Vietnam Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Who Needs a Work Permit in Vietnam

In Vietnam, foreign nationals intending to work for more than three months are generally required to obtain a work permit. This mandate applies to various roles, including experts, managers, and technical workers employed by Vietnamese enterprises. However, certain exemptions exist, such as for individuals working in Vietnam for less than three months, members or owners of limited companies, board members of joint-stock companies, and lawyers with a professional permit from the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice.

The Difference Between Work Permits and Work Visas in Vietnam

In Vietnam, there is a clear distinction between work permits and work visas:

Work Permits in Vietnam

A work permit (giấy phép lao động) is an authorization from the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) or provincial authorities that grants legal permission to perform paid work for a specific employer, position, and location.Work permits are not divided into distinct "types" like visas but are categorized by job roles (e.g., expert, manager). They are required for most non-Vietnamese workers staying over 90 days, unless exempt.

Work Visas in Vietnam

In contrast, a work visa (visado de trabajo, often coded as LĐ or DN) is an entry and residence document issued by Vietnamese immigration authorities, allowing a foreign national to enter and stay in the country for employment or business purposes. It is typically obtained at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate abroad or via e-visa, and its validity is tied to the purpose of stay.Work visas use specific codes and are often dependent on a work permit.

NOTE: The work permit is a prerequisite for most work visas and for obtaining a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which replaces the visa for longer stays. Without a work permit, working on a business or tourist visa is illegal and can result in fines, deportation, or bans. EU/EEA citizens and those from visa-exempt countries still need work permits for employment, but exemptions apply for short-term or specific roles.

Types of Work Visas in Vietnam

Vietnam offers several work visa categories tailored to different employment scenarios. Understanding these options helps employers determine the appropriate visa type for their foreign employees.

Business Visa (DN1)

The Business Visa (DN1) is issued to foreign nationals entering Vietnam to work with local Vietnamese enterprises or organizations that are legally registered. This visa allows for single or multiple entries and can be granted for a period of up to one year. While it does not provide full work authorization, it permits foreigners to carry out a range of business-related activities such as meetings, contract negotiations, training, or pre-employment visits.

For employers, this visa is especially useful when bringing foreign professionals into Vietnam for short-term business engagements that do not involve direct employment or payroll commitments. It is commonly used for foreign executives visiting local subsidiaries, regional team members supporting in-country operations, or specialists providing limited support services. In many cases, this visa acts as a transitional tool, as it can be converted into a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) once a work permit is obtained.

💡Best work visa option if: You are hosting a foreign national for short-term business activities in Vietnam or preparing to transition them into long-term employment once work permit approvals are secured.

Business Visa (DN2)

The Business Visa (DN2) is designed for foreign nationals who are entering Vietnam to offer services, establish a commercial presence, or undertake business activities under the framework of international treaties or trade agreements. Like the DN1 visa, it is valid for up to one year and does not authorize formal employment or the receipt of wages from a Vietnamese entity.

This visa is most relevant to foreign service providers or consultants involved in market assessments, commercial negotiations, or initial project implementation, especially when the engagement is rooted in an international agreement. For global employers, it serves as a flexible solution for supporting market entry strategies or fulfilling short-term obligations under cross-border commercial partnerships. It is not suitable for employees who will be based in Vietnam long-term or who need full legal work authorization.

💡Best work visa option if: You are sending foreign professionals to Vietnam for short-term commercial activities or treaty-based projects, without the need for formal employment under Vietnamese labor law.

Work Visa (LĐ1 / LD1)

The LD1 Work Visa is issued to foreign nationals who are exempt from obtaining a work permit in Vietnam, often due to their status as intra-company transferees, short-term project experts, or foreign nationals performing roles specified in government agreements. This visa is valid for up to two years and is linked to the specific exemption period granted by the Vietnamese Department of Labor.

Employers use this visa to bring in staff who remain on home-country payroll but are temporarily assigned to work on projects or offer technical expertise in Vietnam. These individuals must still secure exemption approval and meet other legal requirements, such as criminal background checks, proof of qualifications, and health certifications. Although the work permit is waived, the individual must still have an official job offer from a Vietnamese organization.

💡Best work visa option if: You are transferring foreign employees under intra-company arrangements or bringing in high-level experts for short-term assignments that qualify for work permit exemption.

