Plan your work in Vietnam with our guide to visa and permit requirements for foreigners! Learn about work permit applications, visa extensions, costs, cultural site visits, eco-friendly Vietnam Tours, and top providers for a seamless experience with Vietnam Travel. Start your journey today!
Embrace the vibrant energy of Vietnam’s cultural heritage (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys, and official sources like vietnam-visa.com, travel.state.gov, evisa.gov.vn, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Information based on the latest data; verify before travel. Reflects Vietnam’s updated travel regulations.
Workers, please note: Foreigners must obtain a work permit before applying for a work visa in Vietnam. The work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) or provincial departments. Recent updates from August 2025 include eased labor market testing and consolidated steps, such as updated criteria for experts and technicians (at least 1 year of training and 3 years' experience). This guide details work visa and permit requirements for foreigners, application processes, and travel tips for a seamless relocation or business trip.
Vietnam, a dynamic Southeast Asian destination, is renowned for its cultural landmarks like Hoi An’s ancient town, Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts, and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City vinpearl.com. Understanding work visa and permit requirements ensures smooth entry and legal employment for foreigners from all countries, whether joining guided Vietnam Tours or relocating for work. Foreign workers must secure a work permit first, followed by a work visa (DL type), with options for extensions and family accompaniment vietnam-visa.com. This guide provides practical work visa insights, cultural tips, and eco-friendly Vietnam Travel options for international workers.
Following Vietnam’s updated labor regulations, the country welcomes foreign talent via streamlined processes at 63 provincial departments and MoLISA. This guide blends work visa requirements, application processes, and sustainable Vietnam Travel ideas for a worry-free professional adventure.
Foreigners must obtain a work permit before applying for a work visa (DL type), valid for up to 2 years and renewable. Work permits cost $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND), and work visas cost $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND). Passports must be valid for at least 6 months with two blank pages. Cultural site entries like Hoi An cost $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); guided tours range from $15–$80 (375,000–2,000,000 VND). Temporary residence registration with local police is required within 14 days, typically handled by employers or hotels. Verify work visa requirements via vietnam-visa.com or travel.state.gov.
Work Permit (Required Before Visa):
Purpose: Legal authorization to work in Vietnam for foreign employees.
Eligibility: Foreigners aged 18+, with good health, no criminal record, and meeting job criteria (e.g., experts with bachelor's degree and 3 years' experience, or technicians with 1 year training and 3 years' experience; updated from August 2025) vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: Up to 2 years, renewable for another 2 years (max 4 years) vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND), depending on duration and province vietnam-visa.com.
Application Process (Employer-Sponsored):
Employer submits job demand explanation to MoLISA or provincial department 30 days before employment vietnam-visa.com.
Gather documents: passport copy, health certificate, criminal record certificate, qualification proofs, 2 photos (4x6 cm), and employer’s business registration vietnam-visa.com.
Submit application to MoLISA or provincial department in person or online vietnam-visa.com.
Processing takes 5–15 working days; collect permit at the department vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Apply 15 days before expiration; same process, fees apply ($20 or 500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Work Visa (DL Type) (After Obtaining Work Permit):
Purpose: Entry and residence for employment.
Eligibility: All foreigners with a valid work permit travel.state.gov.
Duration: Matches work permit duration (up to 2 years), multiple entry travel.state.gov.
Cost: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration travel.state.gov.
Application Process (Employer-Sponsored):
Obtain work permit first vietnam-visa.com.
Employer applies for visa approval letter from Immigration Department (7–10 working days) vietnam-visa.com.
Submit approval letter, passport, photos, and fees to Vietnamese embassy or apply for e-visa if eligible (though e-visas are not typically for work) travel.state.gov.
Collect visa at embassy or airport (for approval letter holders) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Apply through employer to Immigration Department 30 days before expiration; fees vary ($25–$50 or 625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) (For Long-Term Workers):
Purpose: Residence permit for foreign workers, replacing repeated visa extensions.
Eligibility: Foreigners with work permits for at least 1 year vietnam-visa.com.
Duration: 1–5 years, matching work permit vietnam-visa.com.
Cost: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Requirements: Work permit, passport, application form, employer sponsorship vietnam-visa.com.
Extension: Renewable with valid work permit; fees apply vietnam-visa.com.
Key Restrictions:
Foreign workers must not fall under suspension categories (e.g., security risks) as per Vietnam’s labor laws vietnam-visa.com.
Labor market testing is eased from August 2025, but employers must explain need for foreign labor vietnam-visa.com.
