Extending a work permit in Vietnam is essential for foreign employees who wish to continue working legally in the country. This process requires proper documentation, timely submission, and compliance with current labor regulations to avoid penalties or interruption of employment.
What is a Work Permit Extension in Vietnam?
A Work Permit Extension is the official procedure that allows a foreign employee to continue working legally in Vietnam after their current work permit is close to expiring. Instead of applying for a new permit, the employer submits a request to extend the validity of the existing one.
The extension ensures uninterrupted employment, compliance with Vietnamese labor laws, and avoids penalties for working with an expired permit. Extensions are only granted when the job position, employer, and working conditions remain consistent with the original permit.
Conditions for Extending a Work Permit
To be eligible for a work permit extension in Vietnam, a foreign worker must meet the following conditions:
Valid Work Permit
The current work permit must still be valid for at least 5 days but not more than 45 days before its expiry date at the time of submitting the extension application.
Approval for the Position
The employer must have official approval from the competent authority confirming the continued need to employ the foreign worker in the same position.
Proof of Continued Employment
Documents must show that the foreign employee will continue working for the same employer and in the same job role as stated in the original work permit.
Required Documents for Work Permit Extension
- Application form
- Health certificate
- Passport copy
- Current work permit
- Proof of job assignment / working form
- Photos and other supporting documents
Step-by-Step Procedure for Work Permit Extension
Prepare documents (5–45 days before expiry)
- Collect required documents: extension application form, valid work permit, passport copy, health certificate, photos, employer’s justification/approval of continued need, and any supporting papers proving continued employment.
- Ensure all documents are up-to-date and translated/notarized if required.
Submit application
Submit the complete dossier to the Ministry of Labor – Invalids and Social Affairs (Department of Employment) (or the provincial Department of Labor where applicable). Submissions must be made at least 5 days and no more than 45 days before the current permit expires.
Administrative review
The authority reviews the dossier. Expect administrative checks on eligibility, employer approval, health status, and document authenticity.
Decision & issuance
If the dossier is complete and acceptable, the authority issues the extension within 5 working days from the date of receiving a full application.
If the application is rejected, the authority must provide a written response explaining the reason.
Post-extension compliance
- For foreign workers under a labor contract: the employer and employee must sign a written labor contract (or update it) in accordance with Vietnamese labor law before the employee resumes work.
- The employer should submit the signed contract (original or certified copy) to the Department of Employment upon request.
- Keep records and reminders for future renewal deadlines.
Practical tips: submit early (not at the last minute), double-check health certificates and passport validity, and have the employer’s approval letter ready to avoid delays.
Penalties for Not Extending a Work Permit on Time
For foreign workers:
- A fine of VND 15,000,000 – 25,000,000 for working without a valid work permit or for using an expired permit / expired exemption certificate.
- Potential administrative measures including deportation or other immigration sanctions.
For employers:
Fines depend on the number of affected foreign workers employed without valid permits:
- VND 30,000,000 – 45,000,000 for violations involving 1–10 workers;
- VND 45,000,000 – 60,000,000 for 11–20 workers;
- VND 60,000,000 – 75,000,000 for 21 or more workers.
Possible additional consequences: suspension of the right to employ foreign workers, reputational damage, and heightened scrutiny in future inspections.
Other consequences:
Employment contracts may be deemed invalid if the worker lacks a valid permit.
Business disruption (project delays, inability to perform contracted work).
Complications for future visa or permit applications for the individual and the company.
Contact Siglaw Firm Today for a Hassle-Free Work Permit Extension!
Avoid delays, legal risks, and complex paperwork. Let our expert team handle the entire work permit extension process for you — fast, compliant, and efficient.
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