Visa guide · Asia
Work Permit and Visa for Teaching English in Vietnam
Vietnam's combination of Work Permit plus Temporary Residence Card. Bachelor's + TEFL + health check.
Vietnam requires two documents for legal teaching: a Work Permit (giấy phép lao động) and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). The employer handles both. Most teachers enter on a tourist visa, get a job, and convert in-country. The process is faster and friendlier than Korea or China.
Duration
Work Permit: 2 years renewable. TRC: matches the Work Permit duration.
Cost
Employer typically covers Work Permit and TRC fees. You pay for the criminal check, health check, and apostille (total $100-$200).
What you need
- Bachelor's degree (any field) from an accredited university
- 120-hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate
- Criminal background check from your home country, no older than 6 months
- Health check passed in Vietnam (at an authorized clinic)
- Passport valid for at least 1 year beyond contract end
- Native-English speaker preference; non-natives with strong credentials are increasingly hired
The process
1. Enter on a tourist visa
Apply for an e-visa or visa-on-arrival. Many teachers arrive, interview, and accept a job within their tourist stay.
2. Employer applies for Work Permit
Your employer submits paperwork to the Department of Labor. Process typically takes 4-6 weeks.
3. Health check
Authorized clinic in Vietnam runs a basic exam. Costs around 1.5M VND (60 USD).
4. Apply for TRC
Once Work Permit is issued, your employer arranges the Temporary Residence Card. Valid 1-2 years matched to your contract.
Common questions
Can I teach in Vietnam without a degree?
Some smaller language centers hire without degrees, but this is technically not legal. Without a degree, you can't get a Work Permit, so you'd be working unofficially. Risky for both sides.
Hanoi vs HCMC for hiring?
Ho Chi Minh City has more jobs and slightly higher pay. Hanoi has a tighter expat community, four seasons, and lower cost of living. Both have a large legal teaching market.
Are non-native English speakers really hireable here?
Yes — Vietnam is more open than most Asian markets. Many centers will hire C2-fluent non-natives with a CELTA. International schools still strongly prefer natives.
Tools you'll need
Resources for teachers preparing to apply. Links are partner affiliates that fund the site at no cost to you.
Country guide
Teach English in Vietnam
Booming demand, low cost of living, and flexible hours.
See the full Vietnam guide →Other visa guides
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