Vietnam Work Permit Guide for Foreigners (2025)
The complete process for getting a work permit in Vietnam under the new Decree 219/2025 — who needs one, documents required, exemptions, costs, timeline, and common mistakes to avoid.
Vietnam's work permit rules were significantly reformed in August 2025 under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP. The new decree expanded exemption categories, streamlined documents, and transferred application authority to provincial governments. If you're planning to work legally in Vietnam, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Who Needs a Work Permit?
Foreign nationals working in Vietnam in any of these roles must have a work permit:
| Role category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Manager / Executive Director | CEO, COO, Country Manager, General Director |
| Expert / Specialist | Software engineer, financial analyst, marketing director, consultant |
| Technical Worker | Machinist, lab technician, skilled tradesperson |
Work Permit Exemptions (Decree 219/2025)
The new decree expanded exemptions from 14 to 15 categories. If you qualify, you don't need a work permit — but your employer must still notify the provincial authority at least 3 working days before you start work.
Eligibility Requirements by Role
| Role | Education | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Expert/Specialist | University degree or higher | 2+ years relevant experience (confirmed by foreign employer in writing) |
| Expert — priority sector* | Degree in finance, tech, AI, semiconductors | 1+ year relevant experience |
| Technical Worker (trained) | Technical certificate ≥1 year | 2+ years relevant experience |
| Technical Worker (untrained) | No formal training required | 3+ years documented relevant experience |
*Priority sectors: finance, science & technology, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, semiconductors.
Documents Required (Form 03 Package)
All foreign-issued documents must be apostilled or consular-legalized and officially translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator.
Completed and signed by employer and employee
Apostille or consular legalization from country of issue, then Vietnamese translation
Must be within 6 months of application date; FBI check for US citizens (12–14 week wait — plan ahead)
Within 12 months of application; can be done at international clinics in Vietnam
Bio page + latest Vietnam entry stamp
4×6 cm, white background, within last 6 months
Written confirmation from foreign employer(s) — specifically stating years and role
Business registration certificate, company charter, proof of position for manager applicants
Employer must show they advertised locally for at least 5 days and could not find qualified Vietnamese candidates
Application Process
Employer posts the job publicly for 5+ days
Collect and legalize all documents (3–4 months before start)
Employer submits to Provincial DOLISA
Processing: 10 working days
Collect work permit card
Convert visa to LD2, then apply for TRC
Timeline & Costs
| Step | Time needed | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| FBI / criminal background check (US) | 12–14 weeks | $18 government fee + courier |
| UK DBS / equivalent check | 4–8 weeks | Varies by country |
| Degree apostille/legalization | 2–4 weeks | $50–$200 |
| Health exam (in Vietnam) | 1–3 days | $30–$80 |
| Vietnamese translation of documents | 3–7 days | $30–$100 per document |
| DOLISA processing | 10 working days | VND 400,000–1,000,000 (~$15–$40) |
| Total typical lead time | 3–4 months from job offer | $300–$800 all-in |
Renewal & Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
A work permit is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed once. After two full cycles, a new employer/application process is required.
With a work permit and LD2 visa, you can apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) — a physical card that replaces your visa for the duration of its validity (2 years for workers). The TRC:
- Eliminates the need for visa runs or extensions
- Enables opening bank accounts at all major banks
- Is required for purchasing property as a foreigner
- Streamlines many administrative processes (insurance, long-term leases, etc.)
Working Without a Permit: Penalties
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Foreign worker without permit | VND 15–25 million ($600–$1,000) + mandatory deportation |
| Employer hiring without permit | VND 30–75 million ($1,140–$2,850) |
| Overstay while working illegally | Deportation + multi-year entry ban |
Enforcement happens via routine immigration checks at workplaces, raids on areas with high concentrations of foreigners (especially in teaching English), and border checks. The risks are not theoretical.
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