How to get a work visa for teaching English in Vietnam (2026)

Vietnam is one of the most popular countries in Asia for teaching English — and it’s easy to see why. With high demand for teachers, a low cost of living, and a vibrant culture, it’s a natural draw for people looking to live and work abroad.

But before you book that flight and accept a job offer, there’s one thing you can’t afford to skip: your work visa and permit. Without it, you’re working illegally — and that comes with serious risks, from visa fines to deportation.

The good news? The process isn’t complicated, especially if you’re working with a legitimate school. This guide explains exactly how to get a legal work visa to teach English in Vietnam — from the documents you need, to how the process works step-by-step.

Whether you’re applying from abroad or already in Vietnam on a tourist visa, here’s how to get everything sorted — the right way.

Understanding Vietnam's Work Visa Types

Vietnam issues two primary work visa categories for foreign workers:

LD1 Visa: For foreigners working in Vietnam who are exempt from a work permit. This typically applies to high-level professionals transferred internally or those with work permit exemption approval (rare for ESL teachers).
LD2 Visa: For foreigners who require a work permit to legally work in Vietnam.

As an English teacher, you’ll almost certainly fall under the LD2 visa category, which means you must first obtain a valid work permit. Once you have that, your employer will help you convert your status to the LD2 visa or apply for it on your behalf.

⚠️ Important: Teaching without a work permit and LD visa is illegal. Even if some schools suggest working under the table on a tourist visa, it puts you at risk for fines, blacklisting, and deportation.

Eligibility Criteria for English Teachers

To qualify for a work permit and LD2 visa, you must meet the following criteria:

Be at least 18 years old
You must be a legal adult under Vietnamese labor law.
Possess a clean criminal record
A national-level background check from your home country (or most recent country of residence) is required. This must be issued within 6 months of submission and notarized/legalized.
Hold a bachelor's degree or higher
Your degree can be in any field, but it must be issued by an accredited institution and legalized for use in Vietnam.
Have a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate (minimum 120 hours)
This is mandatory unless you hold a teaching license or have 5+ years of documented teaching experience. Online TEFLs are accepted but may be scrutinized.
Be in good health, confirmed by a medical examination
You'll need to complete a medical checkup in Vietnam at an approved hospital or clinic. The certificate is required for both the work permit and visa.

ℹ️ Non-native English speakers: If you're from a country where English is not the official language, you may also need to submit a recognized English proficiency certificate (e.g., IELTS 6.5+, TOEFL iBT 100+), especially if your university degree was not taught in English.

Required Documents

To apply for a work permit and LD2 visa in Vietnam, you’ll need to prepare and submit the following documents:

Valid Passport
- Must have at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry.
- At least 2 blank visa pages.
Bachelor's Degree
- A degree in any subject is generally accepted.
- Must be legalized in your home country and then notarized in Vietnam.
TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certificate
- Minimum 120 hours.
- Should be legalized and notarized like your degree.
Criminal Background Check
- Must be issued within the last 6 months.
- Should be a national-level check (e.g., FBI check for the U.S.).
- Requires legalization and notarization for use in Vietnam.
Medical Certificate
- Completed at an approved Vietnamese hospital or clinic.
- Valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Passport-sized Photos
- Usually 4x6 cm, with a white background.
- Bring several copies for both the work permit and visa application.
Employment Contract
- Signed with a Vietnamese school, language center, or company.
- Your employer will typically assist in submitting this with the application.

📌 Important: All foreign-issued documents must be translated into Vietnamese, notarized locally, and sometimes authenticated by the Vietnamese embassy in your home country before submission.

Application Process

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to legally obtain a work visa (LD2) to teach English in Vietnam:

Job Offer
- Secure a position with a licensed Vietnamese employer (school, language center, etc.).
- They must be registered to sponsor foreign workers.
Work Permit Application
- Your employer submits your documents to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA).
- Documents include your degree, TEFL certificate, background check, medical exam, and employment contract.
- Processing time: Usually 10–15 business days.
Visa Approval Letter
- After your work permit is approved, your employer applies to the Vietnam Immigration Department for a visa approval letter.
- This letter allows you to obtain the LD2 visa.
Visa Stamping
- You can get your LD2 visa at a Vietnamese embassy/consulate abroad or on arrival (if eligible) by showing your approval letter.
- Visa duration typically matches your employment contract, up to 12 months (renewable).

🔄 Note: If you're already in Vietnam on a tourist or business visa, you can often convert to a work visa without leaving the country, depending on current immigration rules and your employer's support.

Processing Time & Fees

Understanding the timeline and cost breakdown is essential for planning your move:

Processing Times:

Work Permit: ~15 working days once all documents are submitted to the Department of Labor.
Visa Approval Letter: ~5–7 working days after the work permit is approved.
Visa Stamping: Can be done on arrival or at a consulate in your home country within 1–3 days.

Estimated Costs:

Work Permit: $100–$150 USD (varies by province and employer).
Visa Stamping Fee:
- Single-entry (1–3 months): ~$25 USD
- Multiple-entry (up to 12 months): ~$50–$135 USD

💡 Pro Tip: Many reputable schools and agencies will pay for or reimburse these fees — be sure to clarify this in your contract before accepting a position.

Renewals & Extensions

Staying in Vietnam long-term? Here's what you need to know about keeping your legal status up to date:

Work Permit:

Validity: Up to 2 years.
Renewal: Possible, but must be initiated before expiration.
Process: Similar to the original application — updated medical check, background check, and employer documentation may be required.

Visa (LD2):

Tied to Your Work Permit: Your visa duration typically mirrors your work permit.
Extension: Requires your employer to sponsor and submit the renewal request to immigration.

📅 Start Early: Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before expiration to prevent any disruptions to your employment or legal stay.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes that can jeopardize your teaching job or legal status:

Incomplete Documentation: Missing notarizations, outdated certificates, or improper translations can delay your application.
Working on a Tourist Visa: It’s illegal and risky. Even if a school offers to sponsor you “later,” always secure a proper work visa before starting.
Late Renewals: Don’t wait until the last minute. Visa and work permit extensions take time — start at least 30 days in advance to avoid fines or visa overstay issues.

Conclusion: Navigating the Legal Path

Securing a work visa and permit is a critical step in your journey to teach English in Vietnam. It not only ensures legal compliance but also gives you peace of mind and access to long-term opportunities.

By understanding the requirements, preparing your documents, and working with a trustworthy employer, you can enjoy a smooth and rewarding teaching experience in Vietnam.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult with your employer and refer to official Vietnamese government resources.