Visa, Work Permit, and Temporary Residence Card are all essential documents for foreigners working in Vietnam. This article by DNP Viet Nam Law Firm explains the differences among them and lists the required documents to work legally in Vietnam.
1. Visa for Foreigners Working in Vietnam
A Visa is an entry document issued by the competent authority of Vietnam. It allows foreigners to enter and exit Vietnam within a certain period.
1.1 Purpose and Types of Visa
- Visas are classified based on entry purposes. The authorities will grant different types of visas to foreigners entering Vietnam for different reasons.
- To work legally, foreigners must enter Vietnam with a work visa. A tourist visa does not allow legal employment in Vietnam. In other words, the authorities do not allow a tourist visa holder to work until they convert to the correct visa type or obtain additional required documents.
1.2 Validity of Visa
- Vietnam visas usually have a short validity, from 1 month to 12 months. The exact period depends on visa type and entry purpose. In some special cases, the authorities may grant visas for longer terms under the law.
- Visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry. A single-entry visa becomes invalid after leaving Vietnam. A multiple-entry visa allows several entries and exits within its validity.
2. Work Permit for Foreigners in Vietnam
2.1 Conditions for Work Permit
To obtain a Work Permit, a foreign worker must meet basic requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old and have full legal capacity.
- Have professional skills, qualifications, or work experience suitable for the job.
- Be in good health, proven by a medical check.
- Have no criminal record, not under criminal investigation or sentence in Vietnam or abroad.
- A Vietnamese enterprise or organization must recruit and sponsor (the foreigner/applicant). The employer must also obtain approval for hiring foreigners (for example, a written approval from the provincial People’s Committee, under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP).
2.2 Validity of Work Permit
- A Work Permit is granted for a maximum of 2 years. The exact term depends on the labor contract, assignment decision, or project duration. However, it cannot exceed 24 months.
- When the permit expires, the authorities may renew or reissue it. In practice, continuous employment usually cannot exceed 4 years in the same position. After 2 years, a new permit is required.
2.3 Cases of Work Permit Exemption
In some special cases, foreigners are exempt from Work Permit. Article 154 of the 2019 Labor Code and Decree 152/2020/ND-CP list the exemptions.
3. Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners in Vietnam
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is issued by the Immigration Department or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It allows foreigners to reside in Vietnam for a long period.
3.1 Conditions for TRC
- Hold a valid work visa.
- Have a valid Work Permit or a Work Permit exemption certificate.
- Have a passport valid for at least 13 months. This ensures that the authorities can issue the TRC for 12 months or more.
- Complete local residence registration as required.
3.2 Validity and Benefits of TRC
- A TRC for foreign workers usually lasts 1 to 2 years depending on the visa and work permit.
- The TRC serves as a legal residence permit. With a TRC, foreigners only need to show the card with their passport for entry and exit. It also saves time by avoiding frequent visa extensions.
4. What Documents Are Required for Foreigners to Work in Vietnam?
- Visa: First, foreigners need the correct visa purpose for work or business. The visa is the legal basis for entry and short-term stay. It also supports later labor and residence procedures.
- Work Permit: This is mandatory for legal employment, unless the foreigner qualifies for exemption. Employers and employees should apply for a Work Permit immediately after entry with the correct visa. Working without a permit is illegal and subject to heavy penalties.
- Temporary Residence Card: For long-term stay, a TRC is required. It replaces the need to extend visas repeatedly and allows multiple entries during employment.
Comparison Table
| Criteria | Visa | Work Permit | Temporary Residence Card |
| Purpose | Entry, short-term stay | Legal employment | Long-term residence, visa substitute |
| Authority | Immigration Dept. or Vietnam Consulate | Department of Labor (provincial) | Immigration Department |
| Validity | 1–12 months, some up to 5 years | Up to 2 years, reissued after expiry | 1–2 years, max 2 years |
| Conditions | Valid passport, sponsor, clear purpose | Age, health, skills, employer approval | Valid visa, work permit, passport >13 months |
| If missing | Cannot enter or work legally | Illegal employment, risk of expulsion | Must extend visa often, risk of fine or expulsion |
Visa, Work Permit, and Temporary Residence Card are three essential documents for foreigners who wish to work long-term in Vietnam. Each serves a different function but complements the others. Together, they ensure legal entry, legal employment, and legal residence. Preparing the correct documents helps foreigners comply with Vietnamese law. It also provides stability and peace of mind while living and working in Vietnam.
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