Work permits validity: Procedures for extension

Article overview

Work permits validity period is a legal factor that foreign workers in Vietnam need to pay special attention to. According to legal regulations, work permits are valid for a maximum of 2 years and must be renewed properly to ensure legality. Through the following article, Long Phan will provide details about applicable cases, time limits, procedures for extending work permits and necessary notes.

Work permits validity period
Work permits validity period

Cases where foreigners must apply for a work permit in Vietnam

Foreign workers working in Vietnam must apply for a work permit except in cases exempted by law. These cases are specified in Article 151 and Article 154 of the Labor Code 2019, along with Decree 152/2020/ND-CP and Decree 70/2023/ND-CP.

Foreign workers must apply for a work permit when working in Vietnam, typically:

  • Sign a labor contract with a Vietnamese enterprise. Applies to experts, technical workers, managers, and executives.
  • Work according to agreements between Vietnamese and foreign businesses. Applicable to workers sent to support projects and works in Vietnam.
  • Participate in economic and social projects in Vietnam. Including industries that require high expertise and modern technology.

Term of work permit

The term of the work permit is determined based on the duration of work in Vietnam and does not exceed 2 years. This is stipulated in Article 10 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP.

However, in case of need, workers can carry out procedures to extend their work permit. Carry out renewal procedures at least 5 days in advance and no more than 45 days before the expiration date.

The term of an extended work permit is specified to be no more than 02 years but can only be extended once for a maximum period of 02 years.

Factors determining deadlines

The term of the work permit is decided based on:

  • Expected term of signed labor contract.
  • Time to execute a specific project or job.
  • Term of agreement between Vietnamese and foreign partners.

For example: If the labor contract has a term of 18 months, a work permit will be issued correspondingly for that period.

Renew work permit
Renew work permit

Procedures for renewing work permits

Renewing a work permit is an important step when foreign workers want to continue working legally in Vietnam.

Prepare documents

According to Article 17 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, work permit extension documents include:

  • Application for extension (Form No. 11/PLI).
  • 02 4×6 photos (taken no more than 6 months).
  • Work permit is still valid.
  • Notarized copy of passport.
  • Valid health certificate (according to Vietnamese law).
  • Document approving the use of foreign workers, except in cases where the need to use foreign workers is not required.
  • Documents proving that the employee continues to work in Vietnam: new labor contract, personnel appointment documents from the parent company…

Note: All foreign documents must be consular legalized and translated into Vietnamese.

Extension procedures

According to the provisions of Article 18 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, the work permit renewal process includes the following steps:

Step 1: Submit application

Subjects extending application deadline:

  • At the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs or the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs where the initial work permit is issued.
  • Submit at least 5 days in advance and no more than 45 days before the license expires.

Step 2: Processing documents

  • Processing time is 5 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents to the entity authorized to extend the work permit.
  • In case the work permit is not renewed, there will be a written response clearly stating the reason.

Important notes when renewing your work permit

Renewing a work permit requires carefulness and precision in every step. Some important notes include:

  • Comply with application submission time: Customers need to submit extension applications on time to avoid work interruption.
  • Prepare complete and valid documents: Ensure all documents are consular legalized, notarized and translated into Vietnamese.
  • Carefully check the content of the old work permit: Compare the information in the old work permit to avoid errors when renewing.
  • Coordinate with authorities: In case documents are missing or there are additional requests, you need to handle them immediately so as not to affect the extension time.
  • Monitor the work permit renewal process: You should regularly check the application processing progress and proactively contact the authorities to resolve any problems that arise during the renewal process.
  • Pay the renewal fee on time: During the renewal process, you need to pay the work permit renewal fee in full and on time according to the regulations of the authorities, to avoid interrupting the renewal process.
Important notes when renewing your work permit
Important notes when renewing your work permit

Consulting on deadlines and procedures for extending work permits at Long Phan

Long Phan is a provider of comprehensive consulting and support services with a team of consultants with many years of experience ensuring correct processes to avoid risks for both businesses and employees. Our services include:

  • Consulting on regulations on work permit renewal procedures.
  • Assist customers in preparing work permit extension documents.
  • Work directly with authorities to ensure procedures.
  • Resolve problems that arise when performing procedures.
  • Support customers in handling cases with missing documents.
  • Advise on solutions when disputes arise.
  • Consulting on other relevant regulations and procedures.

Renewing work permits is an important procedure to ensure foreign workers work legally in Vietnam. Following the correct process and preparing complete and accurate documents will help you avoid risks and protect the rights of both businesses and employees. To receive the fastest and most accurate support in renewing your work permit, please contact Long Phan via the hotline 0906735386.