In order for foreign workers to legally work in Vietnam, obtaining a Vietnam work permit issued by the competent authority is a mandatory requirement. In fact, this is an important document to ensure that foreign workers comply with Vietnam’s legal regulations when participating in the domestic labor market. So, what exactly is a Vietnam work permit, how long is its validity period, and what conditions must be met in order to apply for this permit? What are the procedures for obtaining a Vietnam work permit, and are there any exceptions? Let’s explore detailed information in this article shared by Urgent Vietnam Visa.

What is a Vietnam work permit?

A Vietnam work permit is an official authorization that allows foreign nationals to engage in employment activities legally within the country. This permit is issued by designated government bodies responsible for labor management, which include:

• The Employment Department under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.
• The Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs in the locality where the foreign worker intends to be employed.

The Vietnam work permit provides comprehensive personal details about the individual, including their full name, passport information, date of birth, and nationality. Additionally, it outlines the name and address of the employer, as well as the specific job title or role the individual is appointed to perform.

Vietnam work permit conditions

According to the regulations  in Vietnam’s Labor Code (Article 151, 2019), individuals who wish to obtain a Vietnam work permit must fulfill the following conditions:

• Age requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and possess full civil capacity.
• Professional expertise: They need to have appropriate qualifications, technical skills, work experience, and meet the health standards defined by the Ministry of Health.
• Legal standing: The applicant must not be serving a sentence or under criminal investigation, and they must not have a criminal history under either Vietnamese or international law.
• Approval: A Vietnam work permit requires written approval from the competent authorities about the necessity of employing foreign labor (except where such approval is not needed).

Meeting these conditions is essential for any foreign national seeking to legally work in Vietnam and obtain a Vietnam work permit. 

Vietnam work permit eligibility

The Vietnam work permit eligibility generally consists of the necessary documents and procedures for the application. Key requirements typically include:

• Application form: A completed form with personal and job-related details.
• Valid passport: A passport with the appropriate visa.
• Health certificate: Verification of physical health for employment.
• Clean criminal record: Proof of no prior criminal convictions.
• Qualifications and experiences: Required qualifications and relevant work experience for the position.
• Employer documentation:  Business registration and related employer documents.
• Approval: Written consent from the local labor authority (if needed).

How to apply for a Vietnam work permit

To apply for a Vietnam work permit, foreign workers need to follow a few steps:

Step 1: Preparing the documents

Documents that the company or organization must gather to apply for a Vietnam work permit for a foreign worker:

• Application form for the Vietnam work permit (Form 11/PLI).
• Official notification of approval for the position requiring foreign workers.
• Business registration certificate, operating license, or investment certificate.

Documents that the foreign workers need to submit:

• Health certificate issued by an accredited medical institution, in line with regulations.
• A criminal record check issued within the last 6 months.
• Certified copies of all passport pages and visas.
• Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background, no glasses.
• Evidence of qualifications for roles like manager, expert or technician (for example, a university degree, work experience certificate, investment certificate, business registration, or operating permit of the company).
• Any other necessary documents (if applicable).

Note:  The documents must be legalized and translated into Vietnamese with notarization. This is a mandatory step when applying for a Vietnam work permit to ensure the documents are recognized and valid.

Step 2: Submit the Vietnam work permit application

The Vietnam work permit application must be submitted to the relevant authority in the area where the foreign worker will be employed, at least 15 days prior to the expected start date of employment.

After completing the necessary procedures and paying the required fees, the applicant will be given an appointment to collect the result of the Vietnam work permit application.

Step 3: Result the Vietnam work permit

If the Vietnam work permit is not granted, the issuing authority will send a written response explaining the reasons for the denial. 

If approved, the Vietnam work permit will be issued within 5 days from the receipt of the complete application, following the guidelines of Form 12/PLI, Appendix I, under Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP.

FAQs

1. What are Vietnam work permit requirements?

To acquire a Vietnam work permit, foreign workers must fulfill several requirements. These include being at least 18 years old with full legal capacity, having the appropriate qualifications and experience for the job, meeting health requirements, and adhering to other prescribed regulations. The application process consists of submitting the necessary documents, paying the fees, and waiting for approval from the Ministry of Labor.

2. How much is a Vietnam work permit fee?

Generally, the fee for a Vietnam work permit ranges around 1 million VND (equivalent to nearly 40 USD). However, it may vary depending on the application method, location, and specific circumstances of the request. It is advisable to check with the relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date fee information.

3. How long does it take to get a Vietnam work permit?

The Vietnam work permit will be issued by the competent authority within 5 working days after receiving the complete application, although the processing time may vary due to other external factors. Generally, the entire process of obtaining a Vietnam work permit takes about 1 to 2 months. For a quicker process, you can reach out to Xpress Vietnam Visa for support.

4. How long is a Vietnam work permit valid?

A Vietnam work permit for foreign workers is valid for a maximum of 2 years, as stated in Article 10 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP. If an extension is needed, it can only be granted once, and the maximum duration for the extension is also 2 years.

Final thoughts

With the latest updates on the Vietnam work permit, we believe you now understand the process and requirements for applying for a work permit in Vietnam. To ensure that all procedures are followed correctly, contact Xpress Vietnam Visa today. We will assist you in completing all the Vietnam work permit procedures quickly and efficiently. Don’t let the Vietnam work permit be an obstacle – get in touch with us now to start your smooth working journey In Vietnam!