What Are the Key Changes in Vietnam's Work Permit Regulations Under Decree 219/2025?

Vietnam’s Decree 219/2025 takes effect August 7, 2025, replacing Decrees 152/2020 and 70/2023 with streamlined foreign worker regulations. The decree reduces minimum application filing from 15 days to 10 days, expands work permit exemptions from 9 to 15 categories, and requires mandatory digital submission through the National Public Service Portal. Key changes include modified expert qualifications (bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience, down from 3 years, with 1-year fast-track for priority sectors), new intra-company transfer exemptions, and integrated criminal record processing.

According to Article 35 of Government Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP published January 2025, these changes aim to attract skilled foreign talent while maintaining regulatory oversight through enhanced e-government integration and database connectivity.

Inside This Guide

What Are the Major Changes in Work Permit Exemption Categories?

Decree 219/2025 expands work permit exemptions to 15 categories (increased from 9), adding six new groups: intra-company transfers within 11 WTO service sectors, corporate owners with capital ≥3 billion VND, priority sector experts, foreign journalists, educational institution staff, and enhanced student/intern provisions.

According to Article 7 of Decree 219/2025, the exemption framework now distinguishes between full exemptions (no confirmation letter required) and notification-only categories for specific groups including diplomatic dependents, high-capital corporate owners, and short-term workers.

Comparison of Exemption Categories

Category	Old Law (152/70)	New Law (219/2025)	Key Change
Intra-company transfers	Required work permit	Exempt if ≥12 months foreign employment + 11 WTO sectors	NEW exemption
Short-term (<90 days/year)	Exempt	Exempt (cumulative within calendar year)	Timeline clarified
Corporate owners	All required confirmation	≥3 billion VND: notification only; <3 billion: confirmation letter	NEW threshold
Priority sector experts	Not specified	Confirmed by ministries/provinces for finance, tech, innovation	NEW category
Foreign journalists	Not specified	Confirmed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs	NEW category
Educational institutions	Not specified	Managers/teachers at diplomatic mission schools – confirmed by MOE	NEW category

Detailed Changes by Category

Intra-Company Transfers (Article 7.13.b – NEW Exemption): Foreign employees qualify when: (1) Transferred within 11 WTO service sectors per Vietnam’s commitments, (2) Worked for foreign entity ≥12 consecutive months before transfer, (3) Vietnamese entity is established commercial presence (FDI company, representative office, branch, or project office). Processing: 5 business days for confirmation letter.

Corporate Ownership Threshold (Articles 7.2-7.3): The decree creates a 3 billion VND capital threshold. Owners/members of limited liability companies OR board chairs/members of joint-stock companies with capital ≥3 billion VND require only notification (no confirmation letter). Those with <3 billion VND must obtain confirmation letters but avoid full work permit procedures.

Priority Economic Sectors (Article 7.15): Ministries and provincial governments grant exemptions for workers in: finance (banking, insurance, securities, fintech), science (research, development), technology (software, hardware, telecommunications), innovation (startups, R&D centers, technology transfer), digital transformation (cloud, AI, cybersecurity, data analytics), and locally-identified priority development sectors. This enables faster deployment without permit delays.

Foreign Journalists (Article 7.5): Journalists require Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmation for ≤2 years validity, streamlining media operations while maintaining government oversight.

Educational Institutions (Article 7.14): Foreign managers, executives, and teachers at international education institutions established by foreign diplomatic missions or intergovernmental organizations require Ministry of Education and Training confirmation.

Students and Interns (Article 7.7): Simplified exemption with school agreement/invitation letter + enrollment proof OR training vessel assignment. Validity: ≤2 years.

How Have Work Permit Application Timelines Changed?

Application filing windows now span 10-60 days before the foreign worker’s start date, reducing the minimum advance filing requirement by 33% from ≥15 days to ≥10 days. Processing times remain 10 business days for work permits and 5 business days for confirmation letters.

According to Articles 9.1 and 22.1 of Decree 219/2025, the flexible filing window provides employers greater scheduling flexibility while maintaining quality control standards. The maximum 60-day advance window is now explicitly capped in regulation.

