Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing destinations for teachers looking to experience vibrant culture, rich history, and an exciting job market. Teaching in Vietnam is a great opportunity to live abroad, travel throughout Southeast Asia, and experience life in a dynamic country. But before you can start your adventure, you’ll need to get the proper working visa to teach in Vietnam. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to obtain the necessary visa to teach in Vietnam legally.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Before applying for a job or visa, it’s essential to meet the basic requirements to legally work as a teacher in Vietnam. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor’s degree (in any field) is typically required. Some schools may prefer a degree in education, linguistics, or a related field, but this is not always mandatory.
- TEFL/TESOL/CELTA Certificate: For teaching English, you will need a valid TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. Most schools require at least 120 hours of accredited training.
- Native English Speaker: Most teaching roles in Vietnam prefer native English speakers, though some schools will hire non-native speakers with excellent English proficiency and relevant qualifications.
- Clean Criminal Record: You’ll need to submit a criminal background check from your home country to prove you have no serious offenses.
- Health Check: Some employers may require you to undergo a medical exam to ensure you are fit for work, although this is typically done after arriving in Vietnam.
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer from a Licensed School
To apply for a working visa in Vietnam, you’ll need a formal job offer from a Vietnamese school. The school must be licensed to hire foreign teachers and sponsor your work visa. Here’s what to look for when securing a job:
What to Look for in a Job Offer:
- A signed contract (usually 1 year or more).
- The school must be authorized to hire foreign teachers (ask your potential employer if they have experience sponsoring work visas for foreign teachers).
- Clear job details: Ensure the job description outlines your working hours, salary, benefits, and any additional bonuses (e.g., accommodation or flight reimbursement).
There are many opportunities available, especially in private language schools, public schools, and international schools in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Once you’ve secured a job offer, it’s time to gather the necessary documents for your visa application. The school will generally assist you with the application process, but you’ll need to provide the following:
- Scanned passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Bachelor’s degree (copy, with notarized translation if required).
- TEFL certificate (or other relevant teaching qualification).
- Criminal background check (authenticated and issued within the last 6 months).
- Medical certificate (if required by the school or immigration authorities).
- Passport-sized photos (usually 2–4 photos).
- Completed visa application form (you can usually download this from the Vietnamese embassy website).
Step 4: Employer Applies for Work Permit
Once your documents are in order, your employer in Vietnam will apply for a Work Permit on your behalf. The Work Permit is a critical document that authorizes you to work legally in Vietnam. This process can take 2-3 weeks and will involve submitting your documents to the Vietnam Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA).
Your employer will need to provide the following:
- Your degree, TEFL certificate, and other relevant qualifications.
- Your criminal background check.
- Your health check (if required).
Once the Work Permit is approved, your employer will issue a Work Permit Approval Notice.
Step 5: Apply for the Work Visa
With the Work Permit Approval Notice in hand, you can now apply for your Vietnam Work Visa. The process is straightforward and usually involves visiting the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to provide:
- Original passport (with at least 6 months validity).
- Work Permit Approval Notice (issued by your employer).
- Work Visa application form (completed).
- Passport-sized photos.
- Additional documents (if requested by the consulate).
The processing time for the Work Visa typically takes around 5–7 business days, though this can vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Make sure to check with your consulate for any specific requirements.
Step 6: Enter Vietnam and Register Your Residence
Once you receive your Work Visa, you’re ready to enter Vietnam. When you arrive, you’ll need to complete a few additional steps:
What to Do Upon Arrival:
- Complete your residence registration: Within 30 days of arrival, you must register your address with the local police station. Your school can usually help you with this process.
- Apply for a Temporary Residence Card: This card acts as your official proof of residency in Vietnam and is required for various tasks like opening a bank account or signing contracts.
- Final Health Check: If you haven’t already completed a health check before entering Vietnam, you may need to do so at this stage.
Bonus Tips for Teachers in Vietnam
- Start Early: The visa and work permit process can take 2-3 months, so make sure you start early.
- Don’t Work on a Tourist Visa: It is illegal to work in Vietnam on a tourist visa. Be sure to apply for the correct work visa to avoid fines or deportation.
- Stay Organized: Keep both physical and digital copies of all your documents, including your work contract, degree, and criminal background check.
- Learn Basic Vietnamese: While many people in Vietnam speak English, especially in larger cities, learning basic Vietnamese will help you adapt to life in the country and make it easier to communicate with locals.
- Salary & Cost of Living: The cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low, but be sure to clarify your salary and benefits package before signing your contract to ensure that it meets your needs.