COMPLETE GUIDE WORK PERMIT APPLICATION & REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGNER OUTSIDE VIETNAM 2025

Thursday, 09/10/25

According to data released on January 6, 2025, by the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, projects from 130 countries and territories remain active in Vietnam. Among them, Singapore, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Japan continue to rank as the largest investors, reagffirming Vietnam’s position as a premier destination for international professionals. Key industries attracting foreign workers include manufacturing and processing, real estate, energy, trade, construction, logistics, and information technology.

Most notably, the introduction of Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP (issued on August 7, 2025) has created even greater opportunities for foreigners seeking to work in Vietnam. The decree brings a range of advantages:

Streamlined administrative procedures with an integrated work permit process.
Shorter processing times for applications.
Expanded categories of foreign workers exempted from work permits.
Reduce the required years of experience for the role “Expert” from 3 years to 2 years.
Expansion of work permit employment types.
Greater decentralization of authority, making procedures more accessible for both employers and employees.

These regulatory updates not only make Vietnam more welcoming for skilled managers, experts, and engineers worldwide but also enable local enterprises to access global talent more quickly and efficiently

COMPLETE GUIDE TO VIETNAM WORK PERMIT APPLICATION & REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGNERS OUTSIDE VIETNAM 2025

♦ What are the required conditions for foreigners to apply for a work permit in Vietnam?

Must have a university degree and at least 2 years of relevant experience for Work Permit under "Expert" roles.
Must have Company Charter & Appointment letter or Documents proving managerial status, such as a business registration certificate listing the manager's name for Work Permit under "Manager" roles.
Must be in good health.
Must have a clean criminal record, without any history of convictions or legal issues.
Must not fall under any category prohibited from working in Vietnam according to the law.

♦ What are the required documents to apply for a work permit for a foreigner who is currently abroad and sponsor company?

Documents Handle By the Foreign Applicant:

No	Document	How to prepare
1	Certificate of Bachelor Degree/ Master Degree (Role: Expert)	Legalization at Vietnamese Embassy in abroad
2	Working experience certificate (Role: Expert)	Legalization at Vietnamese Embassy in abroad
3	Manager Appointment letter (Role: Manager)	Legalization at Vietnamese Embassy in abroad
4	Appointment letter from the head company (If apply for Work Permit type “internal transfer”)	Legalization at Vietnamese Embassy in abroad
5	Certificate of Criminal record	If you do in abroad -> Get the legalization stamp at Vietnamese Embassy in abroad If you do in Vietnam -> No need legalization
6	4.0cm x 6.0cm	White background, Look straight, showing both ears, no hat, no glasses, wearing a shirt with collar
7	Health check certificate	Required the Original Health Check result from an authorized institution in Vietnam

On the other hand, the below table is list of documents that need to be prepare from the Sponsoring Company:

No	Document	How to prepare
1	Form No. 03	Signed and sealed
2	Authorization Letter	Signed and sealed
3	Passport	Signed and sealed all pages, stamp on the edge

♦ What is the process for applying for a work permit in Vietnam for a foreigner who is currently abroad?

Currently, the work permit application process involves 2 key steps, with the following estimated timeframes:

Step 1: Job posting due to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP: 1 week

Recruitment posting is required only for foreign employees working under the following cases:
a) Performing labor contracts;
i) Participating in contracts or projects in Vietnam;
m) Working under labor contracts with foreign diplomatic agencies or foreign organizations in Vietnam

Step 2: Obtaining Work permit: 2-3 weeks

COMMON CHALLENGES &SOLUTIONS IN VIETNAM WORK PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR FOREIGN EXPATRIATES

♦ How do I complete the procedures for legalizing documents?
Answer: Regarding legalized document number 1,2,3,4,5 it means you need to go to Vietnamese Embassy/ Consulate in your country to legalize it. Normally, it will be follow these step:

Certified by Notary Public
Get the stamp of Ministry of Foreign Affair
Legalized by Vietnamese Embassy/ Consulate in your country

♦ Is it mandatory to undergo a health check-up in Vietnam to apply for a Vietnam work permit?
Answer: Yes, that's correct. According to Decree 219/2025, which was newly issued in August this year 2025, foreigners are required to enter Vietnam to undergo a medical examination. Only health check results issued by designated medical facilities in Vietnam are accepted as valid for submitting a work permit application.

♦ How can I check the validity period of the documents required for a work permit to see if they are expired or need renewal?
Answer:

For the health check certificate, it is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance.
For the criminal record certificate, it is valid for 6 months from the date of issuance.
For other documents such as university degrees, experience verification, and appointment letters that have been consular legalized, they can be used in Vietnam indefinitely according to current regulations.

♦ How can I securely send documents to Vietnam without worrying about them getting lost?
Answer: To securely send documents to Vietnam, we recommend using DHL for international shipments. DHL is a reliable courier service offering tracking, insurance, and delivery confirmation, ensuring your documents are safely transported. Delivery times and costs may vary depending on your location, so we suggest visiting the DHL website or contacting their hotline for more detailed information tailored to your specific needs.

♦ How can I ensure that my documents meet the requirements to avoid delays in the processing time?
Answer: To ensure your documents meet the requirements and avoid delays, follow these steps:

Check official guidelines for the latest work permit requirements.
Ensure document validity (e.g., health checks, criminal records) within the specified timeframes.
Legalize or consularize foreign documents if required.
Translate documents accurately into Vietnamese if necessary.
Double-check the checklist to ensure all required documents are included.
Coordinate with your employer to ensure they provide necessary support.

♦ What is the employer's role in the work permit application process?
Answer:
The employer plays a key role in the work permit application process by ensuring that all necessary documents are collected, verified, and prepared in accordance with the requirements, including:

Translating or legalizing foreign documents.
Certifying copies of related documents.
Signing required work permit application forms.

After preparing all the required documents, the employer is responsible for submitting the application online to the relevant authorities.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP WITH CONFIDENCE!

Applying for a work permit in Vietnam doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you are still overseas or already in Vietnam, our team is ready to guide you through every requirement and ensure your application is handled smoothly.
👉 Start your application 1–2 months in advance to save time, avoid delays, and secure your legal right to work in Vietnam.
📩 Contact Visa5s.com today for personalized support and expert advice — we’re here to help you at every stage of the process!

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COMPLETE GUIDE WORK PERMIT APPLICATION & REQUIREMENTS FOR FOREIGNER OUTSIDE VIETNAM 2025

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