Teaching English in Vietnam can be a rewarding experience, but to do so legally, you'll need a work permit. This guide simplifies the process for you:
1. Who Needs a Work Permit?
Anyone working as an English teacher in Vietnam requires a work permit, regardless of their nationality.
2. The Employer's Role
The good news is, the Vietnamese school you'll be working for will handle most of the legwork. They'll typically initiate the work permit application process after you secure the job and sign the contract.
3. Documents You'll Likely Need
While the exact requirements may vary, here are some common documents you'll likely need to provide:
Passport: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your planned entry date.
Criminal Record: An criminal record background check is valid within 6 months
Health Certificate: You need to prepare medical certificate demonstrating good health (Valid within 12 months).
Work Permit Application Form: You'll likely need to fill out a work permit application form provided by your employer.
- Degrees and certificates (For native speaking teachers)
- University Diploma: The certified copy of your university diploma is usually required.
- TEFL/TESOL Certificate: Proof of a valid Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate is essential.
- Degrees and certificates (For non-native speaking teachers)
- University Diploma: The certified copy of your university diploma is usually required.
- TEFL/TESOL Certificate: Proof of a valid Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate is essential.
- C1 Certificate: A high-level qualification that shows you have the language skills (If you graduate in English Studies, you will be exempt from this document)
*Note:
- The above documents will be suitable for you to teach at English centers.
- If you want to teach at school, you will have to get an diploma related to teaching and education.If your bachelor's degree is in English education, this qualification is sufficient for you to teach at schools or centers (without the need for additional International English Teaching certificates or C1 certificates).
4. Work permit procedure
Posting online recruitment on employment center’s website of province or city where the company is operating (15 days)
Letter of Approval for Employing an Expatriate: Your employer will apply for this letter from Vietnamese authorities, essentially seeking permission to hire you. (10 working days)
Work Permit Application Submission: Once the approval letter is obtained, your employer will submit the complete work permit application package to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) (5-7 working days)
5. Additional Tips
Translation and Certification: Documents not in Vietnamese will likely need professional translation and certification.
Stay Updated: Visa and work permit regulations can change, so it's wise to stay updated through official Vietnamese government websites or consult with your employer.