Work Visa (LĐ2 / LD2)

The LD2 Work Visa is Vietnam’s standard visa for foreign nationals who require a work permit. It is issued in conjunction with an approved work permit and allows the holder to live and work legally in Vietnam for a period of up to two years, depending on the duration of the employment contract and permit.

This visa is essential for any foreign national employed by a Vietnamese entity who does not meet the conditions for exemption. To sponsor this visa, the employer must obtain a work permit through the Department of Labor and demonstrate that the foreign national has the necessary qualifications, work experience, and a signed labor contract. The visa is tied directly to the employer and the position, so any change in job or employer would require a new permit and visa.

💡Best work visa option if: You are hiring a foreign professional into a long-term position in Vietnam that requires full employment authorization and residence.

Investor Visa (ĐT1 / DT1)

The DT1 Investor Visa is reserved for foreign investors who contribute a minimum of VND 100 billion (approximately USD 3.94 million) or who invest in projects deemed strategically important by the Vietnamese government. This visa is valid for up to five years and allows the investor to live and work in Vietnam, typically without needing a separate work permit due to their role as a company owner or executive.

For employers, this visa enables relocation of high-net-worth individuals who are actively managing or directing Vietnamese business operations. It is often used by co-founders, directors, or senior executives who have a major stake in a local entity and require permanent presence to oversee operations or strategy.

💡Best work visa option if: You are facilitating the relocation of a senior investor or company founder who will play a hands-on role in managing a business with substantial capital investment in Vietnam.

Investor Visa (ĐT2 / DT2)

The DT2 Visa is similar to the DT1 but intended for foreign investors contributing between VND 50 billion and 100 billion (approximately USD 1.97 million to 3.94 million), or those investing in sectors that are considered economically or socially encouraged, such as technology, education, or sustainability. It is valid for up to five years and, in some cases, may also exempt the holder from needing a work permit if they are actively managing the business.

This visa is ideal for medium-scale investors who may not meet the DT1 threshold but are still taking an operational role in a Vietnamese business. Employers use this visa to onboard investors, board members, or executive directors with mid-level ownership who are committed to long-term involvement in the company’s success.

💡Best work visa option if: You are onboarding a foreign investor who has a significant stake in your company and plans to relocate to Vietnam to oversee operations or strategic development.

Investor Visa (ĐT3 / DT3)

The DT3 Visa is issued to foreign investors who contribute between VND 3 billion and 50 billion (approximately USD 118,000 to 1.97 million). It is valid for up to three years and is often the starting point for small- to medium-sized business owners or entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves in Vietnam. Unlike the DT1 and DT2, holders of this visa may still require a work permit if they are actively involved in company management.

For employers and startup founders, this visa offers a flexible option for bringing early-stage investors or foreign directors into the country to support growth or manage daily operations. It is often used in the technology sector, small-scale manufacturing, or boutique services.

💡Best work visa option if: You are working with small-scale foreign investors or startup founders who want to manage their business in Vietnam and lay the groundwork for future expansion.

Investor Visa (ĐT4 / DT4)

The DT4 Visa is intended for foreign investors contributing less than VND 3 billion (approximately USD 118,000). It is the lowest tier of investor visa and is typically granted for one year. This visa is suitable for seed-stage investors, micro-entrepreneurs, or those exploring opportunities in the Vietnamese market on a trial basis. It is extendable upon increasing the level of investment.

While this visa offers temporary residence, it does not automatically confer work authorization, and a separate work permit may still be required for active managerial roles. Employers sometimes use this visa to support initial setup phases or pilot projects managed by low-capital investors.

💡Best work visa option if: You are supporting an early-stage investor or foreign entrepreneur who is launching a small venture in Vietnam and may increase their stake over time.

Lawyer Visa (LS)

The LS Visa is designed for foreign nationals who are licensed to practice law and are working in Vietnam either independently or through a foreign law firm. Valid for up to five years, this visa allows legal professionals to reside in Vietnam while providing legal services, typically in advisory or international law matters.

To qualify, the applicant must hold a valid foreign law license and be sponsored by a law firm or legal organization registered in Vietnam. While the visa itself does not grant work authorization automatically, foreign lawyers are often exempt from the work permit requirement under Vietnamese law if they are registered with the Ministry of Justice.

💡Best work visa option if: You are a foreign law firm or international legal consultancy bringing in licensed lawyers to serve clients in Vietnam, either in-house or through an affiliated practice.

