1- What is Vietnam work permit and Vietnam work visa?

Understanding the definition is the first and foremost step for both foreign workers and Vietnamese employers to learn further about each type and facilitates subsequent legal procedures later on.

1.1. What is a Work Visa?

Work Visa (LĐ visa) is a type of visa issued by the immigration authorities to foreigners entering Vietnam for work purposes. It is a mandatory requirement for foreigners to legally enter and reside in Vietnam and process further subsequent procedures such as applying for a temporary residence card (TRC), extensions, renewals, changes in purpose, etc.

LĐ visas have 2 types:

• LĐ1: For foreigners who are exempt from a work permit.
• LĐ2: For foreigners who are required to obtain a work permit before applying for a work visa.

Requirements for applying for a work visa:

• LĐ1: Requires a work permit exemption certificate.
• LĐ2: Requires a valid work permit.

1.2. What is a Work Permit?

Work Permit is a legal document issued by the Department of Labor or Ministry of Labor War Invalids and Social Affairs, allowing foreigners to work legally in Vietnam. It is a mandatory requirement for obtaining an LĐ2 visa and applying for a long-term TRC.

Who needs a work permit?

• Foreign experts, directors, managers, or technical workers.
• Foreigners working for a long term at a Vietnamese enterprise or organization.

=> Requirements for applying for a work permit: Having an employment contract or appointment letter, a professional qualification, good health, and a valid background check.
 

3- Vietnam work permit exemption

In many cases, foreign workers are exempt from work permits and only need a visa LĐ1 to enter and work in Vietnam. Identifying these exemption cases helps both foreign workers and Vietnamese businesses follow the correct procedures while saving time and costs.

Foreign workers who are exempt from work permits still need to have their sponsor company to apply for the exemption certificate in order to obtain an LĐ1 visa.

3.1. Cases exempt from a Vietnam work permit

According to Article 154 of the 2019 Labor Code, Article 7 of Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP, there are currently 20 cases eligible for Vietnam work permit exemption, including:

3.2. Is a work permit exemption certificate necessary?

Definitely YES.

In cases where a work permit is exempted, a confirmation for exemption is still required for foreign workers to apply for a visa LĐ1 and legally enter Vietnam for employment. This confirmation may also be used to apply for an LĐ1 Temporary Residence Card and support for other administrative procedures.

3.3. Consequences of not obtaining a work permit exemption certificate

Being exempt from a Vietnam work permit does not mean that foreigners can work without any conditions. Working without a valid exemption certificate will be considered to be working illegally and will be subject to administrative penalties of up to VND 75 million and deportation from Vietnam.

4- How to apply for a work permit

The work permit (or exemption confirmation) must be applied before a work visa. For visa LĐ2, you need to apply for a work permit by preparing documents and following the steps below:

4.1. Documents

4.2. Procedure

• Step 1: The business applies for approval of foreign labor demand to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA). Wait for the processing time within 10 working days.
• Step 2: The business receives the work permit approval and prepares all documents required.
• Step 3: Submit all documents to DOLISA and wait approximately 5–7 working days.
• Step 4: If application is approved, the business receives the work permit with maximum validity of up to 2 years.

5- How to apply for a work permit exemption confirmation

For visa LĐ1, foreign workers don’t need a work permit but must apply for a confirmation of work permit exemption.

5.1. Documents

• Application for a work permit exemption confirmation (Form 02, under Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP)
• Notarized copy of a valid passport
• Medical certificate (issued within the last 12 months)
• Document approving the need to employ foreign workers (if required)
• Documents proving the foreign worker is exempt from work permit requirements (appointment decision, service contract, marriage certificate, etc.)

5.2. Procedure

• Step 1: The business applies for approval of foreign labor demand to the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (if required).
• Step 2: Prepare and submit the application to DOLISA. Wait for 5 working days.
• Step 3: If application is approved, the business receives the work permit exemption confirmation.

6- How to apply for a work visa

Foreigners can apply for a work visa after obtaining a work permit or exemption certificate.

6.1. Documents:

• Valid work permit or exemption certificate
• Application form NA2 (sponsorship document)
• Application form NA16 (company information)
• Passport and flight information, visa collection location

6.2. Procedure:

• Step 1: The sponsoring company submits the visa application to the Immigration Department or via the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal. Processing time: 3 - 5 working days
• Step 2: The company receives the approval letter and sends it to the foreign worker.
• Step 3: The foreign worker has the visa stamped at the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate abroad or Vietnam International Airport (for visa on arrival).

#Notes: After entering Vietnam, the foreign worker may apply for a Temporary Residence Card (LĐ1 or LĐ2) with a validity equivalent to work permit or exemption certificate (up to 2 years). This application will be prepared and submitted to the Immigration Department or the provincial Immigration Management Office by the sponsoring company.