With its rapidly growing economy and increasing global integration, Vietnam has emerged as a highly attractive destination for international talent and investment. In this dynamic environment, the Vietnam work permit plays a crucial role in ensuring legal compliance and stability for foreign professionals working in the country.
Nevertheless, obtaining a work permit is far from straightforward. The process involves complex procedures, extensive documentation requirements, and evolving legal regulations. Even minor errors can result in application rejections, delays in approval, and disruptions to business operations.
This article explains how to get a work permit in Vietnam, outlines the current framework, details the key steps in the application process, and offers practical recommendations to help businesses and foreign workers secure their work permits smoothly and efficiently.
What is a Vietnam work permit?
A Vietnam work permit is a legal document that allows a foreigner to work legally in Vietnam. This document confirms that the employee meets all conditions required under Vietnamese law and has been approved by the authorities for a specific job position. It is also an essential document for foreigners applying for a temporary residence card in Vietnam.
With a maximum validity of 2 years, a work permit is a crucial requirement for foreigners to obtain a temporary residence card in Vietnam. When the permit expires, the employee may submit an application for renewal to continue working legally.
Note: Individuals eligible for work permit exemption are still required to obtain a certification of work permit exemption from the competent authority.
Vietnam work permit requirements for foreign workers
According to Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP (effective August 7, 2025) issued by the Government, foreign workers applying for a Vietnam work permit must hold a position as a manager, executive director, expert, or technical worker under one of the following categories:
- Performing a labor contract
- Intra-corporate transferee
- Executing economic or social contracts or agreements
- Service provider under contract
- Service seller
- Volunteer
- Person responsible for establishing a commercial presence
- Being transferred from an overseas agency, organization, or enterprise to Vietnam to work (except for intra-corporate transferees)
- Participating in the execution of packages or projects in Vietnam
- Relatives of members of foreign representative missions in Vietnam who are permitted to work in accordance with international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member
- Chairman or member of the Board of Directors of a joint-stock company, or owner/member of a limited liability company with a capital contribution value of less than VND 3 billion
- Working under a labor contract with a foreign diplomatic mission or foreign organization in Vietnam
In addition, foreign workers must satisfy the following requirements for work permit in Vietnam:
- Having health conditions suitable for the job requirements.
- Having full civil act capacity as required by law.
- Obtaining written approval from a competent state authority regarding the employment of foreign workers.
- Not being prosecuted for criminal liability or serving a criminal sentence under the laws of Vietnam or foreign laws.
Vietnam work permit requirements for enterprises
To sponsor a Vietnam work permit for a foreign employee, the employing organization must meet the following legal requirements:
- Be an enterprise operating under the Law on Enterprises, the Law on Investment, or under international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member
- Be a contractor participating in bidding or performing contracts
- Be a representative office or branch of an enterprise, agency, or organization that has been lawfully established by a competent authority
- Be a state agency, political organization, socio-political organization, socio-political–professional organization, social organization, or socio-professional organizationBe a foreign non-governmental organization registered and licensed by a competent Vietnamese authority in accordance with Vietnamese law
- Be a public service unit or educational institution established in accordance with the law
- Be an international organization or a project office of a foreign project in Vietnam; or an agency or organization established and permitted to operate by the Government, the Prime Minister, or relevant ministries
- Be an operating office of a foreign investor under a business cooperation contract or a foreign contractor registered in compliance with Vietnamese law;
- Be a law-practicing organization legally established in Vietnam
- Be a cooperative or union of cooperatives established and operating under the Law on Cooperatives
- Be a household business or individual legally permitted to conduct business under Vietnamese law.
How to apply for work permit in Vietnam
Within 60 days, but no later than 10 days before the date the foreign worker is expected to start working, the employer must submit all the documents required for a work permit in Vietnam to the competent authority:
- A written request explaining the need to employ a foreign worker and requesting the issuance of a work permit
- A valid health certificate issued within the past 12 months
- A valid passport
- A Vietnam police check or a document confirming that the foreign worker is not currently serving a criminal sentence, has no unexpunged criminal conviction, and is not under criminal investigation in Vietnam or abroad (issued within the past 6 months prior to submission)
- Two color photos (4cm x 6cm), white background, no glasses
- Documents proving the foreign worker’s employment category, specifically:
– Manager: Company charter; documents proving managerial status; organization/agency establishment license
– Executive director: Branch/representative office registration certificate; company charter; written confirmation from the foreign employer regarding years of experience relevant to the intended position in Vietnam
– Expert: University degree or higher (or equivalent); written confirmation from the foreign employer on years of professional experience
– Technical worker: Diplomas, certificates, or documents proving at least 1 year of training; written confirmation from the foreign employer regarding years of technical experience
Within 10 working days from the date of receiving a complete application, the competent authority will review and approve the employer’s need for foreign labor and issue the Vietnam work permit. If the application is not approved, the authority will provide a written explanation within 3 working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier.
Note: Foreign workers who already hold a valid work permit but change employers or job positions (without changing employers) must apply for a reissued work permit to maintain legal status.
Conclusion
For foreigners wishing to work or invest legally in Vietnam, acquiring a work permit is an essential requirement. The process, however, can be complex and time-intensive, requiring careful understanding of regulations and thorough preparation of documentation.
That’s why engaging a trusted work permit Vietnam agency is essential for a fast and accurate application process. With over 30 years of experience and having successfully assisted companies of all sizes across industries, including Alchemy, Highlands Coffee, PepsiCo and more, FISC delivers expert work permit services in Vietnam, helping clients save time, avoid errors, and stay fully compliant.