Timeline Comparison

Procedure	Old Law (152/70)	New Law (219/2025)	Impact
Minimum advance filing	≥15 days	≥10 days	33% reduction
Maximum advance filing	Not explicitly specified	≤60 days	Now capped
Work permit processing	10 business days	10 business days	Unchanged
Confirmation letter processing	5 business days	5 business days	Unchanged
Rejection notification	3 business days	3 business days	Unchanged
Extension filing window	≥10 days, ≤45 days before expiry	≥10 days, ≤45 days before expiry	Unchanged

Critical Timeline Rules

Flexible Filing Window: The 10-60 day window allows employers to:

Submit as early as 60 days before planned start date (useful for complex cases requiring extensive documentation review)
Submit as late as 10 days before start date (minimum compliance threshold for straightforward applications)
Strategically time submissions based on document preparation status and urgency

Grace Period Elimination (Article 9.4): The decree removes the “not less than 3 days” notification requirement for specific exempt categories including diplomatic dependents, high-capital corporate owners, official passport holders in government work, commercial presence representatives, and short-term workers (<90 days). These groups now require only ≥3 business days advance notification with basic information: name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, employer name, work location, and work duration.

Multi-Location Notification (Articles 9.5 and 22.5): When foreign workers holding work permits or confirmation letters move between provinces for the same employer, employers must notify the destination province authority ≥3 business days before the worker begins in the new location. Notification includes: name, DOB, nationality, passport number, permit/confirmation number, employer name, start date, end date. Work duration cannot exceed original permit/confirmation validity.

What Changes Apply to Expert Qualifications?

Expert qualification requirements create two pathways: standard pathway requires bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience (reduced from 3 years), while priority sector fast-track requires bachelor’s degree in specialized field + 1 year experience for finance, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, or government-prioritized sectors.

According to Article 3.3 of Decree 219/2025, the dual-pathway system aims to accelerate high-skill talent acquisition in strategic economic sectors while maintaining quality standards for general expert positions.

Expert Qualification Matrix

Criterion	Old Law (152/70)	New Law (219/2025)	Applicable Sector
Standard pathway – Expert	Bachelor’s + 3 years experience	Bachelor’s + 2 years experience	All sectors
Standard pathway – Technician	5 years experience OR 1-year training + 3 years	3 years experience OR 1-year training + 2 years	All sectors
Priority sector fast-track	Not available	Bachelor’s (specialized field) + 1 year experience	Finance, tech, innovation, digital transformation, priority sectors
Educational equivalency	Bachelor’s or equivalent	Bachelor’s or equivalent	All sectors

Sector-Specific Requirements

Standard Expert Track (Article 3.3.a): Foreign workers qualify with:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any field
≥2 years relevant work experience matching the position
Experience can be cumulative (not necessarily consecutive at one employer)
Prior Vietnam work permits or confirmation letters substitute for experience documentation (Article 19.3.a)

Priority Sector Fast-Track (Article 3.3.b – NEW): Reduced to 1 year experience when:

Bachelor’s degree in the specialized field (e.g., computer science degree for IT positions, finance degree for banking roles, engineering degree for R&D positions)
Working in designated priority sectors:
- Finance: Banking, insurance, securities, fintech operations
- Science: Research institutions, development labs, clinical trials
- Technology: Software development, hardware manufacturing, telecommunications infrastructure
- Innovation: Startup operations, R&D centers, technology transfer offices
- Digital transformation: Cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data analytics, blockchain
- Government-prioritized sectors: Determined by ministries or provincial governments based on regional development strategies (Article 36.8)

Specialized Professional Categories: The decree maintains specific requirements for:

Arts/Sports experts (Article 19.3.c): Certificates of achievement, qualifications, and experience as guided by Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism
Aviation professionals (Article 19.3.d): Pilot licenses, flight attendant certificates, aircraft maintenance certifications, seafarer competency certificates issued or recognized by Vietnamese authorities per Ministry of Construction guidance
Education professionals (Article 19.3.đ): Qualifications meeting Education Law, Higher Education Law, and Vocational Education Law standards; language/IT center teachers must meet center operating regulations per Ministry of Education and Training guidance

Experience Verification (Article 19): Experience confirmation requires written confirmation from foreign employer stating years of relevant experience. For workers already in Vietnam: previous work permits or confirmation letters substitute for experience documentation. Cross-border experience counts if properly verified.

What Are the New Digital Processing Requirements?

