Work Permit Services for Foreigners in Vietnam

When a company in Vietnam intends to hire a foreign employee, obtaining a work permit is a mandatory procedure under Vietnamese law. However, the process can be complex, requiring a deep understanding of the legal requirements, documentation, and administrative procedures involved.

CFA offers a comprehensive work permit service that helps both employers and foreign workers save time, ensure compliance, and receive results quickly and efficiently.

1. Regulations on Conditions for Foreigners to Work in Vietnam

According to Article 151 of the 2019 Labor Code, a foreign worker who wishes to work in Vietnam must meet the following conditions:

• Be a foreign national, 18 years of age or older, and have full civil act capacity;

• Be in good health as required by the Ministry of Health;

• Possess the professional qualifications, skills, and work experience suitable for the position to be recruited;

• Not be subject to criminal prosecution, serving a sentence, or having an unexpunged criminal record under Vietnamese law or foreign law;

• Be granted a work permit by the competent Vietnamese authority, unless exempted under the law.

In addition, while working in Vietnam, foreign workers must also comply with the following additional provisions:

• The employment contract term must not exceed the validity period of the work permit;

• During employment, foreigners must comply with Vietnamese labor laws and are entitled to legal protection for their rights and interests, except where otherwise provided in international treaties to which Vietnam is a member.

2. Regulations on Forms of Employment for Foreigners in Vietnam

Under Clause 1, Article 2 of Decree No. 152/2020/NĐ-CP, foreigners may work in Vietnam under the following forms:

• Working under a labor contract signed directly with a company in Vietnam;

• Internal transfer within an enterprise, meaning a transfer from a foreign branch or representative office of the same corporation to Vietnam;

• Performing contracts or agreements in the fields of economics, trade, finance, banking, insurance, culture, sports, education, science and technology, healthcare, or vocational training;

• Providing services under a contract or offering services in Vietnam;

• Participating as volunteers in programs or projects approved by competent authorities;

• Serving as a manager, executive director, expert, or technical worker;

• Acting as a representative of a foreign trader establishing a commercial presence in Vietnam;

• Working for foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or international organizations licensed to operate in Vietnam;

• Participating in project implementation or contract packages in Vietnam;

• Being a family member of a foreign diplomatic mission’s staff in Vietnam and permitted to work under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party.

When using CFA’s work permit application service, clients are required to prepare and provide the following essential documents and information:

• A health certificate issued within 12 months prior to the application date;

• A criminal record certificate (issued either in Vietnam or abroad, depending on the applicant’s place of residence);

• Two (02) color photos, size 4x6cm, with a white background, taken within the last 6 months;

• A certified copy of the passport that remains valid;

• Documents proving professional qualifications and work experience – such as diplomas, certificates, or confirmation letters verifying expertise, managerial, or technical positions;

• A labor contract or appointment decision confirming the foreign employee’s position at the enterprise.

CFA will receive, review, and assist in completing the entire application dossier in accordance with current regulations. We also represent the client to submit the application to the competent labor authority, ensuring the process is handled quickly, accurately, and legally compliant.

Note: All documents issued abroad must be translated into Vietnamese, notarized, and legalized through consular authentication, except in cases that are exempt from consular legalization under applicable laws or international treaties.

• The maximum validity of a work permit is 2 years and it may be extended once for an additional period of up to 2 years.
• Foreign employees must work in the exact position and at the location specified in their work permit.
• In case of any change in job position, workplace, or job title, the employer is required to apply for an adjustment or a new work permit.
• If the foreign worker no longer meets the eligibility conditions—such as resignation, permit expiration, or revocation—the work permit will be canceled or terminated accordingly.

CFA takes pride in being a professional and reputable consulting firm, accompanying hundreds of FDI enterprises, foreign companies, and international experts in completing legal and administrative procedures in Vietnam.

Why choose CFA for your work permit application:

• Comprehensive consultation on eligibility and conditions for each specific case to ensure the highest approval rate.

• Full preparation and verification of all required documents in compliance with legal regulations.

• Representation and follow-up with government authorities throughout the submission process.

• Fast processing time with end-to-end support until the work permit is successfully issued.

>> CFA Work Permit Application Service