Vietnam work permit extension lets you continue working legally in the country. To qualify, your current permit must still be valid (with 35-45 days left), and your employer must get approval to keep employing you.

The process is straightforward: your employer gets approval first, then you submit your work permit extension application with all required documents, and finally, the authorities take about 5 working days to process it. Once approved, your extended permit is valid for up to 2 years, but remember – you can only extend it once.

This guide covers everything you need to know about extending your work permit for foreigners in Vietnam in 2025. We explain the requirements, necessary documents, and steps to follow. We also answer common questions and offer information about professional help if you need it.

Let’s get started on successfully extending your work permit while following all the rules.

Requirements for work permit extension in Vietnam 2025

According to Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, to extend your work permit in Vietnam, you need:

• Your current work permit must still be valid (with at least 5 days but not more than 45 days remaining)
• Your employer must have approval to keep employing foreign workers
• You must have proof that you’ll continue working for the same employer

Timing is important! If you apply too early or too late, you’ll need to start over with a new work permit extension procedure.

Vietnam work permit extension validity

Work permit extension for foreign nationals in Vietnam can only be done once, with a maximum extension period of 2 years. The specific duration of your extended permit depends on:

• The duration of your new labor contract
• The period your foreign company has assigned you to work in Vietnam
• The duration of contracts or agreements between Vietnamese and foreign partners
• The period specified in service provision contracts between Vietnamese and foreign partners
• The duration specified in documents from service providers sending foreign workers to Vietnam
• The validity period of your employer’s operating license or business registration
• The timeframe documented in papers from foreign service providers establishing commercial presence in Vietnam
• The duration mentioned in documents proving foreign workers’ participation in foreign enterprises with commercial presence in Vietnam
• The period specified in the approved document for employing foreign workers

For example, if your new labor contract is for 18 months, your extended work permit will typically be valid for 18 months, not the full 2 years.

7-step Vietnam work permit extension procedure

The work permit extension process in Vietnam consists of 7 main steps:

Step 1. Notify about recruiting Vietnamese workers

Before extending your permit, your employer must show they tried to hire local workers by:

• Posting job ads at least 15 days before applying
• Advertising on government job websites

These job posts must include:

• The job title and position
• Job duties
• Number of workers needed
• Required skills and experience
• Salary information
• Working hours and location

This step shows the government that your employer needs a foreign worker for this job.

Step 2. Get approval to keep hiring foreign workers

Before applying for your extension, your employer needs government approval to continue employing foreigners. They need to submit:

• Forms explaining why they need foreign workers
• Business registration documents
• Authorization letter (if needed)

>> Your employer may need to prepare an explanation of the need to use foreigners as part of this process.

This takes about 12-15 working days to process.

>> Read more: Approval for employment of foreign workers must be obtained before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3. Submit your extension application

When to apply: Between 5-45 days before your current permit expires

Where to apply: The same government office that issued your original work permit

Documents you need:

• Application form
• Health check certificate (less than 12 months old)
• Criminal record check (less than 6 months old)
• Copy of your passport
• The approval from Step 2
• Two 4×6cm photos
• Copies of your qualifications with Vietnamese translations

>> To ensure your application is properly prepared, you can download the official application form work permit in Vietnam from the labor department website.

You can apply online or in person at offices in major cities like:

• Ho Chi Minh City: 86B Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1
• Long An: 19 Tran Hung Dao Street, Tan An City
• Binh Duong: Administrative Center, Tower A, Thu Dau Mot City
• Dong Nai: 2 Nguyen Van Tri Street, Bien Hoa City
• Hanoi: 18 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hoan Kiem District

Step 4. Receive your extended permit

Processing time: 5 working days after submitting all documents

You’ll either receive your extended permit or a letter explaining why your application was rejected.

>> For information about fees involved in this process, check our guide on Vietnam work permit cost, which varies by province.

Step 5. Sign a new work contract

After receiving your extended permit, you must sign a new work contract with your employer before continuing work.

Step 6. Submit your new contract to the government

Within 5 days after signing the new contract, your employer must send a copy to the same office that extended your work permit.

Step 7. Update your temporary residence card

The final step is getting a new temporary residence card that matches the length of your extended work permit (up to 2 years).

Frequently asked questions about work permit extensions

Need help with your work permit extension?

Extending a work permit involves many steps and documents. VisaNow’s service makes it easier by:

• Giving free advice about the requirements
• Preparing all your documents correctly
• Keeping you updated on your application
• Delivering results on time
• Charging one clear fee with no surprises
• Keeping your information private

>> If you need professional assistance, our work permit service in Vietnam can handle the entire process for you, saving time and ensuring everything is done correctly.

For help extending your work permit, call VisaNow’s HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for free advice!