Key Takeaways

  1. You need both a work permit and a work visa (or Temporary Residence Card) to work in Vietnam.
  2. Work permits last up to 2 years, or the length of your contract, whichever ends sooner.
  3. To qualify for a work permit you need a job offer or contract for an approved role, such as a manager or technician.
  4. Work permit applications require multiple documents, including a job contract, passport, health check, police clearance, qualifications, and proof of experience.

Vietnam is a vibrant place to work and live, with friendly people, great food, and exciting cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The cost of living is affordable, and there’s plenty to explore on your time off. Whether you’re drawn by the booming tech scene, international education sector, or NGO work, understanding the Vietnam work visa process is the first essential step to starting your journey. 

When Do You Need a Work Visa in Vietnam?

If you’re not a Vietnamese citizen and intend to work in Vietnam, in most cases, you will need a work permit issued by the Department of Labour (DOLISA) in the province where you’ll work, along with a work visa or a Temporary Residence Card that is directly tied to your permit.

Working in Vietnam without the correct authorisation is illegal. Employers who hire foreign workers without the proper documents may be fined between VND 30 and 75 million, while foreign workers themselves can face fines of VND 15 to 25 million, and may also be subject to deportation.

Even if you qualify for an exemption, you must get written confirmation or a work permit exemption certificate from the labour department. Working without it is still considered illegal.

Who is exempt? There are some exemptions to the work permit, although you may still need a visa and written confirmation from the authorities:

Diplomats and Government Workers

Those with diplomatic passports or on official missions don’t need a work permit, but do require a diplomatic visa.

Intra-Company Transfers

If your company sends you from overseas to its Vietnam office, you may be exempt. An exemption letter is still required from local Vietnamese authorities. You must enter on a suitable visa and you also must have worked at the company for at least 12 months beforehand.

Investors and Company Owners

Investors or board members of Vietnamese companies don’t need work permits. Instead, you apply for a DT visa (Investor Visa). There are 4 subclasses (DT1–DT4) depending on how much you’ve invested. You must be properly registered as an investor and hold an investment certificate.

Types of Work Visas and Permits in Vietnam

Vietnam has several visa types depending on the reason for your stay. For working in Vietnam, a business visa or a work visa are the two most common types.

A business visa (DN visa) is for foreigners doing business with companies based in Vietnam, whereas a work visa (LD visa) is for those who are actually employed by a Vietnamese company or office.

LD visas are usually valid for 1–2 years, matching the length of your work permit or contract.

  • LD1 is for people who are exempt from needing a work permit.
  • LD2 is for those who do need a work permit, and this is the most common work visa.
  • DN visas last up to 12 months and may allow multiple entries.

You can apply for a business visa yourself, either online as an e-visa or directly through a Vietnamese embassy. A work visa, however, must be arranged by your employer in Vietnam. Once it’s approved in Vietnam, you’ll need to have it stamped at the Vietnamese embassy of the country you are moving from.

A work visa requires you to also have a valid work permit, whereas a business visa does not. Work visas also tend to have a longer validity period, of up to 2 years.

Another important distinction is that a work visa allows you to apply for a Temporary Residence Card, but this isn’t an option if you’re on a business visa.

Other Visa Types

Investor Visas (DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4)

DT visas are for foreigners who are officially registered as an investor or business owner in Vietnam. These visas let you live and run your business in Vietnam without a work permit.

The size of your investment will determine the subclass of DT visa (DT1 for large investments down to DT4 for smaller investments) and the visa’s length (up to 5 years for the largest investors). Investors can also get long-term residence cards (up to 10 years).

Tourist Visa/e-Visa

Vietnam offers 90-day tourist e-Visas for many nationalities. Some remote workers use tourist visas to stay in Vietnam while working online for overseas clients, but working for a Vietnamese company on a tourist visa is illegal.

Conference Visa (HN Visa)

For individuals attending short-term conferences, seminars, or other professional events in Vietnam.

