NEW LIST OF HOSPITALS FOR WORK PERMIT APPLICATION IN VIETNAM

To apply for a Work Permit in Vietnam, foreign employees must obtain a valid health check certificate issued by a hospital approved by the Ministry of Health. This updated list of qualified hospitals helps employers and foreign workers ensure compliance and avoid rejection of their work permit applications.

Siglaw has compiled the latest list of authorized hospitals below for your easy reference and application.

Why do foreign employees need a health check for a Work Permit in Vietnam?

Foreign nationals seeking employment in Vietnam must not only satisfy the legal requirements regarding age, professional qualifications, and criminal background, but also possess a valid Work Permit to work legally in the country.

Pursuant to Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP, the application dossier for a Vietnam Work Permit must include the following documents:

• A written request from the employer explaining the demand for foreign labor and applying for the issuance of a work permit;
• A medical examination certificate issued by an authorized medical institution, valid for no longer than 12 months from the date of issuance;
• A valid passport;
• A criminal record certificate or equivalent document confirming that the foreign worker has no criminal record, is not under investigation, and is not serving a sentence;
• Two (02) recent color photographs;
• A document proving the form of employment of the foreign worker.

The health check certificate serves as a vital component in the work permit application process, ensuring that the foreign employee is medically qualified to work in Vietnam. This requirement not only safeguards the health and safety of the employee, but also protects the legal and operational interests of the employer.

Updated list of hospitals authorized by the Ministry of Health

Below is the list of medical establishments qualified to conduct health examinations for foreign workers in Vietnam, based on Official Dispatch No. 143/KCB-PHCN&GĐ on the update and supplementation of the list of eligible medical facilities, and reorganized according to the current list of provinces and cities after administrative boundary adjustments.

Impacts and Notes for Employers and Foreign Workers

For foreign workers, selecting an approved hospital for medical check-ups is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid delays, rejections, or invalidation of their work permit applications. Certificates issued by non-authorized facilities will not be accepted by the authorities, potentially leading to interruptions in employment or visa processing.

For employers, adhering to the official list of hospitals helps ensure that recruitment and labor management comply with Vietnam’s current legal framework. Companies are encouraged to regularly review updates from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) to avoid administrative penalties and reputational risks stemming from non-compliance.

At a broader level, this new regulation underscores Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening labor governance standards while promoting a transparent, efficient process for employing foreign professionals. Businesses that adapt promptly to these changes will not only minimize compliance risks but also enhance their credibility and attractiveness in the eyes of international investors and regulatory bodies.

With extensive experience in Work Permit consulting for FDI enterprises and international professionals, Siglaw firm is ready to support you from document preparation to final approval, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and timeliness.

Head Office: No. 44/A32 – NV13, Geleximco Urban Area, Le Trong Tan Street, An Khanh, Hoai Duc, Hanoi, Vietnam

Branch Office: No. 103 – 105 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Hotline: +84 961 366 238

Email: vphn@siglaw.com.vn or vphcm@siglaw.com.vn