Can you teach English in Vietnam without a TEFL?

If you’ve looked into teaching English abroad, you’ve probably heard the term TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) mentioned constantly. It’s often listed as a requirement on job posts, visa documents, and course ads — but how essential is it really?

This is one of the most common questions asked by aspiring teachers heading to Vietnam. And it's fair — not everyone wants to pay for a certification course before they’re even sure teaching is the right fit. Maybe you already have a degree. Maybe you’ve taught informally. Or maybe you just want to try it out first.

Vietnam is known for being one of Southeast Asia’s most welcoming countries for new teachers. But in recent years, regulations have become stricter. If you’re wondering whether it’s still possible to get a job without a TEFL, this article breaks it down — what the law says, what schools expect, and what actually happens in the real world.

❌ The Short Answer: Technically, No — But It’s Complicated

Let’s cut to it: if you want to work legally as an English teacher in Vietnam, a TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours is now considered essential. It’s part of the documentation you’ll need to secure a work permit, which in turn gets you a temporary residence card and the ability to live and work in the country without hassle.

But of course, not every job in Vietnam follows the legal route. Some teachers do still get hired without TEFLs — especially by smaller language centers or when applying in person. These roles often:

• Pay in cash
• Offer no work permit or visa sponsorship
• Are technically illegal, leaving you vulnerable to fines, deportation, or blacklisting

On paper, Vietnam’s Ministry of Labour requires:

• A bachelor’s degree
• A clean criminal background check
• A medical exam (done locally)
• A 120+ hour TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate

Some schools may bend the rules for short-term hires or fill last-minute roles without checking all boxes, but this is the exception, not the rule. And those jobs often come with lower pay, no benefits, and zero legal protection.

If you’re planning to teach for a year or more — or you want a reliable job at a decent school — getting TEFL certified is no longer optional. It’s a smart investment, not just a bureaucratic step.

📝 What the Law Actually Says

According to Vietnamese labor and immigration policies, if you want to teach English legally, you’ll need to meet three main criteria:

• Hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Provide a criminal background check from your home country (usually dated within 6 months)
• Possess a TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certificate with at least 120 hours of coursework

These documents are essential for your work permit application, which in turn allows you to obtain a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) — your long-term legal stay in Vietnam. Without these, your only option is to work on a tourist or business visa, both of which do not legally permit teaching jobs.

Employers must submit your documents to the Vietnamese Department of Labour to process your permit. And as regulations have tightened, many schools now refuse to even interview applicants who don’t already meet these criteria.

🔎 So Why Do Some People Still Get Hired Without One?

Despite these legal requirements, some teachers still manage to find work in Vietnam without a TEFL certificate — but it’s far from ideal.

These hires typically happen in:

• Smaller language centers or private tutoring setups
• Less regulated provinces or rural towns
• Situations where schools are short-staffed and willing to bend the rules

These employers might:

• Hire teachers on a tourist or business visa and pay cash
• Skip paperwork to avoid taxes or bureaucratic delays
• Look the other way if a teacher has experience but no formal TEFL

But these roles carry significant risks:

• You’re not legally protected. If there’s a dispute, you have no labor rights.
• You’ll miss out on health insurance, paid holidays, or stable contracts
• You’re at risk of fines or deportation if immigration enforcement increases

Even if you get hired without a TEFL, the job may be short-lived, underpaid, or stressful. For anyone planning to stay more than a few months — or who wants a quality job — a TEFL is the smarter, safer route.

✅ Why Getting TEFL Certified Is Worth It

Even if some schools let it slide, having a TEFL is smart for a few key reasons:

1. It Gets You Legal

• A TEFL certificate is your ticket to a work permit — which means legal residency, job security, and benefits.

2. It Gets You Hired

• Reputable schools (the ones that pay on time and treat you well) expect you to be certified.

3. It Helps You Teach Better

• TEFL courses teach you how to manage a classroom, explain grammar, and keep lessons fun — even if your students speak no English at all.

🎯 Who Might Skip It (and When It’s a Bad Idea)

There are still a few people who try to work in Vietnam without a TEFL — but that doesn’t mean it’s wise.

Here’s who might attempt it:

• Experienced teachers who have taught in other countries and assume their background will outweigh paperwork
• Backpackers or gap-year travelers who want to earn quick money and aren’t planning to stay long-term
• Digital nomads who try teaching part-time on a tourist visa while working online

But here’s the truth: even these groups are taking a gamble.

• Vietnamese immigration is becoming more consistent about enforcing the TEFL requirement.
• Schools that skip legal steps are often unstable, underpaying, or unreliable.
• If you’re caught working without the proper documents, you could face fines, visa cancellation, or even deportation.

For most people — especially those new to teaching or planning to stay in Vietnam for more than a few months — skipping the TEFL is not worth the risk.

🎓 Getting TEFL Certified: Online or In Vietnam

If you're planning to teach English in Vietnam, getting TEFL certified is a crucial first step — and you don’t have to wait until you arrive to do it.

Most new teachers choose to complete a 120-hour TEFL course online before heading to Vietnam. It’s flexible, affordable, and meets the legal requirements for a work permit, as long as the course is from a recognized provider. Many online programs also offer job support, so you can start applying before you even land. You can compare options in our guide to the best online TEFL courses.

That said, it’s also possible to take a TEFL course in Vietnam. These in-person programs typically last 4 weeks and include hands-on teaching practice, visa guidance, and job placement assistance — a good fit for anyone who prefers classroom learning or wants extra support on arrival. Learn more in our guide to TEFL courses in Vietnam.

Whether you certify online or in person, the most important thing is that your course is at least 120 hours and properly accredited — both routes can lead to legal, well-paying teaching jobs in Vietnam.

🌟 TEFL Isn’t Just a Box to Check — It’s Your Foundation

Technically, yes — a few people still manage to teach English in Vietnam without a TEFL certificate. But doing so puts you on shaky legal ground, limits your job options, and often leads to a subpar experience.

A proper TEFL course is more than a visa requirement. It’s your passport to better jobs, legal stability, and long-term success abroad.

Whether you’re a first-time teacher or just new to Vietnam, getting certified — especially on the ground in Vietnam — is the smartest move you can make.