Duratum

Guides · Vietnam

Work permit renewal in Vietnam

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Bộ Lao động – Thương binh và Xã hội (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs) or the provincial/city Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (Sở Lao động – Thương binh và Xã hội).

Renewing a Vietnamese work permit involves submitting an application to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) or the Management Board of Industrial Parks/Export Processing Zones before the current permit expires. The process typically requires updated documents from both the employer and the employee.

Your timing

It is generally advisable to initiate the renewal process at least 45 days before the current work permit's expiration date. This allows ample time for document preparation, submission, and processing by the authorities, helping to avoid any gaps in legal employment status.

Start 45 days ahead

To account for document preparation, administrative review, and potential processing delays by the authorities.

The process

  1. 1Verify eligibility for renewal: The work permit can generally be extended only once for a maximum period of two years, provided the employer still has a demand for foreign workers and the foreign worker meets the conditions for working in Vietnam.
  2. 2Prepare required documents: Gather all necessary documents, including the application form, the original expiring work permit, a valid passport, a health check certificate, criminal record check (if applicable, or a declaration of no criminal record from the worker and employer), and employer-related documents.
  3. 3Submit the application: The employer or a legally authorized representative submits the complete application dossier to the provincial/city Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) or the Management Board of Industrial Parks/Export Processing Zones.
  4. 4Pay the processing fee: A fee for processing the work permit extension application must be paid upon submission or as instructed by the authority.
  5. 5Await processing and approval: The authorities will review the application and, if approved, issue a renewed work permit. The processing time is typically several working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier.
  6. 6Receive the renewed work permit: Once processed, the employer or authorized representative collects the renewed work permit.

What to bring

  • Application form for work permit re-issuance (Form No. 11/PLI, as per Decree 152/2020/ND-CP or latest regulations)
  • Original work permit that is about to expire
  • Passport copy (validity often required for at least 6 months beyond the requested work permit renewal period)
  • Health check certificate (issued within the last 12 months, from a designated medical facility in Vietnam or overseas)
  • Criminal record certificate/police check (if the original work permit required one and the worker has not resided continuously in Vietnam, or a declaration of no criminal record from the worker and employer, as per specific regulations)
  • Documents proving the foreign worker meets the conditions for working in Vietnam (e.g., degree, professional certificate, confirmation of experience, depending on job role)
  • Employer's business registration certificate or investment license (certified copy)
  • Labor demand explanation report (explaining the need for foreign workers, approved by the relevant authority, if applicable)
  • Other documents as required by specific regulations or the local DOLISA (e.g., photo of the applicant, power of attorney if submitted by a third party)

Who handles it

Bộ Lao động – Thương binh và Xã hội (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs) or the provincial/city Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (Sở Lao động – Thương binh và Xã hội)

https://www.molisa.gov.vn/Pages/Trangchu.aspx

The fee for processing a work permit renewal application is set by provincial/city people's committees and can vary. It is advisable to confirm the exact amount with the local Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs at the time of application.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Missing the application deadline: Applying too late can result in the current work permit expiring, which may require applying for a new work permit rather than a renewal, or lead to complications with legal residency and employment.
  • Incomplete or incorrect documentation: Any missing or improperly prepared documents can cause delays or rejection of the application, necessitating resubmission.
  • Eligibility for renewal: Not all work permits are eligible for renewal, and there are conditions such as the employer's continued need for the foreign worker and the worker's continued eligibility. The permit can generally only be extended once for up to two years.
  • Health check and criminal record validity: Ensure health checks and criminal records (if required) are current and meet the validity periods specified by Vietnamese regulations.

Sources

Other documents in Vietnam

Work permit renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

Don't rely on remembering

Add this document to Duratum and we'll tell you when to start, and remind you before it matters.

Track my Work permit