Work permit renewal in Vietnam

Start 45 days ahead

This lead time accounts for the preparation of required documents, potential need for notarization or consular legalization, and the processing period by the labor authorities, which is typically up to 5-10 working days after a complete application is received. Submitting too early (more than 45 days) might not be accepted, while submitting too late risks the current permit expiring.

The process

1. 1Verify the eligibility criteria for renewal, which typically requires the existing work permit to be valid for at least 5 to 15 days but not more than 45 days prior to its expiration.
2. 2Prepare all necessary documents, including the application for re-issuance of the work permit, the original valid work permit, certified copies of the passport and visa/residence card, health check certificate, criminal record check, and documents proving the foreign worker continues to meet the job requirements.
3. 3Ensure all foreign documents are legalized by the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin and translated into Vietnamese by a competent authority.
4. 4Submit the complete application dossier to the provincial Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (Sở Lao động - Thương binh và Xã hội) where the employer is headquartered.
5. 5Await the processing of the application by the authorities. The department typically issues a renewed work permit within a specified number of working days after receiving a complete and valid application.
6. 6Collect the renewed work permit from the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs.

What to bring

• Application form for re-issuance of work permit (Form No. 11/PLI, Circular 15/2023/TT-BLDTBXH)
• Original valid work permit or certified copy of the valid work permit
• Health check certificate issued within the last 12 months by an authorized hospital in Vietnam or abroad
• Certified copies of passport and valid visa/temporary residence card
• Criminal record check certificate issued within the last 6 months (from country of origin and/or Vietnam, as applicable)
• Documents proving the foreign worker continues to meet the job requirements (e.g., degree certificates, professional experience confirmation)
• Employer's business registration certificate or investment license (certified copy)
• Approval document for employing foreign workers (if applicable, though often integrated into the work permit process)

Who handles it

Bộ Lao động - Thương binh và Xã hội (Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs) and local Departments of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (Sở Lao động - Thương binh và Xã hội)

Fees for work permit re-issuance vary by province and are subject to change. It is necessary to confirm the current fee schedule with the local Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs at the time of application.

What commonly goes wrong

• Failing to submit the application within the stipulated timeframe (not too early, not too late) can lead to rejection and potential requirement to apply for a new work permit.
• Incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents, especially regarding notarization, consular legalization, and Vietnamese translation, are common reasons for delays or rejection.
• Ensuring the foreign worker continues to meet all criteria for the job position, as authorities may re-evaluate qualifications during renewal.
• Being aware of changes in regulations: labor laws and procedures are occasionally updated, so checking the latest requirements before starting the process is crucial.

Sources

This guide is based on one official source.

• Circular No. 15/2023/TT-BLDTBXH guiding the implementation of a number of articles of the Labour Code on foreign workers in Vietnam thuvienphapluat.vn