What Comes After Landing the Job?

Searching for a job in Vietnam while living abroad can be a difficult process, especially due to the long-distance traveling during the interview process. As previously reported by OneVietnam, searching for a job begins online and through personal networks. However, the process of transitioning to a job in Vietnam does not end with a job offer. Pass forward from when you finish the interview to the moment you receive a call from a strange number and find out that you have landed the job in Vietnam. Before rushing to bid farewell to your family and friends, pack your bags and hop on the next departing flight, there are several procedural items to take care of.

Based on recent changes in work permit regulations, which becomes effective in July 2010, Vietnam is exhibiting a preference for more highly skilled and specialized laborers. Since you were just offered a job, let’s hope that your new employer is familiar with the new regulations and have successfully dealt with similar work permit processes. Under the new regulations, the work permit process requires supplemental documents that are provided by authorities in the foreign country sometimes only upon physical requests. As one of OneVietnam’s readers attests to in the prior article, the process of obtaining a work permit can be tortuous. With the following information and guidance from your new employer, we hope that the transition to your new job goes more smoothly.

What Documents Will You Need to Provide?

• Application for issuance of work permit of the labor users
• Application for working in Vietnam
• Original copies of your diplomas and/or certifications, or written documentations from authorities of the foreign country attesting to your qualifications or experience
• Medical certificate issued in the foreign country
• Form of criminal record issued by an authority of the foreign country, which may need to be requested in person
• Resume based on a template provided by Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, with a photo attached
• Three additional color photos

Who is Exempt from Obtaining a Work Permit?

• Those entering Vietnam to work for a period of less than  three months, or entering to resolve an emergency situation which experts already residing in Vietnam are not able to resolve
• Members of the Board of Management or member’s council (in the case of a limited liability company) established under Vietnamese laws
• Manager of a representative office located in Vietnam
• Foreign lawyers with professional permits to practice in Vietnam

Assuming your documents are in accordance with required form, the application process should take about 15 days to complete. Thereafter, the work permit expires at the earlier of the 36 months from the issuance date, termination of the labor contract, or withdrawal by state authorities. For more specific details on how to obtain a work permit, please visit the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Please share with us your experience pertaining to the transition process to Vietnam.