Vietnam Work Permit Extension: A Quick & Easy Guide for Foreigners

Living and working in Vietnam? Wondering how to have your Vietnam work permit extension done? This article by Thao & Co. will answer all your questions about the process, from required documents to timelines.

We’ll break it down for you, so you know exactly what to expect. No need to worry about navigating a complicated procedure – we’ve got you covered!

Requirements for Work Permit Extension in Vietnam

To extend your work permit in Vietnam, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements:

1. ● Your current work permit needs to be nearing its expiry. It must be valid for at least five days but no more than 45 days before you apply for the extension.
2. ● Your employer needs the green light to hire foreigners. They’ll need approval from the relevant authorities to employ foreign workers.
3. ● Proof of continued employment is key. You’ll need documents showing you’re still working for the same employer and in the same position as stated in your current work permit.

How long does it take to apply for extension of work permit in Vietnam?

The good news? The authorities typically process applications within five working days. And if they do have to deny your application, they’ll explain why so you can address any issues and try again.

For express postal delivery, expect an additional 2-5 days to the processing timeframe. Don’t wait until the last minute. To avoid any disruptions to your work, aim to apply for a Vietnam work visa extension well before your current visa and permit expire.

Where can you apply for extending your work permit in Vietnam?

To hire a foreign employee, employers need to take a two-step application process with the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. First, they’ll need approval to recruit foreign workers. Then, they can submit a Vietnam work permit application for the specific employee.

Depending on where you’re located, you can apply for your work permit extension at:

1. ● Hanoi: Department of Employment, under the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs.
2. Address: 3, Lane 7, Ton That Thuyet Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
3. ● Ho Chi Minh City: Department of Employment under the Ministry of Labors, Invalids and Social Affairs.
4. Address: 17 Nguyen Gia Thieu Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
5. ● Other provinces: Provincial Departments of the Ministry of Labors – Invalids and Social Affairs.

What documents are required for your work permit extension in Vietnam?

To ensure a smooth application process, here’s what you’ll need to submit: a complete application dossier containing the following documents:

1. ● Application form for work permit extension
2. ● Two 4×6 cm colored photos (white background, taken within six months of the date of application)
3. ● Original valid work permit
4. ● Original approval for foreign labor recruitment (if applicable)
5. ● Certified copy of your valid passport
6. ● Original health check certificate (valid for at least 12 months): Get this from a certified medical facility in Vietnam.
7. ● Proof of continued employment: This can be various documents depending on your situation. Examples include economic contracts with Vietnamese partners, service agreements with foreign partners, or official correspondence from your employer.

Heads up!  Most foreign documents, except your passport, will need to be translated into Vietnamese and notarized by a local notary public in Vietnam. This ensures the authorities can easily understand your documents and process your application smoothly.

Extension procedure for a Vietnam work permit

Extending your work permit in Vietnam can be done in three simple steps:

1. ● Step 1: Gather your documents: Make sure you have everything on the checklist we provided earlier.
2. ● Step 2: Submit your application: Head to the Department of Employment under the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) in your city (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) before your current permit expires. There’s also a processing fee to pay, which can range from 400,000 to 600,000 VND depending on your location.
3. ● Step 3: Wait for the results: The MOLISA will process your application and let you know their decision. If your application gets denied, don’t worry! You’ll receive a written explanation outlining the specific reasons for the rejection.

Note: Once your work permit extension is approved, you and your employer will need to sign a new labor contract per Vietnamese law before you continue working.

Once you’ve signed the new contract, your employer will need to submit a certified copy (or the original) to the Department of Employment under MOLISA. This helps the Vietnamese government keep track of foreign workers in the country.

Do you need to translate your documents for work permit extension?

Remember, most documents in your application will need to be translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator. This ensures the authorities can easily understand the information and process your application efficiently. Keep in mind that documents from other countries might also need consular authentication and notarization.

Don’t underestimate the importance of accurate document translation and legalization. These steps ensure your application is clear and complete, which can significantly improve your chances of approval. Make sure all your documents are meticulously accurate and comply with Vietnamese legal requirements.

If you’re unsure about any steps or unfamiliar with Vietnamese regulations, consider seeking help from work permit experts. Feeling stressed about extending your work permit? At Thao & Co., we’ve been helping expats navigate Vietnam’s visa and work permit processes for years. We take the worry out of paperwork! Our team meticulously translates your documents and ensures they meet all the requirements set by the authorities.

Thao & Co.’s expert translation services streamline your work permit extension!  We offer comprehensive translation solutions specifically designed for foreigners extending their work permits in Vietnam. Here’s how we can help:

1. ● Our team of native linguists goes beyond language fluency. They possess in-depth legal knowledge and understand the specifics of Vietnamese work permit regulations.
2. ● We take pride in delivering flawless translations. Every document we handle goes through a rigorous quality check to ensure zero errors and complete confidence for your application.
3. ● We provide complimentary Certification of Translation Accuracy for all your documents.
4. ● We offer Certified + Notarized Translation and Consular Authentication Services for a streamlined experience. This saves you the hassle of running around and potentially reduces costs compared to managing these steps separately.
5. ● We understand the importance of meeting deadlines. That’s why we strictly adhere to the turnaround time we agree upon, ensuring your documents are ready exactly when you need them.
6. ● We guarantee strict data security protocols to ensure your peace of mind throughout the process.
7. ● We offer competitive rates upfront, with flexible payment options to suit your needs. No hidden fees, just clear pricing and a payment plan that works for you.
8. ● Our proprietary platform goes beyond just convenient file exchange. You’ll have 24/7 access to track your progress every step of the way.

Don’t let a bad translation derail your work permit extension! At Thao & Co., our legal translation specialists ensure your documents are accurate, clear, and compliant with Vietnamese regulations, keeping your application moving smoothly.

Get a free quote and speak to a Thao & Co. consultant today! Simply head over to our Get a Quote page and tell us about your needs. We’ll be happy to answer any questions and ensure you have all the support you need for a successful application.