A work permit is a mandatory requirement for most foreigners to work legally in Vietnam. Without a work permit, both the worker and the employer can face penalties, and the worker may even be deported.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of work permit services — from conditions, required documents, procedures for issuance, renewal, re-issuance, exemption cases, to specific documents for experts, managers, and technical workers, and costs — with the support of Vinasc’s multilingual team.
Overview of work permits for foreigners
Work permit services help foreigners and businesses complete the procedures required for legal employment in Vietnam. A work permit allows an eligible foreigner to work in a specific position for a specified period. In particular, foreign experts, managers, executives, and skilled workers may need work permits depending on applicable requirements.
Preparing a work permit application is quite complex because it involves many documents issued by foreign countries, requires consular legalization, and proof of qualifications and experience. Errors in the application are a common reason for rejection.
With a multilingual team and 15 years of experience, Vinasc assists businesses and foreigners in completing work permit applications quickly and in accordance with regulations.
1. Work permit for foreigners
This is background information regarding the eligibility, conditions, required documents, and validity period of a work permit.
Which foreigners need a work permit?
Foreigners working in Vietnam under labor contracts or other forms of employment must have a work permit, except for those exempted according to regulations.
Conditions for granting work permits
Workers must be of legal age, in good health, have no criminal record, and meet the qualifications and experience requirements for the position (expert, manager, technical worker, etc.).
Work permit application
The application dossier includes: a request letter, a health certificate, a criminal record certificate, documents proving qualifications and experience, and a written approval for the need to employ foreign workers.
Work permit validity period
Work permits have a maximum validity period as stipulated by regulations (usually up to two years) and are tied to the duration of the contract or job position.
🔗 See the in-depth article: Work permits for foreigners.
2. Procedures for issuing work permits
The work permit application process involves several steps, beginning with the approval of the labor needs.
Work permit application process
The business is responsible for: explaining and seeking approval for the need to employ foreign workers, preparing the necessary documents, submitting them, and receiving work permits as required.
Where can I apply for a work permit?
Applications are submitted to the competent labor management agency (Department of Labor or Industrial Park/Export Processing Zone Management Board) according to the hierarchical structure.
Timeframe for issuing work permits
The processing time is as per regulations, usually within a few business days from the date of receipt of all valid documents.
Reasons why work permit applications are rejected.
Common reasons include: missing documents, lack of consular legalization, failure to demonstrate sufficient qualifications or experience, or the position not matching the application category.
🔗 See the in-depth article: Work permit application procedures.
3. Renewal of work permit
Extending a work permit allows foreigners to continue working legally without interruption.
Conditions for renewing a work permit
The work permit is still valid, the worker continues to work in the same position, and the company still has a need for foreign workers.
Work permit renewal application
The application includes a request for renewal, a valid work permit, a health certificate, and other relevant documents as required.
Work permit renewal period
Work permits are renewed once for the maximum period stipulated by regulations; after that, if further renewal is needed, a new permit usually has to be applied for.
When do I need to apply for a work permit renewal?
Businesses need to submit their license renewal applications a specified period before their license expires to ensure continuity.
🔗 See in-depth article: Renewing work permits.
4. Reissuing work permits
When a work permit is lost, damaged, or the information changes, the worker needs to go through the procedure to have it reissued.
In what cases can a work permit be reissued?
Work permits are reissued when they are lost, damaged, or when certain information, such as passport details or work location, changes occur as per regulations.
What should I do if I lose my work permit?
Workers and businesses need to apply for the renewal of work permits at the competent authority, submitting the required documents.
Application for renewal of work permit
The application includes a request for renewal, the old work permit (if still available), and documents related to the reason for renewal.
Validity period of renewed work permit
A renewed work permit is usually valid for the remaining period of the previously issued permit.
🔗 See in-depth article: Reissuing work permits.
5. Exemption from work permit
In some cases, foreigners are exempt from work permits but still need to go through the verification process.
