Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The low cost of living and highly qualified population make it an ideal location for foreign companies who are looking to branch out and invest. However, expanding internationally has its disadvantages as well. Not knowing the local laws and regulations makes it a thousand times harder to open a company overseas.
Foreigners need to apply for a work permit from the local labour authorities of the province or city where their employer is located before signing an employment contract
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Information on how and where to apply to the authorities, and the paperwork required...
Foreigners need to apply for a work permit from the local labour authorities of the province or city where their employer is located before signing an employment contract.
A work permit should be obtained within three months of arrival in Vietnam. It is also possible to apply for a work permit in advance of arrival in the country. The employer usually helps organise the application on the employee’s behalf.
Work permit application form - Form 1 (in English and Vietnamese)
Work permission application letter - Form 7 (in English and Vietnamese)
Valid visa
Criminal record issued by the applicant’s home country. Foreigners who have lived in Vietnam for more than six months must also obtain a criminal record from the Vietnamese Department of Justice
A copy of certificates, diplomas and degree qualifications
Health check from a public hospital valid for at least six months
Curriculum vitae
Three recent passport-sized photos
Fee
Note: All documents provided by overseas agencies should be notarised by an overseas Vietnamese Embassy or Vietnam-based overseas Embassy.
The local Department of Labour and Social Welfare usually responds to work permit applications within 15 days on receipt of the completed documents.
Extensions
As of 1 May 2013, the new Labour Code - No. 10/2012/QH13 has resulted in a reduction in the maximum length of a Vietnamese work permit from three years to two years. If no suitable Vietnamese employee can be found at the end of this time the permit may be extended for a further two years. In certain circumstances a second extension to the work permit may be allowed, subject to approval by the Chairman of the provincial level People's Committee.
To extend a work permit the following documents should be sent to the local Department of Labour and Social Welfare at least 30 days before the permit expires:
Application form - Form 8 (in English and Vietnamese)
A copy of the work contract
Expired work permit
Fee
The work permit extension is usually issued within 10 days.
Replacements
To apply for a replacement work permit due to loss or damage, the following documents are required:
Application form - Form 9 (in English and Vietnamese)
Application form from employer - Form 7 (in English and Vietnamese)
Old work permit (if replacement application is due to damage to the original)
Fee
The work permit replacement is usually issued within three days.
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