Vietnam Work Permit Guide for Foreigners

Who needs a work permit

Most foreign nationals working in Vietnam beyond a short assignment need a work permit, sponsored by their employer. A limited set of cases are exempt, for example certain intra-corporate transferees, owners or board members of companies above a capital threshold, and short assignments, but exemptions still require a confirmation document rather than nothing at all.

Eligibility and job categories

Work permits are issued for defined roles such as manager, executive, expert, or technical worker. Applicants generally must show qualifications and experience matching the role. For an "expert", a university degree plus several years of relevant experience is a common benchmark.

Required documents

Typical paperwork includes a criminal record check, a health certificate from an approved facility, qualifications and experience evidence, the employer's demand-for-foreign-labour approval, passport copies, and photographs. Documents issued abroad usually need notarisation, legalisation or apostille, and certified Vietnamese translation.

The application process

The employer first registers its demand to use foreign labour with the local labour authority, then files the work-permit application. Once granted, the permit is the legal basis for a temporary residence card (TRC), so the holder can live and re-enter Vietnam without repeated visa runs.

Validity and renewal

A work permit is typically valid for up to two years and tied to a specific employer and role. Changing employer generally requires a new permit. Plan renewals well before expiry, as the criminal-record and health documents may need to be refreshed.

Read more about work permits in Vietnam in our detailed article:
https://easytiger.vn/insights/vietnam-work-permit-in-2026-everything-you-need-to-know-before-you-get-it-wrong