Vietnam remains a key destination for foreign professionals, investors, and technical experts. As of 2025, however, obtaining a work permit has become increasingly regulated and procedural. Whether you are relocating for employment or planning to hire a foreign national, understanding the most up-to-date work permit process is essential to ensure compliance and avoid delays or penalties.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Vietnam’s work permit requirements, step-by-step application procedures, exemptions, recent updates, and strategic insights for successful processing.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Vietnam?

According to current Vietnamese law, any foreign national who wishes to work legally in Vietnam for more than 30 cumulative days in a calendar year must obtain a work permit, unless they qualify for an exemption.

Work permits apply to foreign nationals working under the following arrangements:

• Employment under a labor contract with a Vietnamese company
• Assignment by a foreign parent company to its Vietnamese branch (intra-company transfer)
• Performance of a service contract signed with a Vietnamese entity
• Operation as a manager, executive, specialist, or technical worker in a Vietnamese enterprise

Failing to obtain a valid work permit not only puts the foreign employee at risk of deportation but can also result in heavy penalties for the employer, including suspension of business licenses.

Legal Basis and Regulatory Landscape in 2025

Vietnam’s work permit system is currently governed by the following primary legal instruments:

• Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP, guiding recruitment and management of foreign employees in Vietnam
• Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP, which is expected to amend and supplement several key articles in Decree 152 (pending confirmation)
• Decree 12/2022/ND-CP, outlining penalties for labor law violations

Key regulatory developments in 2024–2025 include:

• The anticipated elimination of the “work permit renewal” process, requiring all applicants to reapply for a new permit upon expiration
• Increased reliance on the National Public Service Portal (dichvucong.gov.vn) for submission and tracking
• Tightened procedures and more scrutiny in position justification and qualification validation

Work Permit Application Procedure (Step-by-Step)

The process typically involves two main stages:

Step 1: Foreign Labor Demand Approval

This is the responsibility of the employer, not the foreign applicant.

• Submit Form 01/PLI (or latest version) to the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DoLISA)
• The form must explain why a foreign national is required instead of a Vietnamese employee
• Submission must be done at least 30 days before the expected employment start date
• Timeline: 10–12 working days from submission

Step 2: Work Permit Application

Once approval is granted, the employer can proceed to file the work permit application, submitting the following documents:

• Notarized copy of the applicant’s valid passport
• Medical certificate issued within the past 12 months
• Criminal background check (from home country and/or Vietnam)
• Certified copies of degrees, professional qualifications, and work experience certificates (with notarized Vietnamese translations)
• Appointment decision (for internal transferees) or labor contract draft
• 2 recent 4x6cm passport photos
• Completed application form (Form 09/PLI or the latest form)

Submission Channels:

• Directly at DoLISA (in the province where the company is based)
• Online via dichvucong.gov.vn

Timeline: Typically 5–7 working days for issuance

Work Permit Validity and Extensions

As of 2025, a standard work permit is valid for a maximum of 2 years.

Previously, work permits could be renewed once for up to another 2 years. However, proposed amendments now require:

• A new application instead of a renewal
• All documents to be resubmitted and revalidated, just as with a new applicant

This significantly increases preparation timelines for long-term employees.

Converting a Work Permit to a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

Once a work permit is issued, the foreign employee becomes eligible to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which is issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department. The TRC serves as both a residency and re-entry permit, offering significant convenience compared to short-term visas.

• Validity: TRCs are typically granted for 1 to 2 years and can be renewed in line with the employee’s work permit or contractual terms
• Benefits: Holders can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times without applying for a visa, and they are not required to register temporary residence during each visit
• Application Requirements: These include the original work permit, passport (valid for at least 13 months), employer’s business registration license, TRC application form (NA6 and NA8), and accompanying employer support letter
• Processing Time: 5 to 7 working days from the date of submission

A TRC is especially recommended for senior executives and long-term foreign workers who frequently travel or maintain residence in Vietnam. Without a TRC, visa renewals must be handled regularly, adding cost and administrative burden.

Categories Eligible for Work Permit Exemption

Certain foreign nationals are exempt from work permit requirements but must still submit a notification to DoLISA for confirmation.

Eligible categories include:

• Members or owners of LLCs or joint-stock company boards
• Intra-company transferees from WTO or CPTPP countries
• Service providers working less than 30 days per session (not exceeding 90 days/year)
• Volunteers and NGO staff with sponsorship
• Students working under agreements between institutions
• Foreign lawyers with a valid license from the Ministry of Justice

Employers must still follow notification procedures at least 3 days before the foreign employee starts work.

Penalties for Violating Work Permit Regulations

Vietnamese authorities have increased inspections and enforcement actions in recent years, reflecting a stricter stance on labor compliance. Under Decree 12/2022/ND-CP (and any future amendments), both employers and foreign workers may face serious consequences for violations:

• Employers:
  • Can be fined from VND 30 million to VND 75 million for employing foreign nationals without a valid permit
  • May be subject to business license suspension, particularly for repeated offenses
  • Could face reputational damage, affecting investor confidence and compliance scores with authorities
• Foreign Workers:
  • May be deported if found working illegally, with re-entry bans issued in severe cases
  • Can have difficulty reapplying for permits or visas in the future

Labor authorities have also begun publishing violation cases as part of transparency initiatives. This makes it even more critical for companies to stay current with regulations and avoid shortcuts in documentation and approvals.

How to Prepare for a Successful Work Permit Application in 2025

Due to the increasingly regulated and detail-oriented process, preparing a work permit application in Vietnam requires strategic planning and attention to legal documentation. Employers and foreign applicants alike should take a proactive approach to avoid common delays and administrative rejections.

• Start 2–3 months in advance to account for labor demand approval, document legalization, translations, and unexpected delays. Early preparation is especially critical for senior positions or those transitioning from visa exemptions.
• Use the latest MOLISA forms and official templates, which may be updated frequently. Outdated forms are one of the most common reasons for rejections.
• Ensure that all required documents from abroad, such as degrees or police checks, are notarized, legalized (with consular stamps), and professionally translated into Vietnamese. Incomplete or improperly processed documents will result in rejection.
• Monitor your permit’s expiration date and begin the re-application process well before expiry. Since renewals may be phased out, full re-application with supporting documents will be required.
• Engage a legal advisor familiar with provincial-level variations, especially if you operate in multiple cities. Local DoLISA offices may interpret certain guidelines differently, and having an experienced partner can reduce the risk of inconsistencies or rejections. to account for demand approval and document legalization.

Conclusion

Vietnam’s work permit regime in 2025 reflects the country’s tightening approach to labor compliance and foreign workforce regulation. Companies and professionals must be proactive, precise, and updated on legal developments to avoid fines, delays, or status disruptions.

Le & Tran is a leading Vietnamese law firm with deep expertise in labor compliance, foreign worker regulations, and cross-border employment advisory. We assist multinational clients in navigating work permit procedures, exemption reviews, and TRC applications with clarity and efficiency. Our firm is recommended by AmCham Vietnam, the US Consulate, and consistently top-ranked in Chambers, Legal500, and Benchmark Litigation for our employment and regulatory practice.

For expert legal guidance on work permits and labor compliance in Vietnam, contact us at info@letranlaw.com.