Vietnam work permit for foreigners: Step-by-step guide 2025

A work permit is an official document that foreigners need to work legally in Vietnam. It helps you follow Vietnamese labor laws and takes about 35 working days to get through a simple four-step process. To qualify, you need to be at least 18 years old, be healthy, have no criminal record, and have the right skills for your job.

Your work permit is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed. Some people don’t need a permit, like those working less than 3 months, company board members, or business owners.

This guide covers everything about getting a work permit in Vietnam – what documents you need, how to apply for a work permit, what happens if you don’t have one, and when your permit might become invalid. Understanding these rules will help you work in Vietnam without legal problems. Let’s look at the complete process step by step.

What is a Vietnam work permit?

A work permit is an official certificate from the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs that permits foreigners to work legally in Vietnam. Most foreign nationals who plan to work in Vietnam for more than three months must have this document.

The main offices that issue work permits are:

• The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs in the province where you plan to work
• The Ministry of Labor for some special cases

Important: Foreigners cannot apply for work permits by themselves—your employer or a service agency must handle the application for you. If you don’t need a work permit (exempt), you’ll still need to get an exemption certificate.

>> Read more: Our Vietnam work permit service can assist foreigners with all documentation and procedures to ensure a smooth application process.

How long is a Vietnam work permit valid?

The time for a work permit in Vietnam is up to 2 years. After this time, if you want to keep working in Vietnam, your employer can apply for an extension once for up to 2 more years.

After the extension period ends, you’ll need to apply for a new work permit if you want to continue working in Vietnam. Make sure to watch your work permit’s expiration date and start the renewal process early to avoid problems with your work status.

Eligibility requirements for the Vietnam work permit application

To get a work permit in Vietnam, foreign workers must meet these four main requirements:

1. Be at least 18 years old
2. Having good health for the job position
3. Have no criminal record in Vietnam or abroad
4. Meet the qualification requirements for your job position:

4-step process to successfully obtain a Vietnam work permit

The procedure for getting a work permit in Vietnam involves four main steps:

Step 1. Post a job vacancy for Vietnamese workers

At least 15 days before explaining why they need a foreign worker, your employer must post a job vacancy on:

• The Ministry of Labor’s website
• The local Employment Service Center’s website

The job posting must include:

• Position title and duties
• Job description
• Number of positions
• Required qualifications and experience
• Salary range
• Work location and schedule

Only after trying but not finding suitable Vietnamese candidates can your employer hire a foreign worker.

>> Read more: After this step, your employer must obtain approval for employment of foreign workers before proceeding.

Step 2. Submit the explanation report and get approval

At least 15 days before you plan to start work, your employer should prepare and submit your work permit documents, including:

• Employer’s explanation of foreign labor needs (Form No.01/PLI)
• Explanation of changes in foreign labor needs (Form No.02/PLI) if applicable
• Business registration certificate
• An authorization letter if the submitter isn’t the company’s legal representative
• Foreign worker list
• Social insurance participation list
• Company charter (for manager/executive positions)
• Office/factory lease agreement
• Recent tax reports
• Previous work permits and labor contracts (for extensions)
• Previous labor use approval (for amendments)
• Introduction letter/authorization letter

These documents should be submitted online through the provincial Public Service Portal where you’ll be working. This step usually takes about 15 working days.

Step 3. Prepare and submit a work permit application

At least 15 days before you plan to start work, your employer should prepare and submit your work permit application, including:

• Work permit application form (Form 11/PLI)
• Business registration certificate
• Health certificate from the last 12 months (from Vietnam or officially approved from abroad)

>> To expedite your work permit application in Vietnam, you will need to complete a health check.

• Police clearance certificate from the last 6 months (officially approved if from abroad)
• Certified passport copy
• The approval letter from Step 2
• Two 4×6cm photos with white background (taken in the last 6 months)
• Documents proving your qualifications (officially approved and translated into Vietnamese)

These documents for a work permit must be submitted to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, where you’ll be working. Here are the addresses for some major locations:

• Ho Chi Minh City: 31 Duong 13, Kp 1, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc District
• Hanoi: 75 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District
• Binh Duong: 6th Floor, Tower A, Binh Duong Administrative Center, Le Loi Street, Hoa Phu Ward, Thu Dau Mot City
• Dong Nai: 5 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Quyet Thang Ward, Bien Hoa City

>> Depending on your location, review specific requirements for work permit in Binh Duong, work permit in Dong Nai, or work permit in Ha Noi.

If your documents are complete and valid, your employer will receive a receipt and an appointment for collecting the result.

>> Read more: How to apply for a Vietnam work permit online to streamline the process.

Step 4. Receive your Vietnam work permit

Within 5 working days after receiving complete and valid documents, the Department of Labor will issue your work permit. If rejected, they will provide a written explanation of the reasons.

Penalties for working in Vietnam without a valid work permit

Working in Vietnam without a work permit can lead to serious penalties:

To avoid these serious consequences, both employers and foreign workers should follow Vietnam’s work permit requirements carefully.

When does your Vietnam work permit become invalid? 8 key situations

A work permit will no longer be valid in these eight situations:

1. The work permit expires
2. The labor contract ends
3. The labor contract no longer matches the work permit
4. The worker does jobs not listed in the work permit
5. The contract that was the basis for the work permit expires
6. The foreign employer ends the foreign employee’s assignment in Vietnam
7. The company employing the foreign worker stops operating
8. The authorities take back the work permit

Employers should watch these conditions carefully to avoid problems with invalid work permits.

FAQs about Vietnam work permits

Feel free to contact us at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for assistance with your Vietnam work permit application.