VietnamTeach in Vietnam — name the employer before you name the school
In plain termsAlmost every foreign teacher who is paid locally sits on the Vietnam-employer door. The school type changes your schedule and dossier — not the fact that a visa alone does not grant work ( Source BLLĐ / NĐ 219 — labour permission (permit or exemption) is a separate system from immigration status Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.no
What this page is
A field map of teaching forms foreigners actually take in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and satellite cities. It maps each form to stay, labour, and tax. It is not a job board and not a salary table. TEFL-hour marketing rules are industry practice — not statute cells here.
The stack every local teaching job still climbs
1. Vietnam entity pays you
Centre, school, university, or agency. That is employer labour. Foreign workers generally need a work permit (
) unless a filed exemption fits.yes
Source Bộ luật Lao động 45/2019/QH14 Điều 153 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
2. Stay usually lands on LĐ
Permit-required teaching usually means LĐ2, then a TRC band capped at
for those symbols. Working without a lawful labour basis risks2 years
Source Luật Nhập cảnh Điều 38 khoản 5
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
.forced exit or deportation
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 153 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
3. Tax days run anyway
Once Vietnam residence switches on, worldwide income is in play (
). Non-residents face Vietnam-source employment at a flatyes
Source Luật 109/2025/QH15 Điều 2 khoản 1; NĐ 253/2026/NĐ-CP Điều 6 khoản 2 điểm a
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
.20%
Source Luật 109/2025/QH15 Điều 21; NĐ 253/2026/NĐ-CP Điều 64 khoản 1
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
Looking for a job on tourist ink
Arriving on DL or e-visa to “find a school” is a common Reddit plan. A visa alone does not grant work ( Source BLLĐ / NĐ 219 — labour permission (permit or exemption) is a separate system from immigration status Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.no
Language centres — the volume door
This is the densest foreign-teacher market on the ground: large ELT chains and mid-size centres recruiting year-round in the big cities and expanding provinces. You teach evenings and weekends more often than a 9-to-5 school day. The centre is your Vietnam employer.
Labour form is usually employment contract — form a on the filed list of Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 điểm a→m Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog. Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22 khoản 4 — forms a and m must sign written employment contract before planned start Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog. Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 3 điểm a Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog. Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 3 điểm b Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.13
yes
2 years
1 years
Narrow exemption: Ministry of Education & Training confirmation ( Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 14 Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.yes
Next: LĐ2 · work permit · work purpose.
Five questions before you sign a centre offer
Helping you find work here means clearing the labour stack — not listing every centre in Vietnam. Ask these five before you put a start date on paper. Get the answers in writing.
Offer checklist
- Who is the Vietnam employer? Who files labour-need approval and the work permit — the centre, an agency, or “you pay yourself”? Employer must justify need before hire (). Deep: justify the hire.
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 152 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Is there a written employment contract before the planned start? Forms a and m require it (). A verbal “start Monday” is not that file.
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22 khoản 4 — forms a and m must sign written employment contract before planned start
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Does the start date sit after the permit (or a filed exemption)? Foreign workers generally need a permit (). Starting delivery while paper is pending is a closed door — start before permit. Working without a lawful labour basis risks
yes
Source Bộ luật Lao động 45/2019/QH14 Điều 153 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
.forced exit or deportation
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 153 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Do LĐ2 and TRC follow when the permit term allows? Permit-required teaching usually means LĐ2, then a TRC band capped at for those symbols. Tourist ink is not that chain — visa ≠ work permit.
2 years
Source Luật Nhập cảnh Điều 38 khoản 5
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Do you understand tax days still run? Once Vietnam residence switches on, worldwide income is in play (). Compulsory BHYT keys to a Vietnam labour contract of twelve months or more — not to the TRC alone (BHYT gate).
yes
Source Luật 109/2025/QH15 Điều 2 khoản 1; NĐ 253/2026/NĐ-CP Điều 6 khoản 2 điểm a
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
Criminal-record and health-check papers sit in the permit dossier — confirm who books the MoLISA-approved exam and who pays. That is procedure with the employer, not a salary tip. Deep: criminal record in the dossier.
Public schools via placement agency
Many foreigners in public classrooms are not hired by the school as the named employer. An agency or centre places you into weekday daytime slots. The agency is still a Vietnam employer for labour paper. The classroom does not invent a tourist workaround.
Same employer door. Same permit stack. Same tax days. Ask who signs the labour contract before you treat “public school” as a separate immigration product.
Bilingual systems and international schools
Large bilingual systems and international schools hire foreign ESL and subject teachers under local contracts. Credential practice on the ground is stricter than language-centre volume hiring — schools often want education degrees or licensed teaching backgrounds. That is market practice, not a separate visa symbol.