Cases where work permits are not required.
This includes cases as stipulated, such as contributing members/owners at a certain level, internal transfers within certain sectors, or short-term employment as regulated.
Documents confirming exemption from work permit requirements
Even if exempted, businesses are usually still required to go through the process of verifying that employees are not subject to work permit requirements.
Do foreign investors need a work permit?
Investors who contribute capital at or above the stipulated level may be exempt from work permit requirements, but confirmation is still necessary.
Do foreigners who marry Vietnamese citizens need a work permit?
Foreign nationals who marry Vietnamese citizens and reside in Vietnam may be exempt from work permit requirements, but they need to go through the necessary procedures for confirmation.
🔗 See in-depth article: Exemption from work permit.
6. Work permit for foreign managers
Foreign directors and managers with special visa categories need to demonstrate their managerial role.
Do foreign managers need a work permit?
Foreign executives and managers are typically required to have work permits, unless they are exempt (for example, owners/contributors at a specified level).
Conditions for determining whether a foreigner is a manager.
A manager is a person who manages a business or heads and operates a unit as prescribed; they need documentation proving their position and corresponding role.
Work permit application for a director
The application includes documents proving the management position, managerial experience, and general documents such as a criminal record certificate, medical certificate, and passport.
Does a director who is also an investor need a work permit?
If the investor’s capital contribution meets the required level, the director may be exempt from the work permit requirement; this needs to be determined based on the specific case file.
🔗 See in-depth article: Work permit for foreign managers.
7. Work permit for professionals
The specialist category is common, requiring demonstration of relevant qualifications and experience.
Conditions for identifying foreign experts
An expert is someone with the qualifications and experience appropriate to the job position as stipulated, usually demonstrated by academic degrees and work experience.
What are the requirements for obtaining a foreign expert qualification?
Qualifications must be relevant to the job position and often require consular legalization and certified translation for use in Vietnam.
How is a specialist’s work experience proven?
Experience is demonstrated through confirmation from previous employers, specifying the position and duration that matched the requirements.
Application for a work permit for a specialist
The application file includes diplomas, certificates of experience, criminal record checks, health certificates, passports, and other required documents.
🔗 See in-depth article: Work permits for professionals.
8. Work permits for skilled workers
Technical workers are those who have been trained and have experience in a technical field.
Conditions for foreign technical workers
Technical workers need to receive technical training and have appropriate work experience as required by regulations.
Documents proving technical work experience
Qualifications, training certificates, and proof of work experience in the relevant technical field for the position are required.
Are foreign vocational qualifications accepted in Vietnam?
Vocational qualifications and certificates issued by foreign countries often require consular legalization and certified translation to be recognized and used in applications.
Application for a work permit for technical workers
The application includes training certificates, experience verification, criminal record check, health certificate, passport, and other required documents.
🔗 See in-depth article: Work permits for skilled workers.
9. Work permit costs
The cost of obtaining a work permit includes fees and service charges, depending on the complexity of the application.
Work permit issuance fee
The fee for issuing a work permit is set by the local authorities and is usually not a large amount per issuance.
Cost of work permit services
Service fees vary depending on the scope of assistance, such as translation, consular legalization, document preparation, and submission/receipt of results.
Who pays for the work permit application?
Typically, businesses employing foreign workers bear the cost of obtaining work permits as part of their human resources policy.
Factors that increase the cost of obtaining a work permit
Costs increase when multiple documents need to be legalized, when complex files are required, or when foreign documents need extensive translation and notarization.
🔗 See in-depth article: Work permit costs.
