Introduction
For US doctors seeking to practice medicine in Vietnam, obtaining a work permit is a critical legal prerequisite. A Vietnamese work permit is issued under labor law and is distinct from — but related to — the medical practice license issued under healthcare law. This guide explains what US doctors need to know about work permits in Vietnam, how they relate to medical licensing, and how to obtain them.
Why US Doctors Need a Work Permit in Vietnam
Under Vietnamese labor law, foreign nationals who work in Vietnam — including in professional capacities such as medicine — must hold a valid work permit issued by the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA), unless they qualify for an exemption.
From a medical licensing perspective, the work permit is also legally significant. Under Article 37.1 of Decree 96/2023/ND-CP, eligibility for the recognition of a foreign medical practice license in Vietnam requires that the applicant is either:
- Currently working at a medical examination and treatment facility in Vietnam; OR
- Holding a valid Vietnamese work permit.
This means that for US doctors who are not already employed at a Vietnamese medical facility, securing a work permit is a prerequisite for initiating the medical license recognition process.
Work Permit Requirements for US Doctors
To obtain a Vietnamese work permit as a US doctor, the following general conditions apply under Vietnamese labor law:
- The employer (the medical facility in Vietnam) must submit a demand for foreign labor and receive approval from the relevant ;
- The US doctor must be 18 years of age or older;
- The doctor must hold valid professional qualifications — which for physicians means a recognized medical degree and license;
- The doctor must be in good health;
- The doctor must not have a criminal conviction;
- The doctor must have at least three years of professional experience in the relevant field.
Work permits are valid for up to two years and may be renewed.
Documents Required for a Work Permit Application
The employer files the work permit application on behalf of the US doctor. Key documents typically required include:
- Work permit application form;
- A passport-sized photo;
- Copy of valid passport;
- Health certificate (issued by a qualified medical facility in Vietnam within 12 months);
- Criminal background check (apostilled and Vietnamese-translated);
- Qualifications documents — US medical degree and license (apostilled and translated);
- Evidence of professional experience (letters of reference, employment certificates);
- Employment contract or offer letter from the Vietnamese medical facility;
- The employer’s labor demand approval document from the provincial labor authority.
Work Permit and Medical Licensing: The Integrated Process
For US doctors, the work permit and medical licensing processes are interrelated and should be planned together:
- Secure an employment arrangement with a Vietnamese medical facility;
- The employer obtains labor demand approval and files for the work permit;
- Once the work permit is issued (or simultaneously if already working under a valid arrangement), the doctor initiates the foreign medical license recognition process under Article 29 of the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment 2023;
- Following recognition, apply for the Vietnamese medical practice license under Article 30 of the Law;
- The doctor may then lawfully practice at the sponsoring medical facility in Vietnam.
Exemptions from Work Permit Requirements
Vietnamese law provides limited exemptions from the work permit requirement, including for:
- Intra-company transferees (directors/managers transferred within multinational companies);
- Individuals entering under certain specific international agreements;
- Short-term technical experts (under 30 days, with a certificate from the Ministry of Labour).
Most US doctors practicing clinically in Vietnam will need a standard work permit. Exemptions are unlikely to apply to long-term clinical practice.
Conclusion
A work permit is a critical first step for US doctors who wish to practice medicine in Vietnam. It is both a labor law requirement and a precondition for the medical license recognition process. US doctors should coordinate early with their Vietnamese employer and a qualified legal advisor to ensure work permits and medical licenses are obtained in the correct sequence and on time.
TTVN Legal offers end-to-end support for US doctors seeking work permits and medical practice licenses in Vietnam. Contact us today for professional assistance.
📞 Contact TTVN Legal – Healthcare Setup Vietnam
📍 101 Nguyen Van Thu, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📱 +84 349661336
📧 tham@ttvnlegal.com.vn
🌐 https://ttvnlegal.com.vn/
