1. Introduction
As Vietnam continues to attract substantial foreign investment, many local enterprises increasingly seek to hire foreign specialists, managers, engineers, and technical professionals. At the same time, foreign workers (expats) wishing to work long-term in Vietnam must secure a valid Work Permit—a requirement in most cases under Vietnamese labor regulations. Obtaining a Work Permit not only legalizes your employment status but also protects your labor rights under Vietnamese law and prevents penalties or possible deportation.
However, the Work Permit application process can be complex and time-consuming, especially with recent legal changes. Understanding the procedures, eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, processing timelines, and potential risks is essential. With extensive expertise in international labor law and immigration in Vietnam, Asia Legal Group is committed to assisting you with speed, accuracy, and full compliance—ensuring your rights are protected while working in Vietnam.
Our message: “We represent and protect your rights in Vietnam.”
2. Legal Basis: Laws, Decrees, and Latest Regulations
To obtain a Work Permit in Vietnam, foreign workers and employers must comply with the following key legal documents:
- Labour Code 2019 – Article 151 sets out the conditions for foreign nationals working in Vietnam.
- Decree 152/2020/ND-CP – Governs the management of foreign workers; a foundational legal document.
- ecree 70/2023/ND-CP – Amends and supplements Decree 152 with updated conditions and procedures.
- Decree 219/2025/ND-CP – The newest regulation with major updates on application, extension, and decentralization.
- PLI Forms (e.g., Form 11/PLI, Form 12/PLI) – Standardized application forms used nationwide.
- Provincial authority decentralization (2025) – According to recent legal updates, provincial Departments of Labour (DOLISA) now have strengthened authority to process and issue Work Permits.
Legal Guide for Expats Working in Vietnam
3. Who Needs a Work Permit? Who Is Exempt?
3.1. Individuals Required to Obtain a Work Permit
Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP and earlier regulations, the following groups must obtain a Work Permit:
Foreigners working under labor contracts in Vietnam.
Intra-company transferees (ICTs).
Foreigners performing service contracts, business cooperation, or project implementation.
Personnel working for NGOs or international organizations in Vietnam.
Managers, executives, experts, and technical workers in positions where local labor cannot meet employer needs.
Workers involved in projects or bidding packages in Vietnam.
3.2. Work Permit Exemptions
Certain categories may be exempt from Work Permit requirements (though often still requiring a Certification of Exemption), including:
- Foreigners entering Vietnam to work for less than 90 days per year.
- Business owners or capital-contributing members meeting specific ownership thresholds.
- Individuals protected under international treaties or special arrangements.
- Representatives of NGOs or organizations operating under international agreements.
Important: Being exempt does not mean no paperwork—you may still need an Exemption Certificate.
4. Eligibility Conditions for Work Permit Issuance
All foreign workers must meet the following criteria:
- Age & Civil Capacity: Minimum 18 years old; full civil capacity.
- Professional Qualifications: Degrees, certificates, or experience matching the job position.
- Health Conditions: A valid health certificate issued within the last 12 months.
- Criminal Record: No criminal convictions in Vietnam or abroad.
- Employer’s Justification: Companies must justify why a foreign worker is needed for a particular position.
5. Work Permit Application Dossier
A complete dossier consists of documents from both the foreign worker and the employer.
5.1. Documents Provided by the Foreign Worker
Work Permit Application (Form 11/PLI or updated forms).
Valid health certificate (issued within 12 months; legalized if issued abroad).
Criminal record from home country or Vietnam (legalized & translated).
Passport copy (all pages).
Degree certificates, qualifications, and proof of experience (legalized & translated if issued abroad).
ID photos (4×6 cm, white background).
Appointment letters or assignment documents for managerial roles.
5.2. Documents Provided by the Employer
Business Registration Certificate / Establishment License.
Report and request for foreign labor demand (Form 01/PLI).
Proposed employment contract.
Recruitment evidence (proof that the company has publicly advertised the position for Vietnamese candidates).
5.3. Legalization & Translation Requirements
Any foreign-issued documents must be:
- Consular-legalized, unless exempt under bilateral treaties.
- Translated into Vietnamese and notarized per local rules.
Failure to complete these steps is one of the most common causes for application rejection.
6. Step-by-Step Procedure (Updated to 2025)
6.1. Step 1 – Job Posting Requirement
Under Decree 219/2025:
- Employers must publicly advertise the job position at least 05 days before submitting a Work Permit application.
- Posting must be done on:
- The National Public Service Portal, or
- The local DOLISA website or Employment Service Center.
This ensures priority is given to Vietnamese applicants.
6.2. Step 2 – Submitting the Work Permit Application
Timeline:
Submit the application up to 60 days before employment starts, but no later than 10 days before.
