Guide to Work Permit Application in Vietnam You Need to Know

A guide to work permit application in Vietnam is essential for any foreign national seeking legal employment in this vibrant economy. As Vietnam continues to emerge as a key destination for international professionals and investment, understanding the intricate process of securing a work permit is more critical than ever. Securing a work permit is a mandatory step within the broader scope of visa and employment permits for foreigners entering the country.

Who needs a work permit?

In Vietnam, any foreign national intending to work legally must secure a work permit, unless they fall under a specific exemption category. This requirement applies to a wide range of employment arrangements, including working under a labor contract, fulfilling service contracts, and intra-company transfers. The governing regulations, primarily Decree 152/2020/ND-CP and the newer Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, mandate this for positions such as managers, executives, experts, and technical workers. It is the employer's responsibility to facilitate the application process, as foreign workers cannot apply themselves directly. Failing to obtain a valid permit not only places the employee at risk of deportation but also exposes the employer to substantial fines.

This legal document, issued by the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA), legitimizes a foreigner's employment status and is a prerequisite for applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). The scope of this rule is broad, also covering foreigners working for foreign non-governmental organizations or international organizations in Vietnam. Understanding your employment arrangement is the first step. For a deeper dive into corporate structures, read our article on company registration in Vietnam.

Penalties for working without a work permit in Vietnam

Working in Vietnam without a valid work permit or a formal exemption is a serious violation that triggers significant penalties for both the foreign employee and the hiring company. The government enforces these rules strictly to regulate the labor market. These regulations are strictly enforced under the labor law in Vietnam, which aims to protect the domestic workforce while managing foreign expertise

For the foreign employee, the primary consequence is deportation from Vietnam.

For the employer, the penalties are financial and scale with the number of illegally employed workers. According to Decree No. 28/2020/ND-CP, the fines are structured as follows:

• A fine from VND 30,000,000 to VND 45,000,000 if the violation involves 1 to 10 workers.
• A fine of VND 45,000,000 to VND 60,000,000 if the violation involves 11 to 20 workers.
• A fine of VND 60,000,000 to VND 75,000,000 if the violation involves 21 or more workers.

These strict measures underscore the importance for both employers and foreign nationals to ensure full compliance with Vietnam's work permit regulations before starting any employment.

Step-by-step to apply for a work permit

The work permit application process requires precise documentation and strict adherence to DOLISA procedures. It is a multi-stage process that is the responsibility of the employer. While recent updates in 2025 have streamlined certain aspects, careful planning is essential, with experts recommending starting the process 2-3 months in advance.

4 steps to apply for a work permit in Vietnam

Step 1: Obtain the employer's labor use approval and fulfil the job posting requirements

This process is a core part of the overall strategy for hiring employees in Vietnam, ensuring that the recruitment of foreign talent follows local priority rules. Previously, employers had to submit a request to recruit foreign workers at least 30 days in advance. However, recent reforms under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP have integrated the foreign-hiring approval directly into the work permit application for most cases, such as intra-company transfers and service contracts. For those hired under a local Vietnamese labor contract, a job posting requirement remains. The employer must advertise the vacancy on public platforms for at least 5 days to prove that no suitable Vietnamese candidate was found.

Step 2: Prepare the application dossier

This is the most time-consuming step, involving the collection of numerous documents from both the employee and the employer. All foreign-issued documents, such as degrees and criminal records, must undergo consular legalization and be translated into Vietnamese. This stage requires meticulous attention to detail to avoid rejection.

Step 3: Submit the dossier to DOLISA

The complete application dossier must be submitted to the provincial Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs where the foreigner is expected to work. Under the new Decree 219, the dossier should be submitted between 10 and 60 days before the employee's intended start date.

Step 4: Await processing and receive the work permit

The standard processing time for the work permit issuance is now 10 working days from the receipt of a complete and valid application. If the application is approved, the employer pays the required fee and receives the work permit. In case of refusal, DOLISA will provide a written explanation. The job posting requirement is a recent change. Stay updated on all legal requirements with our Vietnam Incorporation Service, which includes ongoing compliance support.

Required documentation checklist to apply work permit

The application dossier requires several key documents, such as a health check certificate, a consularized criminal record, and copies of relevant university degrees. Accuracy and completeness are paramount. All documents issued abroad must be consularized, legalized, and translated into Vietnamese by a certified authority.

