If you’re a Chinese citizen planning to work in Vietnam, you need a work permit. This guide will help you get your Vietnam work permit for Chinese without stress. We will show you what papers you need, where to send them, how long it takes, and how much it costs. Our step-by-step guide covers everything from getting your first documents to receiving your approved permit. As a Chinese citizen, you need to meet certain requirements to work in Vietnam. We explain these clearly, including what papers you need from China and what forms you must fill out. We also answer frequently asked questions and provide information about professional services available to assist you. The next sections will tell you exactly what to do to get your work permit for Chinese citizens in Vietnam successfully.
What are the requirements for Chinese workers in Vietnam?
To get a work permit for Chinese citizens in Vietnam, Chinese workers must meet several basic conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old with full legal capacity
- Have suitable health for the job position
- Have no criminal record or ongoing criminal prosecution
- Meet position-specific requirements (manager, expert, director, or technical worker)
Here’s what each position requires:
| Position | Requirements |
| Expert | • University degree or higher and at least 3 years of relevant experience • Or at least 5 years of experience with a practice certificate |
| Manager | • Company charter or organizational regulations • Business registration certificate or equivalent document • Appointment decision from the company or organization |
| Executive Director | • Can be head of a branch, representative office, or business location • Or person who directly manages a specific area within a company/organization |
| Technical Worker | • At least 1 year of training and 3 years of relevant experience • Or at least 5 years of relevant experience |
>> To properly document your professional background, you’ll need a working experience certificate that proves your qualifications for the position you’re applying for in Vietnam.
Once you’ve checked these requirements, you can start collecting the necessary documents for your application for a work permit for Chinese citizens.
Essential documents for Chinese work permit applications
The Vietnam work permit for Chinese citizens application process has three main document sets. Here’s what you need for each step.
- Job posting notification documents
- Work needs explanation documents
- Work permit application documents
- Request letter for hiring foreign employees
- Valid business registration certificate
- Employer information (contact person details, email, phone number, current workforce size)
- Foreign employee information (passport scan, qualification documents matching position)
- For renewals: Original current work permit and verified employment contract
- Business registration certificate (copy)
- Letter explaining the need for foreign workers
- Complete a registration form for demand for foreign workers if this is your first time hiring foreigners
- Or Form No.02/PLI if you’re changing your existing foreign workforce needs
- Authorization letter (if the application is submitted by someone other than the legal representative)
- Application form (Form No.11/PLI)
- Vietnam work permit drug test valid for 12 months from issue date
- Criminal record check valid for 6 months from issue date
- Two 4x6cm white background photos taken within 6 months
- Certified copy of valid passport
- Position-specific documents:
- For managers/executives: Company charter, business registration, appointment decision
- For experts/technical workers: Diplomas, certificates, experience verification documents
- Approval letter for hiring foreign workers
All documents from other countries must be translated into Vietnamese and properly certified. Each document plays an important role in proving your eligibility for a work permit for Chinese citizens in Vietnam.
>> Why choose VisaNow? We can check your documents before submission to make sure everything is complete and correct. Reach out to us if you need help preparing your application package.
4 steps to get a work permit for Chinese citizens in Vietnam
Step 1. Post job opportunities for Vietnamese workers
You must post job openings for Vietnamese workers on the Ministry of Labor’s website or a job service center website.
The job posting must stay active for at least 15 days before you can apply for a work permit for Chinese citizens. Include the job position, description, number of vacancies, qualifications, experience requirements, salary, work schedule, and location.
Step 2. Submit explanation and get approval to hire foreign workers
Employers (except contractors) must prepare an explanation about why they need foreign workers and submit it online through the Public Service Portal of the province/city where the Chinese worker will work.
This must be done at least 15 days before the planned start date. The approval process takes about 10 days, after which authorities will issue an approval document.
Step 3. Submit work permit application for technical workers
Submit the work permit for Chinese citizens application online through the Public Service Portal of the province/city where the Chinese worker will work.
This must be done at least 15 days before the planned start date. If your application is complete, you’ll pay the fee and get an appointment to receive the results.
If something is missing, you’ll be notified to provide additional documents.
Step 4. Receive the work permit for foreign technical workers
Within 5 working days of receiving a complete application, the Ministry of Labor will issue a Vietnam work permit for Chinese citizens according to Form 12/PLI. If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a written explanation stating the reasons.
The whole process can seem complicated, but VisaNow can handle it for you. Our team knows all the requirements and can help you avoid common mistakes that cause delays. Contact our HOTLINE at 1900 63 63 50 for professional support with your work permit application.
Where to submit Vietnamese work permits for Chinese people?
You need to submit your work permit for Chinese citizens application through the Public Service Portal of the province or city where you will work in Vietnam. All applications are now processed online, which makes the process more convenient.
After submitting online, you might be asked to provide original documents depending on local requirements. The online system guides you through each step of the application process.
Processing time for work permit applications for Chinese people
The total processing time for a Vietnam work permit for Chinese citizens typically takes about 9-12 weeks if all documents are properly prepared. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:
| Stage | Expected Time |
| Job posting for Vietnamese workers | 15 days |
| Approval for hiring foreign workers | 10 working days |
| Work permit application processing | 5 working days |
| Document preparation and verification | 4-6 weeks |
| Total estimated time | 9-12 weeks |
This timeline can be longer if there are issues with documentation or if additional information is requested. Having all your documents correctly prepared from the start helps avoid delays.
If you need your work permit for Chinese citizens quickly, VisaNow can help streamline the process by ensuring all your documents are properly prepared and submitted on time.
Work permit fees for Chinese people in Vietnam
Work permit costs for Chinese citizens vary by location in Vietnam. The application fee ranges from VND 400,000 to VND 1,000,000 depending on the province or city.
This fee doesn’t include other costs such as:
- Document translation and certification
- Health examination costs
- Criminal record check fees
- Document legalization fees
- Transportation expenses
>> Read more: To understand the full financial commitment involved in the application process, check our guide on Vietnam work permit cost, which covers both government fees and additional expenses.
Frequently asked questions about work permits for Chinese workers
Can Chinese people work in Vietnam without a work permit?
How long is a work permit valid for Chinese workers in Vietnam?
Can I change employers with my current work permit?
Professional Services for Work Permit Applications
Getting a work permit for Chinese citizens involves many steps and detailed requirements. VisaNow offers professional work permit service in Vietnam to make this process simple and stress-free for Chinese workers and their employers.
Our experienced team handles every part of the application process, from document preparation and translation to submission and follow-up. We know the common problems that can delay applications and help you avoid them. With over 6 years of experience, we’ve helped more than 1,000 businesses each year get Vietnam work permits for Chinese citizens.
This guide covers the main points about work permits for Chinese workers in Vietnam. For personalized help with your work permit application, contact VisaNow at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50.