Conference / Meeting Visa (HN)

The HN Visa is issued to foreign nationals entering Vietnam to attend short-term business meetings, conferences, seminars, or negotiations. It is valid for a maximum of 90 days and is strictly limited to non-remunerated business activities. This visa does not permit employment or contract-based work, and it cannot be converted into a work visa or residence permit.

The HN Visa is ideal when inviting foreign partners, international staff, or prospective hires to Vietnam for temporary, professional engagements. It supports use cases such as attending strategic planning sessions, conducting market research, participating in industry events, or exploring partnerships.

This visa is frequently used by companies during pre-employment phases, such as when bringing in foreign executives for interviews, onboarding, or internal alignment before transitioning to formal employment arrangements.

💡Best work permit option if: You are inviting foreign business visitors for short-term, non-employment activities such as meetings, project scoping, or training, without engaging them in contractual work or formal employment.

Government Work Visa (LV1)

The LV1 Visa is reserved for foreign nationals working with Vietnamese central or provincial government bodies, ministries, or government-led initiatives. It is typically valid for up to one year and may include certain diplomatic privileges or exemptions from work permit requirements, depending on the nature of the project or role.

This visa is often used for international development professionals, technical advisors, or project consultants operating under bilateral or multilateral agreements between Vietnam and foreign governments or agencies. Applicants must be officially invited by a government institution and assigned to a specific role or project.

For employers and government partners, this visa streamlines the process of engaging foreign professionals in public sector collaborations, particularly in areas like infrastructure, education, healthcare, or public administration reform.

💡Best work permit option if: You are deploying foreign staff to Vietnam to work on official government projects or in collaboration with public agencies, often under donor-funded or international development frameworks.

Organizational Work Visa (LV2)

The LV2 Visa is issued to foreign nationals working with Vietnam’s socio-political organizations, such as the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), professional trade unions, or other nationally recognized mass organizations. Like the LV1 Visa, it is valid for up to one year, and may include limited exemptions from work permit requirements based on the role.

This visa is applicable when foreign professionals are involved in capacity building, advocacy, public-private partnerships, or other missions aligned with national socio-political goals. Sponsorship must come directly from the hosting organization, and the scope of work must be clearly defined and approved.

Employers and affiliated organizations use this visa to legally engage foreign staff in non-governmental but influential roles, often related to business policy, labor advocacy, or industry development.

💡Best work permit option if: You are recruiting a foreign consultant, policy expert, or advisor to work with national chambers or political institutions on matters of public interest, trade, or industry policy.

NGO / Representative Office Visa (NN1 / NN2)

The NN1 and NN2 Visas are issued to chief representatives or heads of offices for foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs), development agencies, or intergovernmental organizations operating in Vietnam. These visas are typically valid for up to one year and are often used by senior international staff leading locally registered offices or overseeing aid programs.

Eligibility requires the NGO to be legally registered with the Vietnamese government, and the visa holder must be appointed as the lead representative, project head, or regional manager. In many cases, individuals holding this visa are exempt from work permit requirements, especially if they are not engaged in direct commercial activity.

This visa provides a legal and administrative pathway to station senior leadership in-country for oversight of humanitarian, environmental, educational, or policy-based initiatives.

💡Best work permit option if: You are appointing a foreign national as the head of your NGO, mission, or representative office in Vietnam and require them to be physically based in-country for strategic or operational leadership.

NGO Staff Visa (NN3)

The NN3 Visa is designated for employees or operational representatives of foreign NGOs or international aid organizations who are not in executive or representative roles. This visa is valid for up to one year, and in most cases, these staff members are required to obtain a work permit to legally engage in employment activities in Vietnam.

This visa applies to foreign nationals working as project managers, program officers, field coordinators, administrative staff, or technical experts supporting the mission of the NGO. The visa must be sponsored by the registered NGO or project office in Vietnam, and applications must be supported with labor contracts, job descriptions, and work permit documentation if applicable.

Ultimately, it's a compliant method of hiring non-leadership foreign staff into key support or operational roles, helping to ensure transparency and alignment with local labor laws and international cooperation standards.

💡Best work permit option if: You are hiring foreign staff for field or technical roles within an NGO or development organization, and require a long-term legal framework that includes work authorization.

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Requirements for a Work Permit in Vietnam

To secure a work permit in Vietnam, foreign employees and their employers must meet specific criteria and provide necessary documentation.

