Decree 219/2025 – Key Updates Foreign Teachers Need to Know When Working in Vietnam
If you are a foreign teacher currently working in Vietnam – or planning to come here to teach – starting from August 7, 2025, several new regulations will take effect. These are the key points from Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP you should be aware of to avoid paperwork issues and ensure your work goes smoothly.
Overview of the new regulations
Job positions are now clearly defined
In the past, many teachers wondered: “Which labor category do I fall under?” The new decree clarifies the criteria for each category:
- Manager / Executive Director: Usually applies to high-level management positions at schools or centers.
- Expert: Requires a university degree or higher and at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
- Priority fields (finance, science, technology, digital transformation): Only 1 year of relevant work experience is required.
- Technical worker: Must have at least 1 year of training and 2 years of work experience, or 3 years of work experience without relevant qualifications.
*Note: Most foreign teachers in Vietnam will fall under the Expert category.
Administrative procedures are now digitalized
Good news – you (or your employer) can now handle most procedures online.
This includes:
- Applying for a new work permit
- Reissuing a work permit
- Extending a work permit
- Requesting confirmation of exemption from a work permit
All can be done via the National Public Service Portal. This saves time, reduces paperwork, and makes it easier to track the progress of your application.
Maximum validity of documents
- Work permits and confirmation of exemption: up to 2 years.
- Extension: Only once, for up to 2 years. After that, you must reapply for a new work permit.
Transitional provisions
If you already have a work permit or confirmation of exemption before August 7, 2025, don’t worry – your documents will remain valid until their stated expiry date, with no need for immediate renewal.
What this means for foreign teachers
- Knowing your labor category helps you prepare the right documents (especially qualifications & certificates).
- Online processes save time – no more spending entire days waiting at government offices.
- Better management of document validity helps avoid unexpected expiry that could disrupt your work.
Conclusion: Decree 219/2025 brings significant improvements in clarity and administrative processes. If you are a foreign teacher in Vietnam, take the time to understand these updates to ensure full compliance. You can read the full text of Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP in Vietnamese in the attached PDF to make sure you have all the necessary details.