Government Affiliation Visas (LV1 / LV2 Visas)

Issued to foreign nationals working directly with Vietnamese government bodies in official capacities.

Student and Internship Visa (DH Visa)

For students and interns, to allow them to participate in educational programs or training. This visa does not grant permission for full employment.

How to Apply for a Work Visa in Vietnam

Foreigners cannot apply for a work permit in Vietnam on their own, a company must sponsor them. To qualify, you need a job offer or contract for an approved role, such as manager, expert, or technician. 

Before applying, the employer must prove they couldn’t find a suitable Vietnamese candidate, a process that must be completed at least 30 days before your start date. The request is submitted to the local Department of Labour (DOLISA) or national Ministry (MoLISA), with approval taking 10–15 working days in the form of an official letter.

  • Completed application form (Form 11/PLI)
  • Job contract or offer letter from the employer
  • Employer’s business registration certificate
  • Passport (notarized, valid for at least six months)
  • Two passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background)
  • Health check certificate (issued within the last year)
  • Police clearance certificate (from your home country or Vietnam)
  • Proof of qualifications (degree, professional certificate, or training)
  • Proof of experience (typically 3–5 years, depending on the role)

The application requires several key documents. Additional documents may be required in special cases.

Vietnam Work Permit Costs and Fees

The fee for getting a work permit in Vietnam varies depending on the local authority handling the application. At present, the maximum fee charged for a new work permit is VND 1,000,000, though some areas may charge less. These rates can change from time to time based on local regulations.

Foreign employees don’t need to pay the work permit fee themselves. The employer has a responsibility to cover the cost.

Work Visa Sponsorship

To hire a foreign employee, companies must provide a legitimate job offer and comply with labour laws, ensuring fair pay and working conditions. For positions requiring a work permit, employers must prove that no suitable local candidate is available, often by advertising the job and applying for approval from the Department of Labour.

Secure Your Vietnam Work Visa and Start Your Dream Job Today!

Securing a work visa in Vietnam is your gateway to exciting career opportunities in a dynamic and rapidly evolving market. With a thriving economy and a welcoming culture, Vietnam offers incredible potential for professionals from all backgrounds.

By securing a job offer, gathering the necessary documents, and following Vietnam’s work visa regulations, you can smoothly transition into your new professional journey. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to embrace the exciting opportunities that Vietnam has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

A work permit is your permission to work, whereas a work visa  allows you to enter Vietnam and stay for work. You normally need both. If you get a Temporary Residence Card, it replaces the visa during its validity.

Yes, in most cases. If you plan to work or run a business in Vietnam, you need a work permit before starting. Some people (like certain investors or spouses of Vietnamese citizens) may be exempt, but they still need the correct visa or exemption letter.

No. Any legally registered company in Vietnam can hire foreigners if they follow the process properly and no extra licence is needed.

If you start a new job you will need a new work permit, as your old one is tied to your old employer and is not transferable. You’ll need your new employer to apply for a new work permit.

No, you can’t work in Vietnam on a tourist visa—it’s only for travel. While many remote workers use tourist or e-visas to stay in the country while working online for foreign companies, this isn’t legal if you’re working with Vietnamese clients or businesses. Vietnam does not have a specific visa for remote work. To do any work for a Vietnamese company, you need a work permit and an LD visa. If you're freelancing locally, you’d need to be sponsored or register as a business owner, which could qualify you for an investor visa.

Yes. They can apply for dependent visas or residence cards. These are valid for the same length as your work permit. However, spouses can’t work on a dependent visa and will need their own work permit and work visa to take a job.

Relocate to Vietnam

Vietnam stands out as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies, making it an exceptional choice for relocating international teams. With thriving tech hubs in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, ultra-competitive living costs, and a young, dynamic workforce, your employees can enjoy a high quality of life while tapping into one of the region’s most energetic business environments.

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