To qualify for a Vietnam teaching work permit, foreign teachers must meet six core eligibility requirements: (1) minimum 18 years old, (2) Bachelor’s degree from accredited university, (3) TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification (120+ hours), (4) clean criminal record (issued within 6 months), (5) medical fitness certificate from Vietnamese hospital, and (6) employer sponsorship from licensed educational institution.
According to Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP issued August 7, 2025 by Vietnam’s Government, which replaced Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, foreign workers including English teachers must satisfy specific criteria under Vietnam’s 2019 Labor Code Article 154. The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) enforces these standards through provincial Department of Labor offices, requiring documentary proof for each eligibility criterion before work permit approval.
Foreign teachers face two eligibility categories depending on nationality:
Universal Requirements (All Foreign Teachers):
- Age: Minimum 18 years old with full legal capacity
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (4-year) or higher from accredited institution; any field accepted for language centers
- Teaching Qualification: TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, or equivalent with minimum 120 hours documented coursework
- Criminal Record: Police clearance from home country, issued within 6 months of application
- Health Status: Medical certificate from approved Vietnamese hospital, valid 12 months, confirming fitness to work
- Professional Experience: Minimum 2 years relevant teaching experience (reduced from previous 3-year requirement)
- Legal Authorization: Employer sponsorship from Vietnamese institution licensed to hire foreign workers
Additional Requirements (Non-Native English Speakers):
Non-native speakers from countries outside UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa must additionally provide:
- English Proficiency Certificate: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 100+, or Vietnam Language Proficiency Level 5+
- Preferred Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or Linguistics (though any field legally acceptable)
Exemptions from English proficiency tests: Non-native speakers who completed full-time undergraduate/postgraduate degrees abroad with English as instruction language, or hold Vietnamese degrees in foreign languages/foreign language pedagogy.
The work permit serves as legal authorization for foreign nationals to work in Vietnam’s education sector. Decree 219/2025/ND-CP classifies teaching positions under “Expert” employment category, requiring university-level education and demonstrated professional competency. These requirements ensure foreign teachers possess both subject knowledge and pedagogical skills necessary for effective English language instruction while protecting Vietnam’s education quality standards.
The distinction between native and non-native speakers reflects Ministry of Education and Training policy (Circular 21/2018/TT-BGDĐT) recognizing linguistic differences in first-language acquisition versus second-language proficiency. Native speakers from seven designated countries receive automatic English proficiency recognition, while non-native speakers must demonstrate equivalent competency through standardized testing.
For comprehensive guidance on the application process, required documents, and submission procedures, see: Work Permit Application for Foreign Teachers: Legal Requirements & Process.
What Educational Qualifications Do Foreign Teachers Need?
Foreign teachers must hold a Bachelor’s degree (minimum 4-year program, or 3-year for UK/Australia/New Zealand) from an accredited university in any academic field.
According to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP Article 18 and Labor Code 2019, teaching positions require “Expert” classification mandating university-level credentials. The Department of Labor enforces this standard uniformly across all provinces, with no exceptions for teaching experience, advanced certifications, or other qualifications as bachelor’s degree substitutes.
Minimum Degree Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (4-year programs) from accredited institutions worldwide accepted
- 3-year bachelor’s degrees from UK, Australia, New Zealand education systems accepted
- Associate degrees (2-year), diplomas, vocational certificates do NOT satisfy requirements
- Any academic field accepted for language center positions (Business, Engineering, Sciences, Arts, etc.)
- Education/English degrees preferred for international school positions but not legally required
Document Legalization Requirements:
- Apostille or embassy legalization in country of degree issuance required
- Certified Vietnamese translation by authorized translator mandatory
- Notarization in Vietnam by public notary before DoLISA submission
The bachelor’s degree requirement reflects Vietnam’s labor market protection framework, ensuring foreign workers possess critical thinking abilities, cultural awareness, and professional standards associated with tertiary education. Language centers accept any bachelor’s degree because English instruction methodology (covered by teaching certification) matters more than undergraduate specialization. International schools hiring subject-specific teachers (mathematics, science) generally prefer relevant degree fields but cannot legally mandate specific majors for work permit approval.
The legalization process varies by country:
- Hague Apostille Convention countries (USA, UK, Australia, most EU nations): Apostille stamp from designated government authority
- Non-Hague countries (China, Canada, UAE): Ministry of Foreign Affairs authentication + Vietnamese embassy legalization
Total cost for degree legalization, translation, and notarization: $100-200 USD, requiring 2-4 weeks processing time when properly managed.
