Vietnam Work Permit Application 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Last Update: Tuesday, December 09, 2025

If you plan to work in Vietnam for over three months, obtaining a Vietnam Work Permit 2025 is mandatory. Navigating the application process can be complex, involving multiple government agencies and detailed documentation requirements. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step roadmap for securing your Work Permit, covering all the essential details and pointing you toward reliable Vietnam work visa service.

Who Needs a Vietnam Work Permit?

A Work Permit is required for all foreign nationals who intend to work in Vietnam under a labor contract, intra-company transfer, service provision, or other forms of employment for 90 days or more.

General Conditions for the Foreign Employee

To be eligible for a Work Permit, a foreign worker must generally meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.

  • Possess the professional qualifications, technical skills, and experience relevant to the job position.

  • Be in good health as certified by an authorized Vietnamese or foreign medical facility.

  • Have a clean criminal record (no criminal history or prosecution, either in Vietnam or their home country).

  • Obtain a written approval from the competent Vietnamese authority for the use of foreign labor by the employer.

Required Status Categories

The Vietnam Work Permit Application Guide (2025)

The application process is primarily the responsibility of the employing company in Vietnam and typically involves two main stages. Starting the process 2–3 months in advance is highly recommended due to the time required for document preparation, legalization, and approvals.

Stage 1: Foreign Labor Demand Approval

This step must be completed by the employer at least 15–30 days before the foreign worker’s expected start date.

  1. Report Foreign Labor Demand: The Vietnamese employer must submit a report (often Form 01/PLI) to the Provincial Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA) or the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA). This report must explain the need for the foreign worker and prove that the position cannot be filled by a Vietnamese national.

  2. Receive Approval: The competent authority will review the report and issue an official approval for the use of foreign labor.

Stage 2: Work Permit Application Submission

Once the labor demand is approved, the employer proceeds with the work permit application, submitting the full dossier to the DoLISA/MoLISA at least 15 working days before the foreign worker's intended start date.

Key Documents Required for the Application

The application dossier is comprehensive and requires meticulous preparation. All foreign-issued documents generally need to be consularly legalized/apostilled and officially translated into Vietnamese.

Document Type

Requirement

Notes

Application Form

Official Application Form (Form No. 03/PLI or latest)

Must be completed by the employer.

Approval Letter

Written approval for using foreign labor

Obtained from Stage 1.

Passport/Visa

Certified copy of the valid Passport and current Visa

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the contract.

Health Certificate

Original Health Check Certificate

Issued within the last 12 months by an authorized hospital in Vietnam or legalized from abroad.

Criminal Record Check

Clean Criminal Record Certificate

Issued within the last 6 months from the home country/country of residence OR Vietnam Police Check. Must be legalized.

Photos

2 recent color photos (4x6 cm)

White background, front-facing, no glasses/hat, taken within 6 months.

Proof of Qualification

Degree, Diploma, Experience Letter, Appointment Decision

Documents proving the status as Expert, Manager, or Technical Worker. Must be legalized and translated.

Labor Contract Draft

A signed draft of the labor contract.

 

Processing Time and Result

  • Total Time: The official processing time for the Work Permit application (Stage 2) is up to 10 working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier.

  • Result: If approved, the authority issues the Work Permit (valid for a maximum of 2 years). If rejected, a written explanation is provided.

After the Work Permit is issued, the employer and employee must sign the official labor contract, and a copy of this signed contract must be submitted to the DoLISA within 5 working days. The Work Permit then becomes the basis for applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which allows the foreigner to stay and work long-term without needing frequent visa renewals.

Seamless Vietnam Work Visa Service

Given the complexity of document legalization, translation, and coordination with various Vietnamese authorities, many foreign workers and their employers opt for professional Vietnam work visa service.

Why consider professional support?

  • Compliance: Ensure all documents meet the latest requirements under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP and subsequent amendments.

  • Time-Saving: Professionals handle the legwork, including notarization, legalization, and submission, significantly reducing your processing time and risk of delays.

  • Expert Consultation: Get case-specific advice on categorizing the foreign worker (Expert, Manager, etc.) to ensure the correct documentation is prepared.

Ready to Start Your Application?

For comprehensive assistance, Vietnam-Immi.org, offers a streamlined application process. They provide full-cycle support, from initial consultation to final issuance of your Work Permit and associated visa/TRC.

Simple Steps to Professional Service:

  1. Book Your Consultation: Visit the official booking page at https://vietnam-immi.org/booking.

  2. Submit Your Details: Provide your employee and employer details securely through the system.

  3. Expert Review & Submission: The dedicated team will review your documents, handle all required translations and legalizations, and submit the complete dossier to the competent authorities on your behalf.

Note: By utilizing a professional Vietnam work visa service, you minimize the chances of errors and maximize your opportunity for timely approval, letting you focus on your new career in Vietnam.

Conclusion

Securing your Vietnam Work Permit 2025 is the crucial step to legally starting your career in the country. The process is demanding, requiring attention to detail, timely submission, and correct legalization of all supporting documents, especially concerning the Vietnam work permit requirements for experts and managers.

By following this step-by-step guide and considering a dedicated Vietnam work visa service like the one offered via https://vietnam-immi.org/booking, you can ensure a smooth transition and focus on the excitement of your new role.

Whether you need a fast visa, airport fast track, private car, or eSIM, Vietnam-Immi.org is here 24/7 to support your trip.

Whatsapp: +84379522522

Hotline: +84.379.522.522

Email: sales@vietnam-immi.org