Vietnam Labor Code for Foreign Teachers: Essential Guide 2025

Foreign teachers in Vietnam must obtain valid work permits and comply with Article 151 of the Labor Code 2019, requiring a bachelor’s degree, relevant work experience, health certification, and clean criminal records—with recent regulatory updates streamlining expert classifications and introducing online processing capabilities.

Vietnam’s education sector creates substantial opportunities for foreign teachers, with competitive compensation and strong demand across public schools, language centers, and international institutions. However, teaching legally requires navigating comprehensive labor regulations governing work permits, employment contracts, and workplace rights.

This guide provides teachers with essential regulatory information based on Vietnam’s Labor Code 2019 and implementing decrees, ensuring full legal compliance when teaching in Vietnam.

Foreign teachers must satisfy five mandatory conditions under Article 151 of Vietnam’s Labor Code 2019 before commencing employment in Vietnam.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Foreign Teachers Under Vietnam Labor Code
  • Age and Legal Capacity: Teachers must be at least 18 years old with full civil legal capacity to enter binding employment contracts under Vietnamese law.
  • Professional Qualifications: Foreign teachers need a bachelor’s degree minimum as required by work permit regulations. Teaching certifications (TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA) are strongly preferred and often required by employers, though not explicitly mandated in the Labor Code itself.
  • Work Experience: Teachers classified as “experts” under Vietnamese law typically need at least two years of relevant work experience in their trained specialty. For priority sectors including technology and digital transformation, only one year of experience may be required.
  • Health Certification: Teachers must obtain health certificates from Vietnamese government-authorized medical facilities confirming fitness for work. These certificates are typically obtained after arrival in Vietnam through designated healthcare providers in major cities.
  • Criminal Background Verification: A police clearance certificate from the teacher’s home country (or country of residence for the preceding 12 months) authenticated through apostille certification is mandatory. These documents remain valid for six months from issuance.
  • Important Compliance Note: All five conditions apply universally except for specific exemptions under Article 154 of the Labor Code, such as diplomatic mission personnel or those working under international treaties. Working without meeting these requirements can result in contract invalidity, fines, and deportation.

How Does the Work Permit Application Process Work for Teachers?

Work permits represent the legal cornerstone for foreign teacher employment, issued by provincial Departments of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) through a two-step employer-driven process.

How Does the Work Permit Application Process Work for Teachers?

Step 1 – Justification for Foreign Labor (5-7 Working Days):

Employers must first submit written justification to DOLISA explaining why Vietnamese workers cannot fill the teaching position. This explanation details specific qualifications, skills, or native language requirements that necessitate hiring a foreign teacher.

Step 2 – Work Permit Application (5 Working Days Processing):

After receiving written approval, employers submit the complete work permit application at least 15 days before the teacher’s intended start date. DOLISA issues decisions within five working days of receiving all required documentation.

Required Documentation Package:

  • Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
  • Health certificate from Vietnamese authorized medical facility
  • Criminal background check with apostille authentication
  • Educational degree certificates (bachelor’s minimum)
  • Teaching certificates if applicable
  • Employment contract or offer letter
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs
  • Work experience documentation

Processing Timeline: The complete process typically requires 20-30 days from initial employer application to work permit issuance, assuming all documentation meets regulatory standards without requiring corrections.

Validity and Renewal: Work permits remain valid for up to two years initially under Article 155 of the Labor Code. Extensions are possible for one additional two-year period maximum. After four total years, teachers must submit entirely new applications following the complete process again.

Recent Improvements: Recent regulatory updates allow significant portions of the work permit process to be completed online through Vietnam’s National Public Service Portal, reducing in-person government office visits and expediting application tracking.

For detailed information about the complete visa application process including documentation requirements and processing timelines, see our comprehensive Vietnam Work Visa Guide: Application Process & Requirements 2025.

What Types of Employment Contracts Apply to Foreign Teachers?

Vietnam’s Labor Code 2019 recognizes two primary contract types for foreign teachers under Article 20, with specific provisions governing duration, renewal, and termination procedures.

What Types of Employment Contracts Apply to Foreign Teachers?

Definite-Term Contracts (Most Common for Foreign Teachers):

These fixed-duration contracts span up to 36 months maximum per Vietnamese law, clearly specifying both commencement and termination dates in the written agreement. Foreign teachers typically receive definite-term contracts aligned with work permit validity periods.

The Labor Code allows foreign workers to sign multiple consecutive definite-term contracts without mandatory conversion to indefinite-term contracts (unlike Vietnamese workers who must convert after two consecutive definite-term contracts). This exception is explicitly stated in Clause 2, Article 151.

Indefinite-Term Contracts:

These open-ended agreements specify no fixed termination date, offering maximum job security but remaining less common for foreign teachers due to work permit validity limitations tied to specific time periods.

