The Vietnamese passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 countries and territories in 2026. For work visas, Vietnamese have access to 75+ employment pathways across 40+ countries. Japan SSW costs ¥40,000 in government fees plus training. South Korea EPS costs approximately VND 20–30 million total. Taiwan work permits cost VND 60–120 million through brokers. All overseas employment requires DOLAB registration and pre-departure training.
Vietnamese Passport: Visa-Free Access (2026)
The Vietnamese passport ranks 87th globally in the Henley Passport Index 2026, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 55 destinations. This includes ASEAN member states (30 days), several Pacific Island nations, and select countries through bilateral agreements.
Key Visa-Free and Visa-on-Arrival Destinations
- ASEAN (30 days) : Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand
- Bilateral visa-free : South Korea (15 days, Jeju Island only without visa), Russia (15 days), Japan (not visa-free — requires visa)
- Visa on arrival : Maldives, Seychelles, Timor-Leste, several Pacific Island states
Work Visa Requirements by Destination (2026)
| Country | Visa Type | Application Fee | Processing Time | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | SSW Type 1 | ¥40,000 | 3–6 months | Sector skills exam, JLPT N4, Certificate of Eligibility |
| Japan | TITP | VND 60–150M total | 3–6 months | DOLAB registration, training, medical, deposit |
| South Korea | E-9 (EPS) | VND 20–30M total | 3–6 months | EPS-TOPIK 80+, medical, DOLAB clearance |
| Taiwan | Work Permit | VND 60–120M total | 2–4 months | Broker registration, medical, training |
| Germany | Skilled Worker | €75 | 4–12 weeks | Recognised qualification, job offer, German A2–B1 |
| Australia | Subclass 482 | AUD $1,895 | 1–4 months | Employer sponsor, skills assessment, IELTS 5.0+ |
| Canada | LMIA Work Permit | CAD $255 | 2–6 months | Employer LMIA, job offer, qualifications |
| Romania | Work Permit | €100 | 4–8 weeks | Employer sponsorship, medical, police clearance |
Required Documents for Vietnamese Workers Abroad
| Document | Where to Get | Cost (VND) | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnamese Passport | Immigration Dept | 200,000–400,000 | 10 years | Must have 6+ months validity |
| Criminal Record Certificate | Police (ward/commune) | 200,000 | 6 months | From commune/ward police + national level |
| Health Certificate | Designated clinics | 500,000–1,500,000 | 6 months | Destination-specific requirements |
| DOLAB Registration | Licensed enterprise | Included in fees | Per contract | Mandatory for all overseas workers |
| Pre-departure Training Cert | Training centres | Included in fees | Per deployment | 40–480 hours depending on destination |
| Education Certificates | Universities/schools | Varies | Permanent | Notarised and legalised by MoFA |
| JLPT Certificate | Japan Foundation Vietnam | 650,000 | Permanent | Required for Japan SSW/Engineer visas |
| EPS-TOPIK Score | HRD Korea office in VN | Free (govt-run) | 2 years | Required for South Korea E-9 visa |
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Get Your Free VerdictFrequently Asked Questions
How many countries can Vietnamese visit visa-free?
Vietnamese passport holders can visit 55 countries and territories visa-free or with visa on arrival in 2026. All ASEAN nations (30 days), Russia (15 days), and several Pacific Island states are included. Japan, South Korea (mainland), and most Western countries require visas.
What is the cheapest way to work abroad from Vietnam?
South Korea's EPS (E-9) programme is the most affordable at VND 20–30 million total (government-managed). Japan SSW is next at VND 30–80 million. Taiwan costs VND 60–120 million through brokers. Germany's visa fee is only €75 but requires language training investment.
Is DOLAB registration mandatory?
Yes. All Vietnamese citizens going abroad for employment must go through DOLAB-licensed enterprises. Direct hiring by foreign employers is possible but still requires DOLAB notification. Working abroad without proper registration is illegal and carries penalties upon return.
What Japanese language level do I need?
For SSW: JLPT N4 minimum (basic). For TITP: Most programmes provide Japanese training during the preparation period. For Engineer/Specialist visa: N2 or N1 preferred. For daily life in Japan: N4 is functional but N3 greatly improves quality of life.
How long does pre-departure training take?
Duration depends on destination: Japan (TITP) requires 480+ hours (4–6 months). Japan (SSW) requires 200–300 hours. South Korea (EPS) requires 40–60 hours. Taiwan requires 60–100 hours. Germany requires 200–600 hours (B1 language level).
Can Vietnamese get permanent residency in Australia?
Yes. The main pathways are Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent, direct PR) and Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination, direct PR). Students can transition via Subclass 500 → 485 (post-study work) → 189/190. Processing takes 6–18 months.
What is the compliance deposit for Japan TITP?
The deposit ranges from VND 30–100 million ($1,200–$4,000) depending on the programme and sending enterprise. It is held as a guarantee that the worker will complete the contract and return to Vietnam on schedule. The full deposit is refunded upon successful completion.
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified April 2026. Costs and processing times are indicative and should be confirmed with the relevant embassy or immigration authority.