Quick Work Pass / Multiple-Entry Visa Guide for Malaysia <> Vietnam (2025)

Mar 28

1. Procedure

To apply for a work permit in Vietnam as a Malaysian citizen, the employer in Vietnam must first apply for it, and then the employee will need to apply for a work visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1.1 Work Permit Application:

The employer in Vietnam must apply for a work permit on behalf of the Malaysian employee, submitting documents like qualifications, employment contracts, and health check results to the competent authority (Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs or the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs in the province).

The employer must submit the work permit application at least 15 working days before the foreign worker's start date.

1.2 Work Permit Issuance

Usually, the competent authority will issue the work permit within 5 working days of receiving a complete application.

1.3 Visa Application

After the work permit is issued, the employee can apply for a work visa at the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia.

2. Document Requirements

The documents required by the authority in Vietnam may include:

A valid passport;
Proof of employment (employment contract, etc.);
Educational qualifications;
Work permit;
Health check results;
A Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
Certified Translation from Malay/ English to English and/or Vietnamese.

The documents required by the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia include:

Filled Application Form;
Original passport and its photocopy;
4x6 (passport-sized) photo;
Approval letter from the Vietnam Immigration Department; and
Signed Letter of Authorization (for third-party representation).

3. Visa Processing:

The Vietnam Immigration Department will then process the visa application, which can take anywhere from 7 to 20 business days.

4. Additional Information

4.1 Work Permit Validity

Under the new Labor Code 2019, work permits are issued for a period of up to two years and restricted to only one renewal.

4.2 Exemptions

Some foreigners are exempted from work permit requirements, but must be registered at DOLISA or BOM of zone where the employer's head office is located.

4.3 Multiple Entry Visa

If you plan to travel frequently between Malaysia and Vietnam, you may need to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa (MEV).

4.4 Visa-free stay

Malaysian passport holders can enjoy a visa-free stay in Vietnam for up to 30 days, but for longer stays, a visa is necessary.

Resources:

Vietnam Government Portal (n.d.) Work permits. [online] Available at: https://vietnam.gov.vn/work-permits-68947.

Zhihan Chew