Still employer door + usual work permit. Diplomatic / intergovernmental school staff have a separate exemption limb ( Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 6 Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.yes
Kindergarten and early years
Early-years English roles are common in private kindergartens and bilingual campuses. Energy and classroom management dominate the day — labour law does not. Employer door. Permit unless a filed exemption fits.
University and corporate English
Universities and in-company training programmes hire conversation lecturers and business English trainers. Hours can be lighter than a centre load; the labour stack is not lighter. Vietnam payer → employer door.
Online teaching while you live here
Split by who pays. Vietnam entity or Vietnam employment-like contract → employer door + permit stack. Only foreign platforms / foreign clients, no Vietnam labour relationship → remote door. There is no dedicated remote-work visa. Days still feed tax residence ( Source Luật 109/2025/QH15 Điều 2 khoản 1; NĐ 253/2026/NĐ-CP Điều 6 khoản 2 điểm a Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.yes
What we will not invent
Open the next door
Evidence and sources76 dated facts for Vietnam work permit for foreigners
The readable briefing above uses these cells. Open a source only when you need to verify a number, date, or legal gate.
- Foreign workers generally need a work permitBộ luật Lao động 45/2019/QH14 Điều 153 khoản 2checked Aug 2026
yes
Source Bộ luật Lao động 45/2019/QH14 Điều 153 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Positions for which foreigners may be hiredBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 152 khoản 1; NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3checked Aug 2026
manager, executive, expert, technician
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 152 khoản 1; NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Maximum work-permit termBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 155; NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 21checked Aug 2026
24 months
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 155; NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 21
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Maximum term of a one-time renewalBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 155; NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 29checked Aug 2026
24 months
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 155; NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 29
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Married to a Vietnamese citizen and living in Vietnam — permit exemptBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 8 (via NĐ 219/2025 Điều 7 khoản 1)checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 8 (via NĐ 219/2025 Điều 7 khoản 1)
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Capital contribution threshold for owner/board exemptionNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 2–3checked Aug 2026
3,000,000,000 VND
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 2–3
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Under this many work days in a calendar year — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 13 điểm achecked Aug 2026
90 days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 13 điểm a
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Under 3 months to sell services — permit exemptBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 4checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 4
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- NĐ 219/2025 effective dateNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 35 khoản 1checked Aug 2026
2025-08-07
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 35 khoản 1
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Issuing authorityNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 4checked Aug 2026
provincial People's Committee where the foreigner will work
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 4
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Work permit may be renewed this many timesBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 155; NĐ 219/2025 Điều 29checked Aug 2026
1
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 155; NĐ 219/2025 Điều 29
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- One permit cycle ceiling before a fresh issue is requiredBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 155 — 24 + one renewal 24, then new issuechecked Aug 2026
48 months
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 155 — 24 + one renewal 24, then new issue
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Under 3 months for complex tech incident — permit exemptBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 5 (via NĐ 219 Điều 7 khoản 1)checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 5 (via NĐ 219 Điều 7 khoản 1)
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Licensed foreign lawyer in Vietnam — permit exemptBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 6 (via NĐ 219 Điều 7 khoản 1)checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 6 (via NĐ 219 Điều 7 khoản 1)
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Head of foreign NGO / international org project or rep office — permit exemptBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 3 (via NĐ 219 Điều 7 khoản 1)checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 3 (via NĐ 219 Điều 7 khoản 1)
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Cases under an international treaty Vietnam is party to — permit exemptBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 7 (via NĐ 219 Điều 7 khoản 1)checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 7 (via NĐ 219 Điều 7 khoản 1)
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Priority-field confirmation exemption (filed categories)NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 14–15checked Aug 2026
finance; science & technology; innovation; national digital transformation — with ministry/provincial confirmation
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 14–15
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Owner/board with capital below the exemption threshold still needs a permitNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 điểm lchecked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 điểm l
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Authority when work spans multiple provincesNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 4checked Aug 2026
People's Committee where the employer's head office is
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 4
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Filing channel for work-permit dossiersNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 6, Điều 22checked Aug 2026
National Public Service Portal; Public Administration Service Centre
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 6, Điều 22
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Criminal-record certificate is bundled in the same dossierNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 6checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 6
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Earliest days before start date to file a new permitNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22checked Aug 2026
10 days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Latest days before start date to file a new permitNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22checked Aug 2026
60 days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Statutory processing days to issue a permitNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22 (Mẫu số 04)checked Aug 2026
10 working days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22 (Mẫu số 04)
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Statutory days to refuse in writingNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22checked Aug 2026
