Vietnam Work Permit Guide for Foreigners (2026)

Most foreign nationals working in Vietnam as a manager, executive director, expert or technical worker need a work permit, sponsored by their employer. Some cases are not subject to one, such as owners or capital-contributing members of a limited liability company, and chairs or board members of a joint stock company, with a capital contribution of 3 billion VND or more, and managers, experts or technical workers whose work in Vietnam totals under 90 days a year. Exempt does not mean nothing to do: depending on the case, the employer either applies for a confirmation that the worker is not subject to a work permit, or notifies the authority at least 3 working days before the worker starts (Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, Articles 7 and 9).

Eligibility and job categories

Work permits are issued for defined roles: manager, executive director, expert or technical worker. Applicants must show qualifications and experience matching the role. Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, an expert needs a university degree and at least two years of relevant experience, or one year for work in finance, science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation and other priority fields.

Required documents

Typical paperwork includes a criminal record certificate issued within the previous six months, a health certificate from a qualified medical facility, evidence of qualifications and experience, the employer's explanation of its need for a foreign employee (Form No. 03), a valid passport and two photographs. Documents issued abroad usually need consular legalisation or an apostille, and a certified Vietnamese translation.

The application process

Since Decree 219/2025/ND-CP took effect on 7 August 2025, the employer's explanation of its need for a foreign employee and the work permit application go in as a single submission. The employer files it between 60 and 10 days before the planned start date, and the authority decides within 10 working days of receiving a complete dossier. 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