Where to submit:
- Local DOLISA where the foreigner will work (due to decentralization).
- Or via the One-Stop Online Portal under the National Public Service System.
6.3. Step 3 – Review & Approval
DOLISA will review and verify:
- Qualifications and experience
- Criminal record
- Job necessity
- Legal compliance of all documents
Processing time: approximately 10 working days after receiving a valid file.
6.4. Step 4 – Signing the Labor Contract
Once the Work Permit is issued, the employer must sign a labor contract with the foreign employee and submit a copy to DOLISA if required.
6.5. Step 5 – Notification When Working in Multiple Locations
If the foreign worker will work in multiple provinces:
- The employer must notify the additional province(s) at least 03 days before the worker starts.
7. Validity, Extension, and Re-issuance
7.1. Validity Period
According to updated guidelines:
- Work Permits are valid for up to 2 years.
- The permit may be extended once, for a maximum of 2 more years.
7.2. Extension or Re-issuance
You may request re-issuance if:
- The Work Permit is lost or damaged.
- Job position, employer name, or other information changes.
- The foreign worker relocates!
8. Risks, Difficulties & Practical Insights
8.1. Legal Risks
Working without a Work Permit may result in fines and deportation.
Employers may face large penalties depending on the number of violations.
Incorrect or incomplete applications can lead to denial or invalid permits.
8.2. Problems with Legalization & Translation
Missing legalization steps is the #1 reason for Work Permit rejection.
Incorrect translations, especially technical terms, also lead to delays.
8.3. Non-Compliance with Job Posting Requirement
Many companies fail to post the job at least 5 days before submitting the application—resulting in immediate rejection.
8.4. Confusion About Decentralized Authority
After decentralization, each province may require slightly different supporting documents. Submitting to the wrong authority causes delays or rejection.
8.5. Real Case Studies
Case 1 – Rejected Due to Missing Job Posting
A company in Hanoi attempted to hire a foreign expert but skipped the job posting step. DOLISA rejected the application.
Asia Legal Group corrected the posting process, submitted a compliant dossier, and obtained approval within 10 working days.
Case 2 – Document Legalization Issues
A European applicant submitted degree certificates and a medical report without legalization. Asia Legal Group guided the applicant through consular legalization and translation.
Result: A 2-year Work Permit issued successfully.
9. Recommendations & Best Practices (From Asia Legal Group)
Start early—at least 1–2 months before the intended start date.
Use professional legal services to avoid costly mistakes.
Check if you qualify for Work Permit exemption to simplify the process.
Monitor local procedures because each province may differ slightly.
Keep copies of all documents for future extensions.
Maintain close cooperation between company and employee.
Stay updated with new laws—Vietnam frequently updates labor regulations.
10. Asia Legal Group – Your Trusted Work Permit Partner
Asia Legal Group provides comprehensive services for both employers and foreign workers:
- Eligibility assessment
- Preparing the complete Work Permit dossier
- Legalization & notarized translation
- Job posting assistance
- Online or offline submission
- Follow-up with government authorities
- Extensions, re-issuance, or position changes
- Representation during inspections or disputes
Why choose us?
- Deep legal expertise in labor & immigration
- Time-saving and efficient
- Minimized legal risks
- Transparent fees
- Full confidentiality
- Continuous support after issuance
We represent and protect your rights in Vietnam.
11. Submission Authorities & Contact Points
DOLISA (Department of Labour – Invalids & Social Affairs): Provincial authority responsible for processing Work Permits.
National Public Service Portal: Allows online submissions under the One-Stop mechanism.
Asia Legal Group Office: We can prepare, submit, and manage the entire process on your behalf.
(You may provide your company’s exact address—I can insert it professionally.)
12. Trends, Legal Changes & Outlook
Strong decentralization to provincial authorities enhances processing speed.
The One-Stop Online Portal is reducing paperwork and improving efficiency.
Vietnam is tightening requirements for job postings to prioritize local workers.
The country is simultaneously encouraging highly-skilled foreign talents in innovation, technology, and digital transformation.
Digitalization will further streamline Work Permit processing in the coming years.
13. Conclusion
Obtaining a Work Permit in Vietnam is essential for foreign workers to work legally and safely while ensuring compliance for employers. Despite the complexity of the process—especially after recent legal updates—successful applications are entirely achievable with proper preparation.
Asia Legal Group is ready to guide you through every step—from preparing documents to dealing with government authorities, legalization, submission, renewal, and ongoing compliance.
If you are a foreign professional wishing to work legally in Vietnam, or an employer looking to hire foreign talents correctly and efficiently, contact Asia Legal Group today for expert guidance, transparent fees, and fast processing.
We proudly represent and protect your rights in Vietnam.
Source: Asia Legal Group
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