SERVICE FOR APPLYING FOR WORK PERMITS FOR FOREIGNERS

1. The maximum duration of a Work permit

Work Permit is 2 years (24 months). Upon expiration, it is necessary to submit an application for renewal or a new permit if one wishes to continue working in Vietnam. The work permit will be issued based on the duration of several documents, including:

- Employment contract

- The parent company sending employees to work in Vietnam

- Sub-permits (for specific positions)

- Contracts or agreements signed between partners

- Other relevant documents

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2. Who Must Apply for a Work Permit in Vietnam

According to Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP, foreigners entering to work under the following forms must apply for a work permit:

- Performing an employment contract

- Internal company transfers

- Executing contracts or agreements related to economics, commerce, finance, banking, insurance, science and technology, culture, education, vocational training, sports, and healthcare

- Service providers under contract

- Some other cases

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3. Application Documents for Issuing Work Permits

Depending on the case of new issuance, renewal, or reissuance, foreign workers need to prepare different procedures.

New Application

Workers need to prepare:

- A request document for issuing a work permit using form number 11/PLI

- A health certificate valid for 12 months

- A criminal record check

- Documents proving qualifications and work experience

- 2 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background, taken within the last 6 months

- A document approving the need to employ foreign workers

- A certified copy of the passport or confirmation from the employer

- Other relevant documents

Renewal

At least 5 days (but not more than 45 days) before the work permit expires, the worker needs to submit a renewal application including:

- A request document for renewing the work permit using form number 11/PLI

- 2 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background, taken within the last 6 months

- The current work permit

- A document approving the need to employ foreign workers

- A valid copy of the passport or a copy of the passport confirmed by the employer

- A health certificate or medical examination report

- Other documents as required to prove that the worker continues to work according to the content of the issued work permit

Reissuance

Workers need to prepare:

- A request document for reissuing the work permit using form number 11/PLI

- 2 color passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a white background

- The current work permit (if lost, a confirmation from the police or competent authority is required)

- Other relevant documents

4. Challenges in Applying for Work Permits

Long processing time:

The total time to complete the application and obtain the work permit can take from 35 to 60 days.

Complicated dossiers and procedures: The dossier of application for a work permit includes many different types of papers, which must be submitted to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs or the Department of Employment – Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Short validity of work permits: The work permit is valid for a maximum of 2 years and can only be renewed once, not exceeding 2 years.

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