Who needs a work permit
The requirement depends on the person's role, employer and legal exemption category. Managers, executives, experts and technical workers can follow different routes. Do not rely on a recruiter saying that every IT employee, company owner or remote worker is exempt. Ask for the exact article and evidence that applies to your case.
Permit and exemption are different routes
| Situation | What to verify | Do not assume |
|---|---|---|
| Employment by a Vietnam company | Employer's work-permit application for the job and location | A tourist visa is enough to work |
| LLC owner or member with capital of at least 3 billion VND | The exact exemption category and supporting documents | Any shareholding creates an automatic exemption |
| Internal transfer within a multinational group | Eligible service sector, employment history and category | Every transfer is exempt |
| Specialist, manager or technical worker | Specific exemption conditions and duration limits | Every IT professional qualifies |
Who files the application
The Vietnam employer prepares the request, collects the worker's supporting documents and submits the application to the competent provincial authority under the current procedure. Agree in writing who pays for translations, legalisation, medical checks and filing expenses. Keep a copy of the submitted dossier and receipt.
How the application works
- The employer confirms the job position, work location and legal category.
- The employee supplies identity, qualifications and experience documents required for that category.
- The employer checks translation, notarisation, legalisation and validity dates.
- The employer submits the complete dossier through the applicable public-service procedure.
- The employee waits for the permit or written decision before starting work if a permit is required.
Processing time and fees
The government states a decision period of 10 working days from receipt of a valid complete dossier. This is the statutory review period, not a guarantee that documents will be prepared in 10 days or that every application will be approved. Fees and submission details can depend on local procedure. Ask the employer for the current official fee and receipt.
Validity, extension and a change of job
The work permit is tied to its stated employer, role and other permit conditions. Before changing employer, position or work location, ask the employer and authority whether a new or amended authorization is required. Do not continue working after the permit expires or the employment basis ends.
Work permit and TRC
A work permit or exemption confirmation concerns permission to work. A visa and a temporary residence card concern immigration and stay. One document does not automatically replace another. Confirm the correct immigration route separately with the employer and immigration authority.
What to ask before accepting a job
- Who is the legal employer and sponsor?
- Which permit or exemption category will be used?
- Who prepares and pays for each document?
- What is the expected start date after approval?
- Which visa or residence status will cover the planned stay?
Questions and answers
How long does a work permit take?
The statutory decision period is 10 working days after the authority receives a complete valid dossier. Preparation time is additional.
Can I work on a tourist e-visa?
A tourist e-visa does not replace the work authorization required for the job.
Is every owner of an IT company exempt?
No. The exemption applies to defined categories and conditions, not every shareholder or founder.
Do I also need a TRC?
A TRC may be relevant for a longer stay, but it is a separate immigration document.
Who pays the fee?
Agree costs with the employer and ask for the current local official fee and receipt.