Overstay penalties: 500,000 VND/day ($20/day); potential deportation or bans travel.state.gov.
Important Note: Work visas require a work permit first; applications are employer-sponsored. The Visa on Arrival program was discontinued in 2022 vietnam-visa.com.
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months from entry date with two blank pages travel.state.gov.
Employer Sponsorship: Required for work permit and visa; employer handles job demand explanation and application vietnam-visa.com.
Health and Criminal Checks: Health certificate and criminal record certificate required for work permit vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days of entry, handled by employer or hotel travel.state.gov.
Cultural etiquette ensures a respectful experience during Vietnam Tours, complementing work visa preparation for foreign workers. Here’s your guide, based on current norms:
Greetings: Offer a “xin chào” (hello) with a slight nod; use both hands for business cards or documents to show respect, especially in meetings or at temples culturetrip.com.
Dress: Wear modest, professional clothing covering shoulders and knees for business and temple visits (e.g., Temple of Literature in Hanoi); carry a lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND) vinpearl.com.
Behaviour: Maintain a calm demeanor in workplaces and cultural sites; ask permission before photographing locals or rituals; carry work permit or visa securely to verify status. Avoid public criticism of the Vietnamese government (penalties apply). A guest shared: “Respecting Vietnamese customs eased our work visa transition and trip.” culturetrip.com
Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND); avoid littering at cultural sites like Ha Long Bay or Hoi An; complete residence registration within 14 days travel.state.gov.
Tip: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to colleagues or guides; use eco-friendly practices like reusable water bottles ($2 or 50,000 VND) to support sustainable Vietnam Travel; keep work visa handy for checks. Tony Bùi notes: “In 20 years guiding, I’ve seen foreign workers thrive in Vietnam’s vibrant culture.”
General Tips:
Language: Carry a phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) for Vietnamese basics like “cảm ơn”; English is widely spoken in business areas like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City culturetrip.com.
Respect: Follow workplace rules; respect local vendors with fair purchases in markets.
Navigation: Use PassApp for ride-hailing; carry work permit photocopy for checks travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Opt for bicycles ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day) or public transport to reduce emissions vietnam.travel.
Below is a curated list of tour options to enhance your work visa-prepared journey, based on the latest data from vietnam-visa.com, evisa.gov.vn, travel.state.gov, vinpearl.com, and vietnam.travel. Confirm schedules and prices before booking.
Details: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hoi An’s ancient town, or Ha Long Bay independently after obtaining work visa; suitable for foreign workers with valid work permits and visas; low to moderate difficulty vietnam.travel.
Visa Tips: Ensure work permit and DL visa; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; register residence within 14 days evisa.gov.vn.
Schedule: Daily; Hoi An ancient town open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($5–$7 or 125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM ($1–$2 or 25,000–50,000 VND); Ha Long Bay accessible anytime.
Cost: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND); local purchases: $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Location: Hanoi, Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.
Eco-Friendly Note: Use bicycles or walk to reduce emissions; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Tip: Confirm work visa eligibility; apply through employer; check evisa.gov.vn; a guest from the US noted: “Self-guided exploration was seamless with the work visa.”
Details: 1-day group tour visiting Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Temple of Literature; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hanoi hotels, lunch, and entry fees; low difficulty.
Visa Tips: Ensure valid work visa; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; guides assist with residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs 7:00 AM from Hanoi hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $25–$40/person (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group transport with fuel-efficient vehicles minimizes impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via legendtravelgroup.com; a guest from Canada noted: “Legend’s tour ensured work visa compliance and cultural immersion.”
Details: 1-day guided tour visiting Hoi An’s ancient town and a cycling tour; includes English-speaking guide, transport from Hoi An, lunch, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry work visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm eligibility vietnam-visa.com.
Schedule: Daily; departs 6:30 AM from Hoi An hotels; returns by 4:00 PM.
Cost: $30–$50/person (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels in Hoi An.
Eco-Friendly Note: Small groups and cycling reduce environmental impact; supports local communities.
Tip: Book via localvietnam.com; a guest from Australia noted: “The combo tour was visa-ready and enriching.”
Details: 2–3 day tour combining Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Hoi An; includes English-speaking guide, transport, accommodation, meals, and entry fees; low to moderate difficulty.
Visa Tips: Use a multiple-entry work visa for multi-city travel; carry a printed visa or passport photocopy; confirm temporary residence registration travel.state.gov.
Schedule: Daily; departs from Hanoi hotels; returns after 2–3 days.
Cost: $80–$200/person (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries).
