Foreign employees working in Vietnam are generally required to obtain a valid Work Permit. However, certain categories of foreign nationals may qualify for a Work Permit Exemption Certificate in Vietnam, allowing them to work legally without obtaining a standard Work Permit.
While qualifying for an exemption is an important first step, employers and foreign employees must still prepare the appropriate supporting documents and complete the required procedures with the competent authorities. Understanding the document requirements in advance can help reduce delays, avoid compliance issues, and ensure a smoother application process.
This guide explains the documents required for a Work Permit Exemption Certificate in Vietnam under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, including general requirements and position-specific supporting documents.
General Documents Required for a Work Permit Exemption Certificate in Vietnam
In most cases, the employer should prepare the following documents:
- Application form for confirmation of Work Permit exemption, using Form No. 01 attached to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP;
- Health certificate issued by an eligible medical facility, unless the employee’s health data has already been connected to the National Health Database;
- Two color photos sized 4cm x 6cm, with white background, front-facing view, bareheaded, and without glasses;
- Valid passport of the foreign employee.
For health certificates issued overseas, they may be accepted if Vietnam and the issuing country have a mutual recognition agreement. The certificate must generally be issued within 12 months before submission.
Documents Required Based on Position or Job Title
Depending on the foreign employee’s position, additional documents may be required to prove eligibility for a Work Permit Exemption Certificate in Vietnam.
Managers
For managers, the dossier may include:
- Company charter;
- Documents proving managerial status;
- Appointment or assignment decision;
- Establishment license and appointment document, if the foreign employee is the head or deputy head of an agency or organization.
Executive Officers
For executive officers, the dossier may include:
- Certificate of branch operation, representative office operation, or business location registration;
- Company charter or organizational structure documents;
- Employer’s confirmation of the employee’s years of experience.
Experts
For experts, the supporting documents may include:
- University degree or higher qualification, or equivalent qualification;
- Confirmation of relevant work experience;
- Relevant degree and experience confirmation for fields such as finance, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, or priority cooperation sectors;
- Certificates of outstanding achievements in culture or sports, if applicable;
- Specialized licenses such as pilot license, aircraft operation certificate, aircraft maintenance certificate, or seafarer competency certificate, if applicable;
- Documents proving compliance with Vietnam’s qualification standards for education and training;
- Other documents proving professional expertise as required by the competent authority.
Technical Workers
For technical workers, the dossier may include:
- Diploma or certificate proving at least one year of training;
- Confirmation of relevant work experience;
- Or another document directly confirming the required years of experience.
Intra-Corporate Transferees
For intra-corporate transferees, the dossier should include:
- Assignment document sending the foreign employee to work in Vietnam for a fixed term;
- Evidence showing that the employee has worked for the foreign employer for at least 12 consecutive months before entering Vietnam.
Documents for Other Work Permit Exemption Cases
- For foreign employees working in state agencies or non-governmental organizations, a document issued by the competent Vietnamese authority may be required.
- For foreign employees working under treaties or international agreements, the dossier should include a job assignment document issued by the foreign employer and the relevant treaty or international agreement.
Important Notes Before Submitting the Application
Document requirements can vary significantly depending on the exemption category. Before submitting an application, employers should:
- Verify the employee’s eligibility
- Review the correct exemption category
- Prepare supporting documents carefully
- Ensure all foreign documents are properly legalized and translated (if required)
Proper preparation helps reduce processing delays, additional document requests, and compliance risks.
In some cases, a previously issued Work Permit Exemption Certificate may be accepted as supporting evidence for professional experience requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all exempt foreign employees need a Work Permit Exemption Certificate?
Not necessarily. Some exemption categories require an exemption certificate, while others may only require notification procedures. Employers should review the applicable regulations for each specific case.
How long does it take to obtain a Work Permit Exemption Certificate in Vietnam?
Processing times may vary depending on the local authority and the complexity of the application. Employers are encouraged to prepare documents well in advance of the planned employment start date.
Do foreign documents need legalization?
In most cases, foreign-issued documents must be legalized, translated into Vietnamese, and notarized unless exempt under an international treaty or reciprocity agreement.
Can a Work Permit Exemption Certificate be used for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) application?
Depending on the exemption category and immigration status, a foreign employee may be eligible for a Temporary Residence Card. Additional conditions and supporting documents may apply.
How 68 Solutions Can Help
Obtaining a Work Permit Exemption Certificate in Vietnam can be challenging, especially when different exemption categories require different supporting documents and legal justifications. An incomplete or incorrectly prepared application may lead to delays, additional document requests, or rejection.
At 68 Solutions, we help employers and foreign professionals navigate Vietnam’s immigration and labor regulations with confidence. Our services include:
- Work Permit Exemption eligibility assessment;
- Document review and compliance checks;
- Application dossier preparation;
- Submission and follow-up with competent authorities;
- Work Permit, TRC, visa, and immigration support services.
Our goal is to identify the most suitable legal solution for each case while ensuring full compliance with current regulations.
Conclusion
A Work Permit Exemption Certificate in Vietnam can provide an efficient legal pathway for eligible foreign employees to work in Vietnam without obtaining a standard Work Permit. However, successful applications depend on proper document preparation, accurate eligibility assessment, and compliance with the latest legal requirements.
Whether you are an employer hiring foreign talent or a foreign professional seeking legal guidance, understanding the documentation requirements is essential to ensuring a smooth and compliant process.
If you need assistance with a Work Permit Exemption Certificate, Work Permit applications, Temporary Residence Cards (TRC), visas, or other immigration procedures, 68 Solutions is ready to provide professional advice and practical support tailored to your specific needs.
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68Solutions – Legal & Travel
Consulting & Partnerships Department
Address: 6th Floor, 117 Hoang Cau Street, Dong Da Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline/WhatsApp/Zalo: (+84) 935 595 536
Email: sales@68solutions.vn
Website: https://68solutions.vn/
