Vietnam Work permit for foreign experts: Guide, Fees & Requirements 2026

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A work permit for foreign experts in Vietnam is a mandatory legal document that allows qualified foreign professionals to work lawfully in the country, unless they fall under specific exemption cases. To obtain it, experts must meet strict requirements on qualifications, professional experience, health, and criminal record, and be sponsored by a Vietnamese employer with approved labor demand. The application involves several steps, from labor demand approval to dossier submission and issuance by the labor authority. A work permit is normally valid for up to two years and can be renewed once in accordance with Vietnamese labor regulations.

Work permit for foreign experts in Vietnam

A work permit for foreign experts is not just an administrative formality. It is the legal basis that allows a qualified foreign professional to live and work lawfully in Vietnam, while ensuring compliance with Vietnamese labor law, tax regulations, and national security requirements.

From the employer’s perspective, a valid work permit confirms that the use of foreign labor follows the law. From the foreign expert’s perspective, it protects legitimate rights such as salary payment, social insurance, health insurance, and safe working conditions. Without a valid work permit (unless exempt), both the employer and the foreign worker may face administrative penalties.

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Legal basis for work permits for foreign experts

Foreign nationals working in Vietnam under the job title “expert” are required to obtain a work permit in accordance with the Vietnamese Labor Code (Law No. 45/2019/QH14 ^[1] ), except for cases explicitly exempted under Article 154 of the same law.

Further guidance on eligibility, procedures, and validity is provided under Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP ^[2] and relevant implementing regulations.

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Conditions to apply for a work permit as a foreign expert

To be granted a work permit as an expert in Vietnam, a foreign worker must meet all of the following conditions:

Health requirements

The foreign expert must have a valid health check certificate issued by a hospital or medical facility recognized by Vietnamese law, confirming that they are fit for work.

Clean criminal record

The applicant must not have a criminal record in Vietnam and must provide a criminal record certificate from their home country or country of residence. The document must be valid and properly legalized where required.

Employer approval and academic qualifications

The Vietnamese employer must obtain written approval to employ a foreign worker. In addition, the expert must hold at least a university degree (or equivalent qualification) relevant to the intended position.

Professional experience

The foreign expert must have at least three years of relevant professional experience (in some cases five years, depending on the position) in a role equivalent to the job in Vietnam. Proof of experience must be legalized and translated into Vietnamese.

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Cases eligible for work permit exemption

A foreign expert may be exempt from a work permit if they fall into one of the following categories:

• Married to a Vietnamese citizen and residing in Vietnam.
• An investor contributing capital of at least VND 3 billion to a Vietnamese enterprise.
• An intra-company transferee within one of the 11 service sectors recognized under Vietnam’s international commitments.

Even in exempt cases, a work permit exemption certificate may still be required, depending on the situation.

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Work permit application process for foreign experts

Applying for a work permit in Vietnam involves several mandatory steps. Missing or incorrect documents can cause delays, so preparation is critical.

Step 1: Approval to employ foreign workers

The employer submits a request for approval to use foreign labor to the local Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA). This step confirms that the position cannot be filled by a Vietnamese worker.

Step 2: Prepare the work permit application dossier

A standard work permit application for a foreign expert includes:

• Notarized copy of the foreigner’s passport.
• Application form for a work permit.
• Two 4×6 cm photos (white background, taken within the last 6 months).
• Valid health check certificate.
• Criminal record certificate from Vietnam and/or overseas (issued within the last 6 months).
• Approval letter for employment of foreign labor.
• University degree or equivalent qualification.
• Proof of professional experience relevant to the position in Vietnam.

All foreign documents must be consular legalized and translated into Vietnamese unless exempt under international agreements.

Step 3: Submit the application

The application is submitted to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or the local DOLISA, depending on the employer’s location. The dossier should be filed at least 15 days before the intended start date.

Step 4: Receive the work permit

Within five working days from receipt of a complete and valid application, the authority will issue the work permit. If the application is rejected, an official written explanation will be provided.

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Work permit fees for foreign experts

According to current regulations issued by the Ministry of Finance, official state fees are:

• New work permit issuance: VND 600,000 per permit
• Re-issuance (replacement): VND 450,000 per permit

Service fees, translation, legalization, and other supporting costs may apply depending on the case.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work permit application form 11/PLI 2026

Work permit renewal for foreign experts

A work permit can be renewed once, provided that the legal conditions are met.

Renewal timeline

The renewal application must be submitted no earlier than 45 days and no later than 5 days before the permit expires.

Renewal procedure

Within five working days of receiving a complete renewal dossier, the competent authority will extend the work permit. If renewal is denied, a written response stating the reason will be issued.

For foreign experts working under labor contracts, the employer and employee must sign a new written labor contract after renewal and submit it to the labor authority as required.

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

Cases not required to apply for work permit renewal

Certain categories of foreign nationals are not required to renew a work permit, including:

• Foreigners licensed to work in information and press activities in Vietnam.
• Dependents of members of foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam.
• Holders of official passports working for political organizations or state agencies.
• Chairpersons or board members of joint-stock companies with capital contribution of at least VND 3 billion.
• Individuals responsible for establishing a commercial presence in Vietnam.
• Owners or capital-contributing members of private enterprises with capital of at least VND 3 billion.
• Other special cases recognized under Vietnamese law.

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Validity of a Vietnam work permit

Under Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP, a work permit is issued for a maximum validity of up to two years, based on one of the following:

• The term of the proposed labor contract.
• The duration of assignment by a foreign employer.
• The term of contracts or agreements between Vietnamese and foreign partners.
• The duration stated in service provision agreements.
• The period stated in documents permitting operation of foreign NGOs or international organizations in Vietnam.
• The duration stated in documents assigning the foreign expert to establish a commercial presence in Vietnam.

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Lost work permit: can it be reissued?

If a work permit is lost, the foreign expert must inform the employer immediately. The employer will then submit a dossier for re-issuance of the work permit in accordance with current regulations.

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Professional support from Tan Van Lang

Handling a work permit for foreign experts involves strict legal requirements, multiple authorities, and tight timelines. Errors in documentation or interpretation can result in rejection or delays.

If you need assistance with a work permit for foreign experts in Vietnam, or have questions about eligibility, exemptions, renewal, or compliance, contact Tan Van Lang via our hotline 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) . Our consultants will review your case and provide clear, practical guidance tailored to your situation.