Health Check for Work Permit in Vietnam

If you are planning to work legally in Vietnam, obtaining a work permit is mandatory in most cases. One of the most important documents required during this process is the health check for work permit in Vietnam.

This medical examination confirms that foreign employees are physically and mentally fit to work and do not carry communicable diseases that could affect public health.

Every year, tens of thousands of foreign professionals — including teachers, engineers, managers, investors, and specialists — must complete this health check before their work permit application can be approved.

This comprehensive guide explains:

• What the health check includes

• Who must take it

• Approved hospitals and clinics

• Required documents

• Costs and validity

• Common mistakes to avoid

Whether you are new to Vietnam or renewing your work permit, this article will help you prepare confidently.

What Is the Health Check for Work Permit in Vietnam?

The health check for work permit in Vietnam is an official medical examination required by Vietnamese labor authorities.

Its purpose is to verify that the applicant:

• Is physically fit to work

• Does not suffer from infectious diseases

• Does not have severe mental disorders

• Meets Vietnam’s occupational health standards

The medical certificate issued after the examination is submitted as part of the work permit application dossier.

Without a valid health certificate, your work permit application will be rejected or delayed.

Who Must Take the Health Check?

You must complete a health check if you are:

• A foreigner applying for a new work permit

• A foreigner renewing or reissuing a work permit

• A foreign expert, manager, executive, or technical specialist

• A foreign teacher working in schools, language centers, or universities

Exemptions

Some investors, company owners, or board members may be exempt from work permits — but many immigration offices still require a health check, especially for long-term visas or temporary residence cards.

Always confirm with your employer or immigration consultant.

Besides the specific requirements for foreigners, the general health check-up in Vietnam offers a comprehensive overview of the country’s medical standards and facilities.

Where Can You Do the Health Check?

The medical examination must be conducted at:

• Licensed hospitals or clinics approved by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health

• Public or private hospitals legally authorized to issue health certificates for work permits

Important note

Health checks done overseas are usually not accepted, unless specifically legalized and approved (which is rare and time-consuming).

Most foreigners complete the medical check inside Vietnam to avoid delays.

Types of Hospitals That Can Perform Work Permit Health Checks

You may complete the examination at:

1. Public Hospitals

• Lower cost

• Longer waiting times

• Limited English support

2. International or Private Hospitals

• Faster processing

• English-speaking doctors

• Better experience for foreigners

• Slightly higher cost

For international workers, private and international hospitals are usually recommended due to efficiency and clarity.

Medical Tests Included in the Health Check

The standard health check for work permit in Vietnam includes the following examinations:

1. General Physical Examination

• Height and weight

• Blood pressure

• Heart rate

• General health assessment

2. Internal Medicine

• Cardiovascular system

• Respiratory system

• Digestive system

3. Surgery Examination

• Musculoskeletal condition

• Previous surgeries or injuries

4. Eye Examination

• Vision test

• Color blindness screening

5. ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat)

• Hearing

• Sinus and throat condition

6. Laboratory Tests

• Blood test (including infectious diseases)

• Urine test

7. Chest X-ray

• Screening for tuberculosis and lung diseases

8. Mental Health Assessment

• Basic psychiatric screening

• Evaluation for severe mental disorders

The final medical report concludes whether the applicant is “fit for work”.

Diseases Screened During the Health Check

Vietnamese regulations focus on public safety. The health check screens for:

• Active tuberculosis

• Severe mental illness

• Infectious diseases affecting work capability

• Conditions that prevent safe employment

Having common conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or minor chronic illness does not automatically disqualify you, as long as the condition is controlled and does not interfere with your job.

Health check for work permit at an international-standard hospital in Vietnam.

Documents Required for the Health Check

When attending the medical examination, prepare:

• Original passport

• Copy of passport (photo page)

• Passport-sized photos (usually 2–4)

• Application form (provided by hospital)

Some hospitals may also request:

• Vietnam visa or residence stamp

• Employer information

How Long Does the Health Check Take?

Typical timeline:

• Medical examination: 1–2 hours

• Result issuance: same day or within 1–2 working days

International hospitals often provide same-day results, which is ideal for urgent work permit cases.

Validity of the Health Certificate

The health certificate is valid for:

✅ 12 months from the date of examination

However, immigration authorities usually require that the certificate:

• Is issued within the last 6 months

• Is still valid at the time of work permit submission

To be safe, most employers schedule the health check within 30–60 days before applying for the work permit.

Cost of Health Check for Work Permit in Vietnam

Costs vary depending on hospital type and city.

Average price range:

Prices may vary based on:

• Location (HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang)

• Speed of results

• Translation services

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Choose an Approved Hospital

Confirm that the hospital is authorized to issue work permit health certificates.

Step 2: Prepare Documents

Bring passport and photos.

Step 3: Complete Medical Examination

Follow hospital instructions for each test.

Step 4: Receive Health Certificate

Issued in Vietnamese (sometimes bilingual).

Step 5: Submit with Work Permit Application

Your employer submits the certificate along with other required documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using non-approved clinics

Certificates from unauthorized clinics will be rejected.

❌ Taking the health check too early

Expired certificates are not accepted.

❌ Missing signature or hospital stamp

The certificate must be fully stamped and signed.

❌ Assuming overseas medical reports are valid

Most foreign medical reports are not accepted in Vietnam.

Health Check for Teachers in Vietnam

Foreign teachers must also complete the health check, especially for:

• English teaching positions

• International schools

• Language centers

Some schools may request additional tests, but generally the standard work permit medical examination is sufficient.

Can the Health Check Be Done Before Arrival?

In most cases, no.

Vietnamese authorities strongly prefer:

• Health check performed inside Vietnam

• Certificate issued by licensed Vietnamese hospitals

Doing it locally ensures acceptance and avoids legalization procedures.

Can You Fail the Health Check?

Failure is uncommon.

You may face issues only if:

• You have active infectious tuberculosis

• You have severe untreated mental illness

• You are medically unfit for any work activity

Most manageable medical conditions do not affect approval.

Tips for a Smooth Health Check Experience

• Book morning appointments (fasting blood test required)

• Avoid alcohol the day before

• Bring extra passport photos

• Choose hospitals with English-speaking staff

• Keep multiple certified copies of your result

Why Many Foreigners Choose International Hospitals

International hospitals offer:

• English-speaking doctors

• Clear explanation of results

• Fast processing

• Support for immigration documentation

• Comfortable environment

This is especially helpful for first-time applicants in Vietnam.

Health Check and Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

In many cases, the same health certificate used for a work permit can also support:

• Temporary Residence Card application

• Long-term visa extension

Always check timing to avoid repeating the examination.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the health check mandatory for all foreigners?

Yes, for most work permit applicants.

How long is the certificate valid?

12 months from examination date.

Can I reuse my old health certificate?

Only if still valid and within required timeframe.

Is fasting required?

Yes, usually 8–10 hours before blood tests.

Is the process painful?

No. It includes routine medical examinations only.

Health Check for Work Permit in Vietnam – Final Thoughts

The health check for work permit in Vietnam is a standard but essential requirement for foreigners planning to work legally in the country.

When done correctly, the process is:

• Simple

• Fast

• Affordable

• Usually completed within one day

Choosing the right hospital and timing your examination properly will help you avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth work permit application.

About MedicalTourism.vn

At MedicalTourism.vn, we support foreigners living and working in Vietnam by providing:

• Guidance on approved hospitals

• Appointment coordination

• English-speaking medical support

• Fast-track health checks

• Transparent pricing

Our goal is to make your medical and administrative process in Vietnam safe, simple, and stress-free.