Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Vietnam for English Teachers

Why Teach English in Vietnam?

Vietnam is one of the best places to teach English, thanks to its high demand for teachers, affordable cost of living, and exciting lifestyle. Schools across the country are always looking for foreign teachers, offering good salaries and benefits. Whether in big cities like Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi or smaller towns, there are plenty of job opportunities.

One of the biggest advantages is that living in Vietnam is much cheaper than in many Western countries. Teachers can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while still saving money. The country is also full of vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people, making it a great place to live and work.

Teaching in Vietnam also allows for travel and adventure. With its beautiful landscapes, beaches, and historical sites, there’s always something new to explore. For teachers looking to gain experience, earn well, and enjoy life in a new country, Vietnam is an excellent choice.

Who Can Apply for English Teaching Jobs in Vietnam?

Teaching English in Vietnam is open to many people, but there are certain requirements that schools and language centers look for. Some jobs have strict rules, while others are more flexible, making it possible for both experienced teachers and newcomers to find work.

Native and Non-Native English Speakers

Both native and non-native English speakers can apply for teaching jobs in Vietnam. However, native speakers from countries like the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa usually have an easier time getting jobs, as many schools prefer them.

Non-native speakers can still find work if they have strong English skills and the right qualifications. Some schools may ask for proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL score, especially if the applicant is from a country where English is not the first language.

Minimum Qualifications

Most schools require teachers to have at least a Bachelor’s degree in any field. The degree doesn’t have to be in education, but it is a necessary document for getting a work visa. Those without a degree might still find work in smaller language centers, but these jobs are not always legal or stable.

A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is also required by most schools. These courses provide basic teaching skills and help teachers understand how to work with students who are learning English. Some employers may accept teachers without a TEFL/TESOL, but having one increases job opportunities and salary offers.

Teaching Experience

Experience is not always required, but it can make finding a job easier. Many schools prefer teachers with at least one year of teaching experience, especially international or private schools. However, language centers and some public schools are open to hiring fresh graduates or those without teaching experience, as long as they meet the degree and TEFL requirements.

New teachers can improve their chances by gaining experience through volunteering, tutoring, or online teaching before applying for jobs in Vietnam. Employers often value teachers who are confident, adaptable, and willing to learn, even if they are new to the field.

With the right qualifications and a good attitude, many people can find English teaching jobs in Vietnam, whether they are experienced teachers or just starting out.

Do You Need a Visa to Teach in Vietnam?

Yes, foreigners need a visa to work legally as an English teacher in Vietnam. Teaching without the proper visa can lead to fines, deportation, or difficulty renewing your documents in the future. The good news is that most schools and language centers offer visa sponsorship, making the process easier for teachers.

Types of Visas for Foreign Teachers

There are different types of visas available, but not all of them allow teachers to work legally. Understanding these options can help avoid problems later.

Tourist Visa – Some teachers enter Vietnam on a tourist visa and later switch to a work visa. However, working on a tourist visa is illegal, and many schools won’t hire teachers without proper documents.
Business Visa (DN Visa) – This visa is for short-term business activities but does not allow full-time employment. Some teachers start with a business visa while waiting for their work permit.
Work Visa (LD Visa) – This is the proper visa for foreign teachers. It allows legal employment and is tied to a specific employer.

Work Visa (LD Visa) and Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

The LD visa (Work Visa) is what foreign teachers need to work legally in Vietnam. To get this visa, teachers must have a job offer from a school that is willing to sponsor them. The employer handles most of the paperwork, but teachers need to provide documents such as:

A valid passport
A bachelor’s degree (authenticated)
A TEFL/TESOL certificate (sometimes required)
A criminal background check from their home country
A health check from a recognized hospital in Vietnam

Once approved, the LD visa allows teachers to stay and work in Vietnam for up to two years.

After receiving the work visa, some teachers also apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). The TRC acts like a long-term visa, allowing teachers to stay in Vietnam without needing regular visa renewals. It is usually valid for the same period as the work permit (one or two years).

Why Visa Sponsorship is Necessary

Visa sponsorship means the school or employer takes responsibility for processing the teacher’s work permit and visa. This is necessary because:

Vietnam has strict rules about hiring foreigners. Schools must prove they need a foreign teacher and complete the legal process.
Applying for a work visa without sponsorship is nearly impossible. The government requires a job contract from a registered employer.
Teachers with sponsored visas can work without worrying about legal issues.

Some schools try to avoid sponsorship to save money, leaving teachers to work on business or tourist visas. This is risky, as teachers can be fined or deported if caught. It’s always better to work with a school that offers proper sponsorship.

