As Vietnam increasingly integrates into the global economy, the demand for foreign labor—particularly experts and highly skilled professionals—has grown significantly among domestic enterprises. However, for foreign nationals to work legally and long-term in Vietnam, obtaining a work permit is a mandatory requirement.
While there are many articles on this topic, the information often lacks clarity and comprehensiveness. With over 10 years of experience in immigration services, FTA LAW is here to provide you with a complete and detailed overview of work permit requirements in Vietnam.
1. What Is a Work Permit?
A work permit is an official administrative document issued to foreign workers, allowing them to work legally in Vietnam. It includes key information such as the worker’s name, the name and address of the employer, and the specific job position. It is essential that the foreign worker only performs the job stated on the permit—any deviation may result in a legal violation.
Image: A work permit allows foreign nationals to work legally in Vietnam.
2. Work Permit Template
According to Article 3 of Circular 40/2016/TT-BLĐTBXH, work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) or by the provincial Departments of Labor. The permit is valid for up to 2 years and is one of the key documents required to apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam.
Foreign workers without a valid permit are not allowed to work in Vietnam unless they are eligible for exemption.
3. Conditions for Obtaining a Work Permit in Vietnam
Under Decree No. 11/2016/NĐ-CP, the conditions for obtaining a work permit include:
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Full civil act capacity as prescribed by law
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Good health appropriate for the job requirements
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Being a manager, executive, expert, or technical worker
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Having no criminal record or prosecution history
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Being approved in writing by the competent authority for the employment of foreign labor
4. Who Is Eligible for a Work Permit?
According to Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP, foreign nationals may be granted a work permit in Vietnam under the following conditions:
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Performing labor contracts or service agreements
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Intra-company transfers
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Engaging in economic, financial, banking, commercial, educational, health, or technical contracts
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Working for non-governmental or international organizations in Vietnam
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Serving as managers, executives, experts, or technical workers
Authorized organizations to sponsor foreign workers include enterprises under the Law on Enterprises and Investment, representative offices, NGOs, government bodies, and other legally established entities.
5. Work Permit Application Process and Required Documents
The process of obtaining a work permit in Vietnam involves three key steps to maximize success:
Step 1: Register Demand for Hiring Foreign Workers
At least 30 days before employing foreign workers, the company must submit a registration of need to hire foreign labor to the Ministry of Labor or the provincial People’s Committee. This step is to obtain approval for employing foreign staff.
Required documents:
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Official letter of foreign labor demand (Form 01 or 02)
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Letter of authorization (if the applicant is not the legal representative)
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Certified copy of the company’s business registration certificate
Processing time: Approximately 15 working days
Step 2: Prepare the Application Dossier
Once approval is received, the foreign worker must prepare the necessary documents, including:
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Application form for a work permit (Form 11/PLI)
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Valid health certificate from an authorized medical facility
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Police clearance certificate issued within the past 6 months
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Proof of qualifications and work experience (degree, certificates, labor contracts, etc.)
Step 3: Submit the Application
After preparing the complete application, the company must submit it to the Department of Labor where the foreign employee is expected to work.
Submission locations: Labor Departments in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hai Phong, etc.
Processing time: Around 5 working days
Image: The work permit application process involves three main steps.
6. Validity Period of the Work Permit
As per Article 10 of Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP, the validity of a work permit is determined based on the following criteria but may not exceed 2 years:
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Duration of the labor contract between the employer and employee
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Period of assignment for foreign workers sent to Vietnam
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Term of contracts or agreements between Vietnamese and foreign partners
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Duration of service provision agreements
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Time specified in documents from service providers sending foreign workers for commercial or negotiation purposes
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Timeframe in certificates of NGOs or international organizations permitted to operate in Vietnam
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Duration specified in documents from service providers establishing commercial presence in Vietnam
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Time indicated in documents proving the worker’s participation in activities of a foreign business entity operating in Vietnam
7. Conclusion
Obtaining a work permit for foreign nationals in Vietnam requires multiple administrative steps and involves complex paperwork. Each document has specific requirements, which may be challenging for both employers and foreign employees.
That’s why many have chosen FTA LAW to handle the process—saving time and effort while ensuring everything is done legally and efficiently.
Disclaimer: The information above is for reference purposes only and does not constitute official legal advice from FTA LAW. For personalized support or case-specific consultation, please contact us at: support@ftalaw.vn – We’re always here to help you.