Korean citizens planning to work in Vietnam need to understand how to get a work permit for Korean worker clearly. You’ll need to follow 4 main steps, prepare specific documents, and meet requirements. To qualify for a Vietnamese work permit for Korean citizens, you must be at least 18 years old, have relevant skills and qualifications, maintain a clean criminal record, and hold a valid visa.
The process starts when your employer gets approval to hire foreign workers and submits your complete application at least 15 working days before you plan to start working. If all your documents are in order, processing usually takes 5 working days. Once issued, your Vietnamese work permit for Korean citizens will be valid for up to 2 years, with one possible extension.
This guide covers everything you need to know about work permits for Korean workers in Vietnam – from required documents, the process, where to submit them to processing times and application fees. We also answer common questions and explain how professional services like VisaNow can help make this process easier for you.
What conditions do Koreans need to meet for a Vietnam work permit?
To get a Vietnamese work permit for Korean citizens, you need to meet these basic conditions:
- Be at least 18 years old and mentally capable
- Have the right training, skills, and health for your job
- Have no criminal record or ongoing criminal cases
- Fit into one of these job types: manager, executive director, expert, or technical worker
| Job type | Requirements |
| Expert | – College/university degree or higher and at least 3 years of work experience related to your job in Vietnam – Or at least 5 years of experience with a practice certificate for your job in Vietnam |
| Technical Worker | – At least 1 year of training and 3 years of experience in your field – Or at least 5 years of experience in your field |
| Manager | – Must be a company manager or a head/deputy head of an organization – Need documents like company charter, business registration, and appointment decision |
| Executive Director | – Head of a branch, representative office, or business location – Or head of a department directly managed by the company leader |
>> For Korean professionals, documenting your work history correctly is crucial. Learn more about preparing an employment certicate for work permit that meets Vietnamese requirements.
Once you check that you meet these conditions, you can start preparing your paperwork for your work permit for Korean workers.
3 document sets every Korean needs for a Vietnam work permit
To apply for a work permit for Korean workers in Vietnam, you’ll need to prepare three sets of documents.
- For job posting announcement
- For explaining the need for foreign workers
- For the work permit application
- Request letter for hiring foreign workers
- Valid business registration
- Company information:
- Contact details of the HR person
- Main email and phone number
- Total number of current workers (both Vietnamese and foreign)
- Information about the Korean worker:
- Copy of valid passport
- Papers showing proper qualifications:
- For experts: College degree and 3+ years experience certificate
- For technical workers: Training certificate (1+ year) and 3+ years experience, or 5+ years experience proof
- For managers/directors: Investment papers, company charter, appointment decision
- For renewal: Original current work permit and confirmed contract
- Copy of business registration
- Letter explaining why you need to hire foreign workers:
- Report using the form from 01/PLI Decree 70/2023 if this is your first time applying the foreign labor requirements
- Report using form 02/PLI if you’ve hired foreign workers before but need changes in foreign labor requirements
- Introduction letter or authorization letter (if the person submitting isn’t the legal representative)
- Application form for Vietnam work permit (Form 11/PLI)
- Health certificate from an authorized clinic (valid for 12 months from issue date)
- Criminal record check (issued within 6 months)
- Two 4x6cm photos (white background, no glasses, taken within 6 months)
- Notarized copy of valid passport
- Documents proving job position:
- For managers/directors: Company charter, business registration, appointment decision
- For experts/technical workers: Degrees/certificates and experience verification
- Approval letter for hiring foreign workers
>> Make sure all foreign documents for your Vietnam work permit for Korean citizens are properly legalized, translated to Vietnamese, and notarized. If you find the paperwork confusing. Why choose VisaNow? We can help prepare your documents correctly and increase your chances of approval.
Work permit application procedure for Koreans
Getting a work permit for Korean workers in Vietnam involves four main steps.
Step 1. Announce the job vacancy to Vietnamese workers
You need to post the job on the Ministry of Labor’s website or a local job service center website.