Decree 219/2025 mandates 100% digital submission through the National Public Service Portal (Cổng Dịch vụ công quốc gia), eliminating in-person and postal submissions. The system integrates work permit applications with criminal record checks and health examination databases for one-stop processing.

According to Article 6.1 of Decree 219/2025, the portal automatically routes applications to competent provincial authorities based on employer’s registered location, eliminating manual document transfer between agencies.

Digital Processing Framework

Mandatory Online Submission (Article 6.1): Employers submit all applications via the National Public Service Portal at https://dichvucong.gov.vn. The portal:

Routes applications automatically to provincial authorities
Tracks processing status in real-time
Delivers results electronically
Maintains digital archives for compliance verification

Integrated Criminal Record Processing (Article 6.3 – MAJOR NEW FEATURE): The decree introduces streamlined criminal record verification through sequential processing:

Combined Submission: Employer files work permit request + criminal record check authorization in one portal submission
Automated Routing: System sends work permit application to labor authority AND criminal record request to police authority simultaneously
Police Processing: Police authority issues electronic criminal record certificate within standard timeline per criminal record regulations
Auto-Population: Electronic criminal record automatically populates work permit file at labor authority
Single Delivery: Employer receives both work permit and criminal record certificate digitally in one transaction

Processing Timeline: Total processing time = criminal record processing time + work permit processing time (Article 6.3, final paragraph). Both processes run in sequence rather than parallel.

Database Integration

Health Examination Database (Articles 8.2, 15.2, 18.2, 27.2): Health certificates issued by qualified Vietnamese medical facilities are automatically verified through:

Healthcare Activity Management System (Hệ thống thông tin về quản lý hoạt động khám bệnh, chữa bệnh)
National Health Database (Cơ sở dữ liệu quốc gia về y tế)

When health data is system-integrated, applicants submit no physical health certificates. Foreign health certificates remain acceptable only when Vietnam has mutual recognition agreements with the issuing country, valid ≤12 months from issuance date.

Entry-Exit Database (Article 36.3.a): The Ministry of Home Affairs coordinates with Ministry of Public Security to build a unified foreign worker database linked to the National Entry-Exit Database, enabling real-time tracking of:

Work permit/confirmation letter issuance and revocation
Border entry/exit records with timestamp verification
Visa/temporary residence status and validity periods
Multi-province work location tracking and compliance

How Has the Confirmation Letter Process Changed?

The confirmation letter (giấy xác nhận) process now covers 15 exemption categories with simplified procedures: notification-only for 5 categories (no confirmation letter required), standard 5-business-day processing for 10 categories requiring formal confirmation.

According to Articles 7-17 of Decree 219/2025, the streamlined framework distinguishes between high-trust categories requiring only advance notification and standard categories requiring government-issued confirmation letters.

Confirmation Letter Categories

Exemption Category	Required Documentation	Issuing Authority	Validity	Processing
Intra-company transfers (Art. 7.13.b)	Foreign employer dispatch letter + 12-month employment proof + position proof	Provincial labor authority	≤2 years	5 business days
Short-term (<90 days/year) (Art. 7.13.a)	Foreign employer dispatch letter + position proof	Notification only	Calendar year	≥3 days advance
Corporate owners ≥3 billion VND (Art. 7.2-7.3)	Company charter + ownership proof OR board membership + capital proof	Notification only	≤2 years	≥3 days advance
Priority sector experts (Art. 7.15)	Ministry/provincial government confirmation letter	Provincial labor authority	≤2 years	5 business days
Foreign journalists (Art. 7.5)	Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmation	Provincial labor authority	≤2 years	5 business days
Students/interns (Art. 7.7)	School agreement/invitation + enrollment proof OR vessel assignment	Provincial labor authority	≤2 years	5 business days

Notification-Only Categories (Article 9.4 – No Confirmation Letter)

Five categories require only ≥3 business days advance notification (no formal confirmation letter):

Diplomatic/consular staff dependents (Art. 7.8): Authorized to work per international treaty provisions between Vietnam and the sending country
Corporate owners ≥3 billion VND (Art. 7.2-7.3): Limited liability company owners/members OR joint-stock company board chairs/members with capital contributions ≥3 billion VND
Official passport holders (Art. 7.9): Working for Vietnamese state agencies, political organizations, or socio-political organizations
Commercial presence representatives (Art. 7.10): Responsible for establishing corporate commercial presence in Vietnam per WTO service commitments
Short-term workers <90 days (Art. 7.13.a): Managers, executives, experts, or technicians with cumulative work <90 days per calendar year (January 1 – December 31)

Notification Requirements: Employers notify the competent authority with basic information: name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, employer name, work location, and work duration. No formal application processing or fee payment required.

