Why is it necessary to fully legalize labor?
Every employee — Vietnamese or foreign — working at an enterprise needs to sign a labor contract, pay insurance, and (for foreigners) have a valid work permit. Missing any element can cause the business to be subject to administrative sanctions, or even suspension of operations of the relevant position.
1. What do you need to apply for a work permit?
Usually includes: application for work permit, criminal record, health certificate, professional degree/certificate (consular legalization if issued abroad), labor contract or document sending to work, and document approving the need to use foreign workers from the competent authority.
2. How long does processing take?
Actual processing time depends on the licensing agency and the completeness of the dossier, usually lasting several weeks. Preparing complete and valid documents right from the beginning is the most effective way to shorten time.
3. Common errors cause documents to be returned
- Foreign degrees/certificates that have not been consularly legalized or notarized translation.
- Work experience does not match the registered position or lacks confirmation from a previous employer.
- Have not asked for written approval for the need to use foreign workers before submitting the application.
- Information on documents is inconsistent (name, date of birth, passport).
4. Temporary residence card for foreign experts
After obtaining a work permit, foreign experts need to apply for a temporary residence card (instead of renewing their visa multiple times) to conveniently travel and work long-term in Vietnam.
5. Should I do it myself or hire a professional service?
For businesses recruiting foreign workers for the first time, hiring a professional labor legalization service helps avoid errors, shorten time and ensure compliance with the constantly changing regulations of Vietnamese labor law.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a penalty for not applying for a work permit? Yes. Employing foreign workers without a valid work permit may be subject to administrative sanctions and forced deportation of the worker in some cases.
What cases are exempt from work permits? Some specific cases are exempted according to current regulations — Nhân Kiệt will review specific documents to advise accurately for each case.