Issuing a new work permit for an foreign expert employed in Vietnamese enterprise
For businesses requiring the services of foreign experts, the initial process for employing such individuals in Vietnam is known as a new work permit issuance. This procedure typically involves preparing specific documents and following established requirements for new applications.
An expert is generally defined as an individual who has received specialized training in a particular field, possesses practical work experience, and demonstrates in-depth theoretical and practical skills in a specific area, or holds a superior understanding compared to general knowledge levels. Experts can contribute directly or indirectly (through providing opinions or consulting) to specific work or fields within an enterprise.
The job titles for foreign experts are diverse, depending on the specific nature of the work, the foreign worker's professional qualifications gained through specialized training and experience, and the high level of expertise suitable for their intended role at the Vietnamese company. Therefore, expert job titles are closely linked to the specific contributions and practical performance expected from the foreign worker.
Required Documents for Foreign Experts
To apply for a new work permit for foreign experts in Vietnam, the following documents are typically required:
Academic Qualifications: A university degree or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of four years of study.
Work Experience: A certificate confirming at least three years of relevant work experience, issued by a foreign organization or institution.
Alternatively: At least five years of experience along with a professional certification relevant to the intended position in Vietnam (e.g., English teacher certification, coaching certification).
Additional Personal Documents:
Health Certificate: A health certificate issued by a competent health authority in the foreign country or Vietnam, valid within 12 months from the date of issuance.
Police Clearance Certificate: A police clearance certificate or a document certifying that the foreign worker is not currently serving a sentence, has not had a criminal record expunged, or is not currently subject to criminal prosecution, issued by a foreign or Vietnamese authority. This document must be issued within six months of the application submission date.
Personal Identification: Passport, visa, and a 4x6 cm color passport photo with a white background.
Procedures for Issuing a New Work Permit for a Foreign Expert
To obtain a new work permit for a foreign expert, the following steps are generally followed:
Job Posting: In accordance with Vietnamese law, job postings must be made in the province or city where the foreign expert will be working, based on the company's establishment permit. Typically, job postings are made through the provincial/city employment center for a period of 15 days.
Approval for Foreign Worker Use: This step involves justifying the need to hire a foreign worker for the specific position. The processing time for this step is usually 15-20 days.
Work Permit Application: The work permit application is submitted based on the complete documentation and the approved position.
Important Note on Document Submission: When submitting applications for a new work permit for a foreign expert, all documents must be original or certified copies. For documents issued in foreign languages, they must be legalized and translated into Vietnamese and notarized or authenticated in accordance with Vietnamese law, unless specifically exempted from legalization.
How Inbound Vietnam Can Assist You
Inbound Vietnam has extensive experience in handling these complex procedures. With a team of consultants boasting over 10 years of experience in foreign labor regulations in Vietnam, we aim to provide accurate, simple, and convenient information. We also offer in-depth solutions for foreign personnel management processes, from recruitment to reporting on labor demand. Our goal is to help clients streamline management costs and potentially reduce the time spent on recruiting and managing foreign personnel in Vietnam.
Our dedicated team is ready to support clients. You can contact us for consultation at:
Hanoi Head Office: 16 Nguyen Van Ngoc, Giang Vo Ward, Hanoi. Tel: +84987464391
Ho Chi Minh City Branch: 174, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Tel:+84375654886
National Hotline: 19000039 (available for support during and outside business hours).
Please note: Inbound Vietnam is not a Vietnamese government issuing authority. We are your trusted partner, dedicated to supporting you throughout the entire process of preparing and submitting your application. We offer professional consultation and charge a service fee when clients choose to utilize our expert assistance. Service fees will be quoted specifically after Inbound Vietnam conducts a detailed assessment of your application. This ensures accuracy and suitability for the complexity of each case, especially for applications with missing documents, urgent requirements, or complex natures.
