Vietnam work permit cost 2026: Full breakdown of fees & Hidden charges

The Vietnam work permit cost is not a single fixed amount but a combination of government fees and mandatory compliance expenses. Official state fees range from VND 600,000 to VND 1,000,000 per permit, depending on the province, and are paid by the employer.

Additional required costs include police check authentication, degree legalization, medical examination, and translation fees.

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Detailed Breakdown of Vietnam Work Permit Cost (Government Fees)

Official Government Fees

Government fees for Vietnam work permits are regulated at the provincial level, not centrally fixed nationwide.

Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, each provincial People’s Council sets its own fee schedule. This explains why Vietnam work permit fees differ between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces.

Current Government Rates (Applied in 2026)

Type of Work Permit	Official Government Fee
New Work Permit	VND 600,000 – VND 1,000,000
Work Permit Renewal	VND 450,000
Work Permit Replacement	VND 450,000

These fees apply equally to:

Foreign employees do not pay these government fees. By law, the employer bears the Vietnam work permit cost.

Based on our experience handling applications nationwide, Ho Chi Minh City usually applies VND 600,000, while some provinces reach the VND 1,000,000 ceiling.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Work Permit Penalties 2026

Variable and Hidden Costs: Factors Influencing the Total Expenditure

Government fees represent only a small fraction of the total Vietnam work permit cost. The majority lies in mandatory compliance expenses.

Police Check Authentication Cost

Foreign workers must submit a valid criminal record certificate:

Issued overseas, or

Issued in Vietnam (if residing for 6+ months)

Costs include:

Issuance fee in home country

Consular legalization

Vietnamese notarized translation

Typical police check authentication cost ranges from USD 80 – USD 200, depending on country and embassy requirements.

Degree and Certificate Legalization

Authorities require legalized proof of qualifications:

University degree for experts

Professional certificates for technical workers

Authentication steps:

Notarization in home country

Embassy legalization

Certified Vietnamese translation

From our daily case handling, this step alone can add USD 150 – USD 300 to the Vietnam work permit cost.

Mandatory Health Check in Vietnam

Health checks must be completed at licensed hospitals in Vietnam.

Typical cost:

VND 800,000 – VND 1,500,000

Using overseas medical reports is not accepted, which surprises many first-time applicants.

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

Self-Application vs. Immigration Agency: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

Employer Self-Application

Direct costs appear lower:

Government fees only

No service charges

Hidden risks:

Incorrect dossier structure

Rejected approval-in-principle

Repeated submissions increasing indirect costs

From our experience, internal HR teams often spend weeks correcting avoidable errors.

Using a Professional Immigration Service

Vietnam immigration service fees typically range from:

USD 500 – USD 1,500, depending on complexity

Services usually include:

Legal assessment

Document preparation

Liaison with Department of Interior

Timeline control

Based on our 20+ years of practice, agency support often reduces total cost by preventing rejections and compliance penalties.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work permits types 2026

Related Financial Obligations: Temporary Residence Card (TRC) and Visa Fees

A work permit alone does not grant long-term stay rights. Foreign workers must apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or appropriate visa.

Vietnam Temporary Residence Card Cost

TRC Duration	Government Fee
1 year	USD 145
2 years	USD 155
3 years	USD 165

The cost of TRC application is mandatory and separate from the Vietnam work permit cost.

Vietnam Visa Fees for Foreigners

If a TRC is not yet issued:

DN or LD visa fees apply
Fees vary by visa length and entry type

Under current regulations:

E-visa validity: up to 90 days
Visa exemption stay: 45 days

Incorrect visa selection frequently increases compliance risk and overall expenses.

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

Financial Penalties for Non-Compliance with Vietnam Labor Laws

According to Vietnamese labor regulations, penalties are severe. Vietnam Labor Law Fines

Violation Fine Range

Working without work permit VND 15 – 25 million

Employer hiring illegal worker VND 60 – 75 million

Repeat violations Suspension or deportation

From our enforcement support cases, the cost of non-compliance far exceeds the Vietnam work permit cost itself.

Violation	Fine Range
Working without work permit	VND 15 – 25 million
Employer hiring illegal worker	VND 60 – 75 million
Repeat violations	Suspension or deportation

>>> Read more: Work Permit Exemption 2026: Who is eligible? Detailed procedures for Confirmation

Work Permit Exemption Fees and Special Cases

Some foreign workers qualify for work permit exemption, including:

Internal transfers

Short-term experts

Certain diplomatic roles

While exemption certificates are cheaper, they still involve:

Government filing fees

Document legalization

Processing timelines

Work permit exemption fees are lower but not zero, and misuse leads to penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Vietnam work permit cost the same nationwide?

No. Fees are set by provincial People’s Councils and vary by location.

Who pays the work permit fees?

The employer is legally responsible for all government work permit fees.

Is renewal cheaper than first-time application?

Yes. Work permit renewal cost is lower, but document updates may add expenses.

How much does a health check cost?

Typically VND 800,000 – 1,500,000 at licensed hospitals in Vietnam.

Are embassy authentication fees mandatory?

Yes. Degrees and police checks must be legalized and translated.

What happens if I work without a valid permit?

Both employer and employee face heavy fines and possible deportation.

Why Choose Tan Van Lang for Vietnam Work Permit Services

With over 20 years of experience since 2003, Tan Van Lang has advised tens of thousands of complex immigration and labor compliance cases across Vietnam.

Based on our experience and up-to-date regulations from immigration and labor authorities:

We advise and provide tailored solutions for each case.

We support clients with information to save you time and effort.

A properly drafted Vietnamese work permit application is always cheaper than correcting errors.

A properly structured Vietnam work permit application is always cheaper than fixing a mistake.

Contact Tan Van Lang via 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) today for a confidential, legally grounded consultation tailored to your province, job position, and timeline.