Work Permit in Vietnam: Requirements, Application Process, and Common Mistakes for Foreigners
1. What is a Work Permit in Vietnam?
A Work Permit is an official document issued by Vietnamese authorities allowing a foreigner to work legally in Vietnam for a specific employer, position, and duration.
2. Who is required to have a Work Permit?
Foreigners are required to obtain a Work Permit if they:
- Work under an employment contract in Vietnam
- Hold managerial, executive, expert, or technical positions
- Are assigned by foreign companies to work in Vietnam
⚠️ A visa alone does not replace a Work Permit.
3. Requirements for obtaining a Work Permit in Vietnam
To be eligible for a work permit Vietnam for foreigners, applicants must meet the following conditions:
4. Documents required for a Vietnam Work Permit
A standard application dossier includes:
- Application form for Work Permit issuance
- Medical certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Degrees and professional certificates
- Proof of work experience
- Valid passport
- Photos
- Approval of foreign labor demand
📌 Important note:
Most documents issued overseas must be legalized, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized.
5. Application process for a Work Permit
The general process includes:
- Approval of demand for foreign labor
- Preparation of personal documents
- Submission of Work Permit application
- Issuance of Work Permit and post-issuance procedures
A Work Permit is usually valid for up to 2 years.
6. Common mistakes foreigners often make
6.1. Mismatched job experience
- Experience not relevant to the registered position
- Improper experience confirmation documents
6.2. Invalid or unrecognized degrees
- Degrees not legalized
- Inconsistent qualification requirements
6.3. Confusing visa with Work Permit
Many foreigners mistakenly believe that a work visa alone allows legal employment.
6.4. Employer’s non-compliance
- Incorrect labor demand approval
- Incomplete corporate legal documents
7. Important legal notes for foreign workers
- Working without a Work Permit may result in fines or deportation
- Work Permits are position- and employer-specific
- Any change may require re-issuance
Each case should be assessed individually.
8. When should you consult a lawyer?
You should consult a lawyer if:
- Your case involves complex foreign documents
- Your qualifications do not perfectly match legal criteria
- You have previously been rejected or overstayed
- You want long-term legal employment in Vietnam
📞 Contact DHH Law Firm Today
🏢 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
✨ DHH Law Firm – Your trusted legal partner for family and foreign-related civil procedures in Vietnam.