3 working days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Earliest days before expiry to file renewalNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 28checked Aug 2026
10 days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 28
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Latest days before expiry to file renewalNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 28checked Aug 2026
45 days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 28
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Max age of health certificate for renewalNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 27checked Aug 2026
12 months
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 27
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Passport must still be valid at renewalNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 27checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 27
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Processing days to reissue a permitNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 23–26checked Aug 2026
3 working days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 23–26
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Reissue does not reset the permit clockNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 26 — reissue term = prior term minus time already workedchecked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 26 — reissue term = prior term minus time already worked
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Job title or work form change with same employer needs a new permitNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 20 khoản 2checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 20 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Minimum notice days before multi-province workNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22 khoản 5checked Aug 2026
3 days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22 khoản 5
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Permit dies when the employment contract ends — does not wait for printed expiryBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 156 khoản 2 via NĐ 219/2025 Điều 30 khoản 1checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 156 khoản 2 via NĐ 219/2025 Điều 30 khoản 1
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Labour contract term cannot exceed the work-permit termBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 151 khoản 2checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 151 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Employer must justify labour need and get written approval before hiringBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 152 khoản 2checked Aug 2026
yes
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 152 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Consequence of working without a permitBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 153 khoản 2checked Aug 2026
forced exit or deportation
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 153 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Max term of exemption confirmation certificateNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 10checked Aug 2026
24 months
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 10
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Max term of one renewal of exemption confirmationNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 17checked Aug 2026
24 months
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 17
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Processing days to issue exemption confirmationNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 9checked Aug 2026
5 working days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 9
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Days to refuse exemption confirmation in writingNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 9checked Aug 2026
3 working days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 9
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Notify-only path: working days before startNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 9 khoản 4checked Aug 2026
3 working days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 9 khoản 4
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- A prior work permit or exemption confirmation can substitute experience proofNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 18–20checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 18–20
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Revoked exemption confirmation must be reported to Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security)NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 33 khoản 2checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 33 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Numeric experience thresholds for the four positions are filed in facts.jsonNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 — filed 2026-08-09checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 — filed 2026-08-09
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Điều 7 khoản 4–12 exemption limbs are fully filed in facts.jsonNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 1–15 — filed 2026-08-09checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 1–15 — filed 2026-08-09
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Who counts as a manager for work-permit positionsNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 1checked Aug 2026
enterprise manager under Enterprise Law Art 4(24), or head/deputy head of an agency/organisation
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 1
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Head of a branch, representative office, or business location counts as executiveNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 2 điểm achecked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 2 điểm a
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Min years experience for field-head executive limbNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 2 điểm bchecked Aug 2026
3 years
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 2 điểm b
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Min years experience for expert with university degree (general)NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 3 điểm achecked Aug 2026
2 years
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 3 điểm a
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Min years experience for expert in priority fields with matching degreeNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 3 điểm bchecked Aug 2026
1 years
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 3 điểm b
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Min years experience for technician with ≥1 year trainingNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 4 điểm achecked Aug 2026
2 years
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 4 điểm a
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Min training years for technician limb (a)NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 4 điểm achecked Aug 2026
1 years
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 4 điểm a
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Min years experience for technician limb without stated training requirementNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 4 điểm bchecked Aug 2026
3 years
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 3 khoản 4 điểm b
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- ODA advisory / project support under international agreement — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 4checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 4
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Foreign journalist confirmed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 5checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 5
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Teaching/management at diplomatic/intergovernmental school or treaty body — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 6checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 6
