New procedures for work permit issuance: Faster and simpler for foreigners

With the goal of administrative reform, simplifying procedures, and creating favorable conditions for foreign workers as well as employers, the Government has issued Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP dated August 7, 2025, introducing new regulations on foreign workers in Vietnam. These regulations bring several improvements, most notably the integration of the step “explaining the need for foreign workers” directly into the application for a work permit, thereby shortening the process and reducing waiting time. Below are the new process and key highlights for easier reference:

1. Key highlights

• Integration of the labor demand explanation into the application: Previously, enterprises had to go through 2 steps: submit a written explanation of the need for foreign workers, then prepare a separate application for a work permit. Under the new regulations, these two procedures are merged into a single application. This streamlines the process, avoids redundancy, and shortens processing time.
• Faster processing time: If the application is complete and valid (submitted either online or directly), the competent authority will issue results within 10 working days from the date of receipt. If the permit is not granted, a written explanation must be provided within 03 working days of receiving the complete application.
• Expansion of online submission: Employers and organizations can submit applications through the electronic system of the labor management authority or at the local office. Online submission helps make the process faster and more convenient.
• More flexible work permit duration: Work permits can now be issued for up to 2 years, depending on the employer’s labor needs.
•  If a worker’s passport expires while the work permit is still valid, the employer may apply for a reissued permit to update the passport information.

2. Conditions & Eligible subjects

Foreign workers working in Vietnam must:

• Be at least 18 years old and fully competent under civil law
• Have qualifications, skills, and experience suitable for the job position
• Be in good health as prescribed by medical regulations
• Not fall under prohibited cases by law (e.g., currently serving a sentence, under criminal prosecution, or with unexpunged criminal records)
• Foreign workers may work in positions such as managers, executive directors, experts, technical workers, or under service contracts, trade agreements, scientific-technical cooperation, international organizations...

3. Required documents for work permit application (under the new regulations)

Below are the documents that employers and foreign workers must prepare:

Note: Foreign health certificates are only accepted if there is a treaty or mutual recognition agreement between Vietnam and the country that issued the certificate.

4. Submission & Processing

• Depending on the location and type of business, applications are submitted to:
  • Department of Home Affairs (where the enterprise is headquartered)
  • Management Board of Industrial/Export Processing Zones (if the enterprise is located within such zones)
  • Department of Employment – Ministry of Labor (for NGOs, associations, and international organizations)
• If submitted online: results will be issued within 10 working days for valid applications; if there are errors, the authority will request corrections or additions.
•  Once the electronic permit is granted, the employer must submit the original documents to the authority and collect the original work permit.

5. Process steps (Summary)

• Prepare a complete application as per the new regulations, including the explanation of foreign labor demand.
• Submit the application (online or directly) to the competent authority.
• Wait for processing: within 10 working days if the application is valid.
• Receive the result: electronic work permit → converted into original if required.
• If the application is rejected: receive a written explanation within 03 working days after the complete submission.

6. Benefits of the new regulations

• Shorter procedures, reduced processing time
• Elimination of a separate administrative step (labor demand explanation)
• Greater convenience for businesses and foreign workers, with improved transparency and management efficiency
• More flexibility when updating passport information
• Encouragement of IT application (online submission)

The new procedure for issuing work permits marks an important step in administrative reform. With faster and more transparent procedures, foreign workers in Vietnam will be better supported, while also contributing to a more sustainable and favorable investment and business environment.