Pick-up/Drop-off: Hotels or custom locations in Hanoi.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses eco-lodges and fuel-efficient transport; supports local communities.
Tip: Book Vietnam Tours via legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp (+84 825862222); a guest from the UK noted: “The multi-day tour was a visa-smart cultural journey.”
Self-Guided Exploration: Flexible and cost-effective, ideal for foreign workers with work visas.
Group Cultural Tours: Affordable and guided, perfect for visa-compliant cultural insights.
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: Blend cultural visits with eco-friendly activities for a comprehensive journey.
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: Offer in-depth exploration with visa-smart itineraries.
Eco-Friendly Note: Group and multi-day tours use fuel-efficient transport or bicycles, supporting Vietnam’s green tourism goals.
Key visa-prepared travel opportunities include:
Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year): Typically late January to February, vibrant with temple ceremonies and family traditions; warm and dry (18–28°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Hung Kings Festival: Typically March to April, honoring Vietnam’s founders; warm and dry (24–32°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Mid-Autumn Festival: Typically September, festive with lantern parades; warm and wet (24–31°C); check dates at vietnam.travel.
Cultural Site Visits: Dry season (January–August) for comfortable weather; February for optimal conditions vinpearl.com.
Dry season (January–August, 18–33°C) is ideal for visa-prepared travel and cultural visits. Hot period (April–August, 24–33°C) suits early morning outings. Wet season (September–December, 24–31°C) is best for budget travelers and indoor experiences. Morning visits (6:00 AM–10:00 AM) avoid heat or rain. Verify forecasts via weather.com.
Verify Eligibility: Foreigners must meet job criteria (e.g., bachelor's degree and 3 years' experience for experts); employers sponsor applications vietnam-visa.com.
Application Steps: Employer submits job demand to MoLISA 30 days prior; gather documents (passport, health certificate, criminal record); submit to provincial department; processing 5–15 days vietnam-visa.com.
Visa After Permit: Apply for DL work visa with work permit; employer obtains approval letter; collect at embassy or airport vietnam-visa.com.
Residence Registration: Mandatory within 14 days, handled by employer; carry proof of registration travel.state.gov.
Eco-Tip: Use digital documents to reduce paper waste; opt for bicycles or public transport for sustainable commuting.
Tip: Apply for work permit through employer early; double-check details to match passport; carry work permit photocopy for checks; check status at MoLISA offices. For extensions, apply 15 days before expiration vietnam-visa.com.
Pack for a comfortable, sustainable visit:
Documents: Passport (valid 6+ months), work permit, work visa (DL type $25–$100 or 625,000–2,500,000 VND), passport photocopy, employer sponsorship letter, wallet ($2 or 50,000 VND), tour bookings.
Clothing: Modest, professional clothing covering shoulders and knees for business and temple visits; lightweight scarf ($1 or 25,000 VND); quick-dry clothing and raincoat ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; lightweight clothing like cotton or linen and light jacket ($3 or 75,000 VND) for dry season; waterproof shoes ($3 or 75,000 VND); hat ($2 or 50,000 VND).
Essentials: Reusable water bottle ($2 or 50,000 VND); snacks ($0.20–$1 or 5,000–25,000 VND, e.g., pho); small backpack ($2 or 50,000 VND); sunscreen ($1 or 25,000 VND); insect repellent ($1 or 25,000 VND).
Tech: Phone with translation apps (e.g., Google Translate); charger ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND); local SIM ($2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND); waterproof camera ($6 or 150,000 VND) for photos.
Eco Items: Reusable tote ($1 or 25,000 VND) for purchases; phrase card ($1 or 25,000 VND) with Vietnamese basics.
Extras: Small VND notes for donations or purchases; small first aid kit ($2 or 50,000 VND); umbrella ($2 or 50,000 VND) for wet season; money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND) for valuables. Tip: Pack light (1 small bag, max 5 kg); reusable items support sustainability.
Visa and Permit Costs
Work Permit Costs: $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND), depending on duration vietnam-visa.com.
Work Visa (DL Type) Costs: $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND), depending on duration travel.state.gov.
Temporary Residence Card Costs: $100–$200 (2,500,000–5,000,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Extension Costs: $10–$155 (250,000–3,875,000 VND) for work permit or visa extensions vietnam-visa.com.
Self-Guided Exploration: Entry: free (markets); Hoi An: $5–$7 (125,000–175,000 VND); Temple of Literature: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND); transport (bicycle: $1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND/day; motorbike taxi: $0.50–$2 or 12,500–50,000 VND).
