Work permit application: detailed instructions from A-Z quickly

Article overview

Work permit application is a basic requirement for foreign workers to work legally in Vietnam. Preparing and submitting documents properly will help ensure foreign workers can perform work in Vietnam legally and smoothly. Through Long Phan’s article below, we will provide the necessary information for customers to clearly understand the work permit application procedures for foreign workers.

Instructions for applying for a work permit
Instructions for applying for a work permit

What is a work permit?

A work permit is a document issued by a Vietnamese state agency for foreigners to work legally in Vietnam. This license clearly states information about the employee, organization, recruiting business, job position, title, professional qualifications, and validity period of the license.

According to Article 151 of the Labor Code 2019, all foreign workers who want to work in Vietnam must have a work permit, except for some special cases that are exempted according to the provisions of law.

Conditions for foreign workers to work in Vietnam

Clause 1, Article 151 of the Labor Code 2019 clearly stipulates the conditions for foreign workers to work in Vietnam, including:

  • Employees must be 18 years of age or older and have full civil capacity.
  • Have professional qualifications, techniques, skills, and health suitable for the job.
  • Not a person who is serving a sentence or whose criminal record has not been erased.
  • Must have a valid work permit issued by a competent authority.

Regulations on Work Permit applications

Regulations on work permit applications for foreigners are stated in Article 9 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP. Dossier for a work permit includes:

  • Written request for a work permit from the employer according to Form No. 11/PLI Appendix I.
  • A health certificate or health examination certificate is valid for 12 months.
  • Criminal record card or document certifying no violation of criminal law, issued within 6 months.
  • Documents proving the expertise of workers (experts, executives, technical workers,…) and related professional certificates.
  • Color photo (4×6 cm), taken within 6 months.
  • Document approving the need to use foreign workers.
  • Copy of valid passport.
  • Documents related to the labor relationship of foreigners with the enterprise sending them to work in Vietnam.
  • Documents for special cases: If you have previously had a work permit, confirmation from the old employer or other documents related to the job change is required.

Note: Foreign documents need consular legalization and translation into Vietnamese according to regulations.

Procedures for applying for a work permit
Procedures for applying for a work permit

Work permit application process for foreigners

The process of applying for a work permit for foreign workers in Vietnam is specifically stipulated in Article 11 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, including the following steps:

Step 1: Submit application for work permit

  • At least 15 days before the start date of work, the employer or relevant agency must submit a work permit application.
  • The person submitting the application depends on the type of labor (Vietnamese enterprise, foreign enterprise, employee offering services,…).

Step 2: Process documents and issue work permits

  • Within 05 working days, the work permit issuing agency (Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs or Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs) will issue a work permit to the employee if the application is valid.
  • If not granted, there will be a written response stating the reason.

Step 3: Sign the labor contract

  • After issuing a work permit, the employee and the employer must sign a written labor contract before the employee begins work.
  • The labor contract needs to be sent to the work permit issuing agency (original or certified copy).

Comprehensive work permit application support and consulting service in Long Phan

Long Phan provides comprehensive consulting and support services in applying for work permits for foreign workers in Vietnam. With a team of staff with many years of experience, we help customers as follows:

  • Consulting on requirements and necessary documents to prepare a work permit application.
  • Instructions on how to collect and prepare documents such as license applications, health certificates, criminal records, related certificates and degrees.
  • Draft a work permit application in the correct form and with all necessary information according to regulations of the authorities.

Support businesses in drafting official dispatches requesting documents approving the need to use foreign workers and sending them to competent agencies such as the Provincial/City People’s Committee.

  • Consulting on the conditions that foreign workers must meet to apply for a work permit, such as age, professional qualifications, experience, health,…
  • The enterprise representative submits a work permit application to the competent authority.
  • Monitor application review progress and handle issues that arise during the approval process from authorities.
  • Support in consulting and implementing procedures for extending work permits upon expiration.
  • Support issues related to issuance of Work Permits for special cases or issues that arise while working in Vietnam.
Consulting service for work permit application
Consulting service for work permit application

Applying for a work permit for foreign workers in Vietnam is a mandatory legal process. If you encounter difficulties in preparing documents or carrying out work permit application procedures, please contact us immediately via the hotline 0906735386. Long Phan will support customers quickly and effectively in all procedures related to work permits.