Important Update: Key Changes to Work Permits for Foreigners in Vietnam Effective from August 7, 2025
On August 7, 2025, Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (“Decree 219”) will officially take effect, replacing the previous regulations under Decree 152/2020 and Decree 70/2023. These changes bring significant updates to the issuance of work permits for foreigners in Vietnam.
The new provisions will have a direct impact on both foreign employees and businesses seeking to hire international talent. Some requirements have been relaxed to attract skilled professionals, while others have been tightened to ensure higher labor quality.
This article provides a detailed comparison between the old and new regulations, helping you grasp the key points for effective preparation and compliance.
Changes in Eligibility for “Executive Director,” “Expert,” and “Technical Worker”
a. Executive Director
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Old Regulation: Only required to be the head of a branch, representative office, or a specific department (C-level position).
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New Regulation (Decree 219): Maintains the above criteria but adds the requirement of at least 3 years of experience in an equivalent position.
Analysis: This is a stricter rule aimed at ensuring that top management positions are held by individuals with proven experience.
b. Expert
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Old Regulation: Required a university degree + 3 years of experience, or 5 years of experience + professional certificate.
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New Regulation (Decree 219): Significantly relaxed requirements:
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University degree + at least 2 years of relevant experience.
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For priority sectors such as finance, science, and technology: University degree + at least 1 year of relevant experience.
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Analysis: This is good news for younger, talented professionals, especially in high-tech industries that Vietnam is actively promoting.
c. Technical Worker
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Old Regulation: At least 1 year of training + 3 years of experience, or 5 years of practical experience.
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New Regulation (Decree 219): Lower experience requirements:
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At least 1 year of training + 2 years of relevant experience.
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Or at least 3 years of relevant work experience (if no training qualification).
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Analysis: Lowering experience requirements makes it easier for businesses to recruit skilled foreign technical workers.
Additional New Cases of Work Permit Exemptions
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Old Regulation: Exemptions applied for internal transfers within an enterprise.
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New Regulation (Decree 219): Keeps the old exemptions and adds a significant new one:
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Managers, executive directors, experts, and technical workers entering Vietnam for less than 90 days in a calendar year are now exempt from obtaining a work permit.
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Analysis: This is a breakthrough change, benefiting short-term consultants and project teams who can now avoid lengthy work permit procedures.
Procedural Revolution: Faster “One-Stop” Work Permit Process
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Old Process: Multiple sequential steps with waiting time in between, totaling more than 30 days:
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Job posting for Vietnamese candidates (15 days)
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Application for approval to hire a foreign worker (10 days)
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Criminal record check (10 days)
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Work permit application submission (5 days)
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New Process (Decree 219): Steps can be submitted simultaneously:
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Criminal record check, approval to hire foreign workers, and work permit application can be submitted together.
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Total processing time reduced to no more than 20 working days.
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Analysis: This streamlines the process, reducing administrative burdens for businesses and making foreign recruitment faster and more efficient.
Other Important Updates to Note
| Change | Old Regulations (Decree 152, Decree 70) | New Regulations (Decree 219) |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit exemption application | No photo required | Requires 2 color photos (4×6 cm) |
| Proof of experience | Company-issued experience letter required | Can use previously issued work permit as proof |
| Changing employer | Must revoke old permit and reapply from scratch | No revocation needed; submit new application with employer confirmation |
| Submission office | Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs | Provincial Public Administration Service Center |
| Labor contract submission | Mandatory after signing | Only submit if requested by the authority |
FAQ
Decree 219/2025/ND-CP will officially take effect on August 7, 2025, replacing Decree 152/2020 and Decree 70/2023.
Both foreign workers currently working or planning to work in Vietnam and employers hiring them will be affected. Some requirements will be tightened, while many procedures have been simplified.
Applications for a criminal record check, approval to hire a foreign worker, and a work permit can now be submitted simultaneously, cutting the total processing time to no more than 20 working days.
Yes, you can do it yourself. However, due to the complexity and frequent changes in regulations, consulting a legal expert can save time and reduce the risk of application rejection.
Conclusion & Recommendations
Decree 219/2025 marks a major step forward in managing foreign labor in Vietnam. While it tightens requirements for Executive Directors, it eases conditions for Experts and Technical Workers, and most importantly, drastically shortens processing times through the new “one-stop” procedure.
Both foreign employees and businesses should:
Review: Compare current and future employees’ qualifications with the new requirements.
Update Procedures: Learn the new “one-stop” process to save time and costs.
Plan Ahead: Prepare required documents in advance to avoid delays once the Decree takes effect.
Navigating legal changes can be complex. To ensure smooth processing of work permit applications, renewals, or related procedures, seeking professional legal advice is highly recommended.
Are you a business or a foreign worker needing assistance under the new regulations?
Our experienced legal team is ready to advise and support you. Contact us today for expert guidance!
References
The information in this article is compiled and cross-checked from the current legal documents of Vietnam:
Labor Code 2019 (Law No. 45/2019/QH14): The primary legal document regulating labor, including foreign workers.
View on the Government’s Electronic Portal.Decree 219/2025/ND-CP: Provides detailed regulations on foreign workers working in Vietnam, and on the recruitment and management of Vietnamese workers working for foreign organizations and individuals in Vietnam.
View on the Vietnam Law Library.
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