The Vietnam Work Visa guide is a helpful resource for professionals looking to build their careers in one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Depending on your industry and expertise, salaries in Vietnam can range from $700 to $3,000 per month, with higher pay in fields like IT, engineering, and management. Most jobs require some level of professional experience, typically 1 to 3 years, although entry-level opportunities are also available in sectors such as hospitality and education.
While some industries like technology and digital services may allow for remote or hybrid work options, most positions in Vietnam are physical, on-site roles, especially in manufacturing, healthcare, and teaching. Securing a Vietnam work visa not only provides access to rewarding job opportunities but also offers the chance to experience Vietnam’s vibrant culture, friendly communities, and growing professional landscape.
Why Work in Vietnam?
Vietnam has many benefits for workers from other countries, including:
- Affordable lifestyle: A more affordable way of life costs of living are cheaper than in many Asian countries, such as Japan or Singapore.
- High demand for skilled workers: There is a high demand for skilled workers, and job possibilities are growing in IT, teaching, hospitality, construction, and agriculture.
- Gateway to Asia: If you work in Vietnam, you can go to close markets like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
New Work Visa Rules for 2025
The Vietnamese government has made changes to make getting a work visa easier:
- One-step application: As of now, employers only need to fill out one form to apply for your work permit.
- Approval at the local level: Permits are handled by provincial offices instead of central officials, which speeds up the process.
- Faster processing: Decisions are made in 10 working days, which is faster. Within three days, rejections are sent in writing.
- Job posting rule: Before hiring foreign workers, companies must post jobs locally for 15 days.
Who Does Not Need a Work Permit?
Certain foreigners don’t need work licenses in Vietnam:
- People who only stay for 90 days a year.
- Owners, investors, or board members of a business.
- professionals or managers who work in high-tech or new ideas areas.
Documents Required for a Work Permit:
Usually, you need these things to apply for a work pass in Vietnam:
- A passport that is still good for at least six months.
- New pictures that are big enough for a passport.
- A job offer from a Vietnamese company.
- A health certificate and a clean bill of health.
- Proof that you are qualified and have work experience.
Work Visa and Permit Processing Time:
The new method in 2025 works a lot faster:
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Approval to recruit foreign workers | 15 working days |
| Issuance of work permit | 5 working days |
| Total processing time | ~20 working days |
Types of Work Visas in Vietnam:
Vietnam has different types of work visas for different types of jobs:
Temporary Work Visa for Vietnam:
A temporary work visa for Vietnam is designed for foreign employees who plan to work in the country for a short duration, typically under two years. This visa, also known as the LD visa, is issued to workers with a valid work permit and job offer from a Vietnamese employer. The application requires a work contract, passport, health certificate, and employer sponsorship documents. Once approved, employees can legally live and work in Vietnam. Temporary work visas are ideal for short-term projects, teaching roles, and contract-based employment.
Long-term Work Visa in Vietnam:
A long-term work visa in Vietnam allows foreign professionals to stay in the country for an extended period, usually up to two years, with options for renewal. It is issued to applicants holding a Vietnamese work permit and employed in industries such as manufacturing, IT, education, and construction. This visa offers greater stability for expatriates, as it allows them to bring dependents and apply for temporary residence cards (TRC), which serve as long-term residency permits. For skilled professionals seeking career growth, the long-term work visa provides a secure pathway to living and working in Vietnam.
Vietnam Business Visa for Employment:
The Vietnam business visa for employment is suitable for foreigners entering the country for business-related work, meetings, or short-term job assignments. It is issued as either a DN1 or DN2 visa, depending on whether the applicant is sponsored by a local company or a foreign entity. This visa typically allows stays of up to 90 days and can be single or multiple-entry. Applicants must provide an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company, passport details, and business-related documents. While not a substitute for a work permit, the business visa is often the first step toward securing long-term employment in Vietnam.
Vietnam Work Visa Extension Guide:
Understanding the Vietnam work visa extension process is crucial for expatriates wishing to continue employment beyond their visa’s validity. To extend, applicants must submit a request through their employer or sponsoring company to the Vietnam Immigration Department before the visa expires. Required documents include the valid work permit, passport, employment contract, and visa extension form. Extensions are usually granted in periods of one to two years, depending on the work contract. Following this step-by-step extension guide helps foreign workers avoid penalties and maintain continuous legal status in Vietnam.
Vietnam Work Visa Cost:
Visa fees depend on the type and length of stay:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Single-entry (1 month) | $25 |
| Single-entry (3 months) | $25 |
| Multiple-entry (1 month) | $50 |
| Multiple-entry (3 months) | $50 |
| Multiple-entry (6 months) | $95 |
| Multiple-entry (12 months) | $135 |
Who Needs a Work Permit?
People from other countries who want to work in Vietnam for more than three months need to get a work pass. In general, this is true for:
- Smart people and bosses.
- Technical workers who work for Vietnamese companies.
Exemptions:
- Less than three months of work.
- Owners or board members of a company.
- Lawyers who have work permits in Vietnam.
Age Limit and Eligibility:
Applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
- Health: A legal health certificate shows that you are fit to work.
- Legal status: No history of crime in Vietnam or home country.
- Required: Professional licenses and work skills that are relevant.
Vietnam E-Visa:
Some people from other countries can also get an e-visa for Vietnam.
- Official website: The main website for the Vietnam e-visa
- Check online for visa status: Check your entry through the same portal.
- Valid for 30 days, one entry only.
- Eligibility: People from certain countries can apply for an e-visa instead of a standard visa at an embassy.
Work Permit Renewal in Vietnam:
- Validity: Up to two years of use.
- Renewal: Once more for two years, with new paperwork.
- Processing time: It takes about 5 business days to approve the renewal.
Employers must make sure that renewal applications are turned in before the permit ends so that workers don’t go without legal work.
Tips for Employers Hiring in Vietnam:
Employers have to deal with a lot of problems, but planning ahead can help:
- Keep up with changes to immigration and labor rules.
- Start applications early to avoid having to wait.
- Help foreign workers get used to the culture and the workplace.
- You might want to hire specialized services or Employer of Record (EOR) tools to handle your visa compliance.
Conclusion:
In 2025, Vietnam is becoming one of the best places for skilled foreign workers to go. With the right work visas and permits, workers from any industry can legally work in Vietnam. The process is easy, the cost of living is low, and the people are friendly.
Vietnam is a great place to get international experience and advance your job, whether you are an IT professional, a teacher, or a business consultant.It might look hard to get a work visa in Vietnam, but if you follow the right steps and get ready, you can get your pass quickly and legally.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can apply for a Vietnam work visa?
Foreign nationals with a confirmed job offer from a Vietnamese company and relevant professional qualifications are eligible to apply.
What documents are required for a Vietnam work visa?
You typically need a valid passport, employment contract, health certificate, criminal record check, and a completed visa application form.
Could you please let me know the processing time for obtaining a Vietnam work visa?
Processing usually takes 2–4 weeks, but it can vary depending on your home country and the completeness of your application.
