Who needs a Work Permit in Vietnam 2026

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Who needs a work permit in Vietnam? In general, any foreign national working in Vietnam for an employer for three months or more must obtain a valid Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động) before starting employment. This applies regardless of visa type, including Business (DN) or even holding a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Only specific categories such as certain investors, intra-corporate transferees, or short-term experts may qualify for a Work Permit Exemption Vietnam — but they must still obtain official confirmation from the authorities. Working without proper authorization can lead to heavy fines, deportation, and entry bans under Vietnam labor law.

Understanding the Vietnam Work Permit (Giấy Phép Lao Động)

A Vietnam Work Permit is a legal document issued by competent Vietnamese authorities allowing a foreign national to work lawfully in Vietnam.
It allows a foreign national to legally perform work activities in Vietnam for a specific employer, position, and location.

According to Vietnamese labor law, a foreigner is considered “working” if they:

• Perform paid or unpaid services
• Act under management, supervision, or assignment
• Represent or operate on behalf of an entity in Vietnam

A critical detail most applicants overlook is this: Payment source does not matter. Even if salary is paid overseas, the work permit requirement still applies.

The main governing regulation remains DECREE 152/2020/ND-CP, as amended by Decree 70/2023, fully effective in 2025.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work permit health check, Hospital list 2026

The General Rule: Who Needs a Work Permit in Vietnam?

As a general legal principle, any foreign national who works in Vietnam and receives income or economic benefit must obtain a Work Permit. This applies regardless of nationality, job title, or visa type. Holding a business visa (DN) or tourist visa (DL) does not authorize employment.

Based on DECREE 152/2020/ND-CP ^[1] , a work permit is required if all three conditions apply:

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that remote work physically performed in Vietnam may still be considered “working in Vietnam”

>>> Read more: Work experience certificate for Vietnam work permit 2026: Template, required contents, and legalization

Job Categories Required to Obtain a Vietnam Work Permit

Foreigners must apply for a work permit if they work in Vietnam under any of the following roles:

• Managers or Executive Directors
• Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
• Foreign Experts
• Technical Workers
• Intra-corporate transferees
• Project consultants and service providers
• Teachers, lecturers, and trainers
• Engineers and IT specialists

Each category has distinct qualification requirements under Vietnamese labor law.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work permit in Dong Nai 2026: Fees, Requirements and Application

Work Permit Requirements by Job Title

Foreign Experts – Vietnam Requirements

Under DECREE 152/2020/ND-CP, a foreign expert must meet one of the following:

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher), at least 3 years of relevant experience, or
• At least 5 years of experience plus a professional practice certificate

All foreign documents must be consular legalized, unless exempt by treaty.

Technical Workers

A technical worker qualifies if:

• Trained for at least 1 year and has 3 years of experience, or
• Has at least 5 years of relevant experience

This category is frequently rejected due to weak proof of specialization.

Executives and Managers

Required documents include:

• Appointment Decision
• Proof of at least 5 years of managerial experience

Title inflation without corporate proof is a common refusal reason.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work permit in Binh Duong for foreigners 2026

Key Categories Exempted from Vietnam Work Permit

Vietnam law recognizes Work Permit Exemption, but exemption does not mean automatic approval. A formal Work Permit Exemption Certificate must still be obtained through DOLISA.

Common Work Permit Exemptions in Vietnam

From our experience, investor visa holders (DT) are the most misunderstood group.

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

Do Investors Need a Work Permit in Vietnam?

No, foreign investors do not need a work permit, provided they are properly registered as capital contributors. However, they must still apply for a Work Permit Exemption Certificate.

Failure to obtain this certificate is treated as illegal employment during inspections.

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

Step-by-Step Vietnam Work Permit Application Process

Step 1: Approval of Foreign Labor Demand

At least 30 days before employment, the employer must submit a labor demand explanation. This step is mandatory except for certain exempt cases.

Online submission is available via the national labor portal.

Step 2: Work Permit Application Submission

The complete dossier must be submitted 15 days before the start date. Processing time is typically 5 working days if documents are valid.

Incomplete files are the number one cause of delay.

Step 3: Work Permit Issuance

If approved, the Work Permit is issued using the official form under DECREE 152. If refused, written reasons must be provided by authorities.

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

Vietnam Work Permit Duration and Renewal

A Vietnam Work Permit is valid for up to 2 years. Renewal is allowed once only, with a maximum additional 2 years. After that, a new application is required.

Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) and Work Permits

A valid Work Permit or Exemption Certificate is required to apply for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC). TRC validity is always tied to the labor document’s validity.

Overstaying after permit expiration leads to penalties.

Penalties for Illegal Employment in Vietnam

For Employers

Repeated violations may result in business license suspension.

For Foreign Employees

Foreign workers face:

• Fines of 15–25 million VND
• Deportation from Vietnam
• Entry bans in serious cases

From our case records, deportation decisions are increasingly enforced.

Common Misconceptions We See Daily

Many foreign professionals and employers misunderstand Vietnam’s work permit regulations, which often leads to serious legal consequences.

• Many foreigners believe a Business (DN) visa allows them to work in Vietnam. This is incorrect, as a work permit or exemption approval is still required.
• Some assume short-term assignments do not need approval. In reality, even work under 30 days may require official notification or exemption confirmation from the labor authority.
• Others think an Investor (DT) visa or remote work status automatically exempts them from regulation. This is only partially correct and depends on the specific role and capital structure.

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

FAQ

Conclusion

If you are unsure who needs a work permit in Vietnam, do not rely on online assumptions. One incorrect filing can trigger audits or deportation.

Contact Tân Văn Lang via 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) for a professional compliance assessment and end-to-end legal handling of your Vietnam Work Permit or exemption.