Work Permit
Vietnam work permit — handled from start to finish
Getting a work permit in Vietnam involves two sides of paperwork: your employer's labor demand approval and your personal documents. Miss a step on either side and the whole application stalls. We handle both — so you know exactly what's needed, when, and what happens next.
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Timelines at a glance
Document preparation is usually the longest stage — legalizing foreign degrees and police checks depends on your home country's authorities. Start early.
Document preparation
1–4 weeks
Varies by country of origin
Official processing after complete submission
~10 working days
Once accepted by the Provincial People's Committee
Work permit validity
Up to 2 years
Renewable once
Who needs a work permit
Most foreigners working in Vietnam need one
Whether you're on a labor contract, an intra-company transfer, or working as a manager, executive, expert, or technical worker, a work permit is required before starting employment. Working without one puts both you and your employer at risk of fines, and it blocks the path to a work visa (LD) and Temporary Residence Card.
Some people are exempt — but exemption is not automatic. In most cases you still need an official work permit exemption certificate from the authorities. If you're not sure which side you fall on, send us your situation and we'll tell you before you spend money on the wrong process.
What changed in 2025
Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP — and why it matters
Vietnam replaced its old work permit rules in August 2025. Many guides online still describe the old process under Decree 152/2020 — following outdated instructions is one of the most common reasons applications get returned. Our process follows the current rules.
Full-service coverage
What our full service covers
1. Eligibility and exemption check
Before anything else, we confirm whether you need a work permit or qualify for an exemption certificate — and which worker category (manager, executive, expert, technical worker) fits your qualifications.
2. Employer-side paperwork
We prepare the labor demand explanation and the employer's supporting documents, and coordinate directly with your company's HR or legal contact so nothing falls through the cracks between you and your employer.
3. Your personal documents
We guide you through each required item and check everything before submission.
4. Submission and follow-up
We compile the dossier, submit it to the competent Provincial People's Committee (in person or via the National Public Service Portal where applicable), track progress, and respond to any requests for clarification.
5. After issuance
A work permit is valid for up to 2 years and renewable once. We advise on the LD work visa, the Temporary Residence Card (TRC), renewal timing, and what to do if you change employers, positions, or passports.
Personal documents we check before submission
- Passport copy
- Health check certificate, issued within the last 12 months — in Vietnam, or legalized with certified Vietnamese translation if issued abroad
- Police clearance / criminal record certificate, issued within the last 6 months
- Degrees, certificates, or work experience letters proving your qualifications, legalized and translated
- Photos and the application form
Police clearance issued in Vietnam — see our Criminal Record Certificate service if you need one for your dossier. Foreign degrees and certificates need consular legalization and certified translation before submission — we coordinate this as part of the service.
How it works
Work permit process step by step
Share your situation
Nationality, current visa status, your role, your employer's details, and your target start date.
We review both sides
We confirm eligibility, the correct worker category, and list exactly which documents you and your employer need. You get a clear quote and timeline before committing.
Prepare the documents
We check every document for validity, legalization, and translation requirements before anything is submitted.
We submit and track
We handle the filing with the Provincial People's Committee and keep you updated at each stage.
Receive your work permit
You get the issued permit and clear instructions for your work visa or TRC application.
No service provider can guarantee work permit approval — decisions rest with the relevant Vietnamese authorities. We give a clear quote after reviewing your role, employer, and nationality, and focus on keeping your dossier complete, correctly legalized, and consistent — which is what most rejections come down to.
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need a work permit if I already have a business (DN) visa?
A business visa allows business activities like meetings — it does not authorize employment. If you are working for a Vietnamese entity, you generally need a work permit regardless of your current visa type.
I think I'm exempt. Do I need to do anything?
Usually yes. Most exemption cases still require an official exemption certificate from the authorities. We can confirm your case and handle the certificate application.
Can I apply for the work permit myself?
Legally, the application is filed by your employer, and much of the dossier is employer-side paperwork. Our role is coordinating both sides so the file is complete the first time.
How long does the whole process take?
Official processing is around 10 working days after a complete dossier is accepted, but document preparation before that — especially legalizing foreign documents — often takes several weeks. We give you a realistic timeline for your specific country and situation at the review stage.
What happens after I get the work permit?
You can apply for an LD work visa, and with a permit valid 12 months or more, a Temporary Residence Card. We explain the current TRC requirements for your case, as immigration practice on TRC eligibility has been updated recently.
My work permit details changed (new passport, new work location). What do I do?
Changes like a new passport number or work location require a re-issued work permit. Contact us with the change and we will confirm the correct procedure.
Can you guarantee approval?
No service provider can guarantee approval — decisions rest with the authorities. What we do is make sure your dossier is complete, correctly legalized, and consistent, which is what most rejections come down to.
Next checks
Related visa guidance
These related pages cover what often comes before and after a Vietnam work permit application.
Criminal Record Certificate
If you need a Vietnamese criminal record certificate for your dossier, we handle that too.
TRC through marriage
With a permit valid 12 months or more, you may also be eligible for a Temporary Residence Card.
Emergency visa support
Get urgent review if a visa deadline falls before your work permit dossier is complete.
Social Insurance Lump-Sum Withdrawal
When your contract ends, claim your social insurance contributions back as a lump sum.
Ready to start — or not sure where you stand?
Send us your nationality, your role, your employer's situation, and your target start date. We'll reply within a few hours with what's possible, what it costs, and what to prepare first.