Foreigners need permission to work in Vietnam. Depending on how long they will stay, and the type of work, foreign employees in Vietnam require one of the following documents:

• Business eVisa for Vietnam
• Vietnam work permit/visa
• Vietnam work permit exemption certificate

Information about who can work in Vietnam with each permit is provided below. Foreigners can also find out more about Vietnam work visa requirements and how to apply.

Can I Work in Vietnam With a Business eVisa?

Foreigners can visit Vietnam for short-term business activities with a business eVisa. The types of activities permitted include:

• Attending meetings
• Attending conferences and other business events
• Signing contracts with local companies

Business travelers can apply for a Vietnam visa online. Applicants receive the approved business visa for Vietnam by email.

The Vietnam business visa is not a work permit. Foreigners with this type of visa cannot get a job in Vietnam and stay long-term. A Vietnam work visa is required to enter into employment.

Are Foreigners Allowed to Work in Vietnam?

Foreigners are allowed to work in Vietnam, provided they have the required documents.

Most foreigners need a work permit to be employed in Vietnam, requirements to apply for a work visa are provided below.

The types of jobs for foreigners in Vietnam include finance and investment, banking, and engineering, among others.

Who is eligible for a work permit exemption for Vietnam?

Some foreigners are allowed to work in Vietnam without obtaining a work permit. Foreigners who meet the requirements can obtain a work permit exemption certificate valid for up to 2 years.

Work permit exemptions may be issued to:

• Experts, managers, and chief executive officers
• Foreigners staying for less than 3 months to offer services
• Owners or capital contributors of an LLC (minimum VND 3 million capital contribution)
• Lawyers with a professional practice license in Vietnam

Foreigners who believe they may be exempt from Vietnam work permit requirements should check with the Vietnamese embassy.

Vietnam Work Visa Application for Foreigners

Foreigners can travel to Vietnam with a tourist visa to experience the country and look for a job.
Once they have secured potential employment, they will need to collaborate with their new employer to submit a work permit application to Vietnam’s Ministry of Labor.

These are the steps to follow to apply for a Vietnam work visa:

• Complete a health check that shows that they are fit to work
• Provide a criminal history report dating back at least 6 months.
• Supply documents detailing education and work history
• Obtain proof from the employer showing that they may hire foreign workers
• Submit a copy of the applicant’s passport and recent photographs of the applicant.

All potential applicants should note that it may take up to 40 days for a work permit for Vietnam to be processed and receive approval.

Work Visa Requirements in Vietnam

To get a work visa for Vietnam, foreigners must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Be is good health that meets the demands of the job
• Not have a criminal record in their country or be facing criminal prosecution
• Meet the requirements for the specific job role

Foreigners must check the specific requirements for the work they will carry out. Certificates of higher education, training, or work experience, may be requested.

How Long are Vietnam Work Visas Valid?

A Vietnam work permit is valid for up to 2 years. It can be extended once for a further 2 years. After the work visa expires, the employer must obtain a new permit if they want the foreigner to continue working in the company.

A Vietnam work visa may be canceled if the employment contract is terminated if the requirements are not fulfilled.

Foreigners who hold a work permit can apply for a temporary residence card for Vietnam. The TRC is valid for up to 2 years. The worker’s family members will also be eligible to apply for the TRC.

Common Jobs for Foreigners in Vietnam

Some of the most common options for working in Vietnam as an American or other foreign nationality can be found in the tourism industry and include:

• Tour guides
• Swimming or diving instructors
• Bar staff
• Waiters
• Night club DJs
• Hotel shift managers
• Souvenir shop staff

Additionally, working as an English teacher in Vietnam is a popular option for many young foreigners who wish to live in the country

Benefits of Working in Vietnam as a Foreigner

Some of the advantages of working in Vietnam for foreigners are often considered to be:

• Good work/life balance
• Lower living costs
• Higher pay with more disposable income than many Southeast Asian countries
• The ease of working in Vietnam compared to some other destinations popular with expats.

Vietnam’s warm climate, beaches, and culture also contribute to many foreigners’ decision to live and work in the country.