Vietnam Work Permit 2023 – Cost, Eligibility, Agencies, Processing time, etc

Vietnam Work Permit 2023! Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia that has a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. It is also a popular destination for travelers who want to experience its diverse landscapes, cuisine, and people. However, if you are not just visiting Vietnam for tourism, but also for work, you will need to obtain a special document called a work permit.

A work permit is a legal document that allows you to work in Vietnam for a specific period of time and for a specific employer. It is issued by the Vietnamese authorities after they verify your qualifications, health, and background. A work permit is different from a visa, which is a document that allows you to enter and stay in Vietnam for a certain purpose and duration. A visa does not give you the right to work in Vietnam unless it is a special type of visa that includes a work permit.

To apply for a work permit, you will need to have an employment contract with a registered and recognized employer in Vietnam and meet certain requirements depending on the type of job you will do. You will also need to submit various documents and fees to the relevant authorities, either online or offline. The application process can take from 5 to 15 working days, depending on the case. In this article, we will explain the details of how to apply for a Vietnam work permit in 2023, including the cost, eligibility, agencies, processing time, and other important information.

Vietnam Work Permit

How to apply for a work permit in Vietnam in 2023?

To apply for a work permit in Vietnam in 2023, follow these steps:

Find an employer in Vietnam to assist with the application.
Ensure you meet eligibility criteria, including health and qualifications.
Prepare necessary documents like health certificate, diploma, etc.
Submit the application to the relevant authorities in Vietnam.
Wait for processing (5-15 days) and receive your work permit.
Apply for a work visa with your work permit, either online or at an embassy.

Vietnam work permit requirements and fees for foreigners

If you are a foreigner who wants to work in Vietnam, you will need to obtain a work permit from the Vietnamese authorities. A work permit is a legal document that allows you to work in Vietnam for a specific period of time and for a specific employer. To apply for a work permit, you will need to meet some requirements and submit some documents and fees to the relevant authorities.

Some of the requirements for a work permit are:

You must be over 18 years old and have full civil act capacity.
You must have a good health condition that satisfies the job’s specific demands and requirements.
You must have no criminal record or national security offense in your home country or in Vietnam.
You must have technical, professional, or occupational qualifications and experience for the job position you will do in Vietnam. Depending on the type of job, you may need to have a bachelor’s degree or higher, a certificate of at least 3 or 5 years of experience, or a decision on appointment.
You must have documents issued in foreign countries legalized by the competent authorities.

Depending on the circumstance, there are various application fees for work permits. The cost for first-time applicants is VND400,000 (about $20). Reissued work permits cost VND 300,000 (USD $15) each. Work permit renewals cost VND 200,000 (USD 10) each permit.

The processing time for a work permit application is 15 working days. You will receive your work permit by mail or by collecting it from the authorities.

What are the types of visas and permits for working in Vietnam?

Vietnam offers various types of visas and permits for different purposes and durations:

DL visas: For tourists, valid for up to 3 months, with single or multiple entry options.
HN visas: For meetings and conferences organized by Vietnamese agencies, also valid for up to 3 months, with single or multiple entry
DT visas: For investors, with a validity of up to 5 years and multiple entries.
DN visas: For those working with Vietnamese businesses or organizations, valid for up to 12 months, with multiple entries.
DH visas: For students and interns, up to 12 months, with single or multiple entry.
NG visas: For diplomatic purposes, with a 12-month validity and multiple entry.
LV visas: For individuals working with Vietnamese authorities or parties, up to 12 months, with multiple entries.
LD visas: For international employees with a work permit, up to 2 years, with multiple entries.

Vietnam work permit exemption and renewal

A Vietnam work permit exemption is a certificate allowing a foreigner to work in Vietnam without a work permit for up to 2 years, renewable once for another 2 years. Eligibility includes:

Owners or capital contributors in limited liability companies with at least VND 3 billion.
Chairpersons or board members of joint-stock companies with at least VND 3 billion.
Heads of international organizations or foreign NGOs in Vietnam.
Short-term experts addressing complex technical issues.
Foreign lawyers licensed in Vietnam.
Spouses of Vietnamese citizens.
Internally reassigned foreign workers in specified service industries.
Professionals working on ODA projects.
Licensed communications or journalism practitioners.

To apply, the employer must submit the required documents and fees to the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Welfare at least 7 days before the foreigner starts working. These documents include a request form, an employer’s business registration certificate, an employment contract, and more.

The fee for an exemption application is VND 200,000 (USD 10), with a processing time of 5 working days. Renewal is allowed once for another 2 years, after which a new application is necessary.