Group Cultural Tours: $25–$40 (625,000–1,000,000 VND, includes transport and entry).
Combo Cultural and Adventure Tours: $30–$50 (750,000–1,250,000 VND, includes entry).
Multi-Day Cultural and Adventure Tours: $80–$200 (2,000,000–5,000,000 VND, includes entries). Safety-Related Costs
Money Belt: $2 (50,000 VND).
Local SIM for Emergency Calls: $2–$3 (50,000–75,000 VND).
Travel Insurance (Recommended): $10–$30 (250,000–750,000 VND). Other Costs
Local Snacks (e.g., banh mi, pho): $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., crafts, textiles): $0.20–$10 (5,000–250,000 VND).
Donations: $0.20–$1 (5,000–25,000 VND). Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $15–$40 (self-guided, snacks, transport, entry).
Mid-range: $40–$70 (group tour, purchases).
Luxury: $70–$120 (private tour, premium souvenirs). Tip: Budget $15–$120 for tours, visa/permit costs, and transport; $0.20–$10 for purchases or add-ons; employer often covers work permit fees.
Work Permit Tips: Employer sponsors application to MoLISA 30 days prior; meet criteria (e.g., degree and experience); processing 5–15 days; carry permit photocopy for checks vietnam-visa.com.
Work Visa Tips: Obtain approval letter after work permit; apply at embassy or airport; multiple entry for business travel; carry visa photocopy travel.state.gov.
Etiquette: Use “xin chào”; dress professionally; respect local customs; avoid littering at cultural sites.
Access: Choose self-guided exploration for flexibility, group tours for visa-compliant insights, or multi-day tours for immersion.
Schedules: Cultural sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; markets open 6:00 AM–6:00 PM; peak crowds in dry season (January–August); book early for festivals.
Sustainability: Use bicycles or public transport; carry reusable items; support local vendors with fair purchases.
Navigation: Use offline maps (Maps.me) for cities like Hanoi or Hoi An.
Weather: Dry season (Jan–Aug, 18–33°C) ideal; hot period (Apr–Aug, 24–33°C) suits early mornings; wet season (Sep–Dec, 24–31°C) requires rain gear; check forecasts via weather.com.
Safety Note: Secure valuables with a money belt ($2 or 50,000 VND); beware of pickpocketing in markets; carry emergency numbers (Police: 113, Medical: 115, nearest embassy).
Do foreigners need a work permit in Vietnam? Yes, for legal employment; must obtain before work visa vietnam-visa.com.
How do foreigners apply for a Vietnam work permit? Employer sponsors; submit to MoLISA with documents like passport, health certificate; processing 5–15 days vietnam-visa.com.
How much does a Vietnam work permit cost? $20–$40 (500,000–1,000,000 VND); work visa $25–$100 (625,000–2,500,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
Can work visas be extended? Yes, through employer to Immigration Department; fees $25–$50 (625,000–1,250,000 VND) vietnam-visa.com.
What are the penalties for working without a permit? Fines up to 75,000,000 VND ($3,000) and deportation travel.state.gov.
Is Visa on Arrival available for work? No, discontinued in 2022; use employer-sponsored work visas vietnam-visa.com.
Enhance your work visa-prepared Vietnam journey with eco-conscious tours from Legend Travel Group:
Vietnam Cultural Eco-Tour ($25–$40/person, 1 day): Guided temple and market tour with sustainable practices.
Vietnam Cultural and Adventure Trail ($80–$150/person, 2 days): Explore cultural sites and eco-friendly activities.
Vietnam Explorer ($150–$250/person, 3 days): Multi-site adventure with eco-lodges and community-focused activities. Prices include guides, transport, and entry fees; group discounts available. Explore options at legendtravelgroup.com or contact sales@legendtravelgroup.com / WhatsApp (+84825862222) for your Vietnam Travel plans.
Mastering Vietnam Work Visa Permit with cultural etiquette—modest attire, polite greetings like “xin chào,” and work visa-smart planning—unlocks a dynamic, professional journey through this Southeast Asian hub. With tour costs from $15–$200, sustainable Vietnam Tours, and attractions like Hoi An and Ha Long Bay, this trip offers career growth and sustainability for foreign workers. Whether choosing a self-guided or guided experience with Vietnam Travel, obtain a work permit first through your employer, and respect local customs for the best experience. Safe travels!
Sources:
vietnam-visa.com
travel.state.gov
evisa.gov.vn
vinpearl.com
vietnam.travel
