Work Permit Application Procedure for Foreigners in Vietnam
Work permit application procedure is a mandatory step for foreigners who wish to work legally in Vietnam. A work permit not only serves as a legal basis for employment but is also required for related procedures such as applying for a work visa, temporary residence, social insurance registration, and signing a labor contract. To ensure a smooth and compliant process, both the foreign employee and the hiring enterprise must understand the required documents and procedures.
Required Documents for Work Permit Application
Foreign workers or employers must prepare the following documents:
- Work permit application form (as prescribed by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs).
- Criminal background check certificate: Issued by the competent authority in the foreigner’s home country (e.g., South Korea) or by the Consulate General of their country in Vietnam.
- University degree and work experience certificate: These must be consular legalized and translated into Vietnamese with notarization. They serve to verify the employee’s qualifications and professional suitability for the job position.
- Health certificate: Issued by a licensed hospital in Vietnam authorized to conduct medical examinations for foreign workers. It must confirm that the applicant is medically fit for work.
- A valid copy of the passport.
- Two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) with a white background, taken within the last 6 months.
- Authorization letter (if the applicant authorizes a service provider or company representative to submit the application on their behalf).
Proper preparation of all required documents will help expedite the review process and avoid rejections or delays.
Work Permit Application Process
The standard procedure for obtaining a work permit in Vietnam involves the following steps:
- Submit the application to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) in the province or city where the foreign employee will work.
- Processing time: Typically 5–7 working days from the date the complete and valid dossier is received.
- Receive the result: If approved, the work permit is issued with a maximum validity of 2 years.
If the dossier is incomplete or requires clarification, the authorities will issue a written request for supplementation.
Notes and Considerations
- Foreigners working in Vietnam must have a work permit, unless they fall under legally exempted categories (e.g., contributing capital members, foreign lawyers with valid practice licenses, etc.).
- All documents in foreign languages must be translated into Vietnamese, notarized, and legalized by a consular authority.
- Enterprises may use professional consulting services or authorize third parties to handle the paperwork, ensuring accuracy and saving time.
