Can Your Spouse Work in Vietnam? Complete Employment Guide for Foreign Teachers

Yes, your spouse can work in Vietnam if married to a Vietnamese citizen. They are exempt from work permits under Decree 219/2025 (effective August 7, 2025) but employers must notify the Department of Home Affairs at least 3 working days before employment starts. This applies to all employment types including full-time, part-time, teaching, and freelance work. Penalties for non-compliance: VND 15-25 million + deportation for workers, VND 30-75 million for employers. Your spouse needs a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with TT symbol, valid up to 3 years, processing 5 working days.

The exemption applies regardless of job type, salary level, or employment duration, as long as the marriage is legally registered in Vietnam and the foreign spouse holds valid residence status. However, both spouse and employer must understand the notification procedures and legal obligations to avoid penalties.

Inside This Guide

What Is the Legal Basis for Spouse Employment in Vietnam?

Foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens are exempt from work permits under Article 154, Clause 8 of the Labor Code 2019 and Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (effective August 7, 2025). The legal framework consists of three primary regulations: Labor Code 2019 establishing the exemption principle, Decree 219/2025 eliminating the certificate requirement, and Decree 12/2022 defining penalties for violations. This creates a simplified notification-only system effective nationwide.

Key Legal Documents

Labor Code 2019 (Article 154, Clause 8): Establishes that foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens residing in Vietnam are exempt from work permit requirements. This foundational provision grants the exemption right but requires implementing decrees for procedural details.
Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (Effective August 7, 2025): Replaces Decree 152/2020 and simplifies the process by eliminating the Work Permit Exemption Certificate entirely. Under the old system (Decree 152/2020), spouses needed to apply for a 10-day exemption certificate before starting work. The new decree removes this requirement, requiring only employer notification at least 3 working days before the employment start date.
Decree 12/2022/ND-CP (Administrative Penalties): Defines specific penalties for violations: VND 15-25 million for foreign workers plus potential deportation, and VND 30-75 million for employers depending on the number of violations (30-45 million for 1-10 workers, 45-60 million for 11-20 workers, 60-75 million for 21+ workers). Organizations face double the individual fines.

Administrative Authority Transfer

From August 7, 2025, the authority to issue work permits and exemption confirmations transferred from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) to Provincial People’s Committees. For spouse employment notification, the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) at the provincial level receives and processes notifications. In Hanoi, HCMC, and other centrally-governed cities, DOHA operates under the municipal government.

Can My Spouse Work If They’re Married to a Vietnamese Citizen?

Yes, foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens can work in any legal employment in Vietnam without work permits. The exemption covers 100% of employment types: full-time contracts, part-time work, teaching positions, freelance consulting, and business ownership. The only requirement is legal marriage registration in Vietnam and employer notification 3 days before work starts. Cohabitation certificates or foreign-only marriage registrations do not qualify.

Eligibility Requirements

1. Legal Marriage to Vietnamese Citizen (Required): Your marriage must be legally registered in Vietnam or officially recognized by Vietnamese authorities. A marriage certificate issued in your home country must be legalized at the Vietnamese embassy/consulate and registered with the Vietnamese Department of Justice. Cohabitation certificates (giấy chứng nhận chung sống như vợ chồng) do not qualify for work permit exemption.
2. Vietnamese Citizenship Verification: Your spouse must be a Vietnamese citizen, not a foreigner holding Vietnamese permanent residence or long-term visa. Vietnamese citizenship is proven through Vietnamese passport, ID card (CCCD), or birth certificate. Foreign nationals married to other foreigners (both non-Vietnamese) cannot claim this exemption even if one holds permanent residence.
3. Residence in Vietnam: The Labor Code specifies “residing in the territory of Vietnam,” which requires valid residence status through Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or valid visa. Tourist visas do not qualify as legal residence for employment purposes.

What Does NOT Qualify

Marriage certificate issued abroad only: Without legalization and Vietnam registration, the marriage is not recognized for employment exemption purposes. You must complete the Vietnam registration process through the Department of Justice.
Cohabitation certificate: Some provinces issue cohabitation certificates for couples living together. These certificates do not grant work permit exemption rights as they do not constitute legal marriage under Vietnamese law.
Foreigner married to foreigner: If both spouses are foreign nationals, neither can claim the Vietnamese spouse exemption even if one has permanent residence or has lived in Vietnam for decades. Both would need individual work permits or qualify for other exemption categories.

Does My Spouse Need a Work Permit or Exemption Certificate?

No, your spouse needs neither a work permit nor an exemption certificate under Decree 219/2025. The old system required a 10-day Work Permit Exemption Certificate application, but the new regulation effective August 7, 2025 eliminates this entirely. The only requirement is employer notification to the Department of Home Affairs at least 3 working days before the employment start date. This notification is the employer’s responsibility, not the foreign spouse’s.

