Are you going to work in Vietnam? This article will explain the kind of visas and permits you will need to work in Vietnam legally.
Who must apply for a Work Permit and Business Visa in Vietnam and what are the crucial timelines? The Temporary Residence Card is not designated to all foreigners – but to whom?
Do you need a work permit in Vietnam?
All foreign workers in Vietnam must have a work permit if they work for longer than 3 months. If the employment is shorter then a business visa is enough.
Temporary Residence versus Business Visa in Vietnam
A work permit allows you to work in Vietnam. Additionally you will need a way to stay in the country.
If your employment contract is for less than a year you are eligible for a business visa. For longer employment you will need to get a temporary residence.
Both options allow you to enter and leave the country as often as needed.
Work Permit
The first step of applying for a Work Permit is having an employer in Vietnam. Thus, to receive the permit, a foreigner must first know where they will work, not vice versa.
A Work Permit in Vietnam is issued for two years. Application process takes about 20 days.
Required qualifications for work permit in Vietnam
- To qualify for a work permit you should meet the following requirements:
- Higher education
- Expertise in the field
- Senior positions may also need up to 3 years of relevant working experience
If you or your candidate doesn’t meet all the demands then a shorter business visa is an easy alternative.
Note that some positions are reserved for Vietnamese nationals only. Read also about Hiring Foreign Workers in Vietnam.
Process of Obtaining the Work Permit in Vietnam
Your employer must first submit the use of foreign workforce. This must also emphasize the reasons of hiring a foreigner instead of local staff. Mostly it is enough when adding to it that the position requires:
- International experience
- Expertise about the field of business
- Good level of English
After receiving the approval the employer will submit the work permit application. Make sure they do so at least 30 days before the start of your employment in Vietnam.
2018 Changes in the Vietnamese Regulations on Hiring Foreign Nationals
Now the managers and directors can have one year of work experience instead of three.
Business Visa in Vietnam
Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may receive a Business Visa valid for up to 12 months.
You can:
- Travel, work and do business in Vietnam
- Use it to apply for a work permit
- Open a bank account in a commercial bank in Vietnam
- Extend visa without leaving Vietnam
Using a Business Visa in Vietnam for Work Purposes
No Work Permit is necessary if your employment lasts for less than 3 months. In such cases, applying for a Vietnam Business Visa is enough.
You also don’t need a work permit if you are a founder of a company in Vietnam.
Process of Obtaining the Business Visa in Vietnam
To work on a Business Visa, a foreigner requires either of the two:
- An invitation letter from a business partner based in Vietnam
- Sponsorship
Emerhub can issue the invitation letter or draft sponsorship letter for you.
Work Permit and Business Visa Validity in Vietnam
| Choice of Visa, depending on the length of employment | Requirements | Suitable for | |
| Up to 3 months –
Business Visa |
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3-12 months – Work Permit and Business Visa |
Especially for expert and specialist position:
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Up to 2 years – Work Permit and Temporary Residence Card |
Especially for expert/ specialist position:
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| Up to 2 years –
Temporary Residence Card |
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Contact Emerhub to start processing your Work Permit or Business Visa in Vietnam. Share your thoughts below or get in touch with us via the company registration page.