Multi-Province Work Notification (Article 9.5 – NEW)

When confirmation letter holders work in multiple provinces for the same employer:

Employer notifies destination province authority ≥3 days before relocation
Notification includes: name, DOB, nationality, passport number, confirmation letter number, employer name, start date, end date
Work duration cannot exceed original confirmation letter validity period
No new confirmation letter required if validity period covers the work duration

Read Another Article: What to Do if Your Vietnam Work Permit is Rejected: Complete Recovery Guide for Teachers

What Documentation Changes Affect Work Permit Applications?

Decree 219/2025 reduces documentation burden through database integration and acceptance of prior permits as experience proof. Health certificates are auto-verified if in system databases, criminal records process digitally alongside permit applications, and prior work permits/confirmation letters substitute for experience verification in renewals.

According to Articles 18-19 of Decree 219/2025, the documentation simplification aims to reduce processing delays while maintaining verification standards through digital connectivity and cross-agency data sharing.

Required Documentation Comparison

Document	Old Law (152/70)	New Law (219/2025)	Key Change
Health certificate	Physical submission required	Auto-verified if in system; foreign certificates accepted with mutual recognition	Database integration
Criminal record	Separate application to police	Integrated processing through work permit portal (Art. 6.3)	One-stop submission
Experience proof	Always employer confirmation letter	Can use previous work permit/confirmation letter if worked in Vietnam (Art. 19)	Simplified renewals
Passport photos	2 photos (4cm × 6cm)	2 photos (4cm × 6cm, white background, no glasses)	Specification clarified
Passport validity	Not explicitly specified	Must be valid (còn thời hạn)	Explicit requirement

Position-Specific Documentation (Article 19)

Managers (Article 19.1): One of:

Option A: Company charter + management appointment/assignment letter (for positions defined in Enterprise Law Article 4.24: director, general director, chairperson of members’ council)
Option B: Establishment license + appointment letter (for heads and deputy heads of agencies/organizations)

Executive Directors (Article 19.2): One of:

Option A: Branch/representative office/business location registration certificate (proving role as head of branch/rep office)
Option B: Company charter + organizational structure document + foreign employer confirmation of ≥3 years relevant experience (or substitute with previous Vietnam work permit/confirmation letter proving executive experience)

Experts (Article 19.3) – Multiple Pathways:

Standard Expert Path (Art. 19.3.a):

Bachelor’s degree certificate + foreign employer confirmation of ≥2 years relevant experience
Prior Vietnam work permits/confirmation letters substitute for experience documentation

Priority Sector Expert Path (Art. 19.3.b – NEW):

Bachelor’s degree in specialized field (finance, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, or priority sector)
Foreign employer confirmation of ≥1 year relevant experience
Prior Vietnam work permits/confirmation letters substitute for experience documentation

Specialized Expert Categories:

Arts/Sports (Art. 19.3.c): Achievement certificates, qualifications, experience per Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism guidance
Aviation (Art. 19.3.d): Pilot licenses, flight attendant certificates, aircraft maintenance certifications, seafarer competency certificates (Vietnamese-issued or Vietnamese-recognized per Ministry of Construction guidance)
Education (Art. 19.3.đ): Qualifications meeting Education Law, Higher Education Law, Vocational Education Law; language/IT center teachers per center operating regulations per Ministry of Education and Training guidance
Other Special Professions (Art. 19.3.e): Industry-specific certifications per relevant ministry guidance

Technical Workers (Article 19.4): One of:

Option A: Training certificate (≥1 year program) + foreign employer confirmation of ≥2 years relevant experience (or prior Vietnam work permit/confirmation letter)
Option B: Foreign employer confirmation of ≥3 years relevant experience (or prior Vietnam work permit/confirmation letter) – no formal training requirement

Work Form Verification Documents (Article 18.6)

Different work arrangements require specific documentation:

