Vietnam has rapidly emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic economies, attracting multinational corporations and entrepreneurs seeking growth opportunities in manufacturing, technology, and services. For companies expanding into this promising market, understanding the work permit in Vietnam is essential for compliant hiring and successful talent deployment. This comprehensive guide covers Vietnam's work authorization framework, application procedures, and documentation requirements for foreign professionals. Whether you're an HR manager coordinating international assignments or an employer establishing operations in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, this resource provides the practical guidance needed to navigate Vietnam's immigration and employment regulations effectively.
A work visa and work permit in Vietnam are distinct authorizations that foreign nationals must obtain to work legally in the country. The Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) is responsible for work permit issuance, while the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security manages visa matters.
Vietnam's immigration framework is governed by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law 47/2014/QH13) and the Labour Code 2019, which regulate foreign workers' entry, residence, and employment. The system requires foreign employees to obtain both a work permit (or work permit exemption certificate) and an appropriate visa category that permits employment activities.
Recent regulatory changes have streamlined certain processes, particularly through Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, which introduced the electronic work permit (e-work permit) system to improve efficiency and transparency. The Vietnamese government has also expanded work permit exemptions for certain categories of professionals and short-term assignments to attract foreign investment and expertise.
Vietnam's work authorization system emphasizes employer sponsorship, with Vietnamese companies acting as sponsors responsible for ensuring their foreign employees' compliance with immigration and labor regulations throughout their employment period.
Vietnam offers several work authorization pathways designed for different professional circumstances and assignment durations:
The Work Permit is the standard authorization for foreign employees engaged by Vietnamese companies under employment contracts. The Work Permit Exemption Certificate applies to specific categories including company representatives, specialists working under 30 days, intra-company transferees in certain roles, and professionals offering services under international agreements.
Vietnam introduced the e-work permit system to digitize applications and reduce processing times. Certain professionals, particularly in education and legal services, require additional practice licenses from their respective regulatory bodies beyond the standard work permit.
The work authorization process in Vietnam follows a sequential approach and typically takes 6-10 weeks for complete processing:
Step 1: Labor Demand Notification
Before hiring foreign employees, Vietnamese employers must report their labor demand to the Provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) at least 30 days before submitting work permit applications. This notification includes justification for hiring foreign workers, position details, and recruitment efforts for local candidates.
Step 2: Approval for Foreign Employee Recruitment
For certain positions and sectors, employers must obtain written approval from DOLISA confirming the need to recruit foreign workers. This requirement applies to positions that could potentially be filled by Vietnamese nationals.
Step 3: Entry Visa Arrangement
The foreign employee must obtain an entry visa to Vietnam. This can be arranged through:
Initial entry can be on a business visa (DN/DL visa code) or other appropriate category.
Step 4: Work Permit Application Submission
Once the employee is in Vietnam or simultaneously with visa processing, the employer submits the work permit application to the Provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs where the company is registered. Applications are submitted through the online e-work permit portal or in person, depending on provincial procedures.
Step 5: Work Permit Issuance
Upon approval, DOLISA issues the work permit (physical card or e-work permit). The work permit specifies the employer, position, workplace location, and validity period. Foreign employees must carry this document and present it when requested by authorities.
Step 6: Work Visa (LD2) and Temporary Residence Card
With the approved work permit, the employee applies for an LD2 work visa at the Vietnam Immigration Department. The LD2 visa allows multiple entries and is valid according to the work permit duration. For stays exceeding three months, foreign employees must also obtain a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) within 30 days of work permit approval.
Step 7: Labor Contract Registration
The employer must register the labor contract with local authorities within 30 days of the foreign employee commencing work, in accordance with Vietnamese labor law requirements.
Processing Time: Work permit applications typically take 15-20 working days from complete submission. Work permit exemption certificates may be processed within 5-7 working days. LD2 visa processing takes approximately 5-10 working days. Overall, employers should allow 6-10 weeks for the complete process.
Fees: Work permit fees are approximately VND 600,000-1,000,000 depending on duration. Work permit exemption certificates cost approximately VND 300,000-500,000. Visa fees vary by duration and applicant nationality, typically ranging from USD 50-150.
Vietnam's work permit process requires comprehensive documentation demonstrating both employer legitimacy and employee qualifications:
For the Employee:
For the Employer (Sponsor):
Specific Conditions:
Application forms and detailed guidelines are available through provincial DOLISA websites or the MOLISA official portal.
Initial Validity:
Work permits are issued for up to 2 years, depending on the employment contract duration and business needs. The actual validity period granted is typically aligned with the labor contract length, which cannot exceed 2 years initially under Vietnamese labor law.
Work Permit Renewal:
Work permit renewals should be submitted 45-60 days before expiry to the Provincial DOLISA. Required documents include:
Renewals are granted for up to 2 years and can be processed multiple times if employment continues.
Temporary Residence Card Extension:
The Temporary Residence Card must be extended in alignment with work permit validity. Applications should be submitted to the Immigration Department 15-30 days before TRC expiry, including the renewed work permit, labor contract, and employer sponsorship documentation.
