In Vietnam, a health certificate is an official document issued by an authorised medical examination and treatment facility. For foreign employees, it is generally required as part of a work permit application and may also be required for certain work permit exemption procedures. Employers should confirm the applicable requirements and arrange the health examination early as part of the work authorisation process.
Under the Labour Code 2019 and Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, foreign nationals working in Vietnam generally require a work permit unless they fall within an applicable exemption. Where a health certificate is required, employers should check that it meets the relevant requirements and is no more than 12 months old at the time of submission. Confirming the correct work permit or exemption route early can help employers plan the process and reduce the risk of delays.
What Is a Health Certificate in Vietnam?
A Health Check Certificate in Vietnam is an official document that confirms an individual is free from several contagious diseases, including:
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Leprosy
- HIV/AIDS
- Drug addiction
- Mental illness
This certificate, valid for one year from the date of issuance, is essential for anyone applying for a work permit or a long-term visa in Vietnam. It records the examination results and the individual's health classification in accordance with the applicable Vietnamese health standards.
The primary purpose of this certificate is to ensure public health and safety by identifying and isolating individuals who may carry infectious diseases, thereby preventing potential outbreaks.
Criteria for Issuing a Valid Health Check Certificate in Vietnam
A foreign employee may work legally in Vietnam only with a health certificate issued by a medical facility authorised to conduct the required examination. Employers should also verify that the certificate satisfies the requirements of the applicable work permit or exemption procedure and that it will be no more than 12 months old on the date of submission. The certificate is intended to identify potential carriers and support measures that prevent the transmission of communicable diseases within the community.
Requirements for a Vietnam Work Permit Health Check
Under Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, employers should first confirm whether a foreign employee needs a work permit or qualifies for an exemption. Where a health certificate is required, it must be issued by an eligible medical facility and be no more than 12 months old when the application is submitted.
A work permit may be issued for up to two years, depending on the applicable basis. Foreign workers must generally:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have the qualifications and skills required for the position.
- Meet the applicable health requirements.
- Not be serving a sentence, have an unspent conviction or be under criminal prosecution under Vietnamese or foreign law.
Once a complete and valid application has been submitted, the competent authority generally processes the work permit application within 10 working days. Employers should also allow time for the medical examination and for the health certificate to be issued before submitting the application.
Who Needs a Health Certificate?
Foreign employees generally need a health certificate when applying for a work permit in Vietnam, unless the applicable procedure allows the health examination result to be retrieved through the relevant health information system. A health certificate may also be required for certain work permit exemption procedures.
Before arranging the examination, employers should confirm which requirements apply to the employee's specific work authorisation route. This helps ensure the right documents are prepared before the application is submitted.
Preparing for the Health Check
Before booking the examination, employers should confirm that the chosen medical facility is authorised to conduct the required health examination and issue the relevant documentation.
What to prepare
- A valid passport or other accepted identification
- A recent (4cm x 6cm) photograph with a white background, taken within the previous six months
- The required health examination form, where applicable
The employee should check that their name, passport details and other personal information are recorded correctly before the certificate is issued. Under the Ministry of Health's adult health examination requirements, the photograph is attached to the examination form and verified by the medical facility.
Medical Tests to Expect
The health check involves a review of the employee's medical history and examinations recorded on the applicable adult health examination form. Depending on the facility's assessment, it may also include:
- blood and urine tests
- a chest X-ray or other investigations.
The examining clinician may request additional tests where needed to reach a medical conclusion. Employers should confirm the examination package and any preparation instructions with the facility when booking. At the same time, employees should tell the medical team about relevant conditions, medications and any concerns about a proposed test. The facility can advise whether fasting or other preparation is necessary.
Can a Health Certificate Issued Overseas Be Used?
A health certificate issued by a foreign medical establishment is not automatically accepted for a Vietnam work permit application. Under Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, a certificate issued overseas may be used where Vietnam and the country or territory that issued the certificate have a treaty or agreement providing for mutual recognition, provided the certificate meets the applicable validity requirements.
In April 2026, the Government's official information portal reported that no international treaties or agreements for mutual recognition of health certificates with other countries had been identified under the relevant framework at that time. Employers should therefore check the current position before relying on an overseas health certificate.
How to Get a Health Certificate for a Vietnam Work Permit
Step 1: Confirm the work authorisation route
Check whether the employee requires a work permit or qualifies for an exemption.
Step 2: Confirm whether a health certificate is required
Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, check whether the health result can be retrieved electronically or whether a certificate must be submitted.
Step 3: Choose a qualified medical establishment
The examination must be carried out by a licensed medical examination and treatment establishment.
Step 4: Complete the health examination
Use the prescribed health examination form and required photograph. Follow the facility's instructions regarding any tests or preparation.
Step 5: Check the certificate before submission
Confirm the employee's name, identification details, health conclusion, signature and medical establishment details.
Step 6: Submit it with the work permit application
A complete work permit application is generally processed within 10 working days under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP.