By securing a work visa and residence card, teachers can focus on their job without worrying about legal problems or unexpected visa issues.

How to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Vietnam?

Finding a teaching job in Vietnam with visa sponsorship is easier than it may seem. Many schools, language centers, and recruitment agencies actively look for foreign teachers and are willing to handle the visa process. Teachers can apply through different methods, including online job portals, recruitment agencies, and direct applications to schools.

1. Online Job Portals

One of the best ways to find visa sponsorship jobs in Vietnam is through online job boards. Many schools post openings on these platforms, making it easy for teachers to apply from anywhere in the world.

Some popular job sites for English teaching jobs in Vietnam include:

VietnamWorks – One of the biggest job sites in Vietnam, where schools and companies post job openings regularly.
Dave’s ESL Café – A well-known job board for English teachers worldwide. Many Vietnamese schools post vacancies here.
TeachAway – A global teaching job platform that lists positions in Vietnam, including international schools and language centers.
ESL Job Boards on Facebook – Facebook groups such as “English Teaching Jobs in Vietnam” or “Teachers in Vietnam” often have daily job postings.

When applying online, teachers should carefully read job descriptions to ensure that the employer offers visa sponsorship. Some job listings mention “work permit provided,” which is a sign that the employer will handle visa paperwork.

2. Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment agencies help connect teachers with schools that offer visa sponsorship. These agencies handle the job search, application process, and sometimes even document preparation. They work directly with schools, making it easier for teachers to find legitimate jobs without having to search on their own.

Some agencies charge a fee, while others get paid by the schools, meaning teachers don’t have to pay anything. Before choosing an agency, it’s best to research reviews and ask other teachers about their experiences.

3. Direct Applications to Schools and Language Centers

Applying directly to schools is another way to find visa-sponsored jobs in Vietnam. Many private language centers and international schools prefer hiring teachers who contact them directly rather than going through job portals or agencies.

There are different types of schools that hire English teachers:

International Schools – These schools follow foreign curriculums and offer high salaries but have stricter requirements. Most require teaching experience and a degree in education.
Private Language Centers – These are the easiest places to find jobs. They hire teachers for evening and weekend classes and often provide visa sponsorship. Examples include VUS, ILA, and Apollo.
Public Schools – Some government schools work with private companies to hire foreign teachers. These jobs often include visa support, stable working hours, and holiday breaks.

Teachers can visit school websites, find contact emails, and send applications directly. Many schools prefer teachers who are already in Vietnam, so visiting in person can increase the chances of getting hired.

By using online job portals, working with recruitment agencies, or applying directly to schools, teachers can find good jobs in Vietnam with visa sponsorship.

What Are the Requirements for a Sponsored Work Visa?

To work legally as an English teacher in Vietnam, a sponsored work visa is required. This visa allows teachers to stay in the country and work without any legal issues. The process involves submitting several documents, completing a medical checkup, and relying on the employer to handle most of the paperwork.

Documents Needed

Teachers must provide several important documents to apply for a work visa in Vietnam. These include:

Valid Passport – The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay.
Bachelor’s Degree – A university degree (in any field) is required and must be authenticated (notarized and legalized).
TEFL/TESOL Certificate – While not always mandatory, many employers prefer teachers with at least a 120-hour certification.
Criminal Background Check – A police clearance from the teacher’s home country or from Vietnam (if the teacher has been in the country for six months or longer).

All documents need to be translated into Vietnamese and authenticated by relevant authorities before submission.

Medical Checkup Requirement

A medical checkup is required for all foreign workers applying for a work visa in Vietnam. This must be done in a recognized hospital in Vietnam. The checkup includes basic health tests, such as blood tests, a chest X-ray, and general physical examination. The medical certificate is then submitted along with other visa application documents.

Employer’s Role in Processing the Work Permit

The employer (school or language center) is responsible for applying for the work permit on behalf of the teacher. They submit all documents to the labor department and handle the legal processing. This is why visa sponsorship is important—teachers cannot apply for a work visa on their own.

Once approved, the teacher receives a work permit and an LD visa (Work Visa), allowing them to work legally in Vietnam. Some teachers also apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which makes it easier to stay in the country without frequent visa renewals.

What Types of Schools Offer Visa Sponsorship?

Several types of schools in Vietnam offer visa sponsorship for foreign English teachers. The job structure, salary, and working hours vary depending on where a teacher works. Some schools offer stable schedules, while others have flexible but demanding hours.

