Vietnam (VN) Work Permit Issuance: 5 Key Stages.

Obtaining a work permit is an important step for foreign nationals planning to work legally in Vietnam, unless a work permit exemption applies. For employers, understanding the application process helps coordinate recruitment, prepare supporting documents, and plan a realistic employment start date.

Vietnam work permit issuance involves more than submitting an application. Employers and foreign employees should first assess the proposed position, check eligibility requirements, and identify the documents needed for the relevant employment arrangement. Foreign documents may also require consular legalization, translation, and certification, depending on applicable exemptions and legal requirements.

Drawing on its experience providing work permit services in Vietnam, Viet An Law explains five key stages of the application process: eligibility assessment, document preparation, submission, examination, and receipt of the result. This guide also highlights practical considerations to help applicants reduce avoidable delays and understand their responsibilities when employing foreign nationals in Vietnam.

The events applied for re-issuance of the work permit

1. The work permit is lost;
2. The work permit is damaged;
3. The work permit expires;
4. The information in the work permit is altered as: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issuance date of passport, work location, workplace;

Procedures for re-issuance of the work permit

In the event that the work permit is lost or damaged, or the information in the work permit is altered as: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issuance date of passport, work location, workplace.

Step 1: Within 03 days as of the employee discovers the work permit is lost or damaged, or the information in the work permit is altered as: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issuance date of passport, work location, workplace, the employee of foreign nationality is responsible for reporting to the employer.

Step 2: Within 05 days after the employer receives the report of the of foreign nationality informing that the work permit is lost or damaged, or the information in the work permit is altered as: full name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, issuance date of passport, work location, workplace, the employer must apply to the provincial labor management agency which issued the work permit for re-issuance of the work permit for the foreign employee.

In the event that the work permit expires

Step 1: 30 days before applying for re-issuance of the work permit for the employee under step 2, the employer must apply for approving the employment need of foreign employees.

Step 2: Before at least 05 days, but not more than 15 days before the work permit expires, the employer must apply to the Department of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs which issued the work permit for re-issuance of the work permit for the foreign employee and the application should be enclosed the written notice of the Department of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs of the job approved by the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee for employing foreign employees or the official letter of Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee decides that the contractor is permitted to employ foreign employees to the job which cannot be satisfied by Vietnamese employees.

Step 3: Within 03 working days as of receipt of valid application for re-issuance of the work permit, the Department of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs shall re-issue the work permit. If the work permit is not issued, a reply in writing with good reasons should be made.

Step 4: After the foreign employee is re-issued the work permit, the employer and the foreign employee should make a labor contract in writing under Vietnam Law on labor before the employee intends to go on working for the Employer. The contents of the Labor contract cannot be contrary to the contents of the reissued work permit.

Step 5: Within 05 working days as of the labor contract is signed, the employer must send a copy of the labor contract signed and a copy of the reissued work permit to the Department of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs which issued the work permit.

Application for reissuance of the work permit

1. The employer’s written request for the work permit in accordance with regulations;
2. The issued work permit (unless lost) with the remaining validity for at least 05 days, but not more than 15 days before the issued work permit expires;
3. The health certificate as prescribed;
4. A written notice of the Department of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs about the job approved by the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee for employing foreign employees or the official letter of the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee decides that the contractor can employ foreign employee to the job which cannot be satisfied by Vietnamese employees.
5. In the event the work permit is lost, the required document includes the foreign employee’s written explanation confirmed by the employer.

Validity of the reissued work permit

Work permit reissuance in Vietnam requires careful attention to the existing permit’s validity and the applicable supporting documents. Employers should confirm whether reissuance, extension, or a new application is appropriate, as reissuance does not automatically extend the authorized employment period. Viet An Law provides practical advice and application support to help employers and foreign employees complete the relevant procedures and maintain compliance with Vietnamese law.