Can I apply for a work permit myself or do I need an agency?

You cannot apply for a work permit by yourself, but you need to have an employment contract with a registered and recognized employer in Vietnam who can assist you with the work permit application process.

Alternatively, you can use a professional service provider or a service center in Vietnam to help you with the work permit application, but you still need to have an employer in Vietnam who can sponsor you. Therefore, you cannot apply for a work permit without an agency or an employer in Vietnam

Can I apply for a work permit if I don’t have a degree?

In Vietnam, work permit requirements vary based on the type of job and specific circumstances. It’s generally necessary to have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, along with at least 3 years of relevant work experience. However, exceptions exist for certain categories of workers:

Foreign experts: They can apply without a degree if they have a certificate of at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Technical workers: They can apply without a degree if they have been trained in a relevant field for at least 1 year and have 3 years of experience, or if they have a 5-year experience certificate.
Directors, CEOs, etc.: They can apply without a degree if they have a decision on appointment and 3 years of experience.
Legal representatives, managers, and board members: They can apply without a degree.

But meeting other requirements, like health and background checks, is necessary. You must also have an employment contract with a registered employer in Vietnam. Keep in mind that some employers may still prefer candidates with degrees. Consult with potential employers or professionals and refer to official sources for accurate information

What are the common mistakes when applying for a work permit?

Some common mistakes when applying for a work permit in Vietnam are:

Not meeting the eligibility criteria for the work permit, such as having insufficient qualifications, experience, or health condition.
Not having the required documents legalized by the competent authorities in the foreign country and in Vietnam.
Not submitting the application documents and fees to the correct authorities or within the specified time limit.
Not renewing or extending the work permit before it expires or when changing employers or job positions.
Not obtaining a work permit exemption certificate when applicable.

To avoid these mistakes, it is advisable to consult with a professional service provider or a reliable employer who can assist you with the work permit application process. You can also refer to the official websites of the Department of Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs, or the People’s Committee of the province where you will work for more information.

Agencies for Vietnam work permit application

In Vietnam, if you are a foreigner looking to obtain a work permit, you’ll typically need to go through a specific process with various government agencies and organizations. Here’s an overview of the key agencies involved in the work permit application process:

Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA): This department is responsible for issuing work permits to foreign nationals in Vietnam. You’ll need to work with the local DoLISA office in the province where you intend to work.
Your Employer: Your employer plays a crucial role in the work permit application process. They are responsible for initiating the application on your behalf, obtaining necessary documents, and ensuring compliance with labor laws.
Immigration Department: The Immigration Department is responsible for visa-related matters. In many cases, you will need a valid visa before applying for a work permit.

Vietnam work permit application process and documents

The process of applying for a work permit in Vietnam can be somewhat complex, but it is necessary if you intend to work legally in the country. Here is an overview of the process and the documents required:

1. Eligibility:

Before applying for a work permit, ensure you meet the following criteria:

You have a job offer or are employed by a registered company in Vietnam.
You possess the necessary qualifications and skills for the job.
You are in good health.

2. Employer’s Responsibilities:

Your prospective employer must obtain a labor demand license from the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DoLISA).
Your employer must also send a written request for a work permit on your behalf.

3. Required Documents for the Employee:

A form for requesting the use of foreign workers.
A certified copy of the business registration certificate of the employer.
A written explanation of the demand to employ foreigners.
A copy of the employment contract or agreement between the employer and the foreigner.
A health certificate issued by a competent health organization in Vietnam or abroad within 12 months before the date of application.
A criminal record certificate issued by a competent authority in your home country or in Vietnam within 6 months before the date of application.
A copy of your passport or equivalent document.
A copy of your diploma, certificate, or decision on appointment, along with a translation into Vietnamese certified by a competent authority.
A photo of yourself (4×6 cm, white background, front view, bare head, no colored glasses).

4. Application Submission:

Your employer submits your work permit application to the DoLISA in the province where you will work.

5. Review and Approval:

The DoLISA will review your application within 7-10 working days.

6. Work Permit Issuance:

Once approved, you will receive a work permit valid for up to 2 years, or the duration of your labor contract, whichever is shorter.

7. Temporary Resident Card (TRC):

After obtaining the work permit, you should apply for a Temporary Resident Card (TRC) if you plan to stay in Vietnam for an extended period. This card can be obtained through the local Immigration Department.

8. Renewal:

Work permits can be renewed up to two times, each renewal for up to 2 years.

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