Vietnam's Law 69/2020 when you sign a contract yourself

Workers who find a Canadian employer themselves and sign directly (not through a placement company) fall under "employment contracts signed directly by the worker" in Vietnam's Law on Vietnamese Guest Workers, No. 69/2020/QH14.

About the law

• Passed by the National Assembly on November 13, 2020, in force since January 1, 2022, replacing Law No. 72/2006/QH11.
• Amended (first amendment in force from July 1, 2024).

Worker requirements (Article 50)

• Full civil capacity and working abroad voluntarily.
• Fit to work under Vietnamese rules and the foreign side's requirements.
• Meeting the foreign side's language, professional and skill requirements.
• Not banned or barred from leaving Vietnam.
• A contract compliant with Article 52 and written confirmation of its registration from the labour authority of the provincial People's Committee where you reside.

What the contract must include (Article 52)

Occupation and duties; term; location; working hours, rest and overtime; wages; food, housing and transport; medical care; social, health and work injury insurance; the employer's responsibility for accidents and risks; the dispute mechanism and governing law. It must comply with both Vietnamese and Canadian law.

Registration documents (Article 53)

• The registration form.
• A copy of the contract with a certified Vietnamese translation.
• A copy of your citizen ID card or passport.
• A CV certified by the commune People's Committee or your managing organization.

The provincial labour authority confirms within 5 working days of a complete file.

Rights and obligations (Article 51)

• Protection by Vietnamese missions abroad; benefits from the Overseas Employment Support Fund; the right to send lawful income home.
• You must register and perform the contract, follow workplace rules, take part in insurance and pay taxes under Vietnamese and Canadian law, contribute to the Overseas Employment Support Fund and register with the Vietnamese mission.

Matching the Canadian contract

According to ESDC, Canadian employers must give you a signed contract on or before your first day of work. Ask the employer to send it early so you can translate, certify and register it in Vietnam before you leave.

Note The agency that receives registrations may have changed after the 2025 government restructuring. Ask the People's Committee of your province or city where to apply and which form is current.