Understanding the Old vs. New System

Aspect	Old System (Decree 152/2020)	New System (Decree 219/2025)
Requirement	Work Permit Exemption Certificate	Notification only
Application time	10 working days processing	3 working days advance notice
Who applies	Foreign spouse or employer	Employer only
Document issued	Physical certificate	No certificate issued
Cost	Processing fees applied	Notification fee (if any) minimal
Renewal	Required when certificate expires	No renewal needed
Effective date	Decree 152: Dec 30, 2020 – Aug 6, 2025	Decree 219: Aug 7, 2025 – present

Why the Change Matters

Administrative burden reduction: The old certificate system required document preparation, submission, waiting for approval, and certificate pickup. The new system eliminates all these steps, allowing employment to start faster.
Cost savings: No application fees, no document legalization costs for certificate application, no travel expenses for multiple government office visits.
Employer responsibility clarity: Under the new system, the employer handles the notification, removing confusion about who is responsible for compliance. The foreign spouse only needs to provide documents to their employer.
Faster employment start: The 3-day notification requirement vs. 10-day certificate processing means employment can begin 7 days sooner under the new system.

How Does the Notification Process Work Under Decree 219/2025?

Employers must submit a notification letter to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) at least 3 working days before the foreign spouse starts work. The notification includes 5 required documents: notification letter with employee details, valid passport copy, marriage certificate to Vietnamese citizen, Temporary Residence Card (TRC), and employer’s business registration certificate. DOHA at the provincial level receives notifications—no response or approval is required; the notification filing itself satisfies the legal requirement.

Step-by-Step Notification Process

Step 1: Employer Preparation (Days 1-2) The employer collects required documents from the foreign spouse:

Valid passport (copy of information page + current visa page)
Marriage certificate (Vietnamese or legalized foreign certificate)
Temporary Residence Card with TT symbol
Employment contract or offer letter

Step 2: Notification Letter Drafting (Day 2) The employer prepares a notification letter including:

Foreign employee’s full name (as in passport)
Date of birth and nationality
Passport number and validity dates
Employer’s business registration number and legal address
Workplace address where employee will work
Position title and job responsibilities
Employment contract duration (or “indefinite” for permanent positions)
Expected start date of employment

Step 3: Submission to DOHA (Day 3 minimum before start date) Submit the complete notification package to:

Hanoi: Department of Home Affairs, Hanoi People’s Committee, 12 Le Lai Street, Hoan Kiem District
Ho Chi Minh City: Department of Home Affairs, HCMC People’s Committee, 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Other provinces: Department of Home Affairs at the respective Provincial People’s Committee office

Submission methods:

In-person submission (recommended for first-time notifications)
Postal mail via registered delivery
Electronic submission through National Public Service Portal (if available in your province)

Step 4: Employment Commencement (After 3 working days) Once 3 working days have passed from submission, the foreign spouse can legally begin work. No approval confirmation from DOHA is required; the act of submitting the notification fulfills the legal obligation.

Required Documents Detailed

1. Notification Letter Format: Official business letter on company letterhead with stamp and authorized signatory. Must include all employee details listed above. Some provinces provide official forms; check with local DOHA for templates.
2. Valid Passport Copy Requirements: Passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining from the employment start date. Copy the full information page clearly showing name, photo, passport number, issue/expiry dates, and nationality.
3. Marriage Certificate Vietnamese certificate: Original or certified copy from Department of Justice where marriage was registered. Foreign certificate: Must be legalized by Vietnamese embassy/consulate in issuing country, translated to Vietnamese by certified translator, and notarized in Vietnam.
4. Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with TT Symbol The TRC must have “TT” symbol indicating spouse/family member status. Must be current and not expired. If TRC is under renewal, provide receipt from Immigration Department showing pending application.
5. Employer’s Business Registration Certificate Current certificate showing company is legally registered and operating in Vietnam. If employer is a branch office, provide both head office and branch registration certificates.

Which Government Office Handles Notifications?

Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) at the provincial level is the receiving authority for all spouse employment notifications. DOHA replaced the previous authority (Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs) under the administrative restructuring effective March 1, 2025.

Key offices:

Hanoi: DOHA, Hanoi People’s Committee – located at 12 Le Lai Street, Hoan Kiem District. Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00, 13:30-17:00.
Ho Chi Minh City: DOHA, HCMC People’s Committee – located at 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Office hours: Monday-Friday 7:30-11:30, 13:00-16:30.
Da Nang: DOHA, Da Nang People’s Committee – located at 24 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District.
Other provinces: Contact the Provincial People’s Committee office in the provincial capital city and ask for the Department of Home Affairs (Sở Nội vụ).

Important: Submit notifications to DOHA in the province where the foreign spouse will physically work, not where the employer’s head office is registered (unless they are the same location).

What Visa or Residence Requirements Apply?

