issued for a specific duration, usually ranging from one to three years. The initial validity period is determined by the employer’s demand and the employee’s contract duration.

To renew a work permit in Vietnam, the following conditions must generally be met:

1. Extension application: The employer should submit an extension application at least 30 days before the current work permit expires. This involves providing updated information about the employment contract, including the proposed duration of the extension.

2. Valid labor contract: The employee must have a valid labor contract with the employer in Vietnam. The contract should align with the intended extension period.

3. Compliance with regulations: Both the employer and employee must continue to meet all relevant regulations and requirements set forth by Vietnamese authorities. This includes adhering to labor laws, tax obligations, and other applicable regulations.

4. Local job market conditions: In certain cases, work permit renewals may depend on the availability of local employees with similar qualifications. If there are no suitable local candidates, it may increase the chances of work permit renewal.

It’s important to note that specific procedures and requirements for work permit validity and renewal can vary depending on individual circumstances and changes in Vietnamese immigration policies. It is advisable to consult with the relevant authorities or seek professional assistance to ensure compliance and accurate information regarding work permit matters in Vietnam.

Work Permit Exemptions in Vietnam

Certain categories of individuals are exempted from obtaining a work permit in Vietnam. These exemptions include:

1. Intra-company transferees: Employees who are temporarily reassigned to work for the same company or its subsidiary in Vietnam.

2. Business visitors: Individuals visiting Vietnam for business purposes, such as attending meetings, negotiations, or conferences, without engaging in actual work employment.

3. Short-term assignees: Foreign workers with a duration of employment in Vietnam not exceeding 30 days in a calendar year.

4. Experts, managers, and executives: Senior-level personnel or experts working in an enterprise in Vietnam for less than 30 consecutive days or no more than 90 days in a year.

5. Volunteers: People who provide voluntary services in Vietnam without receiving remuneration.

6. Family members of diplomats, consuls, or representative officers from foreign organizations in Vietnam, as long as they are not engaged in gainful employment.

It’s important to note that while work permits may be exempted for these categories, it is still necessary to obtain a relevant visa for entry into Vietnam and comply with other immigration requirements as per Vietnamese law.

Please consult with the relevant authorities or legal professionals for the most up-to-date information regarding work permit exemptions in Vietnam, as regulations can change over time.

Employer Responsibilities for Work Permits in Vietnam

Employer responsibilities for work permits in Vietnam include:

1. Obtaining a valid work permit: Employers must apply for and obtain a work permit for foreign employees before they can legally work in Vietnam. This involves submitting necessary documents and meeting specific requirements set by the Vietnamese authorities.

2. Ensuring eligibility of the employee: Employers are responsible for verifying that the foreign employee meets the criteria for obtaining a work permit, such as having the required qualifications and experience for the job.

3. Assisting with the application process: Employers need to support foreign employees in preparing and submitting the necessary paperwork for the work permit application. This may include providing relevant documents, such as employment contracts and educational certificates.

4. Compliance with labor laws: Employers must comply with all relevant labor laws and regulations in Vietnam, including those related to working hours, wages, social insurance, and occupational safety. They should ensure that foreign employees receive fair treatment and equal opportunities at the workplace.

5. Renewing and maintaining work permits: Employers are responsible for renewing work permits before they expire. They should keep track of renewal dates and initiate the process in a timely manner to avoid any disruptions to the employee’s work status.

6. Reporting changes and updates: Employers need to inform the relevant authorities about any changes in the employment status of foreign workers, such as termination, resignation, or changes in job position or location.

7. Retaining records: Employers should maintain proper records related to work permits, including applications, approvals, and other supporting documents, as these may be required for future reference or inspections.

It is important for employers in Vietnam to understand and fulfill their responsibilities regarding work permits to ensure compliance with the country’s regulations and avoid potential legal issues.

Work Permit Fees in Vietnam

Work permit fees in Vietnam vary depending on the duration of the permit and the category of the employing entity. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, below are the general fees:

1. New work permit application fee: Around $80 to $100.
2. Work permit extension fee: Approximately $60 to $80.
3. Work permit renewal fee: Roughly $60 to $80.

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it is advisable to consult with the relevant authorities or a professional immigration service for the most up-to-date information regarding work permit fees in Vietnam.

Work Permit Categories in Vietnam

There are several work permit categories in Vietnam, including:

1. LD (for foreign employees): This category is for foreigners who are employed by Vietnamese enterprises or organizations.

2. DT (for foreign investors): Foreigners who invest in Vietnamese enterprises or establish their own businesses are eligible for this category.

3. NN1 (for members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations affiliated with the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam, and their family members).

4. NN2 (for employees working at representative offices or projects of international organizations under the authority of foreign ministries or foreign economic organizations in Vietnam and their family members).

5. NN3 (for foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam under licenses granted by the Ministry of Justice).

6. NN4 (for individuals who enter Vietnam to provide legal services under contracts).

7. NN5 (for foreign workers who have work permits but do not fall into any other specific categories).

These are the main work permit categories in Vietnam. Each category has its own requirements and procedures for obtaining a work permit.

Work Permit Regulations for Foreign Employees in Vietnam

Foreign employees in Vietnam are required to obtain a work permit in order to legally work in the country. The work permit is issued by the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DoLISA).

To be eligible for a work permit in Vietnam, foreign employees must meet certain criteria, including having a valid passport, being at least 18 years old, and possessing the necessary qualifications or skills for the job they will be performing. They must also have an employment contract or job offer from a Vietnamese employer.

The process for obtaining a work permit involves several steps. The employer must submit an application on behalf of the foreign employee to the DoLISA. This application should include relevant documents such as the employment contract, a health check report, and the employee’s educational and professional certificates.

Once the application is approved, the work permit will typically be valid for up to two years. However, it can be extended if the employment contract is extended or if the foreign employee continues to meet the necessary requirements.

It’s important to note that different sectors may have specific regulations or additional requirements for work permits. Additionally, there are certain occupations that are exempted from the work permit requirement, as specified by Vietnamese law.

Foreign employees working in Vietnam without a valid work permit may face penalties, including fines and potential deportation. Therefore, it is essential for both employers and foreign employees to comply with the work permit regulations to ensure legal employment in Vietnam.