Article by Nguyen Thi Hai Tam – Senior Manager of Business Advisory Service, Dezan Shira & Associates.
Visa and Work Permit Requirements for Foreigners in Vietnam
Foreigners, except in specified exemptions, must obtain both visas and work permits (WPs) to work legally in Vietnam. Although it has become easier in recent years, applying for these documents for the first time still requires applicants and companies to prepare meticulously.
Vietnam’s visa policies for Belgians and Luxembourgians
As of August 15, 2025, a new resolution grants Belgian and Luxembourgish citizens the right to enter Vietnam and stay for up to 45 days for tourism purposes without a visa, regardless of passport type. It marks an improvement in short-term access, benefiting, for example, the tourism industry, yet staying for professional purposes requires obtaining a business visa.
For applicants intending to stay in Vietnam for an extended period, a long-term visa, such as a three-month single-entry or multiple-entry visa, is an available option. However, entering Vietnam for business purposes requires a business visa, sponsored by the inviting company in Vietnam and applied for through the Vietnamese diplomatic institutions abroad.
Obtaining a work permit in Vietnam
Simplified hiring process under Decree 219
Effective as of 2025, Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP simplifies the hiring process for foreign workers in Vietnam, offering more exemptions and flexibility.
Previously, under Decree 70/2023/ND-CP amending and supplementing Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP, employers had to post vacancies on government-approved websites and submit reports justifying their need for foreign staff, a process that typically took two to three months. The new rules allow companies to post job openings directly on their own websites. Additionally, the demand notification and hiring approval are now included in the work permit application, cutting the overall processing time to around one month.
Required documents for a work permit
To apply for a WP, foreign applicants must provide:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity;
- A health certificate issued within the last 12 months;
- A criminal record certificate, either from their home country or from Vietnam if they are long-term residents;
- Proof of professional qualifications and work experience; and
- The completed WP application form, filed by the employer.
Qualification requirements for experts and technicians
- Experts must show either a university degree and at least two years of relevant experience; or at least one year of experience in specialized fields such as science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, priority sectors, or areas under cooperation agreements signed by Vietnam.
- Technicians must show either completion of at least one year of vocational or technical training plus two years of relevant work experience; or at least three years of relevant professional experience for the position to be taken in Vietnam.
Work permit exemptions in Vietnam
Not all foreign professionals in Vietnam require a work permit. Under Decree 219, several categories are exempt, though employers must notify labor authorities before work begins.
Some of the key exemptions include:
- Investors and shareholders with capital contributions of at least VND 3 billion (US$117,000);
- ODA and international projects consultants and specialists;
- Accredited professionals, such as foreign journalists, lawyers, and teachers in schools under diplomatic or intergovernmental agreements;
- Short-term assignments under 90 days and intra-company transferees;
- Family members and volunteers, including spouses of Vietnamese citizens, diplomatic dependents, and treaty-based volunteers;
- Experts in priority sectors such as finance, science, technology, and digital transformation.
Takeaway
Vietnam’s updated visa and work permit regulations greatly simplify the hiring process for foreign professionals, cutting administrative burdens and speeding up timelines for businesses. However, firms must note that strict adherence to documentation and a clear understanding of exemptions are essential to avoid legal issues and fully benefit from Vietnam’s changing openness to global talent.
For more information, visit Dezan Shira & Associates at https://www.dezshira.com/