Socialist Republic of Vietnam · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Work Visa (LD) and Work Permit
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Employer-sponsored work visa (LD) paired with a MoLISA work permit, the standard route for foreign employees in Vietnam.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - confirm current timelines on the official portal.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - government fees apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Work permits are commonly issued for up to about two years, with the LD visa and any residence card aligned to the permit.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Foreign nationals working in Vietnam normally need both a work permit, issued by the labour authorities (MoLISA / its local departments), and a corresponding LD work visa, sponsored by the employer. The work permit authorises the employment and is generally a prerequisite for the visa and for a temporary residence card. The route is tied to a specific employer and role. With a valid work permit and visa, holders can usually obtain a temporary residence card, and longer continuous residence can open a permanent-residence pathway.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓A job offer from a Vietnamese employer who will sponsor the work permit and LD visa.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
- ✓A work permit issued by the labour authorities (MoLISA / local department), or a valid exemption confirmation.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
- ✓Qualifications and experience meeting the requirements for the role (such as expert or manager criteria).Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
- ✓A passport with the required validity and no immigration or security objection.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
Common blockers
- !No Vietnamese employer sponsor or no underlying work permit / exemption.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
- !A role or applicant that does not meet the expert, manager or technical-worker criteria.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
- !Working on a business or e-visa, which does not authorise employment.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and personal particulars.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
- ·Labour contract or assignment letter from the employer.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
- ·Work permit (or exemption confirmation) from the labour authorities.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
- ·Qualification certificates, experience confirmation and required health check.Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the role qualifies for a foreign worker and that the employer will sponsor the work permit and visa.
Build the evidence pack
Obtain the MoLISA work permit (or exemption) and assemble the labour contract, qualifications and health check.
Submit through the official channel
The employer sponsors the LD work visa, and where eligible the temporary residence card, through the Immigration Department.
After approval
Enter and take up employment, obtain a temporary residence card where eligible, and renew alongside the work permit.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Work Visa (LD) and Work Permit route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Work Visa (LD) and Work Permit.
Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) · verified
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Related routes
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Residence card that lets eligible visa holders live in Vietnam for a multi-year period without repeated visa renewals.
Investor Visa (DT1-DT4)
Tiered investor visa (DT1 to DT4) for foreign investors and representatives, graded by the amount of capital contributed.
Permanent Residence Card
Vietnam's permanent residence status for qualifying long-term residents, including certain family of Vietnamese citizens and contributors.
Family / Dependent Visa (TT)
Dependent visa for the spouse, children or parents of certain visa holders or of Vietnamese citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a work permit as well as the LD visa?+
Yes. The work permit, issued by the labour authorities, authorises your employment and is generally required before or alongside the LD work visa, which the employer sponsors. Confirm the current sequence and any exemptions on the official immigration page.
Can the work route lead to permanent residence?+
A valid work permit and LD visa let most holders obtain a temporary residence card, and after sufficient continuous lawful residence some may qualify for a permanent residence card. Check the current qualifying conditions on the official immigration page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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