Do I Need Teaching Certification for a Vietnam Work Permit?
Yes, foreign teachers must hold TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) certification with minimum 120 hours documented coursework.
According to Circular No. 21/2018/TT-BGDĐT from Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, enforced under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP work permit procedures, teaching certificates demonstrate professional competency in language instruction methodology, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment techniques required for foreign language education positions.
Recognized Certifications:
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) – most common
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) – widely accepted
- CELTA (Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) – premium qualification
- DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults) – advanced certification
- Language-specific equivalents: TFSOL (French), TCSOL (Chinese), TJSOL (Japanese), TKSOL (Korean)
Minimum Requirements:
- 120 hours documented coursework minimum
- In-person teaching practice components strengthen applications significantly
- Internationally accredited provider (TQUK, TESOL International, Cambridge, equivalent)
- Proper legalization (apostille/embassy authentication) required like academic degrees
The teaching certification requirement distinguishes native language fluency from pedagogical expertise. Speaking English fluently does not automatically translate to effective instruction—teaching methodology, error correction techniques, and classroom management require specialized training. Standard 120-hour programs cover communicative language teaching, task-based learning, lesson planning, classroom management, assessment strategies, and language awareness from teaching perspective.
Premium certifications (CELTA, Trinity CertTESOL) command higher salaries at international schools due to rigorous observed teaching assessments and standardized quality control. However, standard 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificates from reputable providers satisfy legal requirements for language center employment throughout Vietnam. Total certification costs including course fees, legalization, and translation: $300-1,500 USD depending on program type.
What Are the Criminal Record Requirements?
Foreign teachers must provide a criminal background check (police clearance certificate) from their home country or most recent country of residence, issued no more than 6 months before work permit application submission, confirming no criminal record, ongoing prosecution, or current sentence.
According to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP Article 18(3), the criminal record certificate serves as mandatory safeguarding documentation protecting Vietnamese students and educational institutions. MoLISA strictly enforces the 6-month validity requirement, automatically rejecting applications with expired criminal record documents regardless of other qualifications.
Issuing Authority Requirements:
- National police or federal law enforcement in home country (FBI for USA, ACRO for UK, AFP for Australia, RCMP for Canada)
- State/provincial police for countries with regionalized systems
- Most recent legal residence country if lived abroad extensively before Vietnam
Validity and Content Requirements:
- Must be issued within 6 months of work permit application submission date
- Must explicitly state “no criminal record” or equivalent clear language
- Must confirm not under current investigation or serving sentence
- Official government seal and authorized signature required
- Apostille or embassy legalization mandatory before Vietnamese translation
Vietnam’s stringent criminal record requirements reflect child safeguarding priorities in education employment. The 6-month validity window ensures information currency, as criminal records change due to new charges or ongoing investigations. Processing times vary dramatically by country: USA (FBI) 12-16 weeks standard, UK (ACRO) 10 working days, Canada (RCMP) 120 days, Australia (AFP) 15 business days, South Africa (SAPS) 8-12 weeks.
The extended processing times combined with 6-month validity create narrow application windows requiring careful timing. Teachers should initiate criminal record requests 3-6 months before intended Vietnam start dates to ensure validity throughout application processes. Decree 219/2025/ND-CP introduced optional simultaneous criminal record requests with work permit applications through National Public Service Portal, though provincial implementation varies as of December 2025.
For detailed guidance on obtaining police clearance certificates including country-specific procedures and common errors: Police Clearance Certificate in Vietnam: Complete Guide for Foreign Teachers.
How Does Age Affect Work Permit Eligibility?
Foreign teachers must be at least 18 years old to qualify for Vietnam work permits. There is no maximum age limit—teachers in their 50s, 60s, and beyond qualify provided they meet all other requirements and pass mandatory health examinations.
According to Article 154 of Vietnam’s 2019 Labor Code and Decree 219/2025/ND-CP Article 18, the minimum age requirement ensures foreign workers possess full civil capacity under Vietnamese law. The absence of maximum age caps aligns with international labor standards prohibiting age discrimination in employment.