Intra-company transfer (Art. 18.6.a): Foreign employer dispatch letter + 12-month continuous employment confirmation + commercial presence verification (FDI registration, branch license, etc.)
Contract/agreement execution (Art. 18.6.b): Foreign employer dispatch letter + signed contract/agreement between Vietnamese and foreign parties
Service contracts (Art. 18.6.c): Service contract between Vietnamese and foreign partners + 24-month foreign employment proof for worker
Service sales (Art. 18.6.d): Service provider dispatch letter for negotiation purposes in Vietnam
Cross-border assignment (Art. 18.6.đ): Foreign employer dispatch letter matching intended position description
Company leadership (Art. 18.6.e): Manager proof per Article 3.1 (company charter + appointment letter)

What Are the New Validity and Extension Rules?

Work permits and confirmation letters are capped at 2-year initial validity with one-time extension up to 2 additional years (maximum 4 years total). After the single extension expires, foreign workers must apply for new permits (not additional extensions) if continuing employment.

According to Articles 10, 17, 21, 26, and 29 of Decree 219/2025, the phrase “chỉ được gia hạn một lần” (only extended once) establishes a hard cap preventing indefinite extensions while allowing sufficient time for meaningful work assignments.

Validity Period Framework

Document Type	Initial Validity	Extension Allowed	Maximum Total	Post-Extension
Work permit	≤2 years	1 time, ≤2 years	4 years	New permit required
Confirmation letter	≤2 years	1 time, ≤2 years	4 years	New confirmation required

Validity Calculation (Article 21.1)

Initial permits/confirmations are issued based on the shortest of:

Contract duration (for employment contracts under Labor Code)
Dispatch letter duration (for foreign employer assignments)
International agreement duration (for treaty-based assignments)
Service contract duration (for service provision arrangements)
Business license duration (for commercial operations)
Ministry/provincial confirmation duration (Art. 21.2, for categories 14-15 per Article 7)

Maximum cap: Regardless of underlying document duration, no permit/confirmation exceeds 2 years on initial issuance. If contract is 5 years, initial permit issues for 2 years, then requires one extension (up to 2 years), then new permit (another 2 years), and so forth.

Extension Rules (Articles 17 and 29)

Single Extension Limit: The regulatory language “chỉ được gia hạn một lần” creates a strict sequence:

First issuance: Up to 2 years based on Article 21 criteria
One extension: Up to 2 additional years (4 years cumulative maximum)
After extension expires: Must apply for new permit/confirmation (not another extension)

Extension Filing Window:

Submit ≥10 days but ≤45 days before current permit/confirmation expires (Art. 16.1, 28.1)
Processing time: 5 business days (confirmations) or 10 business days (work permits)
Late submissions (less than 10 days before expiry) are rejected and require new permit applications

Extension Documentation (Articles 15, 27):

Request letter (Form 01 or 03 per Appendix)
Health certificate (unless in database per Articles 15.2, 27.2)
Current permit/confirmation (original document)
Valid passport
Updated work form proof (except employment contract holders under Art. 27.6 who maintain same employment relationship)
Position proof (managers/executives per Article 19.1-19.2)

Reissuance After Extension (Article 20.3 – CRITICAL)

Foreign workers who completed one extension and need to continue working must:

Apply for new work permit (not extension request)
Submit full initial application documents per Article 18:
- Request letter (Form 03)
- Health certificate
- Passport (valid)
- Photos (2)
- Work form proof
- Position proof (managers/executives/experts/technicians)
- Criminal record (or integrated processing per Art. 6.3)
- Copy of previous extended work permit (proves prior authorization and experience)

This process effectively resets the 4-year clock, allowing another 2+2 year cycle for continued employment.

How Do Revocation Procedures Work Under the New Decree?

Work permits and confirmation letters must be revoked when validity conditions cease to exist or when workers/employers violate regulations. The decree distinguishes between automatic revocation triggers (expired, terminated employment, death) and discretionary revocation (procedural violations, criminal prosecution).

According to Articles 30-33 of Decree 219/2025, revocation procedures balance employer responsibility for document retrieval with government authority to enforce compliance through coordination with immigration authorities.