For the foreign employee:

• Application form for a work permit (Form No. 11/PLI or the latest version).
• Valid passport (certified copy).
• Health check certificate issued by an authorized hospital in Vietnam or abroad within the last 12 months.
• Criminal record check issued within the last 6 months from both the employee's home country and Vietnam.
• University degrees, qualifications, and work experience letters to prove expert, manager, or technician status. These documents must be consularized and translated.
• Two recent 4x6cm passport-sized photos with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.

The application dossier requires several key documents

For the employer:

• Business registration certificate (certified copy).
• Written approval of the demand to employ foreign workers (where applicable).
• Proof of the job recruitment posting (for local hires).
• Labor contract draft.

Categories of foreign workers and specific requirements

Vietnamese law defines specific criteria for different categories of foreign employees. The employer must provide documents proving the employee meets these standards. The main categories are managers, experts, and technical workers.

Work permit validity, renewal, and exemptions

Understanding the validity period, renewal process, and exemption cases for work permits is essential for foreign employees and employers operating in Vietnam.

Validity and renewal

A Vietnam work permit is typically valid for a maximum of two years. It can be renewed only once for an additional two-year term. The renewal application must be submitted between 5 and 45 days before the current permit's expiration date. After a single renewal, the employee must apply for a completely new work permit to continue working legally. An expired work permit cannot be renewed.

Work permit exemptions

Certain foreign nationals are exempt from the work permit requirement. Key cases for work permit exemptions include:

• Capital-contributing members or owners of a limited liability company with a capital contribution of at least VND 3 billion.
• Chairpersons or members of the board of directors of a joint-stock company with a capital contribution of at least VND 3 billion.
• Heads of representative offices or projects of international organizations in Vietnam.
• Foreigners entering Vietnam for less than 3 months to handle complex technical issues that local experts cannot resolve.
• Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens and residing in Vietnam.

Read more about LLC and JSC

It is crucial to note that even exempt individuals must still notify the labor authorities and may need to obtain a certificate of work permit exemption to formalize their status. Even exempt individuals have reporting duties. Ensure full compliance with our legal advisory services.

Consequences of non-compliance

Working in Vietnam without a valid work permit or exemption certificate is a serious violation of labor law, leading to significant penalties for both the employee and the employer.

For the foreign employee:

• Foreigners may face fines from VND 15 million to VND 25 million and could be subject to deportation.

For the employer:

• Fines are levied based on the number of illegal workers employed. Failing to secure proper permits can also trigger complex labor disputes in Vietnam, potentially damaging the company's reputation and financial standing
  • VND 30 million to VND 45 million for 1 to 10 illegal employees.
  • VND 45 million to VND 60 million for 11 to 20 illegal employees.
  • VND 60 million to VND 75 million for 21 or more illegal employees.

These penalties underscore the importance of strict compliance with all work permit regulations. Avoid these severe penalties. Our G2B’s work permit service in Vietnam will help your application comply from start to finish.

Recent updates and looking ahead to 2026

The legal framework governing foreign workers in Vietnam is continuously evolving. The most significant of the recent updates is the issuance of Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, effective August 7, 2025, which introduces several key changes.

A major change is the streamlining of procedures. The process of reporting the demand for foreign labor has been merged into the work permit application itself for most cases, reducing administrative steps. The processing time has also been shortened to 10 working days.

Furthermore, the mandatory job posting requirement has been clarified. While it was once broadly applied, it is now primarily required for foreigners working under a direct Vietnamese labor contract. Intra-company transferees and service providers are largely exempt from this step. The new decree also expands the list of work permit exemption categories, particularly for experts in priority sectors like technology and finance, reflecting the government's aim to attract high-skilled talent. These 2025 regulations signal a move towards greater flexibility and efficiency, but also demand that employers stay vigilant about changes in compliance requirements.

Navigating the complexities of the Vietnamese labor market is the foundational step toward a successful business venture. The work permit application, while detailed, is a manageable process when the steps are clearly understood, documentation is prepared meticulously, and you remain informed of the latest regulatory updates. Whether you need a full Vietnam Incorporation Service or specialized support for your work permit application, G2B is your partner for success in 2026