Hire International Employees in Vietnam with Confidence
Vietnam has become an increasingly attractive destination for foreign investment and international talent. Businesses expanding into the country often need to relocate executives, recruit specialists, or hire skilled professionals from overseas. Before foreign employees can legally work in Vietnam, employers must comply with local immigration and labour regulations.
FastLaneRecruit helps businesses navigate the work permit and visa process with confidence. Our team provides practical guidance on documentation, compliance requirements, and workforce solutions, helping employers reduce administrative burdens while staying aligned with Vietnam’s employment regulations.
Vietnam population
102,262,427
Official language
Vietnamese
Capital city
Hanoi
Official currency
Vietnamese đồng (₫) (VND)
Types of Work Visa in Vietnam
Foreign nationals generally need an appropriate visa before entering Vietnam. The visa category depends on the purpose of travel, while long-term employment usually requires an approved work permit in addition to the relevant entry visa.
LD Visa (Labor Visa)
Issued directly to foreign employees working legally for established companies or organizations in Vietnam.
For most long-term employment arrangements, international employees will require both an LD visa and an approved work permit before commencing work in the country.
DN Visa (Business Visa)
Designed specifically for individuals conducting short-term business activities, meetings, or consultations with local Vietnamese companies and enterprises.
DT Visa (Investor Visa)
Tailored for foreign investors and legal representatives of international businesses investing in or establishing capital in Vietnam.
HN & DH Visas (Events & Study)
HN Visa: Issued for individuals attending conferences, seminars, meetings, and official events across Vietnam.
DH Visa: Allocated to foreign students, researchers, and interns participating in academic programs or institutional training.
LV & NG Visas (Official & Diplomatic)
LV Visa: Designated for individuals collaborating or working directly with Vietnamese government agencies and state authorities.
NG Visa: Issued for diplomatic personnel, consular missions, and official government assignments.
For most long-term employment arrangements, international employees will require both an LD visa and an approved work permit before commencing work. Get expert advice on selecting the right work visa for your employees.
Get Expert Advice on Work Visas →Who Is Eligible for a Vietnam Work Permit?
Vietnam issues work permits to foreign professionals whose skills and expertise cannot easily be sourced within the domestic labour market.
Local Recruitment & Compliance Requirements
Employers are generally expected to prioritise local hiring before recruiting international employees into key roles.
Recent labour regulations require employers to demonstrate efforts to recruit qualified Vietnamese candidates before offering certain positions to foreign nationals. Supporting evidence of local recruitment activities may form part of the work permit application process.
Eligible Foreign Worker Categories
Documents Required for a Vietnam Work Permit
Preparing complete and accurate documentation is one of the most important steps in the application process. While requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances, employers should generally prepare the following documents:
- Completed work permit application form
- Valid passport and certified copies
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Health certificate or medical examination report
- Criminal record certificate where applicable
- Academic qualifications and professional certificates
- Evidence of relevant work experience
- Employer documents required by the Vietnamese authorities
Submitting complete documentation helps minimise processing delays and reduces the likelihood of additional requests from the authorities.
Vietnam Work Permit Application Process
Obtaining a work permit requires coordination between both the employer and the foreign employee. Since approval timelines can vary, businesses should begin preparations well in advance of the intended employment start date.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers are generally responsible for:
- Assessing whether the position qualifies for foreign employment
- Completing any required local labour market procedures
- Preparing employer documentation
- Submitting the work permit application to the relevant labour authority
- Supporting employees throughout the immigration process
Employee Responsibilities
Foreign employees typically need to:
- Complete the required application forms
- Provide passport and personal identification documents
- Submit health examination reports
- Provide criminal record certificates where required
- Submit educational qualifications and employment records
Why Choose FastLaneRecruit for Vietnam Work Permit Services?
Managing work permits independently can be time-consuming and challenging, particularly for companies unfamiliar with Vietnam’s employment regulations. FastLaneRecruit provides practical support to help businesses navigate every stage of the process with greater efficiency and confidence.
Our specialists assist employers with work permit guidance, work visa support, employment compliance, and international hiring solutions. For companies looking to enter the Vietnamese market without establishing a local entity, our Employer of Record (EOR) services provide a faster and more flexible alternative. Through our EOR solution, you can legally hire employees in Vietnam while we manage local employment compliance, payroll administration, and HR obligations on your behalf.
Book a Free Consultation →Our Vietnam Services
- Vietnam work permit support
- Work visa Vietnam assistance
- Employer of Record (EOR) services
- International recruitment
- Employment compliance advisory
- Payroll support
- HR administration
Expand With Confidence
Whether you are hiring a single specialist or building an entire team, FastLaneRecruit provides the local expertise and practical support you need to expand into Vietnam.
