Services
Work permit service for foreigners in Vietnam
End to end: eligibility review, document legalisation, filing and collection. For employers and foreign employees.
Overview
What is a work permit
A work permit authorises a foreigner to work legally in Vietnam. The employer is the applicant. Working without a permit (and without an exemption) can lead to fines for the employer and deportation of the employee.
Key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible positions | Managers, executive directors, experts, technical workers |
| Validity | As per the contract, up to 2 years |
| Renewal | Once, for up to 2 years |
| Applicant | The employing company or organisation |
Requirements and documents
What you need to prepare
Cases we handle
- New work permits.
- Work permit renewals.
- Reissue (lost, damaged or changed details).
- Confirmation of work permit exemption.
Basic requirements
- At least 18 years old and in good health as required.
- Qualifications and experience that fit the position (degrees, experience letters).
- No criminal record and not under criminal prosecution.
- The employer has a valid need for foreign labour.
Documents from the employee
- A valid passport.
- A health certificate from an approved medical facility.
- A criminal record certificate (foreign or Vietnamese, depending on where you have lived).
- Degrees, certificates and letters confirming work experience.
- Portrait photos in the required format.
Documents from the employer
- Business registration certificate or operating licence.
- A written explanation of the need for foreign labour.
- The work permit application forms.
Documents issued abroad must be consular-legalised, translated into Vietnamese and certified, unless exempt.
What we do for you
- 1
We review the position, qualifications and experience to find the right route (new, exempt, renewal).
- 2
We send document checklists to the employee and the employer.
- 3
We help with the health check, criminal record, legalisation and translation.
- 4
We prepare the file for the employer to sign and stamp.
- 5
We file, track and respond to the authority's questions.
- 6
We collect the work permit and hand it over.
- 7
We advise on the next step: the temporary residence card.
Costs
- Government fee: set by each province.
- Service fee: quoted case by case (new, renewal, reissue, exemption).
- Third-party costs: health check, consular legalisation, certified translation.
Important notes
- Start early. Legalising foreign documents is usually the slowest step.
- Experience letters must state the position and period worked, and match the position applied for.
- Renewal applications must be filed before the permit expires, within the window set by law.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Related services
Who is exempt from a work permit?
Some categories, such as investors above a set capital threshold, people married to Vietnamese citizens and certain intra-company transferees. Even when exempt, most cases still need a confirmation procedure.
Can I apply without a university degree?
It depends on the position. Technical workers and some expert cases can rely on experience and training certificates instead. Send us your documents for an assessment.
Do I need a new permit if I change employer?
Yes. A work permit is tied to a specific employer and position.
Where do I get a criminal record certificate?
It depends on where you have lived and for how long. See our Criminal Record Check page.
Quote
Get advice on your case
You get a document checklist, an expected timeline and a specific quote by email.
Gateway Visa is a private company providing advice and procedural support. It is not a government agency. Visas and related documents are issued at the decision of the competent Vietnamese authorities.