Vietnam’s growing economy and continued foreign investment are creating more opportunities for international professionals. For businesses hiring foreign employees, understanding the rules around work permits and Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs) is essential to ensure they can work and stay in Vietnam legally. The current requirements are governed by Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP.
This article explains how Vietnam work permits and TRCs differ, who may qualify, the main application requirements, and the latest rules employers should check before hiring or sponsoring a foreign worker.
A Vietnam work permit and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) serve different purposes, but they are often confused. Understanding the distinction is important before applying for either document.
A TRC enables foreigners to stay in Vietnam legally for a longer time than their initial visa. The TRC allows them to work, study, do business, or conduct research depending on what kind of visa they are holding. With a TRC, foreigners can remain legally in the country as long as the TRC is still valid and with an appropriate purpose. While the card remains valid, holders can generally enter and leave Vietnam multiple times without applying for a separate visa each time.
A work permit, on the other hand, permits foreigners to be employed, work, and perform business activities that can bring in income and profits. A Vietnam work permit is valid for up to 24 months and is only allowed to be renewed once.
To apply, foreigners must satisfy the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years of age
Must have relevant technical skills and professional qualifications
Be medically fit for the role, supported by a valid health examination or certificate as required.
Have no previous criminal records or activities in their home country.
Foreign employees engaged in Vietnam's pharmaceutical industry, private medical industries, or industries involved in the direct assessment or treatment of diseases are required to abide by the restrictions outlined following such practices.
Foreign nationals who meet one of the following criteria can apply for a TRC:
Be an owner of a limited liability company with a capital contribution of at least VND 3 billion( in case of 1 person).
Be a member of a limited liability company with two members or more and each member must contribute at least VND 3 billion.
Be a foreign national working with eligible Vietnamese government authorities or organisations.
A registered foreign lawyer authorized for law practice in Vietnam.
A family member of a Vietnamese citizen.
Be a foreign employee with a valid work permit or recognised work permit exemption in Vietnam.
A Head of representative offices or projects of international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations in Vietnam.
Be an eligible representative of a foreign economic, cultural or professional organisation in Vietnam, including certain heads of representative offices or branches.
Journalists who have permanent residences in Vietnam.
Foreign nationals serving in diplomatic or consular missions, representative offices of UN-affiliated international organizations, or non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, as well as their spouses, children, and aides traveling with them.
A foreign student or intern with a valid invitation or sponsorship from the relevant organisation in Vietnam.
The following are key 2026 updates that foreign businesses and individuals in Vietnam should be aware of:
Now, each foreign individual must invest at least VND 3 billion in a company to be eligible for a TRC.
For even larger investments, foreigners will get a TRC for up to 10 years.
DT1 - Issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam and contributing capital of VND 100 billion
DT2 - Issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam and contributing capital of VND 50 billion to less than VND 100 billion
DT3 - Issued to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam and contributing capital of VND 3 billion to less than VND 50 billion.
Investors contributing less than VND 3 billion may qualify for a DT4 investor visa, which can be valid for up to one year. DT4 investors are not eligible for an investor TRC under the current framework.
Foreign nationals who are married to a Vietnamese citizen and residing in Vietnam are exempt from the work permit requirement. However, the employer must still notify the competent authority at least three working days before the foreign employee starts work.
For foreign hires in Vietnam, getting the work permit and residence position right from the start matters. A work permit confirms whether a foreign national can legally work, while a Temporary Residence Card supports longer-term stay and re-entry. The right route depends on the individual’s role, status and eligibility.
For employers, this means checking the requirements early, preparing the right documents and understanding where exemptions may apply. Small gaps in the process can delay onboarding or create avoidable compliance issues.
At Ascentium, we help you work through these requirements with clear guidance on work permits, TRCs and immigration steps in Vietnam, so you know what applies, what to prepare and what needs to happen next.