Vietnam Work Visa Guide 2026
Work Permit & Business Visa – Requirements for Foreign Workers
Vietnam requires a work permit for most foreign employees. The standard route requires a university degree and at least 3 years of relevant experience (or a skilled trade). Citizens of certain countries can enter on a business visa without a work permit for short‑term assignments. This guide covers the work permit process, salary expectations, benefits including housing, and the application steps.
Verified employer listings – updated daily
🇻🇳 Other Asia Visa Guides
📌 Vietnam Work Visas – Overview
- Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động): Required for most foreign workers. Issued by the provincial Department of Labour (DOLISA). Valid for up to 2 years, renewable.
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree + 3 years of relevant work experience (or a trade certificate + 3 years experience). Health clearance, police certificate.
- Exemptions: Intra‑company transferees, foreign lawyers, certain experts, and short‑term assignments under 3 months (business visa). Citizens of some ASEAN countries may be exempt.
- After work permit: You apply for a temporary residence card (TRC) – valid for up to 2 years, allows multiple entries.
Official source: Vietnam DOLISA.
🏗️ High‑Demand Jobs in Vietnam (2026)
- English teachers (degree + TEFL/CELTA)
- Manufacturing engineers (electronics, textiles)
- IT professionals (software development, QA)
- Expat managers (supply chain, operations)
- Language specialists (Korean, Japanese, Chinese)
💰 Salary & Benefits – Housing, Flights, Healthcare
| Role | Monthly Salary (USD) | Typical Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| English Teacher | $1,500 – $2,500 | Housing allowance ($300‑500), flight allowance, medical |
| IT / Engineer (mid‑level) | $2,000 – $3,500 | Housing allowance, annual flight, bonus |
| Expat Manager | $4,000 – $8,000+ | Full housing, car, children’s education, flights |
- 🏠 Many employers provide housing allowance ($300‑1,000) or free apartment.
- ✈️ Annual flight ticket home (common for expat contracts).
- 🚌 No standard transport, but some companies offer shuttle buses.
- 🩺 International private health insurance or local social insurance.
- 💰 Personal income tax: progressive up to 35% for high earners.
📝 How to Apply – Step‑by‑Step
- Employer secures a job offer and approval to hire a foreign worker.
- Employer submits work permit application to DOLISA (online or in person).
- After work permit approval (2‑3 weeks), you apply for a visa at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate (or convert from business visa).
- Travel to Vietnam and register for temporary residence card (TRC).
Total processing: 1‑2 months.
❓ Vietnam Work Visa FAQ
Yes for most professional roles. Some skilled trades (e.g., welder, mechanic) may use a trade certificate + experience.
Only for short‑term assignments (under 3 months) on a business visa, or for certain exempt categories.
Maximum 2 years, renewable.
Yes, temporary residence card holders can sponsor dependents.
✅ Verify employer: Check business registration on Vietnam National Business Registration Portal. IFMOSA provides links; verify independently.
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