Working permit, Temporary Resident card, and Working Visa in Vietnam
Working Permit, Resident card, and Working Visa in Vietnam
For legal stay and work in the territory of Vietnam, there's paperwork to obtain a work permit from the Labor Department of your province. This applies not only to employees but also to the founders of companies. Here is the useful link to changes in the employment of foreign and Vietnamese citizens, in companies with foreign investment, which came into effect on February 15, 2021.
From July 1, 2020, companies with an authorized capital of more than 3 billion VND (130 000 USD) will be able to receive a resident card for a period of 2, 3, and 5 years, the larger amount of the authorized capital, the longer the term of the issued resident cards. In the case that the authorized capital of the company is less than the specified one, it is possible for investors to obtain only an annual multiple-entry investment visa, or also a resident card, but as employees in their company.
Our experts will advise you on all issues related to obtaining long-term visa or TRC in Vietnam.
You can book a consultation by following the link below.
Book a consultation with an expert on obtaining long-term visa in Vietnam
People who have just arrived in Vietnam often ask what the difference is between Resident Cards and Working Visas for one year. Let’s clarify:
- You can cross the border of Vietnam at any time within the timeframe of your Working Visa or Resident Card;
- If you would like to buy a car or a motorbike you can use a Working Visa or a Resident Card;
- In order to apply for a visa to a third country at the consulate of that country in Vietnam, for example, Schengen, you can use a Working Visa or a Resident Card;
- For obtaining a driving license you can use a Working Visa or a Resident Card;
- You can obtain temporary admission for ten years if you extend your Resident Card for a third time.
Resident cards and working visas are issued to two categories of foreign citizens:
- 1) company members and members of their families;
2) employees and members of their families.
It is possible to change the status of a tourist visa to a work visa only for one of the two reasons indicated above.
In order to obtain a Resident Card you have to cross the Vietnamese border by invitation from your company on the basis of work (DN), and family members on the basis of an accompanying family member (TT, VR).
From July 1, 2020, your company or employer can change the status of your visa without leaving Vietnam. What does it mean? If you stayed in Vietnam as a tourist (DL visa status) and then you decided to open a company, you can change your tourist visa to an investment (DT) or work (LD) visa from your company without leaving Vietnam. This also applies to accompanying family members.
Documents required for obtaining Working Permit, Resident Card, or Working Visa in Vietnam:
For members of the company with an authorized capital of more than 130 000 USD:
- Certificate of registration of the Company (notarized);
- Passport valid not less than six months;
- The basis for issuing a resident card or working visa is a free-form notification sent to the Labor Department of the Province before 3 days the start of work;
- 2 color photos 2*3 on a white background;
- Registration of temporary stay (Landlord must provide).
For members of the company with an authorized capital of less than 130 000 USD and employees:
- Certificate of registration of the company (notarized);
- Passport valid not less than six months;
- Work permit issued by the Labor Department of the province - this is the basis for obtaining the Resident Card or Visa;
- 2 color photos 2*3 on a white background;
- Registration of temporary stay (Landlord must provide).
What do you need to get a work permit in Vietnam?
Obtain a quote for hiring foreign workers. The quote is also issued by the Department of Labor. After that, send a package of documents to the same Department for obtaining a work permit, according to the following list:
- Labor Contract;
- 4 color photos 4*6 on a white background;
- Medical Examination;
- Diploma -apostilled;
- Records about the last three years of working experience (workbook, a certificate from the last place of work) - notarized translation;
- Police clearance certificate - apostilled;
From February 15, 2021, investors with authorized capital are less than 130 000 USD can work in their company ONLY ON THE BASIS OF A WORKING PERMIT, as a hired employee!
Investors with authorized capital are less than 130 000 USD and who don't plan to work in the company can receive an annual multiple-entry investor visa. For obtaining this kind of visa you need only the company registration certificate.
For accompanying family members:
In case your spouses, children, parents, brothers, and sisters follow with you, they can obtain a Resident Card or visa based on your Resident Card or Working Visa for up to one year with the possibility of subsequent renewal. Supporting documents are required: marriage certificate, birth certificate of your kids, and your birth certificate.
- Passport valid not less than six months;
- 2 color photos 2*3 on a white background;
- Registration of temporary stay (landlord must provide);
- Translated and notarized certificate of registration of marriage (for spouses);
- Translated and notarized birth certificates (for children, parents, brothers, and sisters).
Turnaround time for Resident Card in Vietnam is from 30 to 40 days.
The price for issuing a resident card in Vietnam:
The prices for issuing a resident card depend on a number of related factors and the selected conditions for opening a company. Please check prices with our managers.