Vietnam Work Permit Rules: What Employers Must Know

This page covers the regulatory framework. Service and pricing: work permit service.

Before recruiting

The employer registers the demand for foreign labour with the provincial authority, explaining why the position cannot be filled by a Vietnamese worker. Approval is a precondition for the permit file.

Qualification requirements

Role type	Typical requirement
Expert	University degree plus relevant experience, or substantial experience in the field
Technical worker	Technical training plus experience in the trade
Manager, executive director	Corporate documents showing the role

Degrees and experience confirmations issued abroad must be consularly legalised and translated; the documents must match the job title requested.

Validity and renewal

Up to 2 years, renewable once for up to 2 more. After that, a new application.

Penalties

Working without a valid permit exposes the foreigner to fines and possible deportation, and the employer to administrative fines per employee. Immigration and labour inspections increasingly cross-check residence cards against permits, so the two must be consistent.