Foreign spouses need a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with “TT” symbol to work legally in Vietnam. TRC validity: up to 3 years (must be at least 30 days shorter than passport validity), processing time: 5 working days, cost: USD 145 (1-2 years) or USD 155 (2-5 years). The TRC serves as both residence proof and work authorization when combined with employer notification. Work permits create LD visas; spouse exemption uses TT residence status.

TT Visa vs. Temporary Residence Card Comparison

Feature	TT Visa (Short-term)	TRC with TT Symbol (Long-term)
Validity duration	1-12 months	Up to 3 years maximum
Application location	Vietnamese embassy/consulate abroad	Immigration Department in Vietnam
Processing time	5-7 working days	5 working days
Cost	USD 25-160 (varies by duration)	USD 145-155 (varies by duration)
Extension in Vietnam	Yes, up to 3 months at a time	No extension needed within validity
Exit/re-entry	Requires visa re-application after exit	Multiple entries without visa
Work authorization	Can work with employer notification	Can work with employer notification
Recommended for	Short visits, testing residence	Long-term residence, stable employment

How to Obtain TRC with TT Symbol

Eligibility: Foreign spouse must be legally married to Vietnamese citizen with registered marriage certificate in Vietnam.

Application process:

Step 1: Prepare documents

Application form (Form NA6 if company sponsor, Form NA7 if individual sponsor)
Information form (Form NA8) with 3x4cm photo
Valid passport (minimum 13 months validity remaining)
Current visa (original for verification, copy for submission)
Marriage certificate (original Vietnamese or legalized foreign certificate)
Vietnamese spouse’s ID card/CCCD/passport
Proof of temporary residence registration at local police station
2 photos size 3x4cm (white background)

Step 2: Submit application Submit to Immigration Department at:

Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
Ho Chi Minh City: 254 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1 (or 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3)
Da Nang: 7 Tran Quy Cap Street, Hai Chau District

Step 3: Pay fees Fee payment occurs upon application approval:

1-2 year TRC: USD 145 per card
2-5 year TRC: USD 155 per card
Over 5-10 year TRC: USD 165 per card (not applicable for TT symbol)

Step 4: Collect TRC Processing time: 5 working days from complete application submission. Bring receipt and passport for collection.

Important TRC Requirements

Passport validity rule: TRC duration cannot exceed passport validity minus 30 days. Example: If your passport expires in 2 years (24 months), maximum TRC validity is 23 months. Renew your passport before applying for TRC if you want full 3-year validity.
Temporary residence registration: Before applying for TRC, register temporary residence at the local police station (Công an phường/xã) where you will live. This registration is free and takes 1-2 working days.
TRC renewal: Apply for renewal 30-60 days before current TRC expires. Process identical to initial application. Late renewal may require re-application with penalty fees.

Can My Spouse Use the 5-Year Visa Exemption for Working?

The 5-year visa exemption is NOT designed or recommended for employment purposes, though technically legal if combined with employer notification. This exemption allows 180 days per entry with no limit on entries, but requires exiting and re-entering Vietnam when changing employers or residence locations. For stable employment, the Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with TT symbol is strongly recommended because it provides continuous residence status without exit requirements and simplifies employer notification procedures.

5-Year Visa Exemption Overview

What it is: A certificate issued to foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens allowing visa-free entry to Vietnam for up to 5 years. Each entry permits a stay of up to 180 consecutive days.

How it works:

Validity: 5 years from issuance (or until 6 months before passport expiration, whichever is sooner)
Stay duration: 180 days maximum per entry
Extensions: Can extend 180 days to 1 year if you have family support in Vietnam
No exit requirement between entries (you can enter, stay 180 days, exit same day, re-enter immediately)

Application location:

If outside Vietnam: Apply at Vietnamese embassy/consulate in your country of residence
If inside Vietnam: Apply at Immigration Department (requires exit and re-entry to activate the certificate)

Why It’s Not Ideal for Employment

1. Employment continuity issues: While you can legally work during your 180-day stay, changing employers requires new notification. If the 180 days expire before your employment ends, you must exit Vietnam and re-enter, disrupting employment continuity.
2. Employer notification complications: Some employers hesitate to hire workers on visa exemption because of perceived instability. TRC holders are viewed as more committed to long-term residence.
3. Banking and services access: Some Vietnamese banks require TRC for opening business accounts or obtaining loans. Visa exemption holders may face restrictions in financial services.
4. Administrative burden: Exit and re-entry every 180 days (or annually with extension) creates travel costs and time away from work, whereas TRC provides 3-year continuous residence.
5. No residence card: Visa exemption does not issue a physical residence card, only an exemption stamp in passport. Some government services and employers require physical residence card presentation.

When 5-Year Visa Exemption Makes Sense

Short-term or intermittent work: If your spouse plans to work seasonally or on project basis (3-6 months per year), visa exemption avoids TRC renewal obligations.
Testing residence before commitment: Use the first entry under visa exemption to test living in Vietnam before applying for long-term TRC.
Multiple country residence: If your spouse splits time between Vietnam and home country (e.g., 6 months in each location), visa exemption provides flexibility.

Application comparison:

Factor	5-Year Visa Exemption	TRC with TT Symbol
Best for	Frequent visits, flexible schedules	Stable employment, long-term residence
Processing time	5-7 working days	5 working days
Cost	Varies by location (USD 50-150)	USD 145-155
Residence continuity	180 days per entry	Up to 3 years continuous
Employer preference	Less preferred	Strongly preferred
Banking access	Limited	Full access
Renewal hassle	None (valid 5 years)	Required every 1-3 years

Recommendation: Apply for TRC with TT symbol if your spouse plans to work continuously for more than 6 months. Use 5-year visa exemption only for short-term, intermittent, or trial employment periods.

How Long Can My Spouse Work in Vietnam?

Your spouse can work indefinitely in Vietnam as long as three conditions remain valid: the marriage to Vietnamese citizen continues, the Temporary Residence Card (TRC) remains current, and the employer maintains notification with DOHA. There is no maximum employment duration under Vietnamese law for spouses of Vietnamese citizens. Employment can continue for decades as long as residence status and marriage remain valid. However, each employer change requires a new notification to DOHA at least 3 working days before starting the new position.

Employment Duration Scenarios

Scenario 1: Single employer, long-term contract Your spouse signs a 2-year contract with one employer. The employer files notification with DOHA before employment starts. Employment can continue for the full 2 years without additional notifications, as long as TRC remains valid.
Scenario 2: Multiple consecutive employers Your spouse works for Employer A (1 year), then moves to Employer B. Employer A filed notification in Year 1. When moving to Employer B, the new employer must file a new notification at least 3 days before start date. Each employer change requires new notification regardless of how long since the previous notification.
Scenario 3: Simultaneous multiple employers Your spouse works part-time for two employers simultaneously (e.g., teaching at School A and School B). Both employers must file separate notifications with DOHA. The spouse can legally work for multiple employers concurrently; there is no limit on number of employers.
Scenario 4: Freelance work or self-employment Your spouse operates as a freelance consultant or owns a business. For freelance work, each client hiring the spouse should file notification (though enforcement varies). For business ownership, if the spouse is owner/member with VND 3 billion+ capital contribution, they may qualify for different exemption categories. Consult legal advisor for business ownership scenarios.

What Happens If Marriage Ends?

Divorce: If the marriage to the Vietnamese citizen ends through divorce, the work permit exemption terminates immediately. The foreign spouse must either:

Apply for standard work permit through new employer
Change to another visa/residence category (e.g., investor, business owner)
Exit Vietnam

Death of Vietnamese spouse: If the Vietnamese spouse dies, the foreign spouse loses work permit exemption. However, if they have children who are Vietnamese citizens, they may apply for TRC based on being parent of Vietnamese child, which can support work permit exemption.

Legal separation: Formal legal separation (not cohabitation pause) has the same effect as divorce regarding work permit exemption.

TRC Renewal and Employment Continuity

TRC expiration: If your TRC expires while employed, you cannot legally work until you renew the TRC. Apply for TRC renewal 30-60 days before expiration to ensure no employment interruption.
Employer responsibility during renewal: The employer should allow time off for TRC renewal appointments and adjust the employment contract to account for potential gaps if TRC renewal is delayed.
Employment during TRC renewal: If your TRC application is pending at the Immigration Department, you can continue working with the receipt showing pending application. However, employers should request confirmation from DOHA that the pending renewal permits continued employment.

What Happens If My Spouse Works Without Proper Notification?

Working without employer notification results in penalties of VND 15-25 million for the foreign worker plus potential deportation, and VND 30-75 million for the employer depending on violation scale. Penalties apply under Decree 12/2022/ND-CP Article 32: VND 30-45 million for 1-10 unauthorized workers, VND 45-60 million for 11-20 workers, VND 60-75 million for 21+ workers. Organizations face double these amounts. Deportation occurs after repeated violations or continued work after official warnings, following procedures in the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners.

Penalty Breakdown

For foreign workers (Decree 12/2022, Article 32, Clause 3):

Monetary fine: VND 15,000,000 to VND 25,000,000
Supplementary penalty: Deportation (deportation to home country at worker’s expense)
Record keeping: Violations recorded in immigration database, affecting future visa applications

For employers (Decree 12/2022, Article 32, Clause 4):

1-10 unauthorized foreign workers: VND 30,000,000 to VND 45,000,000
11-20 unauthorized foreign workers: VND 45,000,000 to VND 60,000,000
21+ unauthorized foreign workers: VND 60,000,000 to VND 75,000,000
Organizations: Double the individual penalties (VND 60-150 million range)

When Does Deportation Occur?

