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Foreign Nationals Wanting to Work in Vietnam: Requirements and Procedures

Vietnam has clarified the legal framework for foreign workers. Below is a concise journalistic-style overview of eligibility criteria and required procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

To legally work in Vietnam, foreign nationals must satisfy the following per Article 151 of the 2019 Labor Code:

  • Hold foreign citizenship, be at least 18 years old, and possess full civil act capacity.

  • Meet health standards defined by the Ministry of Health.

  • Demonstrate appropriate professional qualifications, technical skills, experience, or vocational training.

  • Must not be serving a sentence, under criminal prosecution, or have a criminal record not expunged, under Vietnamese or foreign law.

  • Possess a work permit issued by competent Vietnamese authorities, unless eligible for exemption.

Permissible Work Arrangements


According to Decree 152/2020, foreign nationals may work under various forms:

  • Contracted employment with a Vietnamese enterprise.

  • Intra-corporate transfer.

  • Through service, economic, commercial, educational, or technical agreements.

  • As service providers or bidders on projects.

  • As NGO or international organization staff.

  • As expatriate managers, directors, specialists, or technical workers.

  • As members of foreign diplomatic households or similar categories.

Work Permit Process (Decree 219/2025 – Effective August 2025)

Key updates under the new regulation:

  • Integrated requirements: Employers no longer need separate prior approval for foreign labor needs. This is now integrated into the work permit application form (Form No. 03).

  • Required documents now include:

    • Employer’s explanation of foreign labor usage.

    • Health certificate from qualified facility.

    • Valid passport.

    • Criminal record check (issued within 6 months).

    • Standard photos (4×6 cm, white background).

    • Documentation confirming managerial, executive, expert, or technical role.

  • Quick turnaround: Work permit must be issued within 10 working days of receiving a complete application; refusal must be formally documented within 3 days.

Summary Overview

Requirement Details
Legal Eligibility ≥ 18 years, full civil capacity, good health, clean criminal record
Qualifications Must have relevant skills, experience, or training
Employment Forms Contract work, intra-company transfer, services, NGO, specialized roles
Exemptions Some experts, diplomats, owners, volunteers may be exempt
Application Requirements Integrated application, supporting documents, health check, criminal record
Processing Timeline Decision within 10 working days; refusals explained within 3 days

Foreign nationals must satisfy legal, health, and professional benchmarks. Employers must follow streamlined procedures under Decree 219/2025 for timely approval. This regulatory clarity supports Vietnam's strategy to attract talented foreign workers.

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