Vietnam Work Visa Solutions
In recent years, as Vietnam’s economy has soared, a growing number of international companies and skilled professionals have been drawn to this dynamic country in pursuit of career advancement and business expansion. With its vibrant market, youthful population, and progressively modernized infrastructure, Vietnam has become a key destination for foreign enterprises setting up in Southeast Asia. If your company plans to establish a local branch or outsource operations in Vietnam, securing the necessary work visas and permits for foreign employees upon arrival is crucial for seamless operations. The Vietnamese government continually refines its immigration and labor policies, offering a variety of visa options for international talent, enabling businesses to better allocate resources and achieve global expansion objectives.
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Types of Vietnam Work Visas
Like applicants from other countries, all foreign workers must obtain a visa from a Vietnamese embassy or consulate prior to entering Vietnam. Common visa categories include:
- HN Visa for conferences and business events
- DN Visa for foreigners working with Vietnamese enterprises
- NG1–NG4 Visas for diplomats
- LD Visa for international workers
- DT Visa for investors
- DH Visa for students and interns
- LV1–LV2 Visas for individuals collaborating with Vietnamese government agencies
- For employees planning long-term residence and work in Vietnam, the LD Visa is essential.
Categories of Foreign Workers Eligible for Vietnam Work Visas
Vietnam imposes rigorous requirements for work visas to ensure only qualified foreigners can be employed. Major categories eligible for work permits include:
Managers, Senior Executives, or Other High-Level Corporate Roles
Specialists and Senior Experts
Technical Personnel
Documents Required for a Vietnam Work Visa
Additionally, Vietnamese companies can only hire foreign workers when qualified local candidates aren’t available. Under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP (amending the Labor Code), the government instituted new labor market testing rules. Employers must advertise openings via Vietnam’s online portal or local newspapers. If no suitable Vietnamese candidate is found within 30 days, the position can be offered to a foreign applicant.
When applying for an LD work visa, applicants must present proof that the company advertised the position. Other requirements include:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport with a notarized copy
- Applicant’s health certificate and medical records
- Three recent passport-sized photos
- Criminal record certificate, ensuring no criminal history
- Copies of relevant professional qualifications
Application Process
To apply for a work visa in Vietnam, both employees and employers should follow these steps:
Employee
- Obtain an employment confirmation letter from the employer.
- Gather three recent passport-sized photos or take new ones.
- Acquire a health certificate from a hospital in Vietnam or the applicant’s country of residence.
- Complete the work visa application form and submit all required documentation to the Ministry of Labor in Vietnam.
Employer
- Obtain an in-principle approval for foreign labor usage from the local labor department.
- File a work permit application with the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA).
All applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the planned start date for the foreign employee.Considering possible approval delays, it’s recommended to begin the process 2–3 months in advance.
Once approved, the employee may enter Vietnam and register as a temporary resident with the local police station.A temporary residence permit matching the work visa’s validity is typically issued within 5 working days.
Additional Key Notes
Currently, Vietnam work permits (WPs) are valid for up to three years and are non-renewable. If your company wants to continue employing a foreign worker beyond that period, you must reapply.
If your company operates multiple locations within one province, this must be specified in the application. For employees who work across different provinces, an application must be filed with the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA).
What Services Does Vanzbon Offer?
As a professional visa and immigration service provider, Wanqibang delivers one-stop solutions to help businesses obtain work visas efficiently. Our experienced legal team ensures each procedure meets legal requirements, guiding your employees through Vietnam’s work visa process with ease.
Work Permit Application
We provide comprehensive services for your employees’ work visa applications—from preparing required documents to submitting them—backed by our legal experts to ensure a swift and successful outcome.
Work Permit Renewal
If an employee’s work permit is due to expire, we handle renewal procedures so they can legally continue working in Vietnam, avoiding any inconvenience due to permit expiration.
Visa Issuance & Extension
Whether it’s a first-time visa application or an extension, Wanqibang offers full support to help employees complete each step and maintain legal working status in Vietnam.
Temporary Residence Card
We facilitate the temporary residence card process, ensuring foreign staff can legally reside and work in Vietnam once they’ve obtained a work visa. The card’s validity aligns with the work visa to maintain compliance.
Streamline Your Vietnam Business Setup
Vanzbon’s Service Advantages
We offer comprehensive one-stop support to streamline your Vietnam work visa applications, ensuring greater efficiency and convenience.
Professional Legal Team
Experienced attorneys proficient in Vietnam’s immigration laws and work visa regulations, ensuring legal compliance and minimal delays.
Customized Solutions
Tailored visa packages to meet specific corporate needs, from individual employees to multi-location teams.
End-to-End Tracking
From initial filing to final visa issuance, we provide continuous oversight, preventing procedural errors or setbacks, with legal counsel ready to handle any issues.
High-Efficiency Processing
Aware of time sensitivity, we complete formalities promptly, helping organizations swiftly overcome any legal hurdles.
Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees
A clear fee structure without hidden or extra charges, ensuring optimal budget management.
FAQs
The requirements for obtaining a Vietnam work visa are quite strict, ensuring that only qualified foreign workers are permitted to work in the country.
It typically takes around 15 days. However, we recommend starting 2–3 months in advance to handle any delays or additional paperwork. Our legal experts ensure each step meets legal requirements, minimizing hold-ups.
If the employee is required to work across different provinces, you must file an application with the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). Our lawyers will assist with all required legal procedures for compliance.
A Vietnamese work permit is valid for a maximum of three years and is non-renewable. If the employer wishes to retain the foreign employee beyond this period, a new permit application must be filed. We guide you through the documentation and submission process.
Employees may obtain it from a hospital in Vietnam or their home country. We offer specific guidance to ensure it meets Vietnam’s criteria, and our lawyers will confirm it aligns with legal requirements.
Essential documents typically include a valid passport, health certificate, recent passport photos, criminal record, and relevant qualifications. We review and organize all paperwork to prevent oversights or noncompliance leading to refusal.
