Work Permit & Temporary Residence Card

All foreign nationals working in Vietnam need a Work Permit unless they qualify for an exemption under Decree 70/2023. Common exemptions include intra-company transferees staying less than 30 days, foreign investors/owners contributing capital directly, and certain categories of experts engaged in short-term technical work.

The total process typically takes 15-20 working days from complete document submission. However, document legalization from foreign countries can add 4-8 weeks. We recommend starting the process at least 2-3 months before the employee's intended start date.

Work Permits in Vietnam are issued for a maximum of 2 years and can be renewed. The validity period is linked to the employee's labor contract term, business license, or project duration — whichever is shortest.

Key documents include: degree certificates (legalized), criminal record check from the home country (less than 6 months old), health check from a Vietnamese-approved medical facility, passport copies, 2 photos, and a labor contract or appointment letter. Specific requirements vary by Work Permit category.

A TRC is a residency document issued by Vietnam's Immigration Department, allowing the holder to reside in Vietnam for the duration of their Work Permit without needing separate visa entries. It functions as a multi-entry visa and proof of legal residence.

If a Work Permit expires, the employee must stop working immediately. Employers face administrative fines for employing foreign workers without valid permits. To avoid this, we begin renewal preparations 45-60 days before expiry — ensuring continuous authorization.

Yes. Spouses and children under 18 of Work Permit holders are eligible for Dependant TRCs, allowing them to reside in Vietnam for the same duration as the primary WP holder. Required documents include legalized marriage/birth certificates, the WP holder's passport and WP copies, a sponsor letter from the employer, and health insurance. We handle the full application through the Immigration Department.

It depends on the WP category. For the 'Expert' category, you need either a bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant work experience, OR 5 years of relevant experience without a degree. For 'Technical Worker,' you need a certificate of technical training. For 'Manager/Executive,' you need documented proof of your management role. We assess each case individually and advise on the best category to apply under.

Government fees for a Work Permit are approximately VND 600,000 (around $25). However, the real costs are in document legalization (varies by country, typically $200-500 per document), health checks ($50-100), and criminal record processing. Our professional service fee covers the entire process including DOLISA liaison, document preparation, and submission. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific situation.

No. A Work Permit is tied to a specific employer and position. If an employee changes employers, the old WP must be returned and a new one applied for. However, some documents from the original application (e.g., legalized degree, criminal record if still valid) can be reused, which shortens the process. We manage employer transitions to minimize the gap between permits.