Extension of work permit for foreign experts in enterprises

Experts play a crucial role in businesses, contributing specialized knowledge and long-term vision. Their participation often requires a sustained presence within the company. Experts are found across various fields, including science, technology, medicine, law, business, education, and the arts.

Their contributions often involve:

• Consulting: Providing advice to individuals and organizations on issues related to their field of expertise.

• Research: Conducting research to develop knowledge and find new solutions.

• Training: Educating and transferring knowledge to the next generation.

• Leadership: Guiding projects, research groups, or organizations.

Examples of experts include:

• Medical experts: Doctors, dentists, pharmacists

• Technology experts: Programmers, software engineers, data scientists

• Financial experts: Accountants, investors, financial analysts

• Education experts: Professors, lecturers, educational researchers

• Legal experts: Lawyers, judges, prosecutors

Extension of work permit for foreign experts

Extension of Work Permit for Foreign Experts

Typically, a work permit for an expert is valid for a maximum duration of 2 years. However, the actual validity period of a granted work permit depends on the duration of one of the following:

• The expected employment contract with the foreign worker.

• The duration of the foreign entity sending the foreign worker to Vietnam.

• The duration of the contract or agreement signed between Vietnamese and foreign partners.

• The duration specified in the operating license of the agency, organization, or enterprise (e.g., conditional business licenses for healthcare, education, representative office licenses of foreign enterprises).

• The duration specified in the document approving the use of foreign workers issued by the Department of Labor/Ministry of Labor to enterprises for corresponding positions.

Therefore, when a foreign expert's work permit is nearing expiration, the enterprise must initiate the work permit renewal procedures. You can check the status of the work permit (whether it's a new issuance or a previous renewal) on the most recent permit. Generally, a work permit can be renewed if it has at least 5 days but no more than 45 days remaining before expiration. Based on practical experience, it's recommended to start preparing the renewal procedures for your expert's work permit approximately 60 days before the expiration date.

Procedures for Work Permit Extension Application

Even if your expert is currently working for your company and their work permit is still valid, to renew their work permit, you need to go through the following steps:

1. Job Posting: As per legal regulations, job vacancies for foreign workers must be posted in the province/city where they are employed. The specific location is determined based on the company's establishment permit. Typically, the job posting is done through the provincial/city Employment Service Center and lasts for 15 days.

2. Request for Approval of Labor Use: This step involves providing a detailed explanation of the need for foreign labor in the specific position. The processing time for this step is usually 15-20 days.

3. Work Permit Renewal Application: Submit an application to renew the work permit based on the approved position and documentation.

The basic documents required for a work permit extension application include:

• The application for extension of a labor permit by the employer, made on Form No. 11/PLI, Appendix I.

• Two color photographs (4 cm x 6 cm in size, white background, frontal view, bare-headed, no dark glasses), taken no more than 6 months prior to the date of submission.

• The original labor permit with the remaining validity period.

• A written approval of the demand for the use of foreign workers, except in cases where it is not necessary to determine the demand for foreign workers.

• A certified photocopy of the passport or a photocopy of the passport certified by the employer that is still valid in accordance with the law.

• A health certificate or a medical examination certificate from hospitals authorized by the Ministry of Health to conduct examinations for foreigners.

Helpful Tip: When renewing a work permit, it's crucial to have all previous documents such as degrees and experience certificates ready, as they are essential for the renewal process. Keeping these documents organized can streamline future renewals.

How Inbound Vietnam Can Assist You

Inbound Vietnam has a proven track record in handling these procedures for our clients. Our team of experienced consultants has over 10 years of expertise in the field of foreign labor in Vietnam. We aim to provide accurate, simple, and convenient information, along with in-depth solutions for the foreign personnel recruitment process, from job posting to demand reporting. Our goal is to help clients streamline management costs and potentially reduce the time spent on recruiting and managing foreign personnel in Vietnam.