1. What is a Work Permit in Vietnam?
A work permit is an official document issued by a competent Vietnamese authority allowing a foreign national to work legally in Vietnam for a specified period. Except for statutory exemption cases, holding a valid work permit is a mandatory legal requirement for foreign employees.
In practice, DHH Law Firm has advised numerous foreign individuals and employers who faced administrative penalties or visa complications due to improper or incomplete work permit applications.
2. Who Is Required to Obtain a Work Permit?
3. Legal Conditions for Issuance of a Work Permit
A foreign employee must satisfy all of the following conditions:
- Being at least 18 years old with full civil act capacity;
- Possessing professional qualifications and working experience relevant to the proposed position;
- Having no criminal record or pending criminal liability;
- Meeting health requirements under Vietnamese law;
- Not being subject to a prohibition on working in Vietnam.
Each category (expert, manager, technical worker) is subject to distinct statutory criteria, which must be carefully assessed prior to submission.
4. Required Documentation for a Work Permit Application
A standard application dossier includes:
- Application letter for issuance of a work permit;
- Valid health certificate;
- Criminal record certificate or confirmation of no criminal history;
- Professional diplomas, certificates, and proof of work experience;
- Certified copy of passport;
- Passport-sized photographs;
- Written approval on the demand for foreign labor.
Important: Documents issued overseas must be legalized, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized in accordance with Vietnamese regulations.
5. Work Permit Application Procedure
Step 1: Approval of Demand for Foreign Employees
The employer must obtain approval from the competent authority regarding the demand for foreign labor.
Step 2: Submission of Work Permit Application
Upon approval, the employer submits the complete application dossier to the relevant authority.
Step 3: Issuance of Work Permit and Execution of Labor Contract
If the dossier is valid, the work permit will be issued within the statutory timeframe.
Validity: A work permit is valid for up to 02 years and may be extended in accordance with the law.
6. Statutory Exemptions from Work Permit Requirement
Certain categories of foreign nationals are exempt from work permits, including:
- Investors and capital-contributing members;
- Chairpersons or members of the Board of Directors;
- Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens and residing in Vietnam;
- Individuals working in Vietnam for less than 30 days per entry and not exceeding three entries per year.
However, exemption cases still require formal confirmation procedures.
7. Legal Consequences of Working Without a Valid Work Permit
Non-compliance may result in:
- Administrative fines imposed on both employer and employee;
- Forced exit or deportation of the foreign worker;
- Revocation or denial of visas and temporary residence cards;
- Increased risk of labor inspections and operational disruption.
8. Work Permit Services at DHH Law Firm
DHH Law Firm provides comprehensive legal services, including:
- Legal assessment of eligibility and job classification;
- Preparation and verification of compliant application dossiers;
- Representation before competent authorities;
- Integrated support for related procedures such as visas and temporary residence cards.
Our commitment: Accurate legal advice, procedural compliance, and effective risk mitigation for foreign employees and employers.
9. Contact DHH Law Firm
For professional legal assistance regarding work permits for foreigners in Vietnam, please contact DHH Law Firm for direct consultation with our attorneys.
🏢 Main Office: 2nd Floor, 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline:
- +84 89 9352 777 (Vietnamese)
- +84 89 9351 777 (English)
🌐 Website: www.dhhlawfirm.vn
📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn
