New Regulations for Foreign Workers in Vietnam: Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP

Strategic Insights -

In recent years, Vietnam has been actively seeking to attract foreign talent, particularly in high-tech fields such as semiconductor, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. To facilitate this process, the Vietnamese Government has issued Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, which introduces new regulations for granting work permits to foreign workers in Vietnam. This decree aims to reduce the time it takes to obtain work permits and make the process more flexible for employers and foreign workers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The application for a work permit includes a document from the employer explaining the demand for foreign employees and a proposal to issue a work permit, as well as a medical examination certificate issued by a foreign medical facility (valid for 12 months).
  • Foreign workers must have been recruited by employers in foreign countries for at least 12 consecutive months before going to Vietnam to work.
  • In cases where foreign workers are sent to Vietnam by their employers, the employer must confirm that the foreign worker has been recruited by them at least 12 months prior to their arrival.
  • The decree stipulates that the application process must be completed within 05 working days from the date of receiving the complete dossier.
  • High-level employees, such as Chairmen of the Board of Directors or members of the Company's Management, are exempt from the work permit requirement if the company's capital contribution value is less than VND 3 billion.
  • Documents proving the foreign worker's qualifications, expertise, and experience are required for the grant of work permits.
  • In case of refusal to grant a work permit, the competent agency must provide a written response stating the reason within 03 working days.

Statistics:

  • The decree stipulates that the application process for work permits must be completed within 05 working days.
  • Foreign workers are required to have been recruited by employers in foreign countries for at least 12 consecutive months before going to Vietnam to work (Article 219/2025/ND-CP).
  • The decree exempted high-level employees, such as Chairmen of the Board of Directors or members of the Company's Management, from the work permit requirement if the company's capital contribution value is less than VND 3 billion.

Sources:

  • Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP (Vietnamese Government)
  • Labor Code (Vietnamese Government)
  • International Organizations (not specified)