Vietnam work permit and work visa for Indians

If you are interested in a job in Vietnam, you must obtain a Vietnam work visa and a work permit. It is straightforward for an Indian citizen to obtain this under legal employment in the country. It all starts with getting an employment offer from an employer based in Vietnam, who will make all the documentation that you will need. The work visa allows you into the country; however, it is the work permit that lawfully lets you work. Without this, you cannot legally work in Vietnam. Try to get this in advance because sometimes, it does take a little time to obtain. Additionally, as you plan your move and professional journey, consider securing comprehensive Travel Insurance for Vietnam to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances.

What is a Vietnam work permit and work Visa?

If you plan to work in Vietnam, you have to be familiar with the work visa and work permit for Vietnam. The process might seem a bit complex, but once you understand it, it is not rocket science. First of all, you need a work visa to enter the country, which can be issued only when you receive an offer from an organisation located in Vietnam. The work permit, on the other hand, is essential for legally working there, without it, you won’t be allowed to take up employment.

1. Work Visa

The work visa is the first step, as it essentially allows you to stay in Vietnam while you complete the paperwork for your work permit. Your employer in Vietnam will assist you with this process, as it requires submitting documents like your job contract, medical certificates, and proof of qualifications.

2. Work Permit

Once you have your work permit, you're free to work legally in Vietnam. This document is usually valid for up to two years, after which it can be renewed if you continue to work for the same employer. A work permit is crucial for a smooth working experience, as working without one can lead to penalties or deportation.

As an Indian citizen, it is best to get started on this process well ahead of your intended move to Vietnam. Paperwork and clearances always take time, and it's always good to be over-prepared rather than scramble to do so at the last minute. Once you have your visa and work permit in hand, you can fully indulge in the experience of working in Vietnam, which would be quite different from anything back home.

Who needs a Work permit and how to apply for a work permit

If you're planning to work in Vietnam, securing a work permit is an absolute must. Without it, you won’t be able to legally take up employment. But who exactly needs a work permit and how do you apply for one? Let me break it down for you.

Who needs a work permit?

1. Foreign nationals, including Indians, who have been offered a job in Vietnam by a company or organisation.

2. The experts, managers, or executives working for international companies based in Vietnam.

3. Contract workers and those who are entering Vietnam on a long-term employment contract.

4. If you are transferred within a company and your role requires a work permit under Vietnamese law, you’ll also need one.

Who is exempt from a work permit?

1. Certain NGO employees and foreign government representatives.

2. Short-term workers, who are staying for less than three months for assignments.

How to apply for a work permit?

1. Employment contract: You would be required to have a contract from any corporation operating in Vietnam that employs you.

2. Submit the necessary documents: Your employer will guide you, but you’ll generally need:

• Health check certificate issued in Vietnam or abroad.

• A copy of your passport.

• A criminal record check from your home country or Vietnam.

• Proof of your qualifications, such as degrees or certifications.

3. Employer applies: The employer fills up the application and submits it to the Labour Department on your behalf.

4. Waiting for Approvals: Normally, the waiting period is a few weeks. Thus, it is advisable to apply well in time before you are set to join the workplace.

Who needs a Work Visa and how to apply for a Work visa

If you’re planning to work in Vietnam, the first thing you’ll need is a work visa, which grants you legal entry into the country for employment purposes. This visa is different from a tourist or business visa, as it’s specifically tied to your job. Here's who needs a work visa and how to apply for one.

Who needs a work visa?

1. Foreigners, including Indians, who are working for any organisation in Vietnam.

2. People arriving in Vietnam to work for more than three months or with an extended employment contract.

3. Experts, managers, and specialists working for foreign companies and in a local company.

4. Individuals who are required to apply for a work permit, as the visa and permit processes often go hand-in-hand.

How to apply for a work visa?

1. Get a job offer: You must have a confirmed offer of employment from a Vietnamese employer to issue your application for a work visa in Vietnam.

2. Submit your documents: Your employer typically assists with this, but the documents you’ll need include:

• A copy of your employment contract.

• A passport that is current and valid for at least six months.

• Health certificates and proof of qualifications may be required, depending on the type of job.

• An application for a work permit, as you’ll need to start this process alongside your visa application.

3. The employer applies for your visa: The employer will submit the necessary documents to the Vietnamese Immigration Department.

4. Receive your visa: Once your work visa is approved, you’ll be able to travel to Vietnam and begin working.

A work visa can be valid for up to one year, but you can apply to renew the visa as long as you have a job and are holding a valid work permit. The sooner you start putting these pieces of paper together, the better it's going to go off when you relocate to Vietnam. For any overseas move, considering comprehensive International Travel Insurance is crucial for health and travel emergencies.

The application process for a work visa

Applying for a work visa once you have decided to work in Vietnam sounds a bit complicated and overwhelming with all these steps, but when you break it down, it is manageable. Here are the following steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Receiving Job Offer and Confirmed Employment from the Employer

You must receive a job offer from the Vietnam company before apply. This is because your employer will play a big role in the visa process, they will need to confirm employment in the form of a letter issued confirming your position in the company. The employer should also prove that the job was advertised to the Vietnamese public first as required by local provisions. This is a very significant step because it allows the employer to prove that even though they are hiring a foreign citizen to fill the position, they were expected to do so.

Step 2: Gather All Necessary Documents

Once your job is confirmed, it’s time to gather the required documents. You’ll need to be thorough here, as any missing paperwork can delay the process. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in Vietnam.

2. This can be issued by a hospital either in your home country or in Vietnam. It verifies that you’re in good health and fit to work.

3. You’ll need three recent passport-sized photos taken within the past year.

4. You must provide proof that you have no criminal record. This can be obtained in your home country or Vietnam if you’ve been living there for an extended period.

5. The visa application form can be obtained from the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country, or you can complete it online depending on the regulations in place.

6. Any qualifications related to your job, such as degrees or professional certifications, will be required as proof of your expertise.

Step 3: Submissions of documents to the concerned authority

Once all documents are available, they have to be submitted to Vietnam's Department of Labour. You will receive the support of your employer in the submission of documents and all formalities.

For Indian citizens, or any foreign national, the employer has to apply to the Department of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs. The application is made with supporting documents, which have to be submitted in advance 15 days before your date of intended start. It is always better to get it done 2-3 months in advance since it takes a period.

Step 4: Obtain the Visa Approval Letter

Your employer must secure a pre-approval letter from the local labour department. Once obtained, this letter allows you to apply for your work visa either at the Vietnamese embassy, consulate or on arrival, depending on the letter type.

Step 5: Apply for Your Work Visa

With the pre-approval letter, you can submit your work visa application at the nearest Vietnamese consulate or embassy. Alternatively, you may receive the visa on arrival at a designated port.

Step 6: Declare Temporary Residency

Upon arrival in Vietnam, you will be required to declare your temporary residency with the local police. A temporary residence permit will be issued within five days, valid for the same period as your visa.

Step 7: Work Permit Approval

After all documents are approved, your work permit will be issued and it is usually valid for two years and renewable afterwards.