A work permit is mandatory before a foreigner can legally sign a labour contract in Vietnam, and it is the basis for the LD visa and the temporary residence card. Info Travel prepares the file end to end, including the documents that usually cause delays. Service fees start from 9,200,000 VND (government fee included); the state fee is set by each province and paid separately.
The correct order
- Employer files the work permit application with the labour-demand justification (Form 03, Decree 219/2025/ND-CP) at the provincial People’s Committee
- Work permit is issued (up to 2 years, renewable once)
- Visa is converted to LD1 or LD2
- Temporary residence card is issued for the same validity
Documents from the employee
- Criminal record certificate — issued in Vietnam if the applicant has been resident here, otherwise from the home country, consularly legalised
- Health certificate from a hospital approved for foreigners, valid 12 months (list of hospitals)
- University degree and experience confirmation matching the job title, legalised and notarised into Vietnamese
- Passport copy and photos
Documents from the employer
- Business registration certificate
- Explanation of the need for foreign labour, filed together with the work permit application
- Job description and labour contract or assignment letter
Exemption cases
Some foreigners do not need a work permit — for example capital-contributing members of an LLC above the statutory threshold, chairpersons or board members of a joint stock company above the threshold, intra-company transferees in committed service sectors, or experts entering for under 30 days at a time within limits. They still need a written confirmation of exemption, which we also handle.
Our work permit services
- Work permits for foreign managers and executives
- Work permits for foreign experts
- Work permits for foreign technical workers
- Work permits for English and other foreign teachers
- Work permit exemption confirmation
- Work permit extension
- Work permit reissue
Fees and timing
Service fees do not include the state fee. The state fee for a work permit is set by each province or city and paid separately. Final cost depends on the job position, the documents to be legalised and the file.
| Item | Fee from | Processing time |
|---|---|---|
| New work permit, valid up to 2 years | 9,200,000 VND (government fee included) | 10–15 working days |
| Work permit extension | 3,500,000 VND | 7–10 working days |
| Criminal record certificate for foreigners | 3,200,000 VND | 10–15 working days |
Processing times count from a complete file. See the full fee table.
If you do not have time to prepare the file yourself, Info Travel – a Vietnam visa and immigration services company for foreigners – can check your documents and file on your behalf. Free advice on Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822 (phone, Zalo, WhatsApp).
Work permit FAQ
What is “giấy phép lao động” in English?
The Vietnamese term “giấy phép lao động” simply means work permit (often shortened to WP). The written confirmation for people who do not need one is usually called a work permit exemption. Immigration offices ask for a copy of either document when you apply for a work visa or residence card.
How much is the state fee for a work permit?
There is no single national fee: the state fee is set by the People’s Council of each province, so Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces may charge different amounts, while confirming an exemption is currently free. Check the current rate where you file. For an all-in service quote, message us on WhatsApp +84327828822.
What should I do when my work permit expires?
A work permit lasts up to 2 years and can be extended once; file the extension when 10 to 45 days of validity remain. If it has already been extended once, or has lapsed, the employer must apply for a new permit. Working on an expired permit can lead to fines, so act early and then update your visa or residence card to match the new permit.
Who is exempt from a work permit?
Some groups do not need a permit, such as capital-contributing members or board members above the statutory threshold, intra-company transferees in certain service sectors, and experts entering for under 30 days within set limits. They still need a written exemption confirmation. See who needs a work permit in Vietnam.
Can I get a Vietnam work permit without a degree?
Yes, in some roles. Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, a technical worker does not need a university degree: you qualify with at least 1 year of training plus at least 2 years of relevant experience, or with at least 3 years of experience matching the job. An expert, by contrast, normally needs a university degree plus at least 2 years of relevant experience (1 year in certain priority fields such as finance, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation). Experience must be proven with letters from previous employers, legalised and translated where required. Not sure which category fits you? See Vietnam work permit rules 2026.
What are the work permit medical check requirements in Vietnam?
You need a health certificate from a licensed medical facility, and it must be no more than 12 months old on the date of filing. A certificate issued abroad is accepted only where Vietnam and the issuing country recognise each other’s health certificates, and it must be legalised and translated; otherwise, do the medical check at a hospital in Vietnam that is approved to examine foreigners. Ask us which hospital to use before booking.
What is the Vietnam work permit processing time?
Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, the authority decides within 10 working days of receiving a complete file; a work permit exemption confirmation takes 5 working days. Allow extra time to collect the criminal record certificate, the medical check, legalisation and translation – often the slowest part. The permit is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed once.
How much does a Vietnam work permit cost?
The state fee for a work permit is set by each province or city, so it differs depending on where you will work. On top of that come the costs of the medical check, criminal record certificate, consular legalisation and notarised translation, plus the service fee if you use an agency. Send your passport and CV to WhatsApp +84327828822 and we will send an exact quote for your case.
