Multi-currency checkout: USD, GBP, EUR, AUD and CAD.
Vietnam work permit and TEFL certification
If you're planning to teach English in Vietnam, your TEFL certificate needs to tick a specific set of boxes: a minimum number of training hours, and an authenticated copy that Vietnamese authorities will accept. A StudyTEFL 120-hour certificate, once apostilled, is built to meet exactly that.
Why a StudyTEFL certificate works for Vietnam
Vietnamese schools and language centres typically look for a TEFL or TESOL certificate of at least 120 hours, alongside a bachelor's degree and a clean background check. A StudyTEFL 120-hour certificate meets the hours requirement most employers ask for.
There's also a recent, important change worth knowing: since 11 September 2026, Vietnam has accepted the Hague apostille for foreign documents. Before that, many employers also required a separate embassy attestation step. That extra step is now generally no longer required, which makes preparing your documents faster and simpler than it used to be.
Some schools ask specifically for native speakers from a small group of countries, while others accept teachers who can show strong proven English, such as an IELTS score of 7 or a C1-level qualification. Always confirm the exact requirements with your employer before you apply.
Vietnam work permit requirements at a glance
Most foreign English teachers applying for a work permit will be asked to provide the following.
Requirements can vary between language centres, public schools and international schools, and can shift over time. Your employer's HR team will usually know exactly what's currently expected, so it's worth asking them directly once you have an offer in hand.
Choose your StudyTEFL route
All three routes below are 120 hours or more, meet the common work permit hour requirement, and include tutor support and a QR-verifiable certificate. The $39 Complete course is where most applicants start.
120-Hour Complete TEFL
Our main route, and the one most work permit applicants choose: the fuller 120-hour course with real classroom video and tutor support.
168-Hour Specialist TEFL
Everything in Complete TEFL, plus 40 hours on teaching young learners and 8 hours on teaching adults, useful if you may teach younger students.
120-Hour Practical TEFL
Everything in Complete TEFL, plus two assessed lesson plans and two recorded demo lessons with feedback from a real teacher.
Looking for the leanest option instead? The $29 Online Teacher TEFL also covers 120 hours, though it's built mainly for online teaching rather than in-person classroom work, so most work permit applicants choose Complete TEFL or above.
How to get a Vietnam work permit
Find and accept a position with a licensed language centre, public school, private school or international school in Vietnam. Only licensed employers can sponsor a work permit, so check this before signing anything.
Your school submits your application to the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) on your behalf.
Your degree, TEFL certificate and police check need solicitor certification and an apostille before they'll be accepted.
With your work permit and apostilled documents in hand, your employer will help you apply for the appropriate visa or temporary residence card.
Once your paperwork is approved, you can travel. You'll usually need a health check and to register your address with local authorities shortly after arrival.
Getting your StudyTEFL certificate apostilled
Once you've completed your StudyTEFL course and downloaded your certificate, the next step is having it solicitor certified and apostilled so it's ready for your work permit application.
Since 11 September 2026, Vietnam accepts Hague apostilles, and embassy attestation is generally no longer required. Always confirm the current rule with your employer before you travel, since document requirements can still vary.
A short travel guide for new teachers in Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City offers the biggest expat community and the most job variety, but the cost of living runs higher. Hanoi is the capital and a major hub for language centres. Da Nang and other coastal cities offer a lower cost of living and a slower pace, with growing demand for teachers.
Hiring runs largely year-round rather than around fixed intakes, though many schools do plan around the local school year. Arriving with a little buffer time before you start gives you room to sort paperwork, a bank account and accommodation.
Zalo is Vietnam's dominant messaging app, and many schools will contact you through it. Grab covers rides, food delivery and more. Google Maps works well in most cities. A local SIM card is usually easy to set up in your first week.
Housing usually isn't included in your contract, unlike some other destinations, but the low cost of living helps offset this. A motorbike is the most common way to get around, and renting or buying one is routine for new teachers. Most schools help with opening a local bank account.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to start your TEFL journey?
Try a real lesson first if you'd like to look before you enroll.