Work Permit Exemption Certificate Renewal:
For those holding exemption certificates, similar renewal timelines apply (45-60 days before expiry), with updated documentation proving continued eligibility for exemption status.
Change of Employer:
Foreign employees cannot transfer work permits between employers. Changing jobs requires:
This process can take 6-10 weeks, potentially requiring the employee to exit and re-enter Vietnam or maintain legal status through transitional visa arrangements.
Cancellation:
When employment terminates, employers must notify DOLISA and cancel the work permit within 5 working days. The cancellation process includes:
Foreign employees must depart Vietnam or convert to another visa category within 15 days of work permit cancellation. Failure to cancel work permits properly can result in penalties for employers and affect future applications for employees.
Successful integration of foreign employees in Vietnam extends beyond securing work authorization to encompass practical relocation and ongoing compliance:
Tax and Social Insurance Registration:
Foreign employees must register with the General Department of Taxation and obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for personal income tax purposes. Vietnam operates a progressive tax system, with tax residency status determined by the 183-day rule. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents pay tax only on Vietnam-sourced income.
Mandatory social insurance contributions apply to foreign employees holding work permits with contracts of 1 year or longer, covering sickness, maternity, occupational accidents, and retirement benefits through the Vietnam Social Security system. Employers must register foreign employees within 30 days of work commencement.
Geographic Considerations:
Vietnam offers diverse relocation options based on industry clusters and lifestyle preferences. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the economic powerhouse and primary hub for manufacturing, technology, finance, and services, offering extensive international schools, healthcare facilities, and expatriate communities in districts like District 1, District 2 (Thao Dien), District 7, and Binh Thanh.
Hanoi, the capital, serves as the political and administrative center with strong presence in government relations, heavy industry, and northern manufacturing zones. International amenities are concentrated in Tay Ho, Ba Dinh, and Cau Giay districts.
Da Nang has emerged as a tertiary hub with growing technology sector, tourism industry, and improving quality of life, attracting professionals seeking lower cost of living with modern infrastructure. Other industrial zones in Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Hai Phong host manufacturing and logistics operations with developing expatriate support services.
Dependent Visas:
Foreign employees with valid work permits can sponsor dependent visas for:
Dependent visa holders receive TT (family visit) visa codes allowing temporary residence aligned with the principal employee's work permit duration. Dependents can reside in Vietnam but require separate work authorization if they wish to engage in employment activities.
Practical Relocation Support:
Employers typically assist with initial accommodation arrangements, school enrollment at international schools, healthcare registration at international hospitals or clinics, banking setup, and orientation to local transportation, cultural norms, and daily life. Vietnam's affordable cost of living, rich culture, and improving infrastructure make it an increasingly attractive destination for expatriate professionals.
Navigating Vietnam's multi-layered work authorization system requires expertise in labor regulations, immigration procedures, and provincial variations in application processes. AYP provides comprehensive mobility compliance and visa management support to simplify foreign employee onboarding.
Our services include:
Whether you're establishing your first presence in Vietnam or scaling an existing operation with international talent, AYP's local expertise ensures efficient, compliant work authorization management across Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other Vietnamese locations.
Talk to Our Visa & Mobility Experts
How long does it take to get a work permit in Vietnam?
Standard work permit applications take 15-20 working days from complete submission to Provincial DOLISA. Including preliminary steps (labor demand notification, document preparation, legalization), the entire process typically requires 6-10 weeks. Work permit exemption certificates may be processed within 5-7 working days.
What documents are required for a work visa?
Essential documents include a valid passport, police clearance certificate (notarized and legalized), health certificate from Vietnamese medical facility, certified academic qualifications, employment references proving 3+ years experience, labor contract, employer's business registration, and labor demand notification confirmation. Most foreign documents require consular legalization or apostille.
Can foreigners work remotely in Vietnam?
Foreign nationals cannot legally work remotely for overseas companies while in Vietnam on tourist or business visas. Any work activity conducted in Vietnam requires a valid work permit or applicable exemption certificate. Vietnam does not currently offer specific digital nomad visa programs, though business visas allow limited business activities excluding formal employment.
What is the validity of a work permit?
Work permits are issued for up to 2 years initially, aligned with labor contract duration. Renewals are granted for additional 2-year periods and can be processed multiple times as long as employment continues and eligibility requirements are maintained.
How to renew or cancel a work visa?
Work permit renewals should be submitted 45-60 days before expiry to Provincial DOLISA with updated health certificates, extended labor contracts, and employer confirmation. Cancellation must occur within 5 working days of employment termination, filed by the employer with DOLISA and immigration authorities.
Can dependents apply for a spouse visa?
Yes, foreign employees with valid work permits can sponsor TT (family visit) visas for their legal spouse and children under 18. These dependent visas are granted for durations aligned with the principal employee's work permit and TRC. Dependents require separate work authorization if they wish to work in Vietnam.
