Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners: Full Guide for 2025

Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners are becoming increasingly important as more expatriates, international workers, and long-term visitors enter Vietnam for employment, residence, and business purposes. Understanding these requirements clearly will help foreigners avoid delays, unnecessary costs, and complications during visa, work permit, or temporary residence card processing. This comprehensive guide provides a strategic overview of the standards, documentation rules, medical procedures, and compliance expectations in 2025.

1. What Are the Vietnam Health Certificate Requirements for Foreigners?

The Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners refer to the mandatory health evaluation that verifies an individual does not have infectious diseases, chronic conditions that threaten public safety, or health issues that prevent them from working or staying legally in Vietnam. This certificate is required for:

• Work permit application
• Temporary residence card (TRC) issuance
• Visa extension for specific categories
• Employment at foreign-owned enterprises
• Long-term educational or training programs

In 2025, Vietnam applies updated medical standards based on the Ministry of Health’s national guidelines. These standards ensure consistent assessments across hospitals and create a unified process for foreigners across all provinces.

2. Who Must Comply with Health Certificate Requirements?

Foreigners who fall under the following groups must comply with the Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners before completing administrative procedures:

• Foreign employees seeking new or renewed work permits
• Investors applying for TRC or visa extensions
• International teachers, consultants, and experts
• Foreign students entering long-term programs
• Foreign spouses applying for long-term residence

Foreigners entering Vietnam for short-term tourism or business meetings typically do not need a health certificate unless specifically requested.

3. What Tests Are Included in the Vietnam Health Certificate?

Hospitals and approved international clinics conduct standardized medical examinations following the Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners. A full assessment often includes:

3.1. General Physical Examination

Evaluation of height, weight, pulse, blood pressure, medical history, and full physical checkup.

3.2. Internal Medicine and Surgical Assessment

Heart, lungs, digestion, nervous system, musculoskeletal structure, and major organ functions.

3.3. Infectious Disease Screening

The most critical part of the Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners focuses on diseases that may pose community risks:

• HIV test
• Hepatitis B and C
• Syphilis (RPR/TPHA)
• Tuberculosis (via X-ray)

3.4. Chest X-Ray

Mandatory for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic lung issues, a vital compliance step.

3.5. Mental Health Evaluation

Assessment for psychological stability, cognitive functionality, and potential psychiatric disorders.

3.6. Additional Specialized Tests

Depending on the applicant’s job role, extra tests may be required, such as ECG, ultrasound, or vision evaluation.

4. Validity Period of the Health Certificate

Under the Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners, the certificate remains valid for:

• 12 months for work permit application
• 6 months for certain visa or TRC procedures

Foreigners should schedule their medical examination strategically to avoid expiration before their document submission window.

5. Which Hospitals Are Authorized to Issue Health Certificates?

To meet the Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners, foreigners must visit hospitals approved by the Ministry of Health. Common choices include:

• International hospitals in major cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang)
• Public hospitals with foreigner medical departments
• Accredited private clinics specializing in work permit health checks

Certificates issued by unapproved clinics may be rejected, causing delays in administrative processing.

6. Documents Foreigners Must Prepare Before the Examination

To comply fully with Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners, individuals should bring:

• Passport (original + copy)
• 2–4 passport-sized photos
• Medical history (if any)
• Work permit request letter (optional)

Foreigners should also fast for several hours before certain blood tests to ensure accurate results.

7. Processing Time and Certification Process

On average, hospitals complete examinations in 60–120 minutes. Certificates are typically issued within:

• 24–72 hours for standard cases
• Same-day service for clinics offering express processing

Once issued, the certificate is stamped, signed, and formatted according to national regulations to ensure full validity.

8. Costs of Vietnam Health Certificate for Foreigners in 2025

Cost varies depending on hospital category and service speed. In general:

• Public hospitals: Medium cost, basic processing
• International hospitals: Higher cost, faster processing
• Premium centers: Highest fees, tailored service packages

Although prices differ, compliance with Vietnam health certificate requirements for foreigners is non-negotiable for legal stay and employment.

9. Common Mistakes Foreigners Should Avoid

• Selecting unapproved clinics
• Submitting an expired health certificate
• Misunderstanding required test categories
• Not preparing necessary identification documents

Avoiding these mistakes ensures a streamlined administrative process and eliminates the risk of rejection.

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