10 Frequently asked questions about extending work permits in Vietnam

A Work Permit is one of the mandatory documents for foreigners to legally work in Vietnam. When the permit is about to expire, timely and compliant renewal is essential for foreign employees to continue their work without legal complications.

Below are the 10 most common questions that investors and foreign employees should know before proceeding with a work permit extension in Vietnam.

1. When should I submit the application for work permit extension?

According to regulations, employers must submit the application at least 5 to 45 days before the current work permit expires. Preparing early helps avoid work interruptions and ensures sufficient time for the authorities to process the application.

See also: New procedures for work permit issuance: Faster and simpler for foreigners

2. Who can submit the work permit extension application?

The employer (enterprise, organization, representative office, etc.) is responsible for submitting the application on behalf of the foreign employee. Foreign workers cannot submit the application themselves unless they have been legally authorized by their employer.

3. How many times can a work permit be extended?

According to Decree No. 152/2020/NĐ-CP, a work permit can only be extended once, for a maximum duration of two years. After the extended period expires, the foreign employee must apply for a new work permit if they wish to continue working in Vietnam.

4. What are the conditions for extending a work permit?

A foreign worker is eligible for renewal if:

• They continue working in the same position and for the same employer as stated in the current permit.
• The work permit is still valid for at least 5 days at the time of application submission.
• Supporting documents such as qualifications, work experience, and medical certificates remain valid.

5. What documents are required for the work permit extension?

A standard application includes:

• Application form for work permit extension (in the prescribed format).
• Original expiring work permit.
• Valid health check certificate (issued within the past 12 months).
• Valid passport and visa.
• Two recent 4x6 cm photos (white background, taken within the last 6 months).
• Documents proving the foreign employee continues to hold the same job position.

Depending on the local authority, additional documents such as an employment contract or appointment decision may be required.

6. How long does it take to process the application?

Typically, the processing time is 5 to 7 working days from the date the complete and valid application is received. However, in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, the process may take longer due to the high volume of applications.

7. Can the job position be changed when renewing the work permit?

No. If there is any change in position, title, workplace, or employer, the foreign worker must apply for a new work permit extensions are not allowed in such cases.

8. What happens if the work permit expires before renewal?

If the work permit expires, the foreign employee is not allowed to continue working in Vietnam. The employer may face administrative fines ranging from VND 30 million to 75 million, depending on the severity of the violation. Therefore, it is crucial to submit the renewal application early to avoid legal risks.

9. After renewing the work permit, is it necessary to renew the visa or temporary residence card?

Yes. The work permit serves as the basis for issuing or renewing a visa or Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for the foreign employee. Once the work permit is extended, the employer should renew the corresponding visa or TRC to ensure valid residence status.

10. Can a consulting agency be authorized to handle the renewal procedure?

Absolutely. Employers may authorize a professional legal or visa consulting firm to handle the procedure on their behalf. This ensures that the documentation is accurate, the process is expedited, and errors when working with government agencies are minimized.

Extending a work permit is a crucial process that requires accurate documentation and strict compliance with Vietnamese labor laws. Preparing early and working with a trusted consulting firm helps both businesses and foreign employees maintain legal, stable, and smooth operations.

Zora Consulting - your reliable partner for foreign investors and professionals in Vietnam, offering comprehensive, fast, and transparent services for work permit renewal, visa, and temporary residence card procedures.