Work permits and Visas in Vietnam

Foreigners working in Vietnam must obtain a work permit, unless they qualify under an exemption case (such as foreigners working in Vietnam for less than 3 months offering services or handling complicated technical issues that affect production or business, which cannot be handled by Vietnamese or foreign experts in Vietnam). Work permits are also required for foreign employees being dispatched to Vietnam for the implementation of projects in Vietnam (except for ODA-funded projects where exemption of work permit may be granted to foreign experts subject to certain conditions).

The term of the work permit shall be the employment contractual term, but it should not exceed 2 years.

In addition to work permits and normal visas, foreigners working in Vietnam might need to obtain business visas and temporary resident cards, where required. Temporary resident cards, which enable longer term stays, are available for up to 2 years and are subject to renewal. The cards also permit multiple entries and exits.

(From Guide to Doing Business in Asia Pacific 2016-2017 - © Mazars Group and Mazars in Vietnam)