Work Permit Revocation Triggers

Automatic Revocation (Article 30.1 – Labor Code Articles 156.2-7):

Contract termination (Labor Code 156.2): Employment contract expires, terminates by agreement, or lawfully ends per Labor Code provisions
Conditions not met (Labor Code 156.3): Employer or worker fails to meet permit issuance conditions (e.g., position no longer exists, qualifications lapse)
Irregular issuance (Labor Code 156.4): Work permit was issued in violation of regulations (e.g., fraudulent documents, ineligible position)
Employer cessation (Labor Code 156.5): Employer stops operations, dissolves, or loses business license
Criminal conviction/incapacity (Labor Code 156.6): Worker convicted of crime or loses civil legal capacity per court decision
Death (Labor Code 156.7): Worker dies or is judicially declared dead

Regulatory Violation Revocation:

Procedural non-compliance (Art. 30.2): Employer or foreign worker fails to comply with issuance/renewal/extension procedures specified in Decree 219/2025
Criminal prosecution (Art. 30.3): Foreign worker criminally prosecuted while working in Vietnam for violating Vietnamese law (applies during investigation stage, not only after conviction)

Confirmation Letter Revocation Triggers (Article 32)

Scope mismatch (Art. 32.1): Working outside activities specified in confirmation letter (e.g., different job function, different employer, different location beyond authorized scope)
Foreign employer termination (Art. 32.2): Written notice from foreign employer ending Vietnam assignment
Employer cessation (Art. 32.3): Vietnamese or foreign employer stops operations, dissolves, or loses authorization
Procedural violations (Art. 32.4): Employer or foreign worker fails to comply with confirmation issuance/renewal/extension procedures
Criminal prosecution (Art. 32.5): Foreign worker prosecuted for violating Vietnamese law during work period

Revocation Procedures

Employer-Initiated Revocation (Articles 31.1, 33.1): When automatic triggers occur:

Within 15 days of permit/confirmation expiration or triggering event
Employer must physically retrieve permit/confirmation from worker
Submit to issuing authority with written explanation of revocation reason
If retrieval impossible (e.g., worker departed Vietnam, document lost), explain why in writing with supporting evidence

Authority-Initiated Revocation (Articles 31.2, 33.2): For regulatory/criminal violations:

Issuing authority issues revocation decision per administrative procedures
Sends notification to employer requesting permit/confirmation return within specified timeframe
Notifies Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh, Ministry of Public Security) for coordination and management, enabling:
- Visa/temporary residence cancellation or non-renewal
- Entry blacklist consideration for serious violations
- Exit monitoring if worker remains in Vietnam illegally

Coordination (Article 36.3.a): The Ministry of Home Affairs maintains a unified foreign worker database linked with national entry-exit database, enabling:

Real-time revocation tracking across provinces
Immigration enforcement coordination with labor authorities
Multi-agency oversight of foreign worker compliance
Data-driven policy analysis and regulatory improvement

What Transitional Rules Apply to Existing Permits?

All work permits and confirmation letters issued under Decrees 152/2020 and 70/2023 remain valid until expiration. Applications submitted before August 7, 2025 (Decree 219’s effective date) will be processed under old regulations, while renewals/extensions after that date follow Decree 219 rules.

According to Article 34 of Decree 219/2025, the grandfathering provisions protect existing permit holders from retroactive application of new requirements while enabling smooth transition to updated procedures for future transactions.

Grandfathering Provisions

Current Permits Valid (Article 34.1): Work permits and confirmation letters issued under Decree 152/2020 (as amended by Decree 70/2023) continue until expiry dates. When renewal/extension is needed, Decree 219/2025 rules apply.

Example scenario: A work permit issued June 2024 valid until June 2026 remains effective through June 2026. When applying for renewal in May 2026, the employer must follow Decree 219/2025 procedures:

New expert qualification criteria (2 years experience instead of 3, or 1 year for priority sectors)
Digital submission through National Public Service Portal
Integrated criminal record processing option (Article 6.3)
Updated documentation requirements (Articles 18-19)
New validity calculation (Article 21)

Pending Applications (Article 34.2): Applications submitted before August 7, 2025 are reviewed under old regulations (Decree 152/70):

Processing timelines: Old law standards (15-day minimum advance filing, 10-day permit processing, 5-day confirmation processing)
Documentation requirements: Old law checklist (3-year expert experience, separate criminal record application, etc.)
Qualification criteria: Old law thresholds (bachelor’s + 3 years for experts, 5 years or 1-year training + 3 years for technicians)
Exemption categories: 9 categories under old law

