Foreign Spouses Exempt from Vietnam Work Permits

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Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens and residing in Vietnam enjoy an exemption from the country's work permit requirement. However, this exemption does not grant the same unrestricted right to work as Vietnamese citizens hold.

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Vietnamese regulation details that foreign spouses can work without a permit, alleviating the need for the multi-step process generally required for foreign workers. Despite this exemption, companies must still file paperwork to confirm the lack of a work permit requirement for these workers. They must submit documentation to the Ministry or Department of Home Affairs at least 10 days before employment begins. Requirements include a formal request, health certificate, employer approval, valid passport, and marriage certification.

Foreign spouses with a temporary residence card based on marriage maintain lawful residency but do not gain equal employment rights. These individuals must adhere to specific rules regarding contracts, residency declarations, and sectoral regulations. Some sectors restrict or prohibit foreign workers, and participation in Vietnam's mandatory social insurance may be necessary depending on the employment terms.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 26 May 2026