If you want to work as a company director in Vietnam, you need a work permit. As a foreign director, you follow rules that we’ll explain in simple steps. This guide helps you understand how to submit work experience certificates – what they are, what information they must include, and what makes them valid for work permit applications. Whether you’re an employer issuing a certificate or a foreign worker requesting one, knowing these details ensures your documents meet all legal standards.
In the sections below, you’ll find detailed information about the documents you need, application procedures, and what to expect throughout the process. Each step is clearly explained to make your journey to working legally as a company director in Vietnam as smooth as possible.
Requirements for company directors to get Vietnam work permits
To get a work permit for directors in Vietnam, you need to meet several basic conditions. These requirements apply to all foreigners working in Vietnam, including directors.
- Be at least 18 years old and have full civil act capacity
- Have suitable health for work, verified by a medical certificate
- Not serving a criminal sentence or being prosecuted in Vietnam or abroad
- Work as an executive director in Vietnam, which requires specific documentation to prove your position
- The head of a branch, representative office, or business location of an enterprise
- The head directly manages a specific area in an organization or business
>> For international employees, having proper documentation of previous work experience is important. Learn more about getting a proper certificate of work experience that meets Vietnamese requirements.
Important notes when applying Vietnam work permits for directors
When applying for a work permit for foreign directors in Vietnam, there are several key points to keep in mind:
- Your company needs to clearly show your position, role, and responsibilities through its operational activities. Different types of businesses in Vietnam have different requirements for charter capital. These rules vary depending on whether the company has domestic or foreign funding, which affects the work permit for executive directors application process.
- The appointment decision for directors may differ depending on your work arrangement.
- If your documents were issued in another country, they’ll need to be legally certified, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized. Some documents may be exempt from this requirement if there’s an international agreement between Vietnam and your home country.
These details may seem complex, but with the right guidance, you can navigate the process successfully.
>> Before starting your application, you’ll need to secure an acceptance of demand for foreign workers from the local Department of Labor. This is required as a prior condition for all work permit for directors applications in Vietnam.
Need help with your work permit application? VisaNow has processed over 1,000 successful applications for company directors. Our team can guide you through these requirements and make sure your application meets all legal standards. Contact our HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for professional advice.
Director work permit application: Complete document checklist
Here’s what you need to prepare for your work permit for directors application in Vietnam. All documents must be completed and meet the latest requirements.
- Employee recruitment notification documents
- Foreign labor use explanation documents
- Work permit application documents
- Request letter for foreign employee recruitment (Official letter from the employer)
- Valid business registration certificate (Copy of the employer’s business license)
- Employee information
- Contact details of the HR personnel
- Official email and phone number
- Current workforce count (both domestic and foreign)
- Foreign employee information
- Scanned copy of valid passport
- Documents proving appropriate qualifications as company directors
- For extension: Original current work permit and confirmed contract
- Report explaining the need to use foreign workers
- Form No. 01/PLI (Form of explanation for the demand of hiring foreign employee)
- Form No. 02/PLI (Form detailing changes of demand on using foreign workers)
- Business registration certificate (copy)
- Letter of introduction/authorization (if needed)
- Application form for a work permit (Form No.11/PL1)
- Health certificate issued within the last 12 months
- Criminal record or certificate confirming no criminal record, issued within the last 6 months
- Two 4×6cm color photos (white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months)
- Notarized copy of valid passport
- Documents proving your executive director position:
- Company charter or operational regulations
- Business registration certificate, establishment certificate, decision or equivalent document
- Resolution or appointment decision from the organization or business
- Approval letter for using foreign workers (unless exempt)
>> For the medical requirement, you’ll need to undergo a health check for work permit in Vietnam at an authorized medical facility. Make sure your health certificate meets all the required standards.
Each document from a foreign country must be properly certified, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized, unless your country has an agreement with Vietnam that removes this requirement.
Vietnam work permit application procedure for company directors
Step 1. Announcing job recruitment
You need to post a job announcement on the Ministry of Labor’s website or at a job service center at least 15 days before submitting your explanation report.
The announcement must include the job position, description, number of openings, qualification requirements, salary, work period, and location.
Step 2. Explaining and requesting approval to use foreign workers
Your employer (except contractors) must prepare and submit a document explaining why they need to hire a foreign worker.
This must be done online through the Public Service Portal of the province/city where you’ll work, at least 15 days before your planned start date.
The approval process takes 10 working days, after which the authorities will approve or reject the request.
Step 3. Submitting the work permit application
Within 5 working days of receiving a complete application, the Department of Labor will issue your work permit for directors according to Form 12/PLI. If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a written explanation stating the reasons.
The processing time is typically 5 working days from the date of receiving a complete application.
Step 4. Receiving the work permit
Within 5 working days of receiving a complete application, the Department of Labor will issue your work permit according to Form 12/PLI. If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a written explanation stating the reasons.
Finding the application process complicated? VisaNow can handle the entire process for you. We’ll prepare all documents correctly and follow up with authorities to ensure smooth processing. Our specialists know exactly what is needed for a successful application. Contact our HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for assistance.
Where to submit a work permit application to the company director?
You need to submit your work permit for directors application through the Public Service Portal of the province or city where you’ll be working. All applications are now processed online, making the process more convenient.
The online submission must be done at least 15 days before your planned start date.
After submitting online, you may be asked to provide original documents to the Department of Labor, depending on the requirements of each province or city.
>> Many applicants find professional assistance valuable during this process. Learn about our comprehensive work permit service for foreigners in Vietnam that handles all aspects of your application.
Processing times for work permits for director positions
Getting a work permit for foreign directors in Vietnam typically takes about 9-12 weeks if you have all the required documents.
This timeline can be longer if there are issues with your application.
| 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 |
Once issued, your work permit as a company director will be valid for up to 2 years.
Vietnam work permit fees and costs for company directors
The fees for getting a work permit for directors vary by province or city. Government fees for new work permits range from VND 400,000 to VND 1,000,000.
These fees cover only the government charges. You’ll also need to budget for additional costs such as:
- Document translation and notarization
- Medical examination fees
- Criminal record check costs
- Document legalization fees from your home country
>> Understanding the costs involved is important for budgeting. Check our detailed breakdown of Vietnam work permit cost to prepare financially for the application process.
At VisaNow, we provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. The total service cost includes document preparation, guidance on experience verification forms, translation services, and application submission and follow-up.
Frequently asked questions about work permits for directors
What happens if my company structure changes after I get my work permit?
Do all foreign company directors need a work permit in Vietnam?
Can I start working while my work permit application is being processed?
Professional work permit services for foreign company directors by VisaNow
VisaNow offers professional services to simplify this process for company directors. With over 6 years of experience and more than 1,000 successful applications annually, our team specializes in work permit services for foreign directors across Vietnam. We handle every aspect of your application, from document preparation to submission and follow-up with authorities.
Our services save you time and prevent costly delays or rejections. We stay updated on the latest regulatory changes to ensure your application meets all current requirements.
Looking for a reliable partner for your work permit application? Contact VisaNow via HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for a free consultation. Our experts will guide you through every step of the process, giving you peace of mind and letting you focus on your business in Vietnam.