Deportation is not automatic but becomes likely in these circumstances:

1. Repeated violations: If a foreign worker is caught working without notification, fined, and continues working without notification after the fine, deportation risk increases significantly.

2. Refusal to comply: If the foreign worker refuses to pay fines or disputes the violation without legal grounds, authorities may pursue deportation.

3. Multiple employers without notification: Working simultaneously for multiple employers without any notifications filed creates higher deportation risk than single employer violation.

4. Extended violation period: Working for years without notification (vs. weeks) increases severity and deportation likelihood.

5. Combination with other violations: If the worker also has expired TRC, overstayed visa, or other immigration violations, deportation becomes more likely.

Deportation Process

Step 1: Detection Labor inspectors or immigration police discover the unauthorized employment through:

Random workplace inspections
Employee complaints
Employer audits
Immigration status checks

Step 2: Investigation Authorities verify:

Employment relationship exists (contract, salary payments, work performance)
No valid work permit or notification filed with DOHA
Foreign worker is spouse of Vietnamese citizen but employer failed notification

Step 3: Penalty decision If unauthorized employment is confirmed:

Fine issued to foreign worker (VND 15-25 million)
Fine issued to employer (VND 30-75 million depending on scale)
Deportation decision issued if circumstances warrant

Step 4: Deportation execution If deportation is ordered:

Foreign worker has 7-15 days to arrange departure (varies by circumstances)
Must pay own deportation costs (airfare, administrative fees)
Immigration database records deportation, affecting future Vietnam entry
In severe cases, authorities may ban re-entry for 1-5 years

How to Avoid Penalties

1. File notification before employment starts: The 3-working-day advance notification is mandatory, not optional. Plan employment start dates to allow notification filing time.

2. Maintain valid TRC: Keep TRC current; expired TRC plus working without notification compounds violations and increases penalties.

3. File new notification for each employer: Each employer change requires new notification even if previous notification was filed months ago.

4. Keep notification proof: Retain copies of notification letters, DOHA submission receipts, and all supporting documents. If inspected, proof of notification filing avoids penalties.

5. Update notification for contract changes: If employment terms change significantly (new workplace location, title change, contract extension), consult legal advisor whether new notification is required.

What If You Discover a Violation?

If currently working without notification:

Stop work immediately
Employer files notification with DOHA within 1-2 days
Resume work only after 3 working days from notification submission
Consult immigration lawyer about voluntary disclosure to reduce penalty risk

If you receive violation notice:

Do not continue working without proper notification
Pay fines promptly (reduces deportation risk)
File proper notification immediately
Engage immigration lawyer to negotiate penalty reduction or deportation waiver
Prepare evidence of good faith (marriage certificate, TRC, employment contract proving legitimate relationship)

Foreign spouses working in Vietnam pay Personal Income Tax (PIT) at 5-35% progressive rates for residents or 20% flat for non-residents, plus mandatory social insurance contributions of 10.5% (employee) from salary with employer contributing additional 21.5% (effective July 1, 2025) for contracts of 1 month or longer. Tax residents (≥183 days in Vietnam per year) are taxed on worldwide income with deductions available: VND 11 million/month personal deduction, VND 4.4 million/month per dependent. Social insurance covers pension, health, sickness, maternity, occupational accidents, and unemployment benefits. Contributions are capped at 20 times the reference level (VND 46.8 million/month as of July 2025).

What Are the Tax and Social Insurance Obligations

Personal Income Tax (PIT) Obligations

Tax Residency Determination:

Tax Resident: Physically present in Vietnam ≥183 days in calendar year OR in any 12 consecutive months; OR has permanent/temporary registered residence in Vietnam
Non-Resident: Does not meet resident criteria

Tax Rates:

For Tax Residents (Progressive Rates):

Monthly Taxable Income	Tax Rate	Quick Calculation
Up to VND 5 million	5%	Income × 5%
VND 5-10 million	10%	(Income × 10%) – VND 250,000
VND 10-18 million	15%	(Income × 15%) – VND 750,000
VND 18-32 million	20%	(Income × 20%) – VND 1,650,000
VND 32-52 million	25%	(Income × 25%) – VND 3,250,000
VND 52-80 million	30%	(Income × 30%) – VND 5,850,000
Over VND 80 million	35%	(Income × 35%) – VND 9,850,000

For Non-Residents:

Employment income: 20% flat rate on Vietnam-sourced income
No deductions: Cannot claim personal or dependent deductions
Simpler calculation: Gross salary × 20%

Deductions for Tax Residents:

Personal deduction: VND 11,000,000 per month (automatic)
Dependent deduction: VND 4,400,000 per month per dependent (children under 18, disabled spouse, elderly parents with low income)
Social insurance contributions: Fully deductible (10.5% of salary)
Health/life insurance premiums: Deductible up to legal limits
Charitable contributions: Deductible with receipts

Example Calculation (Tax Resident): Monthly gross salary: VND 30,000,000

Social insurance deduction: VND 3,000,000 (10% of salary, capped)
Personal deduction: VND 11,000,000
Dependent deduction: VND 8,800,000 (2 children)
Taxable income: VND 30,000,000 – VND 3,000,000 – VND 11,000,000 – VND 8,800,000 = VND 7,200,000

Tax calculation:

First VND 5,000,000 × 5% = VND 250,000
Remaining VND 2,200,000 × 10% = VND 220,000
Total PIT: VND 470,000

Mandatory Coverage: Foreign spouses working under labor contracts of 1 month or longer must participate in compulsory social insurance, health insurance, and unemployment insurance.

