VIETNAM WORK PERMIT ISSUANCE IN SPECIAL CASES: REQUIREMENTS, DOCUMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS

Tuesday, 18/08/26

Not all foreign workers in Vietnam follow the same process for obtaining a Work Permit. In certain special cases, the applicable requirements and supporting documents may differ from the standard procedure. Therefore, identifying the applicable case is an important step before preparing the application. Understanding the requirements and procedures from the outset will help employers prepare a complete and accurate application and ensure a smoother Work Permit application process.

HOW TO DETERMINE WHETHER YOU QUALIFY FOR VIETNAM WORK PERMIT ISSUANCE IN SPECIAL CASES?

Before submitting an application for a Work Permit, it is important to determine whether your case falls under the standard category or a special category. Typically, when applying for a new Work Permit with a new company, you will need to apply under a standard Work Permit issuance.

However, according to Article 20 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, you may be eligible for a Work Permit under a special category if your employment situation falls into one of the following three cases:

Case 1: Change of Employer
You already hold a valid Work Permit and wish to work for another employer while maintaining the same job position and job title as stated in your current Work Permit.
Case 2: Change of Job Position or Working form
You wish to continue working for the same employer, but your job position or working form will change from what is stated in your current Work Permit.
Case 3: Continued Working after Work Permit Extension
You are an expert or technical worker whose Work Permit has already been extended once, and you wish to continue working in the same job position and under the same job title as stated in your current Work Permit. This is the most common of the three scenarios.

Pleae be noted that if your situation does not fall under any of the three cases above, your application would generally follow the standard Work Permit issuance procedure and requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR VIETNAM WORK PERMIT ISSUANCE IN SPECIAL CASES

Required documents need for each special cases
Case 1: Change of Employer When this applies: Foreign employee changes to another employer while maintaining the relevant job position/field.	Confirmation from the previous employer stating that the foreign national is currently employed; Copy of current Work Permit; Documents proving status as a manager, executive according to clause 1, 2 Article 18 of this Decree; Documents proving the new working form according to clause 6 Article 18 of this Decree.
Case 2: Change of Job Position / Working Form When this applies: Foreign employee remains with the same employer but changes the job position or working form.	Documents proving the new job position according Article 19 of this Decree if changing to new job position; Documents proving the new working form according to clause 6 Article 18 of this Decree; Copy of previous Work Permit.
Case 3: Continued Employment When this applies: Foreign employee whose Work Permit has been extended wishes to continue working for the current employer in the same position/field.	Copy of previous Work Permit; Vietnam Health Check Documents proving status as a manager, executive according to clause 1, 2 Article 18 of this Decree.
General documents required for all cases
Work permit application; 2 color photos (4 cm x 6 cm, white background, straight face, bare head, no colored glasses), taken no more than 06 months prior to the application date; Valid Passport with all pages scanning of the foreign employee.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR VIETNAM WORK PERMIT ISSUANCE IN SPECIAL CASES

The application process for Work Permits in special cases generally follows the standard Work Permit application procedure:

Step 1: Job Posting
Step 2: Work Permit Application Submission

For the detailed procedure, please refer to our Vietnam Work Permit Application Procedure

IMPORTANT NOTES BEFORE APPLYING FOR AND AFTER RECEIVING A VIETNAM WORK PERMIT

Before Applying Work Permit

Determine the job position, working form, and applicable requirements appropriate to each specific employee case.
Ensure that the passport is valid and the information matches the submitted documents.
Ensure the passport is valid and the information matches the submitted documents (e.g., health check, working experience certificate, appointment letters, transfer letters, etc.).
Documents issued abroad must undergo consular legalization, unless an exemption applies.Submit the application on time.
Plan the submission to ensure documents are filed within the prescribed timeframe prior to the employee commencing work. For new work permit applications, the dossier must be submitted at least 10 days but no more than 60 days before the start date of employment.

After Receiving Work Permit

Sign a labor contract in accordance with regulations before the foreign worker begins work, if applying for a work permit under the form of a labor contract.
Upon obtaining the work permit, the foreign worker and their sponsored company can proceed with the application process for a Temporary Residence Card or a long-term visa.
Monitor the validity period of the work permit and arrange for its renewal or the application for a new permit as necessary.

📞 NEED ASSISTANCE WITH YOUR VIETNAM WORK PERMIT?

Applying for a Vietnam Work Permit involves multiple requirements and documents. If you are unsure about the procedure or need professional assistance, Visa5s.com can support you with:

Guidance on the documents required for your specific Work Permit case
Advice on whether you need a new Work Permit, reissuance, renewal, or extension
Assistance with preparing Form 3 and other required documents
Support with submitting the application to the Department of Home Affairs
Monitoring the application status and following up with the relevant authorities

👉 Contact Visa5s.com today for fast and accurate Vietnam work permit services.

RELATED ARTICLES TO VIETNAM'S WORK PERMIT & TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD

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VIETNAM WORK PERMIT ISSUANCE IN SPECIAL CASES: REQUIREMENTS, DOCUMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS

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