Vietnam requires LD1 and LD2 visas for all foreign worker residence cards

Vietnam keeps work permits in place for most foreign hires under the Labor Code 2019 and Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, with permits issued through the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or provincial departments. Most applicants need to be at least 18, hold relevant qualifications or experience, pass health and criminal checks and have an employer sponsor their filing.

Temporary residence cards now follow the work-visa route first. Foreign workers generally need LD1 or LD2 visas before they can get a card, along with passport copies, a work permit, health documents and sponsor papers.

Who feels the change

The tighter rules hit expats working for Vietnamese employers and foreign contractors who need local authorization. Workers who show up on tourist visas and take paid work can face fines, deportation and entry bans.

Digital nomads and remote workers are in a gray zone. Vietnam still has no dedicated nomad visa, so short stays on tourist or e-visas don't legalize paid work for Vietnamese entities, even if the job is done online.

What applicants need to line up

Employers must file labor demand paperwork about 30 days before a foreign hire starts, then submit the permit request about 15 days before work begins. The permit process usually takes 5 to 10 business days and fees run about VND 400,000 to 1,000,000.

Foreigners also have to register temporary residence online. Decree 59/2026/ND-CP, effective April 1, 2026, gives authorities faster deportation tools for visa and overstays violations, so the paperwork trail matters more than ever.

Read our full Vietnam guide for the complete picture.