Process for Obtaining a Health Certificate in Vietnam for Foreigners
To obtain a health certificate, you must complete a medical check-up at licensed hospitals or health establishments in Vietnam. Knowing some Vietnamese can be beneficial as many hospital staff may not speak English. Here are some required documents that you need to prepare:
Photos: Provide a few recent (4cm x 6cm) photos of the applicant on a white background. The photos should not be older than six months and must reflect the current appearance of the applicant.
Application Form: Complete the application form with details including:
- Applicant's full name
- Age
- Gender
- Passport number and issuance date
- Current residence and correspondence address
- Purpose of applying for a health certificate
- Family medical history
- Applicant's medical history
- Current medication treatment
- Obstetric history (for female applicants)
- Signature and full name
Verification: The health institution will verify the completeness and validity of the application and seal the attached photo.
Medical Check-up: Undergo the medical check-up, which includes:
- Basic physical exam
- Measurement of Body Mass Index (BMI)
- Urine and blood tests
- Stool sample test
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Additional tests as necessary
Top Tips for Obtaining a Health Certificate
- Make an appointment for your work permit health check with an authorised hospital/clinic.
- Refrain from eating or drinking anything except plain water for at least 12 hours before your check-up. A full stomach will prevent you from taking the blood test.
- Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to starting your program.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, bring along any relevant test results or reports for the doctor's review.
Health Institutions Offering a Health Certificate to Foreigners
Generally, citizens can obtain a health certificate to accompany their job application from any public or licensed private hospital across the country. However, for foreigners, the process is a bit more complex, as you'll ideally want an institution that caters to your language needs. These are somewhat harder to find, but we've put together a list for you to use as a starting point.
Ho Chi Minh City
| Provider Name | Time to Complete | Price (VND) | Time to Receive Results | English-speaking Staff? |
| Vigor Health Clinic | From 1.5 hours | 1,800,000 | 2 days or less | Yes |
| FV Hospital | From 2 hours | 3,230,000 - 3,480,000 | Same day or next day | Yes |
| City International Hospital | From 2 hours | 2,100,000 | 2 days or less | Yes |
| Hoan My Hospital Tan Binh | From 2 hours | 2,593,000 - 2,770,000 | Same day or next day | Yes |
| Nhan Hau Clinic | From 30 minutes | 1,260,000 | Next day | Yes |
| Tan Hung Hospital | From 2 hours | 800,000 - 900,000 | Same day or next day | Translator fee: 200,000 |
| Hong Duc Hospital | From 2 hours | From 600,000 | From 2 days | No |
| Thanh Chan Clinic | From 1 hour | From 1,000,000 | Same day or next day | Additional translator fee |
| Cho Ray Hospital (public) | From 2 hours | 2,000,000 - 2,500,000 | 4 days | Sometimes |
| Nhan Dan Gia Dinh Hospital (public) | From 2 hours | 780,000 | 4 days | No |
| Nhan Dan 115 Hospital (public) | From 2 hours | 1,140,000 | 4 days | No |
Hanoi
| Provider Name | Time to Complete | Price (VND) | Time to Receive Results | English-speaking Staff? |
| Thu Cuc Hospital | 3-5 hours | 1,399,000 - 1,512,000 | From 1 day | Yes |
| Hong Ngoc Hospital | 3-5 hours | 1,900,000 - 2,000,000 | From same day | Yes |
Danang
| Provider Name | Time to Complete | Price (VND) | Time to Receive Results | English-speaking Staff? |
| Hoan My Hospital | 2 hours | 3,632,000 – 4,050,000 | From next day | Yes |
The Health Check Certificate ensures that individuals entering Vietnam do not pose a health risk to the public. By obtaining this certificate, you comply with Vietnamese regulations and protect your health.
Common Issues Employers Should Check
Using an outdated certificate
Make sure the certificate remains within its applicable 12-month validity period when the work permit application is submitted.
Choosing a facility that cannot provide the required documentation
Confirm the facility's licensing status and whether it can issue the health documentation required for the intended procedure.
Relying on an overseas certificate without checking recognition rules
Foreign-issued certificates are subject to specific conditions under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP. Government Portal
Arranging the examination too late
The health examination is only one part of the work permit process, so employers should allow time for the examination, certificate issuance and preparation of the remaining documents.
Costs and Payment Options
The cost of a work permit health check varies by medical facility and by the examinations required, usually starting from $50. Employers arranging checks for foreign personnel should request a current quotation that confirms what is included, whether additional tests incur a charge, and when the certificate will be ready.
Before the appointment, confirm the facility's accepted payment methods and whether it can invoice the employer directly.
How Ascentium Vietnam Can Help
A health certificate can be an important part of the work permit process for foreign employees in Vietnam. Ascentium Vietnam supports employers with health certificate requirements, document preparation and related work permit procedures, helping them understand the requirements that apply to each employee and organise the process.
