PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING FOR A WORK PERMIT FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM

A work permit is a document that allows foreigners to work legally in Vietnam. The work permit clearly states the employee's information, the name and address of the organization where he or she works, and the working position. And foreigners are required to do the job exactly as stated in the license, otherwise it will be considered illegal.

I. LEGAL BASIS

- Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14 of the Government issued on November 20, 2019 and effective on January 1, 2021.

- Circular No. 18/2018/TT-BLDTBXH dated October 30, 2018 amending and supplementing a number of articles of circulars related to administrative procedures within the scope of state management functions of the Ministry of Labor - Invalids and Social

- Circular No. 40/2016/TT-BLDTBXH dated October 25, 2026 guiding the implementation of a number of articles of Decree No. 11/2016/ND-cp dated February 3, 2016 of the government detailing implementation Some articles of the labor code on foreign workers working in Vietnam

II. PROCEDURES FOR APPLYING FOR A WORK PERMIT FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM

1. Conditions for granting work permits to foreigners in Vietnam:

- Have full civil act capacity according to the provisions of law.

- Have health suitable to job requirements.

- Be a manager, executive director, expert or technical worker.

- Not being a criminal or being prosecuted for criminal liability according to Vietnamese and foreign laws.

HOTLINE: 0902 80 45 45

2. Order and procedures for applying for work permits for foreigners in Vietnam:

- At least 15 working days in advance from the date the foreign worker is expected to start working for the employer, the employer must prepare documents according to regulations and submit them to the Ministry. Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs receives and returns dossier processing results

- The Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs receives and returns dossier processing results, checks the validity and completeness of the documents in the dossier.

 + In case the application is complete and valid: the specialist receives, prepares and delivers a receipt to the applicant;

  + In case the dossier is incomplete or invalid: the specialist returns the dossier along with a request for additional dossier to the applicant.

- The Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs processes and issues work permits to foreign workers, within 07 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents from the employer. In case a work permit is not issued, respond in writing and clearly state the reason.

- The employer of the foreign worker, based on the appointment date on the receipt, goes to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to receive the results.

HOTLINE: 0902 80 45 45

3. Components of application dossier for a work permit for foreigners in Vietnam:

a.     Application for work permit for foreigners according to regulations of the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.

b.    Health certificate or medical examination according to regulations (within 12 months)

c.     Criminal record according to regulations.

d.    Document proving that you are a manager, executive director, expert, technical worker, teacher (University degree, certificate of foreign work experience, etc.)

e.     02 4x6 color photos with white background, no glasses.

f.      Passport (original, certified copy).

g.    Documents related to foreign workers (depending on each case according to regulations: Appointment decision of the parent company, labor contract, official letter approving the use of labor,...)

Documents according to this regulation must be 01 original or 01 copy. If in a foreign language, they are exempt from consular legalization, but must be translated into Vietnamese and authenticated according to the provisions of Vietnamese law.

Time : Within 07 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents.

Where to submit application : Submit to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs where the foreign worker is expected to work

Obtain written approval from a competent state agency on the employment of foreign workers.

            III. WORK PERMIT APPLICATION SERVICE FOR FOREIGNERS

- Consulting on regulations related to implementing work permit procedures for foreigners in Vietnam.

- Prepare documents to apply for a work permit according to regulations.

- Consulting on the process of applying for a criminal record certificate for foreigners in Vietnam.

- Instructions on procedures and locations to apply for a health certificate to apply for a work permit.

- Notarized translation and consular legalization of documents serving work permit applications.

- Free consultation on related procedures after being granted a work permit, such as applying for a temporary card for foreign workers and many other procedures

STARLAW INVESTMENT CONSULTING COMPANY LIMITED

Hanoi Office: 5th Floor, 619 Nguyen Trai, Thanh Xuan Nam, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi.

Tel: (+84)931 333 162 / Fax: (+84)909 363 269

HCM Office: No. 151 Dao Duy Anh, Ward 09, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City

Tel: (+84)902 80 45 45

Website: www.valaw.vn / www. stalaw.vn