Age Eligibility Standards:
- Minimum age: 18 years old (absolute legal minimum)
- Maximum age: No upper age restriction in law
- Verification: Age confirmed through passport date of birth
- Work permit validity: Standard 2-year initial term regardless of applicant age
- Health requirements: All ages must pass medical fitness assessment
Vietnam’s age-neutral work permit policy contrasts with some Asian countries imposing maximum age caps (China previously limited foreign teacher permits to under-60 individuals, though enforcement varied). The absence of upper age restrictions creates opportunities for experienced educators, retirees seeking continued engagement, and career-changers entering teaching later in life.
Mandatory health certificate requirements serve as practical screening mechanisms for work fitness regardless of age. Medical examinations assess infectious disease screening, general physical health, mental health and cognitive function, and substance dependencies affecting work performance. Older applicants occasionally face extended health examination requirements if initial screenings identify concerns, but age alone does not disqualify candidates—certificates must explicitly state “healthy enough to work” regardless of applicant age.
Retirement-age teachers (60+) successfully obtain work permits throughout Vietnam, particularly at international schools valuing experienced educators and universities seeking senior faculty with advanced degrees. The 2-year initial validity with possible 2-year extension provides 4-year employment windows regardless of age at initial application.
What Health Requirements Must Foreign Teachers Meet?
Foreign teachers must obtain a medical certificate from approved Vietnamese hospitals confirming good health and fitness to work, valid for 12 months from examination date. The health check must be completed in Vietnam at government-approved facilities.
According to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP Article 18(2), health certificate requirements protect public health and ensure foreign workers possess physical and mental fitness for intended employment. Ministry of Health designates approved medical examination facilities, primarily public hospitals in provincial capitals and major cities. Certificates must explicitly state “healthy enough to work” with complete medical information and authorized signatures—any errors result in automatic application rejection.
Examination Requirements:
- Approved Vietnamese hospitals: Public hospitals in major cities (Hanoi: Bach Mai, Viet Duc; Ho Chi Minh City: Cho Ray, 115 Hospital; Da Nang: General Hospital)
- Standard components: Physical examination, blood tests, chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening), urine analysis, vision/hearing tests, blood pressure, mental health screening
- Cost: $25-50 USD, often employer-reimbursed
- Validity: 12 months from examination date
- Signature requirement: Teacher’s signature must match passport signature exactly
Certificate Specifications:
- Must state “healthy enough to work” or equivalent explicit language
- Any information errors, missing signatures, or incorrect medical conclusions cause automatic rejection
- Original document required for submission
Health examinations serve dual purposes: protecting public health through infectious disease screening, and verifying individual fitness for teaching responsibilities requiring physical presence, vocal projection, and sustained mental engagement. Standard examinations require 2-4 hours, with results typically available next business day.
Common disqualifications (rare but possible): active tuberculosis, infectious diseases in communicable stages (policies vary; some conditions don’t automatically disqualify if well-managed), severe mental health conditions incompatible with classroom responsibilities, or substance dependencies affecting work performance. Minor health conditions generally do NOT disqualify applicants: corrected vision with glasses/contacts, controlled chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, asthma) with medication, past medical history now resolved, or minor abnormalities not impacting work capability.
Decree 219/2025/ND-CP theoretically accepts health certificates from foreign hospitals if Vietnam has mutual recognition agreements with issuing countries. However, no official confirmation exists regarding which countries have such agreements. This regulatory ambiguity creates substantial risk—teachers submitting foreign health certificates face possible rejection. Strong recommendation: complete examinations in Vietnam to avoid rejection risk.
Do Native and Non-Native English Speakers Have Different Requirements?
Yes, native and non-native English speakers face different eligibility requirements. Native speakers from UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa need only bachelor’s degree and TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification. Non-native speakers must additionally demonstrate English proficiency through IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 100+, or Vietnam Language Proficiency Level 5+ certification.
According to Circular No. 21/2018/TT-BGDĐT from Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, applied under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP work permit procedures, the native/non-native distinction reflects language pedagogy research demonstrating linguistic competence and cultural familiarity differences between first-language and second-language speakers. The Ministry specifies English proficiency evidence requirements for non-native speakers to ensure teaching quality standards.
