If you’ve been thinking about teaching English abroad, Vietnam is definitely a place worth considering. With its mix of stunning natural scenery, rich culture, and friendly communities, it’s no surprise that so many teachers are making their way here. It’s the kind of place where every day brings something new.
There is a good variety of teaching jobs in Vietnam too; you might be working with young children, teens, or adults. Some teachers thrive in structured environments with clear curriculums, while others enjoy the creativity that comes with designing their own lessons. Either way, you’ll gain real teaching experience that goes far beyond textbooks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to get started. You’ll learn about the requirements to teach English in Vietnam, such as TEFL certification, degree requirements, and the visa process. If you’re ready to take your teaching skills somewhere new and grow both personally and professionally, you’re in the right place.
Why is Vietnam a Great Place to Teach English?
Before diving into the requirements for teaching English in Vietnam, it’s worth understanding why so many aspiring educators choose Vietnam for their TEFL careers. One of the primary reasons is the booming demand for English teachers. As Vietnam continues to grow economically and integrate into the global economy, English education has become a national priority, creating a wealth of opportunities for qualified teachers.
Additionally, Vietnam offers competitive salaries paired with a relatively low cost of living, allowing educators to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while saving money or traveling. Beyond the financial benefits, teaching in Vietnam offers deep cultural immersion—teachers can experience the country’s rich traditions, vibrant cuisine, and colorful festivals firsthand. Vietnam serves as a gateway to international education careers, offering meaningful experiences that can open doors to teaching opportunities around the world.
What Do You Need to Teach English in Vietnam?
If you want to become an English teacher in Vietnam, here are the key qualifications and criteria that most employers and visa authorities look for:
1. Bachelor’s Degree (in Any Field)
One of the most essential requirements to teach English in Vietnam is having a bachelor’s degree. This is a legal requirement for a work permit, which means it’s not something you can skip even if a school seems flexible. The degree doesn’t have to be in education or English; any field of study is generally acceptable, as long as it’s from an accredited university.
Before your degree can be submitted for a work permit, it will need to be legalized or authenticated in your home country. Some employers will assist with this process, while others may ask you to complete it before arriving in Vietnam. Either way, it’s an important step in your paperwork checklist.
2. TEFL/TESOL Certification (120+ Hours Recommended)
A TEFL certification is another key requirement that most employers in Vietnam expect. While it’s not technically a legal requirement for a visa, it’s become a standard hiring requirement, especially in private language centers and international schools.
Most schools prefer teachers who have completed at least a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL course, as it shows you’re prepared for the classroom. It also helps you feel confident in areas like lesson planning, classroom management, and adapting your teaching to different age groups. In-person courses offered in Vietnam that include practicum components tend to carry more weight than fully online programs. Although, online TEFL certifications are still accepted by many employers.
If you’re just starting your teaching career, getting TEFL certified is one of the best investments you can make not just to qualify for jobs, but to actually thrive in the classroom.
3. Clean Criminal Background Check
To teach English in Vietnam legally, you’ll need to provide a clean criminal background check from your home country or your most recent country of residence. This is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a work permit and is taken seriously by employers and immigration authorities alike.
The background check typically needs to be recent (within the last six months) and may need to be notarized or legalized, depending on where you’re applying from. If you’ve already been living in Vietnam for a while, some employers might request a local background check as well.
4. Health Check in Vietnam
Once you arrive in Vietnam and begin the work permit process, you’ll need to complete a medical check at a licensed Vietnamese hospital or clinic. This is a straightforward step but a required part of the legal process.
The check usually includes basic tests like blood work, a physical exam, and a chest X-ray. Most employers will help you book the appointment and guide you through the process, and the whole thing is typically done in a single day.
5. Work Permit & Legal Work Visa
To work legally, you’ll need both a work permit and the appropriate visa. Many teachers initially arrive in Vietnam on a tourist or business visa, then apply for a work visa (usually the LD category) once they’ve secured a teaching position.
Your employer will usually sponsor your work permit and help you submit the necessary documents, including your degree, TEFL certificate, background check, health check results, and a signed contract. Work permits are typically valid for up to two years, depending on the length of your contract.
It’s important to remember that even if some schools offer under-the-table work on a tourist visa, it’s not legal—and it can put you at risk of fines, deportation, or blacklisting.
6. Must Be a Native or Proficient Non-Native English Speaker
While many schools in Vietnam prefer hiring native English speakers, particularly from countries like the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa—being a native speaker is not a strict legal requirement. There are plenty of teaching opportunities available to non-native English speakers, especially those who can demonstrate a high level of English proficiency and hold a strong TEFL certification.
Non-native applicants may be asked to provide proof of their English skills through a test like IELTS or TOEFL, particularly in more competitive roles. However, your teaching ability, classroom confidence, and professional attitude often matter more than your accent or passport. Many successful teachers in Vietnam come from a wide range of backgrounds—it’s your skills and passion for teaching that truly make the difference.
7. Preferred Age Range for Teaching in Vietnam
There’s no official age limit for teaching English in Vietnam, but most schools prefer candidates who are between 21 and 55 years old. This preference is partly influenced by visa approval trends and also aligns with Vietnam’s official retirement age—which is 60 for men and 55 for women.
That said, it’s not a hard rule. If you have strong teaching experience, advanced qualifications, or specialized skills, some employers may still consider applicants outside this age range. Ultimately, hiring decisions can vary depending on the institution, your background, and how competitive the job market is at the time you apply.
Get Ready to Teach English in Vietnam!
By now, you have a clear picture of the requirements to teach English in Vietnam. But teaching here is more than just ticking boxes. It’s about finding the right fit for your goals, your skills, and your sense of adventure. Once you have the essentials in place—a bachelor’s degree, a TEFL certification, and the necessary paperwork—you’ll be in a strong position to step into a rewarding and meaningful teaching role in Vietnam.
Still, qualifications are only part of the story. What really makes the difference is your mindset. Being open to new experiences, ready to grow in the classroom, and willing to embrace a different culture can turn a teaching job into something much more enriching. Vietnam is a fantastic place to begin that journey, with opportunities for growth, impact, and personal discovery.
Take the first step toward your teaching career. Sign up for a TEFL course in Vietnam or get certified online to begin your teaching adventure today!
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