For foreign employees working in Vietnam, holding a valid work permit is a legal requirement to ensure lawful employment. Since work permits are valid for a maximum of two years, timely Vietnam work permit renewal is crucial for businesses to avoid disruptions and stay fully compliant with Vietnamese law.
In practice, many foreign employees and companies face challenges due complex procedures, incomplete documentation, or missed submission deadlines. These issues can lead to unwanted risks, including administrative penalties and disruptions to workforce planning.
This article provides a step-by-step guide to Vietnam work permit renewal, covering eligibility requirements, procedures and necessary documents, helping both employees and employers complete the process efficiently and in full compliance with regulations.
Conditions for Renewing a Vietnam Work Permit for Foreign Employees
Under Article 16 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, foreign employees and their employers must meet the following requirements to extend a work permit:
- The current work permit must be valid for at least 5 days but no more than 45 days.
- The employer must have approval from the relevant authorities to continue employing foreign staff.
- Proof that the employee will continue working for the company under the terms of the existing work permit.
Vietnam Work Permit Renewal Procedures
According to Article 19 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP , a work permit can be renewed only once, with a maximum validity of 2 years.
Foreign employees and their company must complete the work permit extension process within 45 days before the permit expires and at least 5 days prior to expiration. The procedure involves the following steps:
Step 1: Request Approval to Employ Foreign Workers
To prepare the Vietnam work permit extension application, the employer must first secure official approval to employ foreign workers
Under Article 1 of Decree 70/2023/ND-CP, the application should include:
- A notarized copy of the company’s Business Registration Certificate
- A report explaining any changes in the company’s need for foreign labor (Form 02/PLI)
Employers can submit the application through one of these methods:
- In person at the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, or at the office where the foreign employee works
- Online via the National Public Service Portal
- By mail through Vietnam Post (VNPost)
Once a complete application is received, the authority will review it and issue a decision within 10 working days.
Step 2: Prepare the Work Permit Renewal Application
The work permit extension application should include the following:
– A written request from the employer to renew the work permit
– Two color photos (4cm x 6cm) with a white background, full-face, bare head, and no glasses
– The current work permit
– Approval letter for employing foreign labor
– A notarized copy of a valid passport
– A medical certificate
– One of the following documents confirming that the foreign employee will continue working:
- A letter from the foreign company assigning the employee to work in Vietnam
- A contract or agreement between the Vietnamese and foreign parties specifying the employee’s work in Vietnam
- A letter from a service provider assigning the foreign employee to Vietnam for service-related work
*Note: Documents issued by foreign authorities must be translated into Vietnamese, undergo consular legalization, and be notarized.
Step 3: Submit the Application
The employer should submit the work permit renewal application to the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs or the Department of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs that issued the original work permit.
Step 4: Receive the Result
Within 5 working days of receiving a complete application, the competent authority will review the dossier and process the work permit renewal. If the renewal requirements are not met, the authority will provide a written response explaining the reasons for rejection.
*Note: For foreign employees working under an employment contract in Vietnam, once the work permit is renewed, the employer and employee must sign a new employment contract before the scheduled continuation of work. The employer is responsible for submitting the new contract (original or notarized copy) to the authority that processed the renewal.
Penalties for Using an Expired Work Permit
According to Article 32 of Decree 12/2022/ND-CP, foreign employees and employers who use an expired work permit will be subject to the following penalties
| Subject | Penalty |
| Foreign employee | From 15,000,000VND to 25,000,000VND |
| Employer |
|
*Note: The penalties above apply to employers who are individuals. If a company or organization violates the regulations, the fines will be double the amount applied to individuals.
Summary
Renewing a work permit is just as important as obtaining one. To ensure foreign employees can continue working legally in Vietnam, renewal procedures must be carefully managed. This involves preparing the right documents, meeting strict deadlines, and staying up to date with current regulations.
Partnering with a professional work permit renewal service takes the stress out of the process. It saves time, reduces risks, and ensures everything is handled accurately and on schedule.
With over 40 years of experience, FISC has worked with leading global companies such as Pepsico, Philip Morris, Rolex, and P&G for Vietnam work permit renewal services. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive support at every stage of the process, from expert consultation and document preparation to submission and follow-up, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
