If you want to teach English in Vietnam, you will need a work permit. This important paper lets you teach legally and your school will usually help you get it. You will need some basic documents for your work permit: your passport, your college diploma, your teaching certificate (like TEFL), a paper showing you have no criminal record, and a health check from a Vietnamese hospital. If English is not your first language, you might also need to show a test score like IELTS.
This guide will show you everything about getting a work permit step by step. We’ll tell you what papers you need, where to take them, how long it takes, and how much it costs. We also answer common questions. Whether this is your first teaching job in Vietnam or you need to renew your permit, this guide will help you.
Work permit requirements for foreign English teachers in Vietnam
To get a work permit as an English teacher in Vietnam, you need to meet these basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old with full legal capacity
- Have proper qualifications, skills, experience, and good health as required
- Not serving any criminal sentence or under criminal investigation in Vietnam or abroad
- English teachers must qualify as an expert under Vietnamese regulations. The requirements differ based on your teaching position:
| Teaching Position | Qualification Requirements |
| Language Center Teachers (Native Speakers) | Must have at least a college degree and appropriate language teaching certificate (TESOL, TEFL, CELTA) |
| Language Center Teachers (Non-Native Speakers) | Must have either: – A college degree or higher in language education, or – A college degree or higher in the language plus appropriate teaching certificate (TESOL, CELTA), or – A college degree or higher, language proficiency certificate of level 5 or higher on Vietnam’s 6-level framework (or equivalent), and appropriate language teaching certificate (TESOL, CELTA) |
>> Providing proper documentation of foreigner’s experience is essential. Learn how to obtain a properly formatted work experience certificate that meets Vietnam’s requirements for the work permit application.
Besides, the workplace listed on the work permit must match the address on the operating license issued by the authorized government agency for the institution hiring foreign teachers.
Essential documents for Vietnam work permit application for English teachers
Preparing your documents correctly is key to a successful work permit application. Here is what you will need:
- 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 experts: Bachelor’s degree and proof of 3+years of experience
- For extension: Original current work permit and confirmed contract
- Explanation report on using foreign labor
- Form of explanation for the demand of hiring foreign employee (for first-time applications with approved foreign labor use)
- Form No.02/PLI report as prescribed in Decree 70/2023/ND-CP (for employers previously approved for foreign labor use but with changing needs)
- Introduction/authorization letter (If the application submitter is not the legal representative of the enterprise)
- Work permit application request – Form No.11/PLI
- The original health check certificate must be issued within 12 months prior to submission and meet the health standards required by Vietnamese law.
- Criminal record: Certificate confirming the foreign worker is not subject to criminal prosecution, issued no more than 6 months before application submission
- Two 4x6cm photos with white background, no glasses, taken within the last 6 months
- Certified copy of valid passport
- Position verification documents for English teachers applying as experts:
- Degree certificate
- Document verifying experience from foreign agency, organization, or enterprise
- Previously issued work permit or confirmation of exemption from work permit (if applicable)
- Approval document for using foreign labor, except for cases exempt from determining the need for foreign workers
>> Foreign teachers must undergo a medical examination at an authorized hospital in Vietnam. The original health check certificate must be issued within 12 months prior to submission and meet the health standards required by Vietnamese law.
VisaNow can help review your documents to make sure they meet Vietnam’s requirements. Reach out to us if you’re unsure about any document, and we’ll guide you through the preparation process.
Vietnam work permit application procedure for foreign English teachers
The work permit application for English teachers involves 4 main steps. Each step must be completed in sequence and with attention to detail.
Step 1. Post job opening for Vietnamese workers
You must post a job vacancy for Vietnamese candidates before hiring foreign teachers. This notice must appear on either:
- The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs electronic portal
- The local Employment Service Center website
The recruitment notice must include the position, job description, number of vacancies, qualification requirements, salary, work period, and location. This notice must be published at least 15 days before submitting the labor use explanation report.
Step 2. Explain and get approval to hire English teachers
At least 15 days before hiring a foreign teacher, the employer must prepare a written explanation of why they need to hire foreigners. This document must be submitted online through the Public Service Portal of the province where the foreign teacher will work.
The approval process takes about 10 working days. The labor authority will issue a document either approving or rejecting the use of foreign workers.
Step 3. Submit the work permit application
After receiving approval, the employer must submit the work permit application through the Public Service Portal of the province where the foreign teacher will work. This must be done at least 15 days before the planned start date.
The application processing time is usually 5 working days from when all required documents are received.
>> Foreign teachers cannot begin working until they receive work permit approval from the Department of Labor.
Step 4. Receive a work permit
Within 5 working days after receiving the complete application, the labor authority will issue the work permit according to Form 12/PLI.
If the application is rejected, the authority will provide a written explanation of the reasons.
>> For professional assistance throughout the entire application process, consider our comprehensive work permit service for foreigners in Vietnam to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Where to submit Vietnam work permit application for English teachers?
To submit your work permit application as an English teacher, you need to use the Public Service Portal of the province or city where you’ll be teaching. All applications are now handled online, which makes the process much easier.
After online submission, some provinces may ask for original documents to be sent to their Labor Department. Your employer will typically handle this step for you.
Processing time for work permits for foreign English teachers
Getting a work permit for English teachers in Vietnam takes time. You should plan for the entire process to take about 9-12 weeks if you have all the required documents ready.
This timeline can change depending on your specific situation and any issues that might come up during the application process.
| 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 |
Delays may occur if:
- Documents require additional verification
- Applications contain errors or missing information
- High application volumes affect processing times
- Changes in regulations necessitate additional steps
Starting early is always a good idea. Many teachers begin the process 3-4 months before they want to start teaching. Remember that unexpected delays can happen, especially if documents need to be sent back for corrections.
Work permit costs for teaching English in Vietnam
The fees for getting a work permit for an English teacher position vary by province. As per the latest regulations, fees range from VND 400,000 to VND 1,000,000 depending on where you apply.
Aside from government fees, you should budget for related expenses such as passport photos, document legalization in your home country, translation and notarization costs, medical examination fees, criminal background check processing, etc.
>> For a detailed breakdown of current costs, check the latest Vietnam work permit fee schedule before submitting the application to avoid any surprises.
At VisaNow, we provide clear cost breakdowns before beginning your application. Your employer typically covers the work permit application fee, but other costs may be your responsibility or shared expenses.
Frequently asked questions about work permits for teaching English
Can foreign English teachers renew their work permit without leaving Vietnam?
Can foreign English teachers work in Vietnam while their work permit application is being processed?
Do foreign English teachers need a specific type of visa before applying for a work permit?
Professional consulting service Vietnam work permit for English teachers
VisaNow specializes in work permit services for foreign English teachers with over 6 years of experience helping educational institutions across Vietnam. Our team understands the unique requirements for language teachers at different educational levels and stays current with changing immigration regulations.
Our service handles the entire work permit process, from document preparation and submission to liaison with government departments. This comprehensive approach saves foreign teachers and educational institutions valuable time and reduces the risk of application rejection due to technical errors.
Foreign English teachers face a complex application process with specific document requirements and qualification verifications. VisaNow simplifies this journey with professional guidance and support throughout each step. For personalized assistance with work permit applications for English teachers, contact HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 today.
