Work permit in Hanoi for foreigners
Starting a job in Hanoi? We prepare your Vietnam work permit dossier, handle the document legalization and translation, and follow your application until the permit is issued.
Government fees and third-party costs (health check, notarized translation, legalization) are separate and vary.
- Eligibility and exemption check
- Dossier preparation and review
- Filing and follow-up until the permit is issued
Do you need a work permit?
Most foreigners who work in Vietnam need a work permit. Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, which replaced Decree 152/2020, the labor demand approval and the permit are filed together, and the official decision time is 10 working days.
Some people are exempt, for example owners or capital-contributing members of a company above the legal capital threshold, and people on short-term assignments of under 90 days a year. We check your case before you commit.
How it works
- Tell us about the jobYour nationality, job title, qualifications, years of experience and planned start date.
- We check eligibilityWhether you need a permit or are exempt, and what the authority will expect for your role.
- We prepare your documentsHealth certificate, criminal record certificate, degrees with apostille or legalization, and notarized translations.
- We file the applicationThe employer files online, usually 10 to 60 days before your start date. We prepare and submit it with them.
- The permit is issuedThe authority decides within 10 working days of a valid dossier. If it needs changes, it replies in writing with the reasons.
Documents you will typically need
- Passport and photos
- Health certificate from an authorised medical facility
- Criminal record certificate issued within the last 6 months
- Degrees, certificates and proof of work experience for your position
- Documents from your employer explaining why a foreign worker is needed
- Legalization or apostille and notarized Vietnamese translation of foreign documents
The exact list depends on your role and the authority's current rules. Names, passport numbers and job titles must match across all documents. We confirm the list for your case.
The 10 working days start only when your dossier is complete. Getting a criminal record certificate and legalizing degrees from abroad often takes longer than the permit itself, so start as early as you can.
After the work permit
With your permit you can apply for a work visa and a temporary residence card (TRC) to live and work in Vietnam. Once you move into your address, remember to register your temporary residence. We can help with each step.
Frequently asked questions
Who applies for the work permit, me or my employer?
How long does a Vietnam work permit take?
How long is a work permit valid?
Which documents do I need?
Can I work in Vietnam without a work permit?
What comes after the work permit?
Need a work permit in Hanoi?
Send your nationality, job title and planned start date. We reply usually within 1 hour.
Sources: Duane Morris on Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, Viet An Law: Vietnam work permit 2026. Rules change; we confirm the current requirements for your case.