Transparent work processes at Vinasc
Thanks to the fact that most documents can now be processed online, coordination between Vinasc and its clients has become simpler and more convenient when both parties are in good faith. The entire process is carried out via email on a fixed monthly schedule.
| Time / Step | Content |
| 20th – 25th of each month | Vinasc sent an email reminding customers to prepare their documents. |
| Days 1-2 of the following month | Vinasc sends emails requesting customers to provide documents. |
| Receiving & Processing | Based on the received documents, Vinasc proceeds with the work; if anything is missing or needs clarification, further communication will be conducted via email. |
| Notification of completion | Once completed, Vinasc will send an email notification for customers to confirm. |
| Confirm & continue | If the client agrees, Vinasc proceeds with the next steps; if not, both parties continue discussions until an agreement is reached. |
All communication between Vinasc and its clients is conducted via email, ensuring it is always tracked, transparent, and easily traceable, guaranteeing uninterrupted work even when the company’s internal accounting staff changes.
Why do FDI businesses choose Vinasc?
Beyond simply providing services, Vinasc also offers peace of mind to foreign investors thanks to values maintained over the past 15 years:
- Comply with the law and keep commitments regarding progress and quality.
- Receive free updates on policy changes that may affect customers.
- Our team of nearly 50 specialists provides multilingual support, making it convenient for foreign investors.
- All communications are tracked via email, allowing businesses to retrieve them at any time.
- A single point of contact throughout the entire process, ensuring customers don’t have to explain things from scratch.
Each business has different characteristics, including its industry, size, and operating model. Therefore, Vinasc does not apply the same solution to every client. We first understand each business’s actual operations and specific needs. Then, our team recommends a practical solution that supports compliance and matches the business’s available resources.
In addition, service quality requires close cooperation between Vinasc and its clients. Businesses should provide complete documents on time. As a result, Vinasc can maintain accuracy and meet agreed schedules.
Vinasc customers also receive free updates through email and Zalo OA. Moreover, these updates cover relevant changes in policies and laws. Therefore, businesses can stay informed and respond proactively to new compliance requirements.
However, business owners, legal representatives, and directors ultimately remain responsible for legal compliance. For this reason, choosing an experienced consulting firm can help businesses identify and minimize potential risks.
Finally, businesses must archive their records and documents in accordance with applicable regulations. Vinasc collects documents for processing as part of its consulting services. However, the parties may establish a separate agreement if Vinasc provides additional document archiving support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Vinasc provide comprehensive work permit and temporary residence card services?
Yes. Vinasc provides integrated work permit services and temporary residence support. In addition, our team assists with relevant procedures from preparation through completion. As a result, businesses and foreign workers can save time and manage related procedures more efficiently.
What are the consequences of working without a required work permit?
Foreign workers and employers may face legal consequences when they fail to comply with work permit requirements. In addition, immigration consequences may apply to foreign workers in certain cases. Therefore, businesses should verify work permit requirements before employing foreign workers.
Do foreign documents require consular legalization?
Some foreign documents may require consular legalization and certified translation before applicants can use them in Vietnam. However, the requirements depend on the document and applicable regulations. Vinasc assists clients with these procedures when necessary.
Conclude
In summary, work permit services require careful preparation and attention to applicable requirements. Even minor errors can create legal risks, delays, and additional costs. Therefore, foreign investors should choose an experienced partner with strong knowledge of Vietnamese regulations. Multilingual support can also make the process clearer and more efficient.
With 15 years of experience, Vinasc supports businesses and foreign workers throughout the work permit application process. In addition, our team provides transparent and compliance-focused services while maintaining agreed timelines and service quality.
Therefore, let Vinasc be your trusted partner for work permit services. We help make every compliance step smoother, safer, and more secure.
Contact us for consultation.
If your business needs assistance with labor permit services, the Vinasc team is always ready to advise you — quickly, legally, and with dedication. Let Vinasc be your partner in the development of your business in Vietnam.
Contact — Vinasc Accounting and Tax Consulting Company Limited:
- Hotline: 0947 112 118 or 0971 112 118
- Email: Vinasc.hcm@gmail.com
- Website: https://vinasc.vn
- Zalo OA: https://zalo.me/1108220964917000230