Starting from August 2025, Vietnam will officially implement Decree 219/2025/ND-CP on the management of foreign workers, introducing several significant changes to the work permit application procedure.

If you are an employer of foreign nationals, or an expat specialist/manager currently working in Vietnam, this article from Vietnamworkpermit.vn will provide a clear overview of the entire process, conditions, and crucial new points to ensure your application is free from errors.

I. Who Needs a Work Permit in Vietnam?

By law, foreign nationals working legally in Vietnam must possess a Work Permit, except for cases exempted under Article 7 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP.

The groups required to have a Work Permit include:

• Foreigners working under a contract with a Vietnamese enterprise.
• Intra-company transferees (from a parent company to a subsidiary/branch in Vietnam).
• Experts, technical engineers, and skilled laborers working long-term.

Common Exemption Cases:

• Investors, owners of limited liability companies, or members of the Board of Directors.
• Heads of representative offices of international or non-governmental organizations.
• Foreigners working for less than 30 days per occasion and not exceeding 90 days per year (according to detailed guidance in Decree 219).

II. Work Permit Requirements (Under New 2025 Regulations)

The foreign employee must meet all of the following conditions:

1. Be 18 years of age or older and medically fit for the job applied for.
2. Have no criminal record or be under criminal prosecution.
3. Possess professional qualifications, degrees, and experience suitable for the position.
4. The employing enterprise must submit a document explaining the need to hire foreign workers (now integrated into the application file).

III. Work Permit Application Documents (Applicable 2025)

📁 1. Employer's Documents (Sponsoring Entity)

• Application letter for a Work Permit.
• A copy of the Business Registration Certificate or Investment Registration Certificate.
• Document explaining the need to employ foreign workers (using the new official form – integrated with the application).

📄 2. Foreign Employee's Documents

• Passport (valid for at least 12 months).
• Two 4x6 photos with a white background.
• Health check certificate (issued within the last 12 months).
• Police Clearance Certificate (or criminal record check confirmation).
• Degrees, certificates, and confirmation of work experience.
• Notarized translations into Vietnamese of all foreign documents.
• Application form for the Work Permit (using the new template from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs - MoLISA).

IV. Work Permit Application Process (2025)

1. Preparation: Prepare all required documents listed above.
2. Submission: Submit the application file to the Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DoLISA) where the foreigner will be working.
3. Processing Time: 10 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application.
4. Result: Work Permit issued with a maximum term of 2 years.

Note: If the application is incomplete or invalid, the receiving authority will respond in writing, clearly stating the reasons and providing guidance for necessary supplements.

V. Work Permit Renewal and Re-issuance

• Work permits can be renewed a maximum of two times, each renewal not exceeding 2 years.
• In cases of changes to information (job title, employer, work location), a new Work Permit must be applied for according to regulations.

VI. Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

• Missing a valid health check certificate or Police Clearance Certificate.
• Degrees/Certificates that have not been legalized (consular legalized).
• Submitting the application too close to the intended start date of employment.
• Incorrect translation or notarization procedures.

👉 To avoid errors, it is recommended to prepare the file at least 30 days before the employee's expected start date.

VII. All-inclusive Work Permit Support Service

Legal procedures in Vietnam can change over time and vary by locality. Vietnamworkpermit.vn provides comprehensive support:

• Free consultation on application eligibility and requirements.
• Translation and Consular Legalization services.
• Representation for submission and receipt of results at competent authorities.
• Support for applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) after the Work Permit is issued.

📞 Contact Us Now:

• Hotline: 0868 25 75 32 | +84 243 56 26 100
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Vietnamworkpermit.vn

💡 Get it right from the start – vietnamworkpermit.vn helps you save time and ensures 100% compliant documentation.