Eligibility Comparison Table:
| Requirement | Native Speakers | Non-Native Speakers |
|---|---|---|
| Recognized Countries | UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa | All other countries |
| Bachelor’s Degree | Any field | Any field (English/Education/Linguistics preferred) |
| Teaching Certification | TEFL/TESOL/CELTA 120+ hours | TEFL/TESOL/CELTA 120+ hours |
| English Proficiency Test | NOT required | IELTS 6.5+ OR TOEFL 100+ OR Vietnam Level 5+ |
| Work Experience | 2 years minimum | 2 years minimum |
| Criminal Record | Within 6 months | Within 6 months |
| Health Certificate | Vietnam hospital, 12 months | Vietnam hospital, 12 months |
| Age Requirement | 18+ years | 18+ years |
English Proficiency Requirements for Non-Native Speakers:
Non-native speakers must demonstrate language competency through:
Option A: International English Tests
- IELTS Academic: Overall band score 6.5 or higher (individual band scores typically minimum 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: Total score 100 or higher (typically minimum 20-23 per section)
- Test validity: Within 2 years of application date
- Cost: IELTS $215-245 USD, TOEFL $180-250 USD
Option B: Vietnam Language Proficiency Framework
- Level 5 or higher on Vietnam’s 6-level framework
- Equivalent to C1 (Advanced) on Common European Framework (CEFR)
- Issued by Vietnamese government-authorized testing centers
Exemptions from English Proficiency Tests:
Non-native speakers are exempt if they:
- Completed full-time undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs abroad with English as instruction language (entire degree program, not just English courses)
- Hold Vietnamese degrees in foreign languages or foreign language pedagogy
These scores represent B2-C1 proficiency levels, ensuring teachers can explain complex grammatical structures clearly, address nuanced student questions, provide accurate error correction, engage in sophisticated classroom discourse, and design curriculum independently.
The native/non-native distinction generates ongoing debate in international teaching communities. Critics argue nationality-based categorization oversimplifies language proficiency, ignoring highly proficient non-native speakers and assuming uniform competence among native speakers. However, Vietnamese immigration authorities maintain this framework based on linguistic research indicating first-language acquisition advantages: intuitive grammatical knowledge, pronunciation patterns closer to standard varieties, cultural context internalization, and pragmatic language use.
Non-native speakers face additional requirements creating financial burden (testing costs $200-250 USD), timeline extensions (test scheduling and score reporting add 4-8 weeks), and competitive disadvantages (employers often prefer native speakers for marketing). However, international schools and universities generally demonstrate less nationality bias, valuing teaching credentials, experience, and advanced degrees over nationality.
What Professional Experience Is Required?
Foreign teachers must demonstrate minimum 2 years of relevant work experience to qualify for Vietnam work permits under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (reduced from previous 3-year requirement).
According to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP Article 18, foreign teachers classified as “Experts” require documented professional experience in teaching or closely related fields. For teachers working in priority development sectors designated by Vietnamese government (finance, science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation), requirements reduce to only 1 year relevant experience.
Experience Documentation:
- Reference letters from previous employers on official letterhead
- Employment contracts showing position title, dates, responsibilities
- Payslips or tax documents demonstrating sustained employment periods
- Professional portfolios as supplementary evidence (not primary proof)
Qualifying Experience:
- English teaching at language schools, international schools, universities, corporate training programs
- Subject teaching in English at international educational institutions
- Private tutoring through documented companies or agencies
- Volunteer teaching at registered organizations with official documentation
Non-Qualifying Experience:
- Informal undocumented tutoring
- Corporate training in non-English subjects
- Non-teaching education roles (administration, counseling, curriculum development)
- Professional experience in unrelated fields
The 2-year experience requirement ensures foreign teachers possess practical classroom management skills, student engagement techniques, and pedagogical experience beyond theoretical certification training. This reduction from the previous 3-year mandate (Decree 152/2020/ND-CP) reflects Vietnam’s efforts to attract qualified foreign educators while maintaining professional standards.
New teachers transitioning into education without prior experience face challenges: need experience for work permit, but need work permit to gain legal teaching experience. Solutions include gaining documented experience through volunteer teaching at registered charitable programs (no work permit required for genuine unpaid volunteers), building experience through online ESL platforms providing documented teaching hours, teaching in home countries for 2 years before Vietnam applications, or starting teaching careers in countries without experience requirements then transferring to Vietnam.
The priority sector 1-year requirement aims to attract specialists in technology, innovation, and digital transformation fields where Vietnam seeks accelerated development, recognizing these professionals may have limited teaching backgrounds despite subject matter expertise.
