Vietnam work permit application 2026: Guide, Fees, Requirements

A Vietnam work permit application is the legal process that most foreign nationals must complete before they can work in Vietnam, unless they qualify for a formal work permit exemption.

Under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP and Vietnam labor law, employers must first obtain a Written Approval of Demand, then submit the full work permit dossier to the Department of Interior at least 15 days before the start date.

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Introduction: Vietnam Work Permit Application Explained by Practitioners

A Vietnam work permit application is a mandatory legal procedure for most foreign nationals who intend to work legally in Vietnam. It is not a visa substitute, nor a formality that can be completed after arrival without consequences.

Based on our 20+ years of practical experience (since 2003) at Tan Van Lang, work permit issues are among the top three causes of immigration violations, fines, and forced exits in Vietnam. Most problems arise not from complex law, but from misunderstanding document standards, timelines, and employer obligations.

This guide explains the entire Vietnam Work Permit (WP) process under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP ^[1] , updated to reflect 2025–2026 regulations.

Tan Van Lang provides professional work permit consultation services for foreigners, helping clients navigate Vietnam’s legal requirements with ease.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Work Permit Penalties 2026

Understanding the Vietnam Work Permit Under Vietnamese Labor Law

A Vietnam Work Permit (VIETNAM WP) is an official document issued by a competent labor authority allowing a foreign national to work legally in Vietnam for a specific employer, position, and location.

Under Vietnam labor law, a foreigner must obtain a work permit before commencing employment, unless they fall under a clearly defined Work Permit exemption category. Working first and “legalizing later” is a direct violation.

A valid work permit is the legal foundation for:

Signing a labor contract

Applying for a VIETNAM employment visa (LD visa)

Applying for or extending a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

Without a work permit, all subsequent immigration steps collapse.

>>> Read more: Who needs a Work Permit in Vietnam 2026

Legal Basis Governing Vietnam Work Permit Applications

The Vietnam work permit application framework is governed primarily by:

Vietnam Labor Code 2019 – Article 151

Decree 152/2020/ND-CP

Relevant circulars issued by the Ministry of Labor

According to Article 151, foreign workers must:

Be at least 18 years old with full civil capacity

Possess professional qualifications and experience suitable for the role

Meet Vietnam health check requirements

Have no unresolved criminal liability

Hold a valid work permit, unless exempt

Vietnamese law protects foreign workers only when legal employment conditions are satisfied.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work permits types 2026

Who Is Required to Apply for a Vietnam Work Permit

Under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, foreigners entering Vietnam for the following purposes are required to apply for a work permit:

Executing labor contracts in Vietnam

Intra-company transfer assignments

Service provision or service offering

Performing contracts in education, technology, finance, healthcare, culture, or sports

Working for NGOs or international organizations

Holding positions as managers, executives, experts, or technical workers

Participating in projects or bidding contracts in Vietnam

If a foreigner performs any revenue-generating or operational role, a work permit assessment is required.

Choosing Tan Van Lang means minimizing risks, saving time, and securing your legal right to work in Vietnam.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work permit reissuance for foreigners: Lost, damaged, or updated information 2026

Eligible Employers Authorized to Sponsor a Work Permit

Only legally recognized entities may sponsor a Vietnam work permit application, including:

Enterprises under the Enterprise Law or Investment Law

Representative offices and branches

NGOs and international organizations licensed in Vietnam

Educational institutions

Contractors and project offices

Cooperatives and legally registered business households

From our daily work with labor authorities, individual arrangements without a licensed sponsor are never accepted, regardless of experience or nationality.

>>> Read more: Reasons Vietnam work permit rejection and how to avoid them 2026

Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Workers in Vietnam

General Conditions

To qualify for a work permit, a foreign worker must:

Have full civil act capacity

Meet VIETNAM health check requirements

Have a clean criminal record

Hold a qualifying professional role under the law

Foreign Expert Vietnam

A foreign expert must meet one of the following:

Bachelor’s degree (or higher) plus at least 3 years of relevant experience, or

At least 5 years of experience plus a professional practice certificate

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that experience letters must describe job duties, not only job titles.