Public Schools

Public schools in Vietnam are government-funded and follow a structured schedule. Teachers usually work during regular school hours, from Monday to Friday, with weekends off. These jobs offer a good work-life balance, as there are no evening or late-night classes.

Most public schools work with private education companies to hire foreign teachers. These companies handle visa sponsorship, work permits, and job placements. The pay is lower compared to private schools, but teachers get national holidays off and can enjoy a steady routine.

Private Language Centers

Language centers are the most common employers of foreign teachers in Vietnam. These schools focus on teaching English to children, teenagers, and adults, usually outside regular school hours. Classes often run in the evenings and on weekends, making the schedule different from traditional schools.

Many language centers offer higher salaries than public schools, but the workload can be more demanding. Popular language centers in Vietnam include VUS, ILA, Apollo, and RES. These schools regularly hire foreign teachers and provide visa sponsorship.

International Schools

International schools follow foreign curriculums, such as American, British, or IB (International Baccalaureate) programs. These schools offer the best salaries, benefits, and working conditions, but they also have the strictest requirements.

Teachers need a degree in education or a teaching license from their home country to qualify for these jobs. International schools offer full visa sponsorship, health insurance, and paid holidays, making them one of the most attractive options for experienced teachers.

Universities and Corporate Training Programs

Some universities and companies in Vietnam hire foreign teachers for English training programs. University jobs usually have lighter schedules but require a master’s degree or teaching experience. Corporate training programs focus on improving English skills for professionals and business workers. These jobs may have flexible hours and good pay, depending on the company.

Each school type has its own benefits, so teachers can choose based on their qualifications and preferred work style.

Salary and Benefits for English Teachers in Vietnam

Teaching English in Vietnam comes with competitive pay and attractive benefits. The cost of living is low compared to many Western countries, which means teachers can save money while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

Average Salary Range

English teachers in Vietnam earn between $1,200 and $2,500 per month, depending on their qualifications, experience, and the type of school they work for.

Public schools – $1,200 to $1,800 per month
Private language centers – $1,500 to $2,000 per month
International schools – $2,000 to $2,500 per month
Universities and corporate training – Varies but usually starts at $1,200

Teachers with more experience, a degree in education, or a teaching license can negotiate higher salaries. Those working in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang often earn more than teachers in smaller towns.

Extra Benefits

Many schools and language centers offer additional benefits to attract foreign teachers. These can include:

Housing Allowance – Some employers provide free housing or a monthly stipend to help cover rent.
Flight Reimbursement – Certain schools pay for teachers’ flights after they complete their contract.
Work Visa and Permit Sponsorship – Employers handle visa paperwork and cover the costs.
Contract Completion Bonus – Some schools offer bonuses of $500 to $1,500 at the end of a one-year contract.
Paid Holidays – Public schools and international schools usually offer paid national holidays and school breaks. Language centers may offer fewer paid days off.

Cost of Living Comparison

Vietnam is one of the most affordable places to teach in Asia. Teachers can live comfortably on their salary while saving money.

Rent – $300 to $600 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in major cities
Food – Local meals cost around $2, while dining out at Western restaurants may cost $10 to $15
Transportation – Motorbike rentals are about $50 per month, and taxis or ride-hailing services are cheap

Compared to other Asian teaching destinations like South Korea, Japan, or China, Vietnam offers a lower cost of living with fewer work restrictions. This makes it an appealing choice for teachers looking to save money while enjoying a good quality of life.

Best Time of Year to Apply for English Teaching Jobs in Vietnam

The best time to apply for English teaching jobs in Vietnam depends on the type of school.

Public Schools – The main hiring period is June to August before the school year starts in September. Some schools also hire in December and January for the second semester, which begins after the Tet holiday (Vietnamese New Year).
Private Language Centers – These schools hire year-round since they offer classes outside regular school hours. However, demand is highest from May to September when more students enroll during summer break.
International Schools and Universities – Hiring usually happens in early spring (January–March) for the new academic year in August or September. Some positions open mid-year if teachers leave early.

Red Flags to Watch Out for in Job Contracts

When signing a teaching contract, it’s important to check for potential issues. Some red flags include:

No Mention of Work Visa Sponsorship – If a school doesn’t offer visa support, the job may not be legal.
Unclear Salary and Payment Terms – Contracts should state the exact salary, payment dates, and overtime rates. Delayed payments are a common issue with unreliable schools.
Unpaid Training or Probation Periods – Some schools make teachers work unpaid during training or the first month. This is usually a bad sign.
Unreasonable Fines or Penalties – Watch out for contracts that charge high fees for breaking the contract early.

Reading the contract carefully and asking questions before signing can help teachers avoid bad experiences.