Mandatory Contract Contents (Article 21):

  • Complete employer identification (school name, address, legal representative)
  • Teacher’s full details (name, passport number, residence)
  • Precise job description and teaching responsibilities
  • Workplace location(s)
  • Working hours and rest period schedules
  • Salary amount, payment method, and payment schedule
  • Allowances and additional benefits
  • Social insurance provisions
  • Contract term or commencement date
  • Occupational safety provisions

Language and Format: Contracts can be drafted in English or Vietnamese per the parties’ agreement. Both parties must sign written contracts, with each party retaining one original copy. Electronic contracts in data message form have equal legal validity to paper contracts under Article 14.

Contract Registration: Employers must submit signed labor contracts (original or certified copies) to the DOLISA office that issued the work permit.

What Compensation and Benefits Can Foreign Teachers Expect?

Foreign teacher compensation varies significantly based on institution type, location, qualifications, and experience levels, with comprehensive benefit packages mandated by Vietnam’s Labor Code.

What Compensation and Benefits Can Foreign Teachers Expect?

Market Salary Ranges (2025 Estimates from Job Market Data):

Note: The Labor Code does not specify salary amounts for foreign teachers. The following ranges represent market data from recruitment platforms and educational institutions:

  • Public Schools: $1,450-$2,000 per month for daytime weekday schedules
  • Private Language Centers: $1,150-$1,800 per month, often hourly or part-time
  • International Schools: $1,900-$2,300 per month (requires teaching licenses and experience)
  • Universities: $850-$2,100 per month depending on qualifications

Teachers in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang) typically earn 20-40% more than colleagues in provincial locations, though provincial areas offer lower living costs.

Mandatory Leave Entitlements (Labor Code Requirements):

  • Annual Leave: 12 working days paid leave per year for normal working conditions (Article 115)
  • Public Holidays: 11 Vietnamese public holidays annually
  • Foreign National Holidays: One traditional public holiday plus one national day from teacher’s home country (Article 115, Clause 2)
  • Sick Leave: Based on social insurance contribution periods

Working Hours (Article 106):

  • Maximum 8 hours per day
  • Maximum 48 hours per week
  • Rest breaks: 30 minutes for shifts over 6 hours
  • Weekly rest: At least one full day off per week

Overtime Compensation (Article 98):

  • 150% of hourly rate for normal day overtime
  • 150% for night shift hours (22:00-06:00)
  • 200% for public holiday overtime
  • 200% for weekly rest day overtime
  • Limits: Maximum 200 hours per year (300 hours with special authorization)

Social Insurance (Article 143):

For contracts exceeding three months duration, employers must withhold and contribute to social insurance funds covering:

  • Sick leave benefits
  • Maternity benefits
  • Work-related accidents and occupational illness
  • Pension funds
  • Death benefits

Foreign teachers can withdraw social insurance contributions as lump-sum payments when departing Vietnam permanently.

Common Additional Benefits (Employer-Dependent):

  • Housing allowances or provided accommodation
  • Annual flight reimbursement to home country
  • Health insurance coverage
  • Work permit and visa sponsorship costs
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Contract completion bonuses

Salary Payment Requirements (Article 96): Employers must pay salaries directly, fully, and punctually with payment schedules not exceeding one month. Salary statements must show gross pay, deductions, and net amounts.

How Does Contract Termination Work for Foreign Teachers?

Vietnam’s Labor Code 2019 specifies detailed procedures for employment contract termination under Articles 34-48, protecting both teacher and employer rights.

How Does Contract Termination Work for Foreign Teachers?

Notice Period Requirements (Article 37):

  • Definite-Term Contracts: 30 days advance written notice
  • Indefinite-Term Contracts: 45 days advance written notice
  • During Probation Period: 3 days notice (or as specified in probation agreement)

Teacher’s Right to Immediate Termination (Article 35):

Teachers may terminate contracts immediately without notice when:

  • Employers fail to pay salary 15+ days after due date
  • Employers fail to provide agreed working conditions
  • Teachers suffer mistreatment, sexual harassment, or forced labor
  • Female teachers become pregnant or adopt children under 12 months
  • Teachers must care for sick family members per medical certification

Employer Termination Rights (Article 36):

Employers can unilaterally terminate contracts only under specific conditions:

  • Teachers repeatedly fail to perform assigned duties after warnings
  • Teachers suffer illness/injury preventing work after specified treatment periods
  • Force majeure events make contract performance impossible
  • Organizational restructuring or economic difficulties necessitate workforce reductions
  • Teacher reaches retirement age

Severance Pay (Article 46):

Teachers working continuously for 12+ months receive severance allowances equal to half-month’s salary for each year of service (based on the most recent six-month average salary).