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Student / trainee internship (incl. VN seafarer training) — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 7checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 7
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Family member of foreign mission staff allowed to work under treaty — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 8checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 8
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Official-passport work for state / political / socio-political body — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 9checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 9
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Person responsible for establishing a commercial presence — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 10checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 10
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Unpaid volunteer under treaty with diplomatic/IO confirmation — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 11checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 11
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Work under central/provincial international agreement — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 12checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 12
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Intra-company transfer: prior continuous employment months requiredNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 13 điểm bchecked Aug 2026
12 months
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 13 điểm b
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Ministry of Education & Training confirmation path — permit exemptNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 14checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 7 khoản 14
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Days for employer to return an expired/invalid work permit to the issuerNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 31 khoản 1checked Aug 2026
15 days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 31 khoản 1
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- On administrative revoke, issuer notifies employer and Immigration DepartmentNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 31 khoản 2checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 31 khoản 2
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Days for employer to return an expired exemption confirmationNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 33 khoản 1checked Aug 2026
15 days
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 33 khoản 1
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Labour Code defines a day-count for 'living in Vietnam' marriage exemptionBLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 8 — 'sinh sống trên lãnh thổ Việt Nam' with no day-count or registration threshold in the Labour Codechecked Aug 2026
no
Source BLLĐ 45/2019 Điều 154 khoản 8 — 'sinh sống trên lãnh thổ Việt Nam' with no day-count or registration threshold in the Labour Code
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Number of statutory work-form limbs for foreign workersNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 điểm a→mchecked Aug 2026
13
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 điểm a→m
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Thirteen work forms (Điều 2.1 a–m)NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 (vbpl ItemID=180273)checked Aug 2026
a employment contract; b intra-company transfer; c economic/social contracts; d contractual service supplier; đ service seller; e volunteer; g commercial-presence founder; h secondment (ex-ICT); i project/bid packages; k diplomatic-family treaty work; l board/owner capital under 3bn VND; m employment with foreign mission/org in VN
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 (vbpl ItemID=180273)
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Board/owner under 3bn VND is a permit-required work formNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 điểm l — capital under 3 billion VND is a work form that requires a permitchecked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 điểm l — capital under 3 billion VND is a work form that requires a permit
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Forms a and m require a written employment contract before startNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22 khoản 4 — forms a and m must sign written employment contract before planned startchecked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 22 khoản 4 — forms a and m must sign written employment contract before planned start
Checked Aug 2026 · Band high · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- A single national work-permit fee schedule is filedNĐ 219 has no fee amounts. Work-permit fees are set by provincial HĐND under TT 85/2019/TT-BTC (as amended by TT 106/2021) — not a single national schedulechecked Aug 2026
no
Source NĐ 219 has no fee amounts. Work-permit fees are set by provincial HĐND under TT 85/2019/TT-BTC (as amended by TT 106/2021) — not a single national schedule
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- Work-permit fees are set at provincial council levelPractice under Luật Phí và lệ phí + TT 85/2019/TT-BTC provincial competence (illustrated by provincial NQ e.g. Đồng Nai 43/2025) — amounts vary by provincechecked Aug 2026
yes
Source Practice under Luật Phí và lệ phí + TT 85/2019/TT-BTC provincial competence (illustrated by provincial NQ e.g. Đồng Nai 43/2025) — amounts vary by province
Checked Aug 2026 · Band med · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
- All thirteen Điều 2 work forms are filedNĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 a–m filed 2026-08-09 (closes N10)checked Aug 2026
yes
Source NĐ 219/2025/NĐ-CP Điều 2 khoản 1 a–m filed 2026-08-09 (closes N10)
Checked Aug 2026 · Band low · Status fresh
Method: figures past 2× SLA hide. See /method · /status · /changelog.
Common questions
Can I teach English in Vietnam on a tourist visa?
No as a product path. Teaching for a Vietnam centre or school is Vietnam-employer labour. You generally need a work permit (or a narrow filed exemption) and an LĐ path. This site does not coach tourist-visa teaching.
Can I look for a teaching job or do trial classes on a tourist visa?
Interviews and unpaid look-arounds are not a published labour exemption. Paid trial classes and starting delivery before a work permit are closed doors. Convert purpose through the employer stack — see visa ≠ work permit and start-before-permit.
What should I ask a language centre before I sign?
Five gates: who is the Vietnam employer and who files labour need plus the work permit; whether a written employment contract exists before the planned start; whether the start date is after the permit (or a filed exemption); whether LĐ2 and TRC follow when the permit term allows; and that tax days still run once residence switches on. Get answers in writing. This page is not a job board.
Do language-centre teachers need a work permit?
Usually yes. Foreign workers generally need a permit unless a filed exemption fits. Ordinary centre contracts are permit-required. A Ministry of Education & Training confirmation exemption exists — it is narrow, not “all teachers skip the permit.”
Is teaching English an expat path?
Yes in ThonExpat’s sense: income is being generated while you stay. Centres, agencies, and schools sit on the Vietnam-employer door. Days still feed Vietnam tax residence.
What about public schools?
Foreigners in public classrooms are often hired through a placement agency or centre that is the Vietnam employer. Labour paper still runs — the agency does not erase the work-permit stack.
Can I teach online for foreign platforms while living in Vietnam?
If only foreign platforms pay you and there is no Vietnam labour relationship, that is the remote door — no dedicated remote visa, tax residence still runs. If a Vietnam entity pays you, treat it as employer labour.