1. What is a Work Permit Exemption in Vietnam?
A Work Permit Exemption means that a foreigner is not required to obtain a work permit to work legally in Vietnam. However, this does not mean the foreigner can work freely without any procedures.
In most exemption cases, foreigners must still apply for a confirmation of work permit exemption issued by Vietnamese authorities.
Many foreigners mistakenly believe that exemption equals “no paperwork.” In practice, failure to complete exemption procedures may result in penalties, similar to working without a work permit.
👉 To understand the general requirements for working legally in Vietnam, please see our related guide:
Work Permit in Vietnam: Requirements, Application Process, and Common Mistakes for Foreigners
2. Who is eligible for Work Permit exemption in Vietnam?
Under Vietnamese labor regulations, foreigners may be exempt from obtaining a work permit in the following common cases:
2.1. Owners or capital-contributing members of companies
Foreigners who are:
2.2. Chairpersons or members of the Board of Directors
Foreigners serving as:
2.3. Intra-company transferees
Foreign employees transferred internally within the same enterprise group may be exempt if:
This category is one of the most legally complex and frequently misapplied.
🔗 For long-term assignment cases, foreigners often need to combine exemption procedures with residence status. See:
[Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners in Vietnam]: https://dhhlawfirm.vn/temporary-residence-card-in-vietnam-2025-update-how-to-apply-who-qualifies/
2.4. Short-term work (less than 30 days)
Foreigners entering Vietnam to work:
- For less than 30 days per entry, and
- No more than 3 times per year,
may be exempt from work permits.
⚠️ This exemption applies only when job scope, duration, and entry purpose are consistent.
2.5. Other statutory exemption cases
Other exemption cases include:
- Foreign lawyers licensed to practice in Vietnam
- Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens and residing in Vietnam
- Cases under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party
Each case requires specific supporting documentation.
3. Common cases that are often misunderstood
Despite the exemptions, many foreigners still violate labor regulations unintentionally.
4. Documents required for Work Permit exemption confirmation
Although exempt from a work permit, foreigners usually must submit:
- Application for exemption confirmation
- Passport copy
- Corporate documents (investment certificate, enterprise registration)
- Appointment or capital contribution documents
- Other documents depending on exemption category
📌 Important note:
Documents issued overseas often must be legalized, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized.
5. Important legal notes for foreigners
- Exemption applies only to specific roles and employers
- Changes in position or employer may require new procedures
- Working without exemption confirmation may result in fines or deportation
Each case must be assessed individually, not by general assumption.
6. When should you consult a lawyer?
You should consult a lawyer if:
- Your exemption category is unclear
- Your documents are issued overseas
- You combine roles as investor and employee
- You plan long-term employment in Vietnam
Professional legal review helps ensure compliance and reduce risks.
📞 Contact DHH Law Firm Today
Each work permit exemption case is legally unique.
Foreigners should verify their eligibility before working in Vietnam.
🏢 Main Office: 2nd Floor, 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline: +84 89 9352 777 (VN) | +84 89 9351 777 (ENG)
🌐 Website: www.dhhlawfirm.vn
📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn
✨ DHH Law Firm – Your trusted legal partner for family and foreign-related civil procedures in Vietnam
