On 7 August 2025, the Vietnamese Government officially issued Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP (“Decree 219”), introducing sweeping changes to the regulations governing foreign workers in Vietnam.
The decree, which took effect immediately, aims to simplify administrative procedures, reduce overlap, and better align labor policies with the practical needs of businesses. Some highlights are as follows:
Under Decree 219/2025, the previously fragmented three-step process—(i) job posting, (ii) approval of foreign labor demand, and (iii) work permit application— has now been consolidated into a single process.
Previously, step (ii) - approval of foreign labor demand (processed within 10 working days), and step (iii) - work permit application (an additional 5 working days) could extend the total timeline to 15 working days, not including delays due to incomplete documentation.
Now, with the new decree in effect, businesses can submit one comprehensive application that simultaneously justifies the need for foreign labor and requests the issuance of a work permit. The Provincial People’s Committee is tasked with processing this application within 10 working days from the date of receipt. In the event of a rejection, authorities are required to issue a written explanation within 3 working days, enabling employers to promptly address any issues, provide supplementary documents, or initiate an appeal.
Previously, the issuance of a work permit was contingent upon the prior completion of the judicial record certificate. This meant that employers had to wait until the certificate was issued before initiating the work permit application, often resulting in delays and extended timelines.
The new decree introduces a digital convenience: both applications can now be submitted simultaneously via the National Public Service Portal, streamlining the process and minimizing administrative burden.
The decree introduces more flexible criteria for foreign professionals, executives, and technical workers.
Previously, experts were required to hold a university degree in the exact field and have at least three years of experience. Under the new regulation, only a university degree (or equivalent) and two years of relevant experience are required, with some specialized fields needed just one year.
For executive directors, a new requirement of at least three years of relevant experience has been added.
Technical workers, who previously needed one year of training and three years of experience, may now qualify with either one year of training and two years of experience, or three years of experience without formal training.
Under Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP, the categories of foreign workers exempt from work permit requirements have been significantly expanded. In addition to those specified in Article 154 of the Labor Code, the decree now includes foreign experts who are officially invited by ministries, ministerial-level agencies, or provincial-level People’s Committees to work in priority sectors such as finance, science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
The decree also revises and clarifies the exemption criteria for short-term assignments. Previously, foreign nationals working in Vietnam as managers, executives, experts, or technical workers were exempt from work permits only if each stay was under 30 days and did not exceed three visits per year. Now, the regulation allows foreign workers to be exempt from work permits if their total working time in Vietnam is less than 90 days within a calendar year, from 1 January to 31 December, regardless of the number of entries.
Fidinam provides full support for businesses navigating the new regulations under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP related to supporting foreign workers working in Vietnam. For assistance and timely consultation, please feel free to contact us.