How to Apply for a Work Permit as a Foreign Teacher in Vietnam: A Step-by-Step Guide

Vietnam remains one of the most attractive destinations in Asia for foreign English teachers. With strong demand for English education and a clear legal framework for foreign workers, Vietnam offers stable long-term teaching opportunities. However, to work legally, foreign teachers must obtain a valid work permit.

This guide explains how to apply for a work permit as a foreign teacher in Vietnam, including eligibility requirements, required documents, and the overall process.

1. Who Needs a Work Permit to Teach in Vietnam?

Most foreign teachers working in Vietnam for more than three months are required to have a work permit. This applies to teachers working at English centers, public schools, international or bilingual schools, and education companies.

Short-term or volunteer roles may be exempt in some cases, but reputable employers generally require a work permit to ensure legal employment.

2. Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a work permit as a foreign teacher in Vietnam, applicants must meet several basic conditions.

Education requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university
- The degree does not need to be in education or English

Teaching qualification:
- A TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate
- A minimum of 120 hours is strongly preferred

Work experience:
- Teaching experience is preferred but not always mandatory
- Some provinces may request proof of experience depending on the school type

Legal and health requirements:
- A clean criminal background check
- A medical check that meets Vietnamese regulations

3. Documents Required for a Vietnam Work Permit

The exact list of documents may vary slightly by province, but generally includes the following.

Personal documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity
- Passport-sized photos

Education and qualification documents:
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA certificate

Legal documents:
- Criminal background check from the home country or Vietnam
- Medical check certificate issued by an approved hospital

Employer-provided documents:
- Employment contract
- Business license of the employer
- Explanation of the need for a foreign teacher

All documents issued outside Vietnam must be legalized and translated into Vietnamese.

4. Criminal Background Check: What You Need to Know

Vietnam accepts criminal background checks from the teacher’s home country or from Vietnam if the teacher has lived in the country for six months or longer.

Important points to note:
- The document must be legalized and translated
- Processing time can take several weeks
- The record must show no serious criminal history

This document is mandatory and cannot be skipped.

5. Medical Check Requirements

A medical check is required to confirm that the teacher is fit for work.

The medical check usually includes:
- General physical examination
- Blood tests
- Chest X-ray
- Basic infectious disease screening

Most teachers complete the medical check in Vietnam at a designated hospital. The certificate is typically valid for twelve months.

6. Legalization and Translation of Documents

Document legalization is one of the most important steps in the work permit process.

The typical legalization process includes:
1. Notarization in the home country
2. Authentication by the relevant authority
3. Legalization by a Vietnamese embassy or consulate
4. Translation into Vietnamese by a certified translator

Incomplete or incorrect legalization is one of the most common causes of delays.

7. Work Permit Application Process in Vietnam

The work permit application is usually handled by the employer, but teachers should understand each step.

Step 1: Job offer and contract  
The employer issues a formal job offer and prepares internal documentation.

Step 2: Document preparation  
The teacher submits all required legalized and translated documents.

Step 3: Application submission  
The employer submits the application to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Step 4: Review and approval  
Processing usually takes seven to fifteen working days, depending on the province.

Step 5: Work permit issuance  
Once approved, the work permit is issued and is usually valid for up to two years.

8. Work Permit Validity and Renewal

A Vietnam work permit is typically valid for up to twenty-four months.

Renewal usually requires:
- Continued employment with the same employer
- An updated medical check
- A valid passport

Teachers should begin the renewal process well before the permit expires.

9. Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

After receiving a work permit, teachers can apply for a Temporary Residence Card.

Benefits of a TRC include:
- Legal long-term residence in Vietnam
- No need for frequent visa runs
- Easier entry and exit from the country

TRCs are usually valid for one to two years and are sponsored by the employer.

10. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common issues that cause delays or rejection include:
- Incomplete document legalization
- Using unrecognized or low-quality TEFL certificates
- Working before the work permit is approved
- Relying on employers who do not provide legal sponsorship

Choosing a reputable employer is essential.

11. Why Legal Employment Matters in Vietnam

Working legally protects foreign teachers by providing:
- Valid employment contracts
- Stable and predictable income
- Access to residence cards
- Reduced risk of fines or deportation

Legal employment also supports long-term career development in Vietnam.

12. Find Legal Teaching Jobs in Vietnam with Giscoo Job Hub

Giscoo Job Hub connects foreign teachers with verified schools and English centers in Vietnam that provide proper work permit support.

On Giscoo Job Hub, teachers can:
- View jobs that clearly state work permit assistance
- Filter positions by location and school type
- Apply directly to trusted employers
- Start the work permit process with confidence

Understanding the work permit process is the first step toward teaching English legally and successfully in Vietnam.