How to Extend a Work Permit for Foreigners in Vietnam 2025?

I. Q & A about Work Permit Extension

1. When should you apply for a Work Permit extension?

According to Vietnamese labor regulations, the extension procedure should be initiated when the current Work Permit is between 5 to 45 days before expiry.
Recommendation: Apply 30–45 days in advance to avoid legal risks and administrative delays.

If the permit is not renewed within this period, the foreign employee must undergo a new Work Permit application process from the beginning, which is more complex and time-consuming.

2. Validity of an Extended Work Permit

The maximum duration of an extended Work Permit is up to 2 years (24 months), subject to approval by the issuing authority based on the employment contract and company proposal.

3. Is a health check required?

Yes. A medical examination is mandatory and must be conducted at approved hospitals/clinics in Vietnam. The health certificate must be issued within the last 12 months.

4. Does the employer need to register the demand for foreign labor?

Yes. Before applying for a Work Permit extension, the employer must obtain a written approval from the Ministry or Department of Labor on the demand to employ foreign labor. This is a mandatory document in the extension process.

II. Required Documents for Work Permit Extension in Vietnam

1. Application letter for Work Permit extension 

2. Two recent photos (size 4x6cm, white background, formal attire, taken within the last 6 months)

3. Documents provided by the foreign employee:

• Original valid Work Permit (still valid for at least 5 days at submission time)
• Valid health certificate (issued within the last 12 months)
• Approval letter for the use of foreign labor (issued by labor authorities)

Note: A Work Permit can only be extended once. After that, a new application must be submitted.

📌 Depending on the case, additional documents may be required, such as: Appointment decision, degrees and certificates, roof of experience, company’s charter, etc.

📌 All documents issued overseas must be consular legalized and translated into Vietnamese with notarization according to Vietnamese law.

III. Where and How to Submit the Application

📍 Where to submit:

• If the foreign employee works in multiple provinces, or for a representative office/branch licensed by the central government, the application must be submitted to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA).

• If the foreigner works in a single province, or for companies licensed by local authorities, submit the application to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA) of that province.

• For employees working in industrial parks or export processing zones, submit to the local DoLISA.

⏱️ Processing time:

Within 05 working days from receiving a complete and valid application, the competent authority will issue the extended Work Permit.
If the extension is denied, a written explanation must be provided.

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Sovico Travel offers free consultations for foreign workers needing Work Permit support in Vietnam. Feel free to contact (+84) 913 381 010 or (+84) 988 646 382.