What you'll discover:

• The "Manager" route that 80% of business owners can use (no degree required)
• Why the "Expert" route involves the most red tape and when it's actually necessary
• Special situations: multiple companies, remote work, spousal exemptions
• Real cost comparisons and processing timelines for each pathway

Ways to get a Work Permit (ranked by difficulty)

Baseline Criteria to Get a Work Permit: 

To be eligible for a work permit in Vietnam, foreign applicants must meet specific criteria, including being at least 18 years old, maintaining good health that satisfies job requirements, possessing the necessary technical skills and knowledge for the job, and having no criminal record in Vietnam or abroad. (refer to the 2019 Labor Code and Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP)

Pathway 1: "Manager" Route (Recommended - Easiest)

This is the most straightforward pathway and should be your first choice if you qualify. The Manager route was designed for business owners and company legal representatives, offering minimal documentation requirements and the fastest processing times.

Requirements: Your name appears as the Legal Representative on the company's business registration certificate

Required Documents:

1. Business registration certificate (Must show your name as Legal Representative)
2. Passport (minimum 2 years validity remaining)
3. 2 Photos (4x6cm, white background)
4. Criminal background check 
5. Health certificate (issued in Vietnam)

Key Advantages:

• No degree verification required
• No consular legalization needed for your degrees
• No need to prove experience
• Fastest processing

Pathway 2: “Executive Director” Route (Medium Difficulty)

The Executive Director pathway is designed for senior managers who lead organizational divisions but aren't the company's Legal Representative. This route requires proof of relevant experience but still avoids the extensive degree legalization required for Expert status.

Requirements:

• Leading a branch or representative office head.
• Leading a department with at least 3 years of relevant experience.

Required Documents:

1. Everything from Pathway 1
2. Proof of executive role
3. 3 years experience proof (legalized + translated)

Pathway 3: Expert Route (High Complexity)

The Expert pathway is designed for technical specialists, professionals, and consultants whose primary value comes from specialized knowledge rather than management authority. This route involves the most extensive documentation requirements and longest processing times.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree and minimum 2 years of post-graduation work experience in field of expertise
• OR Bachelor's degree in technology, finance, or government-designated priority sector and 1 year of relevant post-graduation experience

Required Documents:

1. Everything from Pathway 1
2. Bachelor’s degree (legalized + translated)
3. Experience proof matching job description (legalized + translated)
4. Job description must match degree field and expertise

Red tape level: HIGH. All documents must be legalized by consulate → notarized translation to Vietnamese.

Pathway 4: “Technical Worker” Route (Rarely Used for Professionals)

The Technical Worker pathway is designed for skilled trades and specialized technical positions that don't require university degrees. In practice, this route is rarely used by foreign professionals in Vietnam, as most either qualify for the simpler Manager route or fall under the Expert category.

Requirements:

• Minimum 1 year of specialized technical training or vocational certification and minimum 2 years of relevant work experience
• OR Minimum 3 years of documented relevant work experience

Required Documents: Similar to Expert route but focused on technical skills rather than academic credentials

Note: Rarely used for founders/senior roles.

We have included this pathway for completeness, but in over 500 work permit applications, OBacker has processed fewer than 5 Technical Worker applications. If you think this might be your category, consult with an immigration specialist to confirm—you likely qualify for a simpler pathway. 

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Free pathway consultation: Schedule a call to determine which route best fits your situation

Request detailed quote: Contact us at contact@obacker.com or +84-2-888-999-789 for pricing based on your specific pathway and circumstances.