Contribution Rates (Total 32%):

Employee Contribution (10.5% of salary):

8.0% to pension and survivorship fund
1.5% to health insurance
1.0% to unemployment insurance

Employer Contribution (21.5% of salary):

14.0% to pension and survivorship fund
3.0% to sickness and maternity fund
0.5% to occupational accident and disease fund
3.0% to health insurance
1.0% to unemployment insurance

Salary Base Calculation: Contributions calculated on gross monthly salary (base salary + regular allowances) with a cap:

Minimum: Regional minimum wage (VND 4.68-5.04 million depending on province)
Maximum: 20 times reference level = VND 46,800,000 per month (20 × VND 2,340,000)

If gross salary is VND 50,000,000, contributions calculated on capped amount of VND 46,800,000.

Example Calculation: Gross monthly salary: VND 30,000,000

Employee SI contribution: VND 30,000,000 × 10.5% = VND 3,150,000
- Pension: VND 2,400,000
- Health: VND 450,000
- Unemployment: VND 300,000
Employer SI contribution: VND 30,000,000 × 21.5% = VND 6,450,000
- Pension: VND 4,200,000
- Sickness/maternity: VND 900,000
- Accident: VND 150,000
- Health: VND 900,000
- Unemployment: VND 300,000
Total SI: VND 9,600,000 (32% of salary)

Pension benefits: After contributing ≥15 years and reaching retirement age (60 for men, 55 for women), receive monthly pension = 45% of average salary for first 15 years + 2% for each additional year beyond 15 years, capped at 75%.

Health insurance: Coverage at registered medical facilities for outpatient care, hospitalization, surgery, maternity care, preventive services. Co-payment: 20% (most services) to 100% (certain preventive care).

Sickness benefits: 75% of salary for sick leave days 1-30 in one year, after that percentage varies by contribution years.

Maternity benefits: Female workers receive maternity leave allowance = 100% of salary for 6 months (one child) or 7 months (twins+). Male workers: paternity leave varies.

Occupational accident benefits: Medical treatment costs covered 100%, plus 30-80% of salary for work-incapacity periods depending on severity.

Unemployment benefits: If contract terminated by employer (not resignation), receive 60% of average salary for 3-12 months depending on contribution years.

Survivorship benefits: If worker dies, dependents receive monthly benefits = 50% of worker’s pension entitlement.

Foreign workers can withdraw accumulated social insurance contributions in lump sum when:

Reaching retirement age but not contributing full 15 years for pension
Diagnosed with fatal disease (cancer, HIV, etc.)
Eligible for pension but permanently residing outside Vietnam
Labor contract terminates and work permit expires without renewal

Withdrawal amount: Approximately 1.5-2 months of average salary per year of contributions. Submit request to Vietnam Social Insurance agency 30 days before contract/permit expiry; processing within 10 working days.

Tax Filing Requirements

Monthly withholding: Employers withhold PIT from monthly salary and remit to tax authorities by last day of following month.

Annual tax finalization:

Through employer: Deadline March 31 following tax year
Self-filing: Deadline April 30 (or next working day if weekend/holiday)
Departing Vietnam: File within 45 days before departure

Non-compliance penalties:

Late filing: VND 1-50 million
Late payment: 0.03% per day on unpaid amount
Tax evasion: Criminal prosecution for serious cases

Do Foreign Teachers Need Special Qualifications?

Yes, foreign teachers working in Vietnam must meet specific qualifications regardless of spouse exemption status. The work permit exemption only removes the permit requirement, not the professional qualification requirements. Under Decree 219/2025 and Resolution 47/NQ-CP, foreign teachers need: bachelor’s degree in education or teaching subject, TESOL/TEFL/CELTA certificate (minimum 120 hours for English teachers), criminal background check with apostille/legalization, and health certificate issued in Vietnam within past 12 months. These requirements apply to all teaching positions at language centers, international schools, and public/private schools.

