A health check for Vietnam work permit is one of the mandatory procedures required when applying for a Vietnam work permit for foreign workers in Vietnam. Obtaining a proper health document ensures compliance with Vietnam work permit Requirements. However, not every health certificate is accepted when completing the Vietnam work permit application checklist. Employers and employees must pay close attention to regulations regarding authorized medical establishments, validity periods, and consular legalization for foreign documents. In the following article, Viet An Law Firm will update the latest regulations concerning the Medical examination for Vietnam work permit 2026.
A Vietnam work permit health check certificate is a document issued by a legally qualified medical examination and treatment establishment, confirming that a foreign worker is in good health to work in Vietnam.
The purpose of this health certificate is to prove that the employee does not suffer from medical conditions that affect their working capacity, thereby meeting the health conditions to work in Vietnam under the Labor Code and guiding documents.
Preparing the documents properly from the start helps minimize the risk of applications being modified, supplemented, or rejected during the Vietnam work permit process.
A medical certificate is an obligatory component in the Vietnam work permit application checklist for foreign laborers in Vietnam. However, regulations regarding this document have changed significantly since Decree 219/2025/ND-CP took effect.
Previously, under Clause 2, Article 9 of Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP, one of the components of the application dossier for a work permit included: “A health certificate or medical examination certificate issued by a competent foreign or Vietnamese medical agency or organization, which is valid for a period of 12 months from the date the medical conclusion is signed to the date of application submission, or a certificate of fitness for work in accordance with the regulations of the Minister of Health.”
However, from August 7, 2025, according to Article 18 of Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, one of the components of the application dossier for a work permit includes:
“A medical examination certificate issued by a qualified medical examination and treatment establishment, except where the medical examination results have been connected and shared on the Medical examination and Treatment Management Information System or the National Health Database. For medical examination certificates issued by competent foreign medical establishments, they shall be used in cases where Vietnam and the country or territory issuing the medical examination certificate have a treaty or mutual recognition agreement, and the validity period of such medical examination certificate does not exceed 12 months from the date of issuance.”
| Criteria | Decree 152/2020/ND-CP | Decree 219/2025/ND-CP |
| Health Certificate issued in Vietnam | Must submit a hard copy issued by a competent medical facility, valid for 12 months. | Exempt from submitting a paper copy if results are connected/shared on the Health Management Information System or National Health Database. |
| Health Certificate issued Abroad | Only requires Consular Legalization, translation, and notarization to be used (valid for 12 months). | Only accepted if:
– Vietnam and that country/territory have a treaty/agreement on mutual recognition of health certificates. – Validity does not exceed 12 months from issuance. |
Thus, a Vietnam work permit Medical check under the new regulations simplifies local procedures but tightens requirements for foreign certifications:
Important Practical Note:
According to Clause 1, Article 5 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, foreign documents in the application dossier must undergo consular legalization, unless exempted under an international treaty or the principle of reciprocity. Concurrently, Clause 3, Article 31 of Circular 32/2023/TT-BYT indicates that for individuals with foreign-issued health certificates, the document can only be used if there is a mutual recognition agreement and its validity does not exceed 6 months from the date of issue. The health certificate must also be translated into Vietnamese with a certified translation.
In principle, to meet Vietnam work permit Requirements, foreign health certificates must go through consular legalization before submission. Following this, they must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized in accordance with Vietnamese law. Therefore, before preparing documents and factoring in potential Vietnam work permit costs, businesses and workers should double-check specific country rules to avoid delays.
Under Clause 1, Article 31 of Circular 32/2023/TT-BYT, health examinations must be performed at licensed medical facilities that satisfy the conditions set by the Ministry of Health. Only medical centers with proper infrastructure, equipment, and specialized scope can issue a valid certificate for foreigners to ensure compliance with the administrative process.
Below are some authorized hospitals where you can get a Vietnam work permit Medical check:
Pursuant to Article 34 of Circular 32/2023/TT-BYT, the medical examination forms are specified as follows:
Sample form of Medical examination for Vietnam work permit 2026
Using fake, altered, or unauthorized medical documents will result in immediate rejection of your application. Furthermore, depending on the severity of the violation, both the foreign worker and the employer may face administrative fines or legal liabilities under Vietnamese law. Competent authorities can verify records directly with medical facilities or via electronic health databases to ensure validity.
The certificate used in the Medical examination for Vietnam work permit process must be valid and issued no more than 12 months prior to the date of application submission. Workers should check this timeframe carefully to avoid unnecessary extra Vietnam work permit costs or delays due to re-examination.
Yes. If the results are linked and shared on the National Health Database, the paper document is completely exempt from the Medical examination for Vietnam work permit 2026 dossier.
No, workers can choose either public or private hospitals, as long as the facility is licensed and fully qualified by the Ministry of Health. Check the authorized list beforehand to ensure your Vietnam work permit application checklist goes smoothly.
In practice, foreign workers should undergo a Medical examination for Vietnam work permit directly within Vietnam. This maximizes the acceptance rate and circumvents complicated procedures like consular legalization, translation, or strict mutual recognition treaty rules.
With extensive experience advising on foreign labor matters, Viet An Law Firm supports clients with document review, choosing appropriate clinics, and completing procedures for a new license, Vietnam work permit renewal, re-issuance, or work permit exemptions. Whether you are going through your initial application or navigating a Vietnam work permit renewal, our legal experts ensure compliance with all updated regulations. If you require any professional legal assistance regarding foreign workers in Vietnam, please contact Viet An Law Firm for prompt, accurate, and highly efficient support.
