Vietnam work permit revocation: Professional guidance

Updated on 06/10/2025 by Ngan Le

If you work in Vietnam as a foreigner, you need to know how to handle work permit revocation when your job ends. When a work permit is revoked, you cannot work legally anymore and may have to leave the country. This guide covers everything about work permit revocation in Vietnam, including when it’s necessary, required documents, steps to follow, and answers to common questions.

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When do you need to cancel a work permit?

You need to complete work permit return procedures in these situations:

When work permits must be revoked in Vietnam
When work permits must be revoked in Vietnam
  1. When the work permit is no longer valid according to Article 156 of Vietnam’s Labor Code 2019:
  • The work permit has expired
  • The employment contract has ended
  • The job duties don’t match what’s in the work permit
  • The worker is doing a different job than what’s in the permit
  • The contracts that were used to get the work permit have ended
  • The foreign company has officially called back their employee
  • The company in Vietnam that hired the foreign worker has closed
  1. When foreigners or employers don’t follow Vietnam’s work permit rules.
  2. When foreign workers break Vietnamese laws that affect public safety or order.

Documents for Vietnam work permit revocation

The required documents are different for each case. VisaNow shares detailed information on necessary documents below:

  • Case 1. Work permit loses validity
  • Case 2. Not following Vietnamese regulations
  • Original work permit of the foreign employee
  • Written document clearly explaining the reason for withdrawal, including cases where you cannot collect the work permit
  • Documents proving the reason for work permit withdrawal in original form with company confirmation

For cases where the employer or foreign worker does not follow regulations on issuing, reissuing, or extending work permits, or when foreign workers break Vietnamese laws leading to criminal prosecution: Original work permit of the foreign employee.

>> If you need help with your documents, our Vietnam work permit service for foreign workers can help you with the whole process.

Step-by-step work permit revocation procedure

The work permit return procedure is different for each case. Below is the detailed process:

  • Case 1. Work permit loses validity
  • Case 2. Not following Vietnamese regulations

Step 1. Prepare and submit documents

  • Within 15 days from when the work permit loses validity, employers must collect the work permit from foreign workers and submit the return documents.
  • Employers submit documents to the issuing authority with a written report on the withdrawal. If you cannot collect the work permit, clearly explain why in the written report.

Step 2. Get confirmation

  • Within 5 working days after receiving the withdrawn work permit, the authority will send written confirmation to the employer.

Process for cases where: The employer or foreign worker does not follow regulations on issuing, reissuing, or extending work permits, or when foreign workers break Vietnamese laws leading to criminal prosecution.

Step 1. Authority issues withdrawal decision

  • The authority that issued the work permit will issue a withdrawal decision. The authority then sends notification to the employer requesting return of the work permit, and sends notification to the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) for coordination.

Step 2. Return the work permit

  • After receiving notification, employers must return the withdrawn work permit to the authority.

>> Read more: When applying for or revoking work permits, you’ll need to pay a Vietnam work permit fee, which changes depending on your situation and location.

Step 3. Get completion confirmation

  • Within 5 working days after receiving the withdrawn work permit, the authority will send written confirmation to the employer.

Don’t miss important deadlines or make mistakes. Our service makes sure:

  • You get written proof of cancellation
  • All papers are submitted on time
  • We talk directly with government offices
  • We fix any problems
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How long does a work permit revocation take in Vietnam?

How long does the work permit revocation process take
How long does the work permit revocation process take

The process takes 5 working days from when you submit the work permit to when you receive the confirmation.

This timing only starts after you’ve submitted all the required documents and returned the physical work permit.

In some special cases, it might take longer than the standard processing time.

FAQs about work permit revocation

Who needs to cancel the work permit in Vietnam?

The employer is responsible for collecting the work permit from the foreign employee and submitting it to the Labor Department.

Is it necessary to return a work permit if the employee broke contract rules?

Yes. If a foreign employee doesn’t fulfill their job duties or breaks contract rules in Vietnam, you still need to complete the return of work permits by following the proper steps.

What if an employee refuses to return their work permit?

If an employee won’t return their work permit when they leave their job, the employer should:

– Tell the Labor Department right away
– Request work permit cancellation
– Explain in writing why you couldn’t get the physical permit

For help with work permit revocation or other questions about hiring foreign workers in Vietnam, call our HOTLINE at 1900 63 63 50.

With over 6 years of experience in immigration services, Ms Ngan specializes in handling various visa types in Vietnam, including tourist, business, and long-term residency visas. She ensures high approval rates through personalized advice and a meticulous step-by-step process, supported by a multilingual team.