The posting must stay up for at least 15 days before you can submit your explanation for hiring a foreigner.
Your job posting must include the position, job description, number of workers needed, required skills and experience, salary, work schedule, and location.
Step 2. Explain why you need a foreign worker and get approval
You need to submit an explanation letter to the Ministry of Labor at least 15 days before you plan to start working. This letter must explain why you need a Korean worker instead of a Vietnamese one.
The authorities will review your explanation and give you an answer within 10 working days.
You’ll receive an approval letter if your request is accepted.
>> Getting a Vietnam work permit approval letter is a critical milestone in your application process for a work permit for Koreans in Vietnam. This document confirms your employer has permission to hire you for the specific position.
Step 3. Submit the work permit application
After getting approval, you need to submit your Vietnamese work permit for Korean citizens application to the Department of Labor in your work province at least 15 days before you plan to start working.
If your application is complete, you’ll pay the fee and get a date to pick up your permit. If something is missing, you’ll be told what else you need to provide.
The application process can be tricky with many forms and deadlines. VisaNow can handle the entire process for you, making sure everything is done correctly and on time. Contact us at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for hassle-free support.
Step 4. Receive your work permit
Within 5 working days after you submit all required documents, the Department of Labor will issue your work permit for Koreans in Vietnam using Form 12/PLI.
If your application is rejected, you’ll receive a written explanation.
Where can Koreans submit their Vietnam work permit applications?
You need to submit your work permit for Korean citizens application through the online public service portal of the province or city where you’ll be working. This is now completely online – you don’t need to visit any physical office to submit your application.
After submitting it online, you may need to send the original documents to the Department of Labor based on local requirements. The specific portal address depends on your work location, so make sure you use the correct one for your province or city.
The online submission makes the process easier, especially for those applying for a work permit for Korean citizens who might not be in Vietnam yet when starting the application.
Processing time to get Korean work permits in Vietnam
The processing time to obtain a work permit for Koreans takes approximately 9-12 weeks when all required documents are properly prepared.
| 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 |
Remember that this timeline assumes your documents are complete and correct. If there are problems with your paperwork, the process can take longer.
Planning ahead is very important. Start your application at least 3 months before you need to begin working in Vietnam. If you’re worried about timing, VisaNow can help speed up the process with our expertise in Vietnamese work permits.
Work permit application fees for Koreans
The fees for work permits for Korean workers in Vietnam vary by province or city. Understanding the full cost of work permit for foreigners in Vietnam is essential for budgeting. Beyond government fees, there are costs for document legalization, translation, and medical examinations.
These fees don’t include other costs like:
- Document legalization
- Translation and notarization
- Criminal background check processing
- Medical examination
- Travel expenses
>> One important requirement is completing a work permit health check Vietnam at an authorized medical facility. This health certificate must be issued within 12 months of your application and meet specific Vietnamese standards.
The employer usually covers these costs. If you want to know the exact fees for your location, you can check with the local Department of Labor or contact VisaNow for detailed information.
Frequently asked questions about work permits for Koreans
What happens if a Korean citizen works in Vietnam without a valid work permit?
How long is a work permit valid for Korean citizens?
Can Korean citizens work in Vietnam without a work permit?
Why choose VisaNow for your Korean work permit application in Vietnam?
With over 6 years of experience helping more than 1,000 businesses each year, VisaNow offers complete Vietnamese work permit services for Korean citizens in Vietnam. We understand both Korean and Vietnamese requirements, making the process smooth and stress-free.
Our Vietnam work permit consulting services are specifically designed for Korean professionals. We help with every step – from document preparation and translation to submission and follow-up. Our experts know exactly what authorities look for in applications, significantly increasing your chances of approval.
This guide covers the basics of getting a work permit for Korean workers in Vietnam. The process involves several steps and specific requirements that can be challenging to navigate alone.
Let VisaNow handle your work permit application while you focus on your new job in Vietnam. Our team of experts will ensure your application meets all requirements and deadlines. Contact us today at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for professional support.