 
• Age and Health: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and in good health, suitable for the job's requirements.
 
• Qualifications: Possess relevant professional qualifications or skills pertinent to the job position.
 
• Legal Standing: No criminal record or ongoing legal proceedings in Vietnam or the applicant's home country.
 
• Health Certificate: A medical report confirming the applicant's fitness for work.
 
• Criminal Background Check: A police clearance certificate from the applicant's home country and Vietnam.
 
• Proof of Qualifications: Notarized copies of degrees, certificates, and relevant work experience.
 
• Passport: A valid passport with a minimum of six months' validity remaining.
 
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos meeting Vietnam's visa photo requirements.
 

Vietnam Work Permit Application Process

 
• Approval to Recruit Foreign Workers: Employers must obtain approval from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MoLISA) to hire foreign workers. This involves demonstrating the necessity for foreign expertise.
 
• Submission of Work Permit Application: Employers submit the application, including all required documents, to the local Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs.
 
• Processing Period: Authorities typically take 15 business days for approval of the demand to employ foreign workers and an additional 5 business days for the issuance of the work permit.
 
• Issuance of Work Permit: Once approved, the work permit is issued, allowing the foreign employee to commence work legally in Vietnam.
 

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Vietnam

Visa sponsorship in Vietnam requires employers to act as guarantors for their foreign employees. This process includes obtaining necessary approvals, preparing and submitting documentation, and ensuring compliance with immigration regulations. Employers must coordinate with Vietnamese authorities to facilitate the issuance of appropriate visas, ensuring that foreign employees can legally enter and work in Vietnam.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Vietnam

The fees associated with obtaining work permits and visas in Vietnam vary depending on the type and duration of the permit or visa.

Note: The above fees reflect government fees for work permits and visas in Vietnam, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services. Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Vietnam

The processing time for obtaining a work permit in Vietnam generally totals around 20 working days, divided into two main stages:

 
• Approval of Demand for Employing Foreign Workers: Employers must first obtain approval to hire foreign personnel. This process typically takes about 15 working days.
 
• Issuance of the Work Permit: Once the demand is approved, the work permit is issued within approximately 5 working days.
 

Employers are advised to begin the application process at least 30 days before the intended employment start date to avoid delays and ensure compliance with local regulations.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Vietnam

Work permits in Vietnam are valid for up to two years and can be renewed once for an additional two-year period. Employers seeking to renew a permit must meet the following conditions:

 
• Validity Period: The existing work permit must have at least 5 days but not more than 45 days of validity remaining before applying for renewal.
 
• Approval for Continued Employment: Employers must secure approval for the employee’s continued role in the specified position.
 
• Supporting Documentation: Documentation confirming the foreign worker's continued employment and role must be provided.
 

The renewal application typically takes about 5 working days to process, so employers should plan ahead to avoid gaps in employment authorization.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Vietnam

Vietnam currently does not have a dedicated visa category for digital nomads. Individuals intending to work remotely from Vietnam often enter the country on tourist visas. However, these visas do not legally permit employment activities, even if conducted online for foreign employers.

Engaging in work without the proper visa or work permit can lead to fines or deportation. Employers should ensure compliance with immigration laws if sponsoring visas for remote workers. Those considering working remotely in Vietnam should consult legal experts for up-to-date advice.

 
• Secure a proper work visa if employment activities will occur within Vietnam.
 
• Consult immigration authorities or legal experts for guidance on compliance with local labor laws.
 
• Plan for long-term solutions, such as applying for business or work visas when necessary.
 

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Vietnam

Employers hiring foreign workers in Vietnam face several challenges, but proactive planning can simplify the process.

 
• Complex Regulations: Vietnam's labor and immigration laws are intricate and subject to updates, requiring employers to stay informed about legal changes.
 
• Documentation Delays: Preparing necessary paperwork, obtaining approvals, and processing applications can be time-consuming.
 
• Cultural and Language Barriers: Employers may need to provide training and support to help foreign employees adapt to local workplace customs.
 

Tips for Employers:

 
• Stay updated on legal requirements by consulting government sources or legal experts.
 
• Initiate applications early to account for processing times and potential delays.
 
• Provide cultural training to improve integration and productivity of foreign employees.
 
• Consider outsourcing compliance tasks to legal or consultancy services for efficiency.
 

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.