Vietnam Visas and Work Permits in 2025: Policies, Step-by-Step Procedures, and Key Precautions

Foreigners planning to live and work in Vietnam in 2025 need clear, practical guidance. This article summarizes the main visa categories and work-permit-related rules, explains step-by-step application workflows, and highlights important precautions to reduce delays and legal risk. Always verify details with the Vietnamese Immigration Department or your nearest embassy, as administrative rules can be updated.

Overview of common visa types

• E‑Visa and Electronic Options: Vietnam's e‑visa program enables many nationalities to apply online for short-term stays. Processing times are usually short, but length of stay (single vs. multiple entry) varies by issuance policy and nationality.
• Tourist / Visitor Visas: Traditional tourist visas may be issued through embassies or on arrival where applicable; durations normally cover short stays for holidays and family visits.
• Business / Work-Related Visas (e.g., DN, LD in some classifications): These are intended for foreigners entering Vietnam to conduct business, provide services, or accept employment—often the first step before applying for a work permit or temporary residence card.
• Temporary Residence Card (TRC): A TRC replaces repeated visas for foreigners living and working in Vietnam for longer periods. It is commonly issued to foreign employees, investors, and family members of TRC holders.

Who needs a work permit?

Generally, a work permit is required for most foreigners taking paid employment in Vietnam. Exemptions often apply for certain short-term assignments (commonly assignments under a defined threshold such as 3 months), investors, scientific experts, or those covered by international agreements. Even when exempt from a work permit, the foreign national may still need a visa or TRC to legally stay and work. Confirm exemption criteria for your specific case.

Key documents typically required for a work permit application

Step-by-step procedure to obtain a work permit and TRC

1. Confirm visa category and employer obligations: Employer and employee should determine whether a work permit is required or if an exemption applies. Coordinate with HR or legal counsel.
2. Prepare documentation: Collect passport copies, criminal record, health check, diplomas, CV, and signed employment contract. Translate and notarize where required.
3. Apply to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA): The employer usually files the work permit application on behalf of the employee. Expect a formal review period; in many cases authorities request clarifications.
4. Receive the work permit: After approval, the work permit is issued. Keep original documents accessible; they are needed for subsequent TRC or other formalities.
5. Apply for Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or visa extension: With a valid work permit, the employer can apply for a TRC at the Immigration Department so the employee can remain without frequent visa renewals.
6. Register taxes and social insurance: Employers must register the foreign employee with local tax and social insurance authorities as applicable. Confirm payroll, PIT withholding, and contributions.

Practical timeline (typical)

Common pitfalls and precautions (Notes)

• Ensure authenticity: Submit genuine diplomas and certificates. Fabricated credentials can lead to denial, fines, and deportation.
• Translations and notarization: Vietnamese authorities commonly require official translations and notarized copies. Prepare these early to avoid delays.
• Criminal record timing: Many offices require the criminal record check to be issued within a recent window (commonly 6 months). Coordinate timing to maintain validity.
• Watch entry status: Entering Vietnam on a tourist visa and working without proper authorization is illegal. Apply for the correct visa before starting work.
• Keep originals handy: During inspections or administrative updates, officials may request original documents or certified copies.
• Plan for tax and insurance: Employers and employees must comply with PIT registration, social insurance, and health insurance obligations where applicable.
• Be mindful of overstay penalties: Overstaying a visa or violating permit conditions can trigger fines, detention, or deportation and affect future entry.

Illustrative cases

Case 1: Software engineer relocating from India

Raj received an offer from a Vietnamese tech company. The employer applied for his work permit by submitting a notarized degree, a criminal record issued 3 weeks prior, and a health check from an approved clinic. The work permit was granted in three weeks; the company then applied for a two-year TRC. Lesson: Coordinate timing of criminal record and medical check to match submission window.

Case 2: English teacher from the Philippines on a short contract

Anna planned a 10-week teaching assignment. The school confirmed exemption rules for short-term instructors but still assisted her in getting the correct business visa and a documentation letter proving the limited contract. Lesson: Even when a formal work permit is not required, clear written agreements and the right visa type are essential.

Case 3: Senior manager transferring within a multinational

A multinational company moved a regional manager to Hanoi for 18 months. The company sought a TRC after securing the work permit. Given the manager's investor-status and executive role, additional investor documentation and longer TRC validity were requested. Lesson: Senior roles sometimes require extra corporate evidence; plan for longer processing times.

Updates, interpretation and compliance tips for 2025

Administrative practices can shift—processing times, e‑visa rules, and documentation requirements have previously changed with evolving policy. In 2025 it remains best practice to:

• Check the official Vietnam Immigration Department site or the Vietnamese embassy in your country before applying.
• Work with a reputable local HR advisor or immigration lawyer for complex cases, especially investors and long-term assignments.
• Use certified translation and notarization services to avoid rejections.

For relocation support, onboarding services, or offshore employee management, consider professional partners such as SailGlobal to streamline the process and ensure compliance.

Quick checklist before submission

1. Confirm visa category and whether a work permit is required.
2. Gather passport, employer letters, contract, diplomas, CV, criminal record, medical certificate.
3. Translate and notarize where needed; keep originals.
4. Submit application via employer to DOLISA and track with immigration offices.
5. Complete tax registration and payroll setup once approved.

Final advice

Successful visa and work-permit applications combine accurate paperwork, realistic timing, and a clear understanding of legal obligations. Prepare documents early, engage qualified local support when necessary, and verify all requirements with official Vietnamese authorities to avoid preventable setbacks.