Basic Teaching Qualification Requirements

1. Educational Degree:

Minimum: Bachelor’s degree from recognized university
Preferred: Degree in education, linguistics, or subject being taught
Recognition: Degree must be verifiable through diploma and transcript; some schools require evaluation from credential verification services

2. Teaching Certification:

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): Minimum 120-hour certificate
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language): Minimum 120-hour certificate
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults): Cambridge-approved certification
DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults): Advanced qualification for senior positions
Subject-specific certification: For subjects other than English (math, science, etc.), relevant teaching license from home country

3. Criminal Background Check:

Source country: Issued by police or government authority in teacher’s home country
Validity: Maximum 6 months from issue date
Legalization: Must be apostilled (for Hague Convention countries) or legalized by Vietnamese embassy/consulate
Vietnam check: Some schools also require Vietnam criminal record if teacher has lived in Vietnam previously

4. Health Certificate:

Medical examination in Vietnam: Must be performed at designated hospitals in Vietnam
Tests required: General health check, chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening), blood tests (HIV, hepatitis, syphilis)
Validity: 12 months from issue date
Designated hospitals: Only specific hospitals authorized by Ministry of Health can issue certificates for foreigners (major hospitals in Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang)

5. Teaching Experience (Varies by Institution):

Language centers: Often hire teachers with just TESOL/TEFL and no experience
International schools: Typically require 2-5 years teaching experience
Public/private schools: May require teaching license from home country + experience

Additional Requirements for Specific Teaching Contexts

For International Schools:

Teaching license/certification from home country (U.S. state teaching license, UK QTS, etc.)
Minimum 2 years post-qualification teaching experience
Subject specialization appropriate to grade level/subject
References from previous schools

For Public Schools (Vietnamese curriculum):

Vietnamese language proficiency for non-ESL subjects
Understanding of Vietnamese education system
Additional certification from Vietnam Ministry of Education may be required

For Early Childhood Education:

Specific early childhood education certification
Experience with ages 2-5
First aid/CPR certification (preferred)

For Higher Education (Universities/Colleges):

Master’s degree minimum for lecturer positions
PhD required for associate professor and above
Research publications in field
Relevant professional experience in subject area

Document Preparation Process

Step 1: Obtain degree and transcript Request official copies from your university. Some Vietnamese schools require “original” diplomas or certified true copies from university registrar.

Step 2: Criminal background check Apply to police/FBI/equivalent in home country. Request apostille (Hague countries) or take to Vietnamese embassy for legalization (non-Hague countries).

Step 3: Teaching certificate If you don’t have TESOL/TEFL, complete online or in-person course (120+ hours). Reputable providers: CELTA centers, International TEFL Academy, TEFLPros, Oxford Seminars.

Step 4: Notarization and legalization All documents must be:

Notarized in country of issuance
Apostilled (Hague countries) OR legalized by Vietnamese embassy (non-Hague countries)
Translated to Vietnamese by certified translator in Vietnam
Notarized again in Vietnam after translation

Step 5: Health certificate in Vietnam After arriving in Vietnam, schedule medical exam at authorized hospital:

Hanoi: Bach Mai Hospital, E Hospital, Vinmec International Hospital
HCMC: Cho Ray Hospital, 115 People’s Hospital, FV Hospital
Cost: VND 500,000 – 2,000,000 depending on hospital
Results: 3-7 working days

Common Qualification Issues and Solutions

Issue 1: Degree not recognized Some online or unaccredited degrees are not recognized by Vietnamese authorities. Solution: Get degree evaluation from credential verification service (WES, IEE, etc.) and provide evaluation report.

Issue 2: No teaching certificate If you have degree but no TESOL/TEFL, complete 120-hour certification online (4-6 weeks, USD 200-500) before job application.

Issue 3: Criminal check expired If your home country criminal check is older than 6 months, request new one. Some police agencies provide “update letters” for recent checks.

Issue 4: Health certificate from home country Vietnamese schools only accept health certificates from Vietnam-based authorized hospitals. Health checks from home country are not valid.

Issue 5: Documents in non-English/Vietnamese language All documents must be translated to Vietnamese. If original is in third language, translate to English first, then English to Vietnamese.

What If My Spouse Has Legal Problems?

If your spouse encounters legal problems related to employment, residence, or other issues in Vietnam, contact the nearest embassy or consulate of your spouse’s home country immediately. Most embassies provide consular assistance including legal referrals, prison visits, and communication with local authorities. For serious legal matters such as arrest, detention, or criminal charges, engage a Vietnamese lawyer specializing in foreign nationals.

Key emergency contacts:

Immigration issues: Department of Home Affairs in your province
Labor disputes: Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs
Criminal matters: Contact home country embassy/consulate immediately
Legal representation: Vietnam Bar Federation can provide lawyer referrals

For comprehensive guidance on handling legal problems in Vietnam, including arrest procedures, detention rights, and legal representation, read our complete guide: What to Do if You Have Legal Problems in Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my spouse start working immediately after marriage?

