Vietnam work visa requirements explained

Who Needs a Vietnam Work Visa?

Any foreign national planning to work in Vietnam must obtain a work visa or work permit. This applies whether you're employed by a local company, a foreign company with operations in Vietnam, or starting your own business. Tourist visas do not allow legal employment.

Key Documents You'll Usually Need

To apply for a Vietnam work visa, prepare these common documents:

• Valid passport (typically valid for at least 6 months)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photographs
• Letter of employment or job offer from your Vietnamese employer
• Company registration documents from your employer
• Proof of qualifications or educational credentials
• Health certificate (may be required)
• Police clearance certificate (requirements vary by country)
• Proof of financial stability

The Employer's Role

Your Vietnamese employer plays a crucial part in the process. They typically must:

• Sponsor your work visa application
• Provide official documentation confirming your job position and salary
• Register you with local labor authorities
• Ensure compliance with Vietnamese labor laws

Many employers handle much of the paperwork themselves or hire immigration specialists to assist.

Work Permit Requirements

Once you have a work visa, you may also need a separate work permit. Requirements generally include:

• Proof that no qualified Vietnamese citizen can fill the position
• Your professional qualifications and experience
• Details about your employment contract
• Background information about the employing company

The specific requirements depend on your job category and industry.

Processing and Duration

Work visas are typically single-entry or multiple-entry documents valid for a set period. Once issued, they allow you to enter Vietnam and apply for a residence card, which permits you to stay and work for the visa's duration. Processing times vary depending on your application method and the Vietnamese embassy or consulate handling your case.

Where to Apply

You can apply through:

• A Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country
• An immigration office in Vietnam (if already in the country on another visa type)
• Authorized immigration service providers

Next Steps

Requirements change regularly, and procedures may differ based on your nationality and job type. Before starting your application, visit the official website of the Vietnamese Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or your nearest Vietnamese embassy to confirm current requirements and procedures specific to your situation.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.