Work Form Transition (Article 34.3): Permits issued under old work forms automatically transition to new Article 2.1.h work form upon renewal/extension:

Old forms: “Manager/Executive/Expert/Technician” OR “NGO/International Organization” per Decree 152/2020
New form: “Dispatched from foreign agency/organization/enterprise, excluding intra-company transfers” per Decree 219/2025 Article 2.1.h
No new application required: Transition occurs automatically during renewal/extension processing
Validity unchanged: Remaining permit duration continues unaffected by form classification update

Revocation Authority Transition (Article 34.4): Permits/confirmations issued under old decrees meeting new revocation criteria (Articles 30, 32) are revoked by the authority where employer’s head office is located, not necessarily the issuing authority. This centralizes revocation processing at the employer’s primary location for consistency.

Decree 128/2025 Transition (Article 34.5)

Recent Permits Protected: Work permits and confirmation letters issued under Decree 128/2025 (delegating authority to provincial governments, reportedly effective June 11, 2025 – August 6, 2025 per Article 34.5 references) remain valid until expiration. Applications submitted under Decree 128/2025 before August 7, 2025 are processed under Decree 128 rules.

Repeal Timeline (Article 35.2-35.3):

Decree 152/2020 (amended by 70/2023): Foreign worker provisions repealed August 7, 2025
Decree 128/2025 Article 8 + Appendix II Section 2: Provincial delegation provisions repealed August 7, 2025

What Are Common Questions About Decree 219/2025 Work Permit Regulations?

Do I need to replace my current work permit immediately when Decree 219 takes effect?

No – existing work permits remain valid until their expiration dates. According to Article 34.1, permits issued under Decrees 152/2020 or 70/2023 continue for their full duration. You only apply Decree 219 rules when renewing, extending, or applying for a new permit after August 7, 2025. Your current permit’s validity, work authorization, and employment relationship are unaffected by the decree’s effective date.

Can experts with only 1 year experience now get work permits?

Yes, but only in priority sectors with specialized bachelor’s degrees. Article 3.3.b creates a fast-track for experts with: (1) Bachelor’s degree in the specialized field (e.g., computer science degree for IT jobs, finance degree for banking positions), (2) 1 year relevant experience, and (3) working in finance, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, or government-designated priority sectors. The standard pathway still requires 2 years experience for non-priority sectors or non-specialized degrees.

Is digital submission mandatory or optional?

Mandatory for all applications after August 7, 2025. Article 6.1 requires employers to submit through the National Public Service Portal (cổng Dịch vụ công quốc gia) at https://dichvucong.gov.vn. In-person and postal submissions are no longer accepted. The portal automatically routes applications to provincial authorities based on employer’s registered location, eliminating manual document transfers.

How does the integrated criminal record check work?

Employers can request combined processing when applying for work permits. Article 6.3 enables: (1) Submit work permit application + criminal record authorization together via portal, (2) System routes requests to both labor and police authorities simultaneously, (3) Police issue electronic criminal record within standard timeline, (4) Labor authority receives electronic record automatically and processes permit, (5) Employer gets both documents digitally. Total processing time equals criminal record processing time plus work permit processing time (sequential, not parallel).

Can I still extend my work permit after one extension?

No – you must apply for a new work permit. Articles 17 and 29 limit extensions to one time only, maximum 2 years. After the extended permit expires, you cannot extend again. Instead, file a new work permit application with full documentation per Article 20.3, including request letter, health certificate, passport, photos, work form proof, position proof, and copy of previous extended permit (proving experience). This resets the 4-year maximum cycle (2 years initial + 2 years extension).

Do intra-company transfers still need work permits?

No – they’re now exempt with confirmation letters. Article 7.13.b creates a new exemption for foreign employees transferred within multinational corporations if: (1) Transfer within 11 WTO service sectors per Vietnam’s commitments (business services, communication services, construction, distribution, education, environmental, financial, health-related, tourism/travel, recreational/cultural/sporting, transport), (2) Employee worked for foreign entity ≥12 consecutive months before transfer, (3) Vietnamese entity is established commercial presence (FDI company, branch, representative office, or project office). Processing time: 5 business days for confirmation letter.

