Vietnam’s fast-growing economy offers plenty of opportunities for foreign investors. Its openness to international trade and fast economic growth has made the country an attractive investment destination. If you plan on doing business in the country, it’s important that you arm yourself with local knowledge, especially in terms of the local labor laws.
The law amending and supplementing some articles in the Law on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam has taken effect last July 1, 2020. In line with this, foreign investors are wondering how the issuance of visas for employees will be performed. So here’s the response of Vietnam’s Department of Employment regarding this.
Different Types of Visas Issued to Foreign Employees
As per the law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, these are the different types of visas that are issued to foreign employees residing in the country:
👉 LD Visa:
- LD1 – this visa is issued to foreign employees who were given a certification that they are not required to have work permits. However, if the international treaties to which Vietnam is a member will require the employee to have a permit, then the foreigner should possess a work permit.
- LD2 – this type of visa applies to foreign workers who are required to have a work permit while working in the country.
👉 DN Visa:
Aside from the LD visa, another type of Vietnam visa that’s granted to foreign workers in Vietnam is the DN visa. This is given to foreigners who come to the country to work in foreign enterprises. The law that applies to this visa type has also been amended to the following:
- DN1 – this is issued to foreign individuals who come to work for foreign organizations and enterprises in Vietnam. These companies must have legal status and have complied with the provisions of Vietnamese law.
- DN2 – this is the type of visa that’s given to foreign workers that provide services and establish a commercial presence in Vietnam, or perform other activities under the international treaties where Vietnam is a member.
Job Opportunities in Vietnam
There are plenty of job opportunities in Vietnam in recent years, which explain why many foreigners are choosing to relocate here. The increasing number of international trade has opened to more job opportunities. Young locals are becoming good in the English language, but several new schools are opening up and are in need of foreign teachers. For foreigners who simply want to stay in the country for several months while earning at the same time, teaching English would be a sensible choice.
Aside from teaching opportunities, big cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi offers plenty of specialized job opportunities for foreigners. In addition, volunteer opportunities such as working with kids with special needs and providing shelter for women are also immense.
It’s important to note that foreigners who work in Vietnam must possess a work permit. This will also depend on the type of work and the company or organization that the foreign employee works for. The cost of a work permit will also vary and employers are obliged to pay for this, as part of the terms of recruitment.
Getting a Visa When You Start Work in Vietnam
Most foreigners who come to Vietnam will either hold a business visa or a tourist visa. You can also do the same thing. But once you land a job, you must make sure to get a work permit. The company or employer who hired you will be responsible for giving you the permit.
When applying for a tourist visa, you can choose from the e-visa or visa on arrival. As for the business visa, you need to go to a Vietnam embassy for this and submit the needed requirements.
Amendment on the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners
As mentioned, Vietnam has amended the law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam, also known as the Immigration Laws.
Even though the new law has come into effect last July, Vietnam is still preventing the entry of some foreigners coming from high-risk countries due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After the WHO declared the Covid-19 virus as a pandemic, Vietnam immediately closed its borders and suspended all commercial flights.
Nowadays, Vietnam is slowly allowing the entry of foreign diplomats, experts, and some highly skilled foreign workers. But flights are still limited and arriving passengers will be asked to go on quarantine.
The visa and work permit procedures of Vietnam are confusing for first-time visitors. So if you plan on coming to the country to work, it’s highly recommended that you learn about Vietnam labor laws. Most of the foreign workers that are currently in Vietnam are working under foreign contractors, or for those projects under the FDI or Foreign Direct Investments.
For further inquiries, please feel free to contact us : info@vietnamimmigration.org
