Getting a work permit for Japanese citizens in Vietnam is key for Japanese nationals who want to work legally. You need to meet a few basic requirements: be at least 18 years old, have the right experience for your job (depending on your position), be in good health, and have no criminal record.
The work permit for Japanese worker process includes getting employer approval, preparing your documents, submitting them to the Labor Department, and receiving your permit. The whole process usually takes about 45-60 days from start to finish.
Whether you’re a Japanese professional getting ready to work in Vietnam or a company looking to hire Japanese employees, this guide has all the information you need to successfully navigate the Vietnam work permit for the Japanese citizens process.
Getting a work permit for Japanese citizens in Vietnam involves many steps and documents. VisaNow makes this process simple. With over 6 years of experience helping more than 1,000 businesses annually, we know exactly how to prepare your documents correctly the first time.
What requirements must Japanese workers meet for Vietnam work permits?
To get a work permit for Japanese citizens in Vietnam, you need to meet these basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old and mentally capable
- Have the right skills, experience, and health for the job
- Have no criminal record or ongoing criminal cases
- Meet the specific requirements for your job position
| Position | Requirements |
| Expert | – College/university degree or higher and at least 3 years of relevant experience – Or at least 5 years of experience and a practice certificate |
| Manager | – Decision showing you’re the head of a company/organization or deputy of the head – Company charter, business registration certificate, and appointment decision |
| Executive director | – Document showing you’re the head of a branch, representative office, or business location – Or document showing you lead a specific area in an organization and report directly to the head |
| Technical worker | – At least 1 year of training and 3 years of relevant experience – Or at least 5 years of relevant experience |
Once you know which category you fit into, you can start gathering the necessary documents for your work permit application for Japanese workers.
>> To properly document your professional history, you’ll need relevant work experience certificates that prove your qualifications for working in Vietnam.
Required documents for Japanese work permit applications
You’ll need to prepare three sets of documents during the Vietnam work permit for Japanese nationals application process.
- Job posting notification documents
- Foreign laborers use explanation documents
- Work permit application documents
- Letter requesting to hire foreign workers (you’ll need an official work permit approval letter from the Vietnamese authorities)
- Valid business registration certificate
- Your company’s contact information including HR’s contact details, email, phone number, and current workforce size
- Foreign worker’s information including passport scans, qualification documents based on position:
- For experts: College degree and 3+ years experience certificate
- For technical workers: 1-year training certificate and 3+ years experience, or 5+ years experience proof
- For managers/directors: Investment documents, company charter, appointment decision
- For renewal: Original current work permit and verified contract
- Copy of business registration certificate
- Letter explaining the need to hire foreign workers (as specified in forms from current regulations)
- For first-time applicants, you’ll need to complete Form No.01/PLI to explain your need for foreign workers.
- If you’ve previously been approved but need to make changes, use Form No.02/PLI instead.
- Introduction/authorization letter if the submitter isn’t the company’s legal representative
- Application form for work permit (Form No.11/PLI)
- A health check work permit Vietnam examination issued within the last 12 months
- Criminal record check or confirmation you’re not facing criminal charges (issued within 6 months)
- Two 4x6cm photos with white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months
- Notarized copy of valid passport
- Documents proving your position (expert, manager, executive director, or technical worker)
- Approval letter for using foreign workers (except for exempt cases)
All documents from outside Vietnam must be legally verified, translated into Vietnamese, and certified.
VisaNow can help you prepare all these documents correctly to avoid delays or rejections in your Japanese worker work permit application. Contact our HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for assistance.
Vietnam work permit application steps for Japanese citizens
Step 1. Posting Vietnamese job recruitment notices
You must post the job on the Ministry of Labor’s website or at a local Job Service Center for at least 15 days before applying for work permit approval for Japanese employees.
The job posting must include the position, job description, number of workers needed, qualifications, salary, work time, and location.
Step 2. Getting approval for hiring Japanese workers
At least 15 days before starting work, employers must submit a request to the Ministry of Labor or Provincial Labor Department explaining why they need to hire foreign workers.
Employers can submit this request online through the government service portal.
The authorities will respond within 10 working days.
Step 3. Filing your work permit application
Submit a complete work permit for Japanese citizens application to the Department of Labor in the province where you’ll work at least 15 days before your start date.
If your application is complete and valid, you’ll pay the fee and get a date to collect your permit.
Applications take about 5 working days to process.
Step 4. Collecting your approved work permit
Within 5 working days, the Labor Department will issue your Vietnam work permit for Japanese nationals.
If your application is rejected, they’ll explain why in writing.
The work permit application process can be complex and time-consuming. VisaNow offers professional support throughout the entire process, helping you avoid common mistakes and delays. Our experts know exactly what documents you need and how to prepare them correctly. Contact us at 1900 63 63 50 for help with your work permit application.
Where do Japanese nationals submit work permit applications?
Submit your work permit for Japanese citizens application through the Online Public Service Portal of the province or city where you’ll work, at least 15 days before your planned start date.
After online submission, you may need to submit original documents to the Labor Department, depending on local requirements.
How long does a Japanese work permit application take?
The entire work permit for Japanese workers process usually takes 9-12 weeks if all your documents are correct and complete. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:
| Application stage | Estimated processing time |
| Posting job recruitment notice | 20-25 working days |
| Foreign labor demand approval | 15-20 working days |
| Work permit issuance | 12-17 working days |
| Consular legalization time | Depending on each country |
| Total estimated time | 9-12 weeks |
Plan ahead and start the process early to avoid rushing. Remember that document preparation, especially those requiring verification from Japan, can take significant time.
What are the fees for Japanese work permits in Vietnam?
Vietnam work permit costs for Japanese citizens vary by province. For a comprehensive breakdown of a work permit cost in Vietnam, including both government charges and additional expenses for document preparation, translation, and certification.
These fees are only the government charges. They don’t include costs for document preparation, translation, notarization, health checks, or criminal record checks.
Don’t want to worry about fees and paperwork? VisaNow can handle everything for your Japanese work permit, with clear pricing and no hidden costs. We’ll make sure your application meets all requirements the first time. Call us at 1900 63 63 50 for a quote.
Frequently asked questions about work permits for Japanese people
Do all Japanese workers need a work permit in Vietnam?
How long is a work permit valid in Vietnam?
What happens if I work in Vietnam without a work permit?
VisaNow: Work permit services for Japanese citizens in Vietnam
Why choose VisaNow? We provide expertise for work permits for Japanese citizens from start to finish, with free document delivery within Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Our team stays current with regulatory changes to ensure your application meets the latest requirements.
Our comprehensive Vietnam work permit service includes document preparation, application submission, and follow-up until you receive your work permit. We handle translations, notarizations, and all communications with Vietnamese authorities.
This guide covered the basics of getting a Vietnam work permit for Japanese citizens. For personalized help with your specific situation, contact VisaNow at 1900 63 63 50. Our experts will guide you through the entire process, saving you time and preventing costly mistakes.
