Companies in Vietnam must get permission before they hire foreign workers. This permission is called an approval letter for employing foreign workers. It shows that the company needs foreign workers because it cannot find Vietnamese people to do these jobs. The government gives this letter to companies that follow the rules.

To get this official approval document for foreign labor, you must apply one month before you want to hire foreign workers. You need to show your company papers and explain why you need foreign workers. Different types of foreign workers need different levels of education and work experience. The government checks these details before it says yes.

The process has three easy steps. First, you get all your papers ready. Then, you send your papers to the government office. Last, you wait about 10 days for an answer. Some special workers do not need this approval, like business owners or short-term workers. This guide will show you everything you need to know about getting permission to hire foreigners in Vietnam.

>> Read more: Learn everything about Vietnam work permit requirements and procedures

What is an approval letter for employing foreign workers in Vietnam?

An approval letter for employing foreign workers is an official document issued by the Vietnamese government authorities. This document permits companies to hire foreign workers for specific jobs in Vietnam. The approval letter comes from either the Ministry of Labor or the People’s Committee of the province where your business operates.

Requirements for employing foreign workers in Vietnam 2025

According to Article 152 of the Labor Code 2019, the conditions for employing foreign workers in Vietnam are as follows

• You can only hire foreigners for jobs as managers, directors, experts, or technical workers when Vietnamese workers cannot do these jobs
• You must submit a request for approval letter to employ foreign labor and get written approval before hiring them
• You must provide details about each job position, including required skills, experience, and how long the job will last

>> For first-time applications, you’ll need to use our template for explaining the need to use foreigners to properly explain your requirements

Documents needed for a foreign labor approval application

To apply for approval for employing foreign workers, you need:

• A copy of your business registration certificate
• An application letter explaining your need for foreign workers, using either:
  • Form 01/PLI (for first-time applications)
  • Form 02/PLI (if you’ve hired foreign workers before and need to make changes)
• A letter of authorization if someone other than the company’s legal representative submits the application

>> If your company has changes in foreign labor needs, use our guide on explanation of changes in the need to use foreign workers to ensure you follow the rules

How to apply for foreign labor approval: 3 easy steps

Step 1. Prepare your documents

Check if your foreign workers need approval or are exempt. If they need approval, gather all necessary documents listed above.

Step 2. Submit your application

Send your application to the Ministry of Labor or the People’s Committee at least 30 days before you plan to hire the foreign workers.

Step 3. Get your results

Within 10 working days, you will receive either an official approval document for foreign labor or a rejection notice.

>> After receiving approval, your foreign employees will need to fill out an application form for a work permit in Vietnam to legally begin working

Where to submit your approval letter request?

You can submit your application in three ways:

• In person at the Ministry of Labor or the People’s Committee
• By mail to the appropriate government office
• Online through the government website dichvucong.gov.vn

How long does approval processing take?

The processing time is 10 working days after the authorities receive your complete application. This is the same whether you apply in person, by mail, or online.

Who is exempt from the foreign labor approval requirement?

Not all foreign workers need approval. These groups are exempt:

• Heads of offices of international groups
• People coming to Vietnam for less than 3 months to sell services
• Experts are coming for less than 3 months to fix technical problems
• Foreign lawyers with Vietnam permits
• Foreigners married to Vietnamese people
• Business owners who invested 3 billion VND or more
• Company board members with 3 billion VND or more in investment
• Foreign journalists with permits
• Volunteers
• Managers working less than 30 days (max 3 times per year)
• Students doing training in Vietnam
• Family members of embassy workers
• Teachers at foreign schools in Vietnam

If you have questions about the approval template for employing workers or any other aspects of hiring foreign workers in Vietnam, contact us at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50.