What Employer Requirements Must Be Met?
Foreign teachers must secure employer sponsorship from Vietnamese educational institutions licensed to hire foreign workers. The employer must hold valid business registration, proper educational operating licenses, and specific authorization to employ foreign staff.
According to Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, employers bear legal responsibility for foreign worker applications, submitting integrated applications (Form 03) through National Public Service Portal demonstrating business legitimacy, foreign worker hiring authorization, and labor demand justification. Provincial Department of Labor verifies employer credentials before processing individual teacher work permit applications.
Employer Eligibility Requirements:
- Valid business license or certificate of incorporation
- Educational operating license from Department of Education and Training
- Foreign worker hiring authorization from Department of Labor
- Tax compliance (current tax registration, no outstanding violations)
- Work location alignment (teacher’s work location must match employer’s registered business address)
Employer Responsibilities:
- Submit integrated Form 03 application via National Public Service Portal
- Provide employment contract specifying position, salary, duration
- Justify foreign worker necessity (explain why Vietnamese candidates insufficient)
- Cover certain application costs (varies by institution—health examination, DoLISA fees typically employer-paid)
The employer sponsorship requirement ensures foreign teachers work for legitimate, properly licensed educational institutions rather than unregistered informal tutoring operations. Provincial DoLISA offices maintain databases of authorized foreign worker employers, rejecting applications from institutions lacking proper credentials.
Reputable employers (established language centers, international schools, universities) possess all necessary authorizations and experience with work permit procedures. However, smaller language centers or newly established institutions may lack proper foreign worker hiring authorization despite holding valid business licenses—teachers should verify employer authorization status before committing to positions.
Work permits remain employer-specific and location-specific. Teachers cannot transfer permits between employers or work for multiple institutions simultaneously without separate work permits for each employer. Changing employers requires complete new work permit applications from scratch, with teachers unable to legally work during processing periods (typically 3-12 weeks depending on document currency).
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnam Work Permit Eligibility Requirements
Can I Get a Work Permit Without a Bachelor’s Degree?
No. Bachelor’s degrees are non-negotiable legal requirements under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP. Associate degrees, diplomas, and professional certifications do NOT satisfy Department of Labor equivalency standards for “Expert” classification required for teaching positions. Applications without proper degrees receive automatic rejection at initial verification.
Do I Need a Degree in Education or English?
No. Any bachelor’s degree field is legally acceptable for work permit approval. Language centers accept Business, Engineering, Sciences, Arts, or any accredited field. However, international schools hiring subject-specific teachers may prefer relevant degrees for competitive positions, though cannot legally mandate specific majors for work permit eligibility.
Can Non-Native Speakers Work as English Teachers in Vietnam?
Yes. Non-native speakers from any country can qualify for work permits by meeting all standard requirements plus providing English proficiency evidence: IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 100+, or Vietnam Language Proficiency Level 5+. Non-native speakers who completed degrees taught entirely in English abroad are exempt from proficiency testing requirements.
What If I’m Over 60 Years Old?
You can qualify. Vietnam imposes no maximum age restrictions for work permits. Teachers aged 60+, 70+, and beyond remain eligible provided they meet all requirements including health examinations confirming fitness to work. The 2-year work permit validity applies equally regardless of applicant age.
Do I Need Teaching Experience to Get a Work Permit?
Yes. Decree 219/2025/ND-CP requires minimum 2 years documented teaching experience (reduced from previous 3 years). Experience must be proven through employer reference letters, contracts, or official documentation. Priority sector positions (technology, innovation) require only 1 year experience.
What Happens If I Don’t Meet All Requirements?
Applications missing any eligibility requirements receive automatic rejection. Most common deficiencies: bachelor’s degree from unaccredited institutions, teaching certificates under 120 hours, expired criminal records (over 6 months old), health certificates with signature mismatches, or insufficient English proficiency evidence for non-native speakers. Rejected applications require correction and complete resubmission.
Understanding eligibility requirements is the critical first step toward legal teaching employment in Vietnam. Once you’ve confirmed you meet all criteria, learn about the complete application process, required documents, and submission procedures in our comprehensive guide: LEGAL & VISA REQUIREMENTS.
Our resources cover work permit applications, document legalization by country, visa regulations, tax obligations, labor rights, and compliance procedures—ensuring your teaching career in Vietnam remains legally protected throughout your employment.