Exceptions to severance pay:

  • Teachers receiving retirement pensions under social insurance law
  • Teachers committing serious labor discipline violations
  • Teachers resigning without valid reasons under Article 35

Final Settlement Timeline (Article 48):

Within 14 working days following contract termination, employers must settle:

  • Outstanding salary and allowances
  • Unused annual leave compensation
  • Severance allowances when applicable
  • Social insurance refunds for departing foreign teachers
  • Contractually-agreed completion bonuses

Work Permit Consequences: Work permits automatically expire when labor contracts terminate under Article 156. Teachers must obtain new work permits with different employers or depart Vietnam within visa validity periods.

What Are Work Permit Exemptions for Foreign Teachers?

Article 154 of the Labor Code identifies specific circumstances exempting foreigners from work permit requirements, though most require “Confirmation of Work Permit Exemption” certificates from DOLISA.

What Are Work Permit Exemptions for Foreign Teachers?

Exemption Categories Potentially Relevant to Teachers:

Capital Contributors/Owners: Foreigners with capital contributions of VND 3 billion (approximately $125,000) or more in limited liability companies or as Board of Directors members in joint-stock companies qualify for exemptions.

Short-Term Service Providers: Those entering Vietnam for under three months to provide services may qualify, though this rarely applies to standard teaching positions requiring sustained presence. Many teachers initially enter Vietnam on tourist visas before securing employment; for information about this transition process, see our guide on converting tourist visas to business visas in Vietnam.

Diplomatic Mission Schools: Teachers working at schools managed by foreign diplomatic missions or international organizations in Vietnam confirmed by the Ministry of Education and Training receive automatic exemptions under Article 154, Clause 9.

Important Limitations:

Even exempted teachers must obtain “Confirmation of Work Permit Exemption” certificates from DOLISA at least three working days before starting work. These exemptions do NOT eliminate visa requirements—exempted teachers still need appropriate visa categories and may require Temporary Residence Cards for extended stays.

Penalty Risks: Working without required work permits or valid exemption certificates can result in:

  • Contract invalidity under Article 49
  • Administrative fines under Decree 12/2022/NĐ-CP
  • Forced departure or deportation from Vietnam
  • Employer penalties for hiring unauthorized foreign workers

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I teach in Vietnam without a bachelor’s degree?

No—work permit regulations specifically require bachelor’s degrees minimum for teaching positions under Article 151 of the Labor Code. Some language centers may hire non-degree holders, but both teachers and employers operate illegally and risk penalties including fines and deportation.

How long does the work permit process take?

The complete process typically requires 20-30 days including employer needs assessment (5-7 days) and work permit application (5 working days processing plus 15-day advance submission requirement). Timeline assumes correct documentation upon initial submission.

Can I change employers with a valid work permit?

No—work permits remain employer-specific under Article 156. Changing employers requires obtaining entirely new work permits even with significant remaining validity on existing permits, with new employers initiating the full application process.

What happens to social insurance contributions when leaving Vietnam?

Foreign teachers departing Vietnam permanently can withdraw social insurance contributions as lump-sum payments under Article 143, requiring exit visa proof, contract termination documentation, and passport copies submitted to district-level social insurance offices.

Must I pay Vietnamese income tax on teaching salary?

Yes—foreign teachers working in Vietnam must comply with personal income tax requirements. Tax residents (183+ days annually) pay progressive rates up to 35% on worldwide income under Vietnam’s tax law, while non-residents pay 20% flat tax on Vietnam-source income. Many employers withhold taxes automatically from monthly salaries.

Are there penalties for working without a work permit?

Yes—teachers face administrative fines, forced departure, and potential deportation under immigration law. Employing institutions face substantial penalties for hiring unauthorized foreign workers under Decree 12/2022/NĐ-CP, with repeat violations risking business license suspension or revocation.

Vietnam’s Labor Code 2019 establishes comprehensive frameworks protecting foreign teachers while ensuring legal employment compliance through work permits, standardized employment contracts, and clear workplace rights.

Understanding Article 151’s five core requirements—age, qualifications, experience, health, and criminal records—represents the foundation for legal teaching employment. Recent regulatory improvements have introduced online processing capabilities and clarified expert classifications, making compliance procedures more efficient.

Foreign teachers in Vietnam benefit from competitive market salaries, statutory leave entitlements totaling 12+ annual days, and comprehensive social insurance coverage. Success requires combining regulatory compliance with professional teaching practices, navigating work permit processes correctly, and understanding employment contract rights and termination procedures.

This guide’s information derives directly from Vietnam’s Labor Code 2019 (Law No. 45/2019/QH14), Decree 152/2020/ND-CP on foreign workers, and related implementing regulations, providing US and European teachers with accurate legal frameworks for pursuing teaching careers in Vietnam while maintaining full compliance throughout employment.

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Vietnam Teaching Jobs

Vietnam Teaching Jobs (VTJ) has been the leading voice in Vietnam's educational recruitment since 2012. As the founder and primary content creator, they have successfully connected thousands of international teachers with schools across Vietnam. Their platform combines job opportunities with valuable insights, making it the trusted destination for educators seeking their dream teaching positions in Vietnam

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