Work Permits for Foreigners in Vietnam (2026)

Foreign-invested companies and firms hiring foreign experts both need to understand Vietnam's work-permit rules. Working without a permit (when not exempt) can lead to penalties and deportation.

Who needs a work permit

Under Decree 152/2020 (as amended by Decree 70/2023), foreigners working in Vietnam under a labour contract, intra-company transfer or other forms generally need a work permit unless exempt. Beforehand, the employer must obtain approval of its demand to use foreign workers.

Exemptions

Some cases are exempt (though a confirmation of exemption is still required), for example: an owner/capital-contributing member of an LLC or a chairman/board member of a joint-stock company meeting the prescribed capital level; the chief of a representative office; experts entering briefly to handle incidents; and certain positions under international treaties. Specific conditions follow the current regulations.

Conditions, term and procedure

The worker must meet the qualification/experience requirements for the role (manager, executive director, expert, technical worker), be in good health and have a clean criminal record. The permit runs for a maximum of 2 years and, since 2025, is issued by the provincial People's Committee (through the Department of Home Affairs, which took over this function from the former Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs), or by the industrial-zone authority for enterprises in industrial zones (Decree 219/2025/ND-CP). With the permit, the worker then obtains a matching temporary residence card.

Frequently asked questions

Does a capital-contributing investor need a work permit?

They may be exempt if they are an owner/capital-contributing member or board member meeting the prescribed capital level; a confirmation of exemption is still needed.

How long is a work permit valid?

Up to 2 years, renewable once under the regulations.

With a work permit, do I still need a residence card?

Yes. The work permit is the basis for a temporary residence card covering the working period.

How LTV Law helps

LTV Law handles foreign-labour demand approval, work-permit issuance/exemption and temporary residence cards for foreign experts. Contact our team.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.