What happens if I’m currently working on a permit that required 3 years experience?

Your permit remains valid – no retroactive disqualification. Article 34.1 grandfathers existing permits issued under old requirements. When you renew/extend after August 7, 2025, you don’t need to reprove qualifications – you can use your current permit as experience proof per Articles 19.2.b, 19.3.a, 19.3.b, 19.4.a, and 19.4.b. The 2-year (or 1-year priority sector) requirement applies only to first-time applicants after August 7, 2025. Your accrued experience and current authorization carry forward into the new regulatory framework.

Can my employer submit my application 5 days before I start work?

No – minimum advance filing is 10 days. Article 22.1 requires applications ≥10 days before the foreign worker’s planned start date. Filing earlier (up to 60 days before) is permitted but not required. Applications submitted less than 10 days in advance will be rejected, requiring resubmission and delaying the start date. Employers should plan accordingly, considering processing time (10 business days for work permits, 5 business days for confirmations) plus the 10-day minimum advance filing requirement.

Do I need a new health certificate if I got one 6 months ago?

It depends on database integration status. Articles 8.2, 18.2, and 27.2 specify: If your health exam was at a Vietnamese facility connected to the Healthcare Activity Management System or National Health Database, no physical certificate is needed – authorities verify electronically. If your certificate is foreign-issued, it’s accepted only if Vietnam has mutual recognition agreements with the issuing country and it’s ≤12 months old from issuance date. Check with your employer or issuing authority whether your facility is system-integrated.

What if my company changes its name – do I need a new work permit?

You need a reissued permit, not a new application. Article 23.2 covers name changes that don’t change the employer’s tax ID (mã số định danh). Submit: (1) Request letter (Form 03), (2) Photos (2), (3) Name change proof document (business registration amendment, etc.), (4) Current work permit (original). Processing time: 3 business days. Validity: Remaining time from original permit (Article 26). Example: If original permit valid through December 2026, reissued permit remains valid through December 2026.

Can I work in multiple provinces with one work permit?

Yes, with advance notification. Article 22.5 allows foreign workers holding work permits to work for the same employer in multiple provinces. Requirements: Employer must notify the destination province authority ≥3 business days before the worker begins in the new location, including name, DOB, nationality, passport number, permit number, employer name, start date, and end date. Work duration cannot exceed original permit validity. No new permit or confirmation required if validity period covers the multi-province work arrangement.

What happens if I lose my work permit?

Apply for reissuance immediately. Article 23.1 covers lost permits still within validity. Submit: (1) Request letter (Form 03) explaining circumstances of loss, (2) Photos (2), (3) No need to submit lost permit. Processing time: 3 business days. Validity: Remaining time from original permit (Article 26). Report the loss to local police if theft is suspected, and obtain a loss report for supporting documentation. The reissued permit maintains the same permit number and validity period.

Vietnam’s Decree 219/2025 modernizes foreign worker regulations through digital-first processing, streamlined exemption categories, and flexible qualification pathways. The decree’s August 7, 2025 effective date initiates a transition period where existing permits remain valid while new applications follow updated procedures.

Three core improvements define the reform: (1) Reduced barriers through shorter filing windows (10-60 days vs. previous 15+ days), expanded exemptions (15 categories vs. 9), and relaxed expert qualifications (2 years vs. 3 years, with 1-year priority sector fast-track), (2) Enhanced efficiency via mandatory digital submission, integrated criminal record processing, and database-verified health certificates, and (3) Maintained oversight through multi-agency coordination, real-time tracking, and enforcement mechanisms.

For employers: Begin transitioning to digital submission workflows, review current workforce for re-qualification opportunities under 2-year or 1-year pathways, and prepare for integrated processing timelines. For foreign workers: Existing permits continue unaffected; renewals after August 7, 2025 follow new procedures with generally favorable qualification requirements. For policymakers: Monitor implementation through the unified database (Article 36.3.a) and provincial reporting (Article 36.8.c) to assess reform effectiveness.

The decree balances talent attraction with regulatory compliance, positioning Vietnam competitively for skilled foreign labor while maintaining government oversight through digital transformation and inter-agency coordination. Success depends on provincial capacity building for portal implementation, employer training on new procedures, and consistent interpretation of priority sector criteria across ministries and provinces.

Rate this post