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

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Work experience certificate is an official document issued by a former employer to confirm a foreign employee’s working period, job title, and professional experience. This document plays a decisive role in Vietnam work permit applications, as it proves that the applicant meets experience requirements set by Vietnamese authorities.

A valid work experience certificate must include clear employment details, authorized signature, and company seal, and may require consular legalization and notarized translation. Preparing it correctly from the beginning helps avoid delays, rejections, and unnecessary

What is a work experience certificate?

A work experience certificate is an official document issued by a company/organization where a person previously worked. It confirms:

• employment period
• job title/position
• key duties and responsibilities
• field/industry and professional scope (where relevant)

For foreign employees applying for a work permit in Vietnam, this document is often required to demonstrate that the applicant has sufficient experience for the intended role in Vietnam under Vietnam’s regulations (commonly referenced in practice include Decree 11/2016/NĐ-CP and related implementing rules/amendments).

At Tân Văn Lang, we regularly see applications delayed because applicants prepare “supporting documents” (old labor contracts, payslips, bank statements) but do not provide a proper work experience certificate with the exact elements authorities expect.

A work experience certificate is also widely used for other purposes such as:

• work visa applications
• banking/loan files
• job applications
• immigration/long-term residence dossiers

That’s why it’s worth doing correctly from the start.

>>> Read more: How to Apply for a 2-Year Work Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Download the latest work experience certificate templates

To support clients, Tân Văn Lang provides updated work experience certificate templates that match common work permit dossier requirements. You can download the templates [icon-doc] here.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work permit for Chinese citizens 2026

Work experience certificate vs related documents

Many applicants confuse a work experience certificate with other employment-related paperwork. Here’s a clear comparison:

The main difference is that a work experience certificate focuses on professional experience and competence, while the other documents serve narrower purposes (income proof, contract terms, insurance history).

One practical note we always tell clients: a work experience certificate cannot replace a labor contract—and the labor contract cannot replace the certificate. For a Vietnam work permit file, you typically need to prepare documents exactly as requested by the competent authority.

>>> Read more: Vietnam work visa: Requirements, Benefits 2026

What a valid work experience certificate must include

A work experience certificate that is accepted smoothly should contain the sections below.

Employer information

• Full legal name of the company/organization
• Registered address
• Phone number
• Official company email
• Tax code/business registration number (if applicable)

Employee information

• Full name (must match passport; English or native language is acceptable depending on the issuer, but consistency is crucial)
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Nationality
• Permanent address (or current address, depending on the template)

Employment confirmation details

• Start date (dd/mm/yyyy)
• End date (if employment has ended)
• Total duration (years/months)
• Job title/position
• Main duties and responsibilities (this part matters a lot—keep it specific, aligned with the Vietnam job position)
• Industry/field of work
• Performance/competency remarks (optional, but helpful if clear and professional)

Authentication

• Date of issuance
• Full name and title of the authorized signatory
• Signature
• Company stamp/seal (commonly required and strongly recommended)

Experience requirement for Vietnam work permit dossiers

In practice, the certificate should clearly support the experience criteria relevant to the applicant’s category, for example:

• Experts and technical workers: typically need to show a minimum level of relevant experience for the role in Vietnam (commonly at least 3 years is used as a benchmark in many cases)
• Managers/executives: may not be assessed by a strict “years” threshold in the same way, but the certificate should clearly prove a managerial position and responsibilities

Legalization and translation (very important)

If the certificate is issued overseas (signed and stamped by a foreign company), it usually must be:

1. Consular legalized (unless an exemption applies based on treaties/reciprocity)
2. Translated into Vietnamese
3. Notarized/certified according to Vietnam’s dossier practice

>>> Read more: Vietnam Work Permit – End-to-end Service for Foreigners 2026

How to write a request letter for a work experience certificate

Some companies don’t issue experience certificates automatically. In that case, you should submit a formal request. Below is a practical method we often recommend.

Step 1: Prepare the information first

Before drafting the request, gather:

• Your full personal details
• Exact working dates
• Job title(s) held
• Purpose of use (Vietnam work permit, visa, new job application, etc.)
• Your preferred method to receive the document (email, hard copy, courier address)

Step 2: Suggested structure (request letter)

Header

Use your country’s standard formal format. If you’re using a Vietnam-style template, it often appears as:

• “Socialist Republic of Vietnam – Independence – Freedom – Happiness” (or your country equivalent)
• “To: Board of Directors / Human Resources Department – [Company name]”
• Title: Request for issuance of work experience certificate

Main body (sample wording)

• Full name: [Full name]
• Date of birth: [dd/mm/yyyy]
• Passport number: [Passport no.]
• Nationality: [Nationality]
• Address: [Full address]
• Phone: [Phone number]
• Email: [Email]

I worked at [Company name] from [start date] to [end date] as [job title].

I am currently requesting a work experience certificate for the purpose of [Vietnam work permit application / work visa / job application / immigration file].

Kindly issue the certificate including the following information:

• employment period
• job title/position
• key responsibilities
• performance/competency remarks (if available)

Closing

Thank you for your support.

[Place], [date]

Applicant (signature and full name)

Step 3: Submit and follow up

• Send the request to the company’s official HR email
• If needed, send a hard copy by courier/post
• Confirm receipt and ask for processing time
• Typical internal processing time is often 3–7 working days, but it varies by company

From our casework experience, you should request the certificate at least 2 weeks before you need it—this gives room for corrections, stamp/signature issues, and legalization/translation time.

If the former company cannot issue the certificate

If the company is closed, bankrupt, or uncooperative, you may submit alternative evidence such as:

• Labor contract(s)
• Payslips/payroll records
• Social insurance record (where applicable)
• An explanation letter clarifying the situation and summarizing employment history

Keep in mind: whether alternatives are accepted depends on the competent authority’s review and the overall consistency of the dossier.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Airport Fast Track Service 2026 – Skip the Lines, Save Time

Frequently asked questions

A properly prepared work experience certificate helps your Vietnam work permit application move faster and reduces the risk of document rejection. If you need support with drafting, reviewing, legalization, translation, or building a complete Work Permit dossier, the team at Tân Văn Lang is ready to help with practical, case-based guidance.

Contact Tan Van Lang via 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) for step-by-step support with your work experience certificate and the full Vietnam work permit application for foreigners.