No, not immediately. Even though married to a Vietnamese citizen grants work permit exemption, your spouse needs two preparations before employment: (1) obtain Temporary Residence Card with TT symbol (5 working days processing), and (2) employer must submit notification to DOHA at least 3 working days before work starts. Earliest employment is approximately 8-10 working days after marriage registration: 5 days for TRC + 3 days notification requirement.

Do we need to hire a lawyer for the notification process?

No, hiring a lawyer is not required. The notification process under Decree 219/2025 is straightforward—employer prepares notification letter with employee details and submits to DOHA with supporting documents (passport, marriage certificate, TRC, employer registration). Many employers handle this internally through HR departments. However, lawyer assistance may be valuable if: (1) employer is unfamiliar with the process, (2) documents require legalization/translation, (3) previous violations exist requiring remediation, or (4) employment situation is complex (multiple employers, freelance work, business ownership).

Can my spouse work for multiple employers simultaneously?

Yes, foreign spouses can work for multiple employers simultaneously. Each employer must file separate notification with DOHA at least 3 working days before employment starts with that employer. There is no legal limit on number of concurrent employers. For example, your spouse could teach at School A (20 hours/week), tutor at Center B (10 hours/week), and consult for Company C (freelance projects) simultaneously. Each employer should file its own notification independently. Tax and social insurance obligations apply to total income from all employers; your spouse is responsible for accurate reporting.

What happens if we divorce while my spouse is working?

The work permit exemption terminates immediately upon divorce. Your spouse has three options: (1) Apply for standard work permit: The employer can sponsor work permit application if your spouse meets qualification requirements (degree, experience, criminal check). Processing time: 10 working days under Decree 219/2025. (2) Change to another exemption category: If your spouse qualifies (e.g., owns business with VND 3 billion+ capital, is manager with VND 3 billion+ shareholding), apply for exemption under different category. (3) Exit Vietnam: If no alternative work authorization is available, your spouse must cease employment and exit Vietnam before visa/residence expires. Employers should be notified immediately of divorce to avoid penalties for employing unauthorized worker.

Can my spouse apply for permanent residence?

Yes, foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens may be eligible for permanent residence (PRC) after meeting residency requirements. Under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners 2014, foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens can apply for PRC if they have continuously resided in Vietnam for at least 3 years sponsored by the Vietnamese spouse. Additional requirements include: (1) stable income or financial support from spouse/family, (2) no criminal record in Vietnam, (3) not posing threat to national security, and (4) compliance with Vietnamese laws. PRC is valid indefinitely (until passport expires) and does not require renewal. PRC holders can work without work permits or employer notification. Apply to Immigration Department with: marriage certificate, proof of 3 years continuous residence (TRC history), Vietnamese spouse’s ID, financial proof, criminal check, and application form.

Will marrying a Vietnamese citizen help my spouse get Vietnamese citizenship?

Marriage to a Vietnamese citizen can be a pathway to Vietnamese citizenship, but requirements are strict. Under the Law on Vietnamese Nationality 2008, foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens can apply for citizenship if they meet ALL of these conditions: (1) resided continuously in Vietnam for at least 5 years since marriage registration, (2) have stable income and residence, (3) have no criminal record in Vietnam or home country, (4) demonstrate Vietnamese language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking), (5) demonstrate knowledge of Vietnamese history and culture, and (6) the Vietnamese spouse must petition for your spouse’s citizenship. The application is evaluated by Provincial Immigration Departments and approved by Ministry of Public Security. Processing time: 12-18 months. Vietnamese citizenship law does not require renunciation of original citizenship (dual citizenship is permitted). However, practical benefits of citizenship for employment are limited since spousal work permit exemption already provides full employment rights.

Foreign spouses of Vietnamese citizens enjoy straightforward employment rights in Vietnam under Decree 219/2025 effective August 7, 2025. The work permit exemption, combined with simple employer notification procedures, allows your spouse to work in any legal employment without bureaucratic obstacles. However, success requires understanding three critical requirements: maintaining legal marriage registration in Vietnam, obtaining and renewing Temporary Residence Card with TT symbol, and ensuring employer submits notification to Department of Home Affairs at least 3 working days before employment begins.

The penalties for non-compliance are severe—VND 15-25 million plus potential deportation for workers, VND 30-75 million for employers—making proper procedure adherence essential. Beyond legal compliance, your spouse must navigate tax obligations (5-35% progressive PIT for residents), social insurance contributions (10.5% from salary for contracts ≥1 month), and professional qualifications for teaching positions (bachelor’s degree, TESOL/TEFL certification, criminal check, health certificate).

For foreign teachers considering Vietnam as a long-term career destination, the spouse exemption provides significant advantages over standard work permits: no permit application fees, no annual renewals, no employer-sponsored complications, and unlimited job mobility with simple notification requirements. Combined with Vietnam’s growing demand for English teachers and competitive salaries, married foreign teachers find Vietnam an attractive destination for career development and family life.

Explore more resources in our Family & Dependents category.

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