Technical Worker

A technical worker must have:

At least 1 year of formal technical training and 3 years of experience, or

At least 5 years of hands-on experience in the relevant field

Executive or Manager

Executives and managers must provide:

Appointment decision

Proof of at least 5 years of relevant managerial experience

The Mandatory Two-Step Vietnam Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Written Approval of Demand for Foreign Workers

Before any work permit submission, the employer must obtain a Written Approval of Demand (Công văn chấp thuận nhu cầu sử dụng lao động nước ngoài).

This request must be submitted at least 30 days before employment begins to:

The Ministry of Labor, or

The provincial labor authority where the employee will work

In practice, this step alone causes over 40% of delays due to incorrect job descriptions or salary justification.

Step 2: Submitting the Work Permit Application

Once demand approval is granted, the work permit application must be submitted at least 15 days before the start date.

Applications are processed by the Department of Interior (formerly the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs – DOLISA) in the relevant province or city where the foreign employee is expected to work.

If documents are complete and compliant, processing time is typically 5 working days.

Mandatory Document Checklist for Vietnam Work Permit Submission

Document	Key Notes
Application Form (Form 11/PLI)	Employer-signed
Health Check Certificate	Valid within 12 months
Criminal Record Check	Issued within last 6 months
Degree & Certificates	Subject to Consular Legalization
Experience Confirmation	Detailed job duties required
Passport Copy	Notarized
Photos (4×6 cm)	Taken within 6 months
Written Approval of Demand	Mandatory unless exempt

All foreign-issued documents must undergo Consular Legalization, notarization, and certified Vietnamese translation. From our experience, improper legalization is the number one reason for rejection.

Authorities Issuing Vietnam Work Permits

Vietnam work permits are issued by:

Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs

Provincial Departments of Labor

Jurisdiction depends on where the employer is registered and where the foreign worker will perform duties.

Processing Time, Validity, and Government Fees

Processing Time

Demand Approval: 10–15 working days

Work Permit Issuance: 5 working days

Validity

Under Article 10 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, a work permit:

Is valid for up to 2 years maximum

Tied strictly to employer, role, and location

Fees

Government fees vary by locality:

Hanoi: approx. VND 400,000

Ho Chi Minh City: approx. VND 600,000

Employers are legally responsible for paying these fees.

Work Permit Exemption Cases

Certain foreign nationals may qualify for a Work Permit exemption, including:

Short-term assignments under specific thresholds

Intra-company transferees meeting legal criteria

Specific diplomatic or technical roles

Even exempt individuals must apply for an exemption certificate. Exemption is not automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a Vietnam Work Permit valid?

A Vietnam Work Permit is valid for up to 2 years, depending on the labor contract term and the approved supporting documents. The exact validity cannot exceed the duration stated in the approval.

Can I apply while holding a tourist visa?

Yes. You may submit a Work Permit application while on a tourist visa, but you are not allowed to start working until the permit is officially issued and your visa status is properly converted.

Is a criminal record from my home country mandatory?

Yes. A criminal record certificate from your home country is generally required, unless it is legally waived under specific regulatory conditions.

Which authority issues work permits in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City?

Work permits in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are issued by the Department of Home Affairs (formerly DOLISA) of the respective city. Depending on the case, certain applications may also be handled by authorized industrial zone or export processing zone management boards.

What happens if renewal is late?

If renewal is not completed on time, the Work Permit will expire automatically. This can lead to visa invalidation and may require the foreign worker to exit Vietnam to resolve the status.

Why Choose Tan Van Lang for Your Vietnam Work Permit Application

With over 20 years of experience (since 2003), Tan Van Lang has advised tens of thousands of complex visa and work permit cases for foreign experts, multinational companies, and international organizations.

We are more than just a consulting service. We:

Conduct preliminary eligibility checks.

Update on the latest regulations.

Advise and provide solutions for each individual case.

Support consular legalization procedures worldwide.

Advise and support visa, TRC, and labor law compliance as a single process

If you are planning a Vietnam work permit application, contact Tan Van Lang via 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your legal status from day one.