Vietnam’s New 2025 Work Permit Rules: Decree 219 Updates and Impact

(VIỆT NAM) Vietnam has rolled out sweeping changes to how work permits are processed for foreign workers under Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, effective 8 August 2025. The new rules replace Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP and introduce three major shifts: a single, integrated application; a 10‑working‑day processing timeline with formal written explanations for denials; and transfer of issuing power to provincial‑level People’s Committees. There are also broader exemptions for certain high‑priority sectors aligned with Vietnam’s digital and economic goals.

For employers and foreign workers, this means adjusting what goes in the dossier, where to file it, how long to wait, and how to plan around local decision‑making.

What changed and why it matters

• Integrated application: Employers now submit one combined dossier that both explains the need for a foreign worker and requests the work permit using Form No. 03. This replaces the two‑step process (demand reporting then permit filing) and aims to cut duplication and repeat visits to authorities.
  
• Processing timeline: Provincial authorities must review a complete dossier and decide within 10 working days. If they deny the demand or permit, they must provide a written reason within 3 working days.
  
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  Issuing authority: Work permits are now issued, reissued, extended, and revoked by provincial‑level People’s Committees. This decentralization moves decisions closer to where the work happens but may cause local practice variation.

  
  
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  Expanded exemptions: Foreign workers confirmed by ministries or provincial People’s Committees as serving in priority sectors—finance, science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation—may be exempt from work permits to accelerate deployment in high‑skill fields.

  
  

How the new single dossier works

Under Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP:

• The employer prepares a comprehensive dossier and submits it directly to the provincial People’s Committee where the foreign worker will be employed.
• The core of the dossier is Form No. 03, a standardized document that combines the labor‑demand justification and the formal work permit request.
• The provincial office reviews the completed file. If anything is missing or unclear, they will request clarification. The 10‑working‑day decision clock starts only after the dossier is confirmed complete.

What to include in the dossier

• Form No. 03: Combined justification and permit request (standardized by the decree).
• Employment documents: Draft labor contract or service agreement showing role, duties, and work location.
• Qualifications: Diplomas, professional certificates, and letters of experience (translations and legalization as required).
• Health certificate: Recent medical check meeting Vietnam’s standards.
• Identity documents: Passport copy and photos per permit requirements.

Important: If anything is missing, expect a request for clarification. The final decision (approval or written denial) should arrive within the 10‑working‑day timeline; denial reasons must be given within 3 working days.

Step‑by‑step process under the 2025 rules

1) Employer prepares the dossier
– Draft and complete Form No. 03 (combined justification + request).
– Gather identity, health, qualification, and job documents.
– Align job details (title, duties, location) with the worker’s skills.
– Confirm any possible exemptions for priority sectors.

2) Submit to the provincial People’s Committee
– File in the province where the work occurs.
– Note the date the dossier was accepted as complete—the 10‑working‑day clock starts from that date.

3) Wait for the decision
– If approved: work permit issued by the provincial authority.
– If denied: a written explanation must arrive within 3 working days after the decision, indicating missing items or reasons.

4) Validity, extension, and revocation
– The same provincial authority handles extensions, reissuances, and revocations.

Where responsibilities shifted—and practical implications

• Previously, MOLISA or provincial labor departments handled most permits with a 5‑working‑day issuance target but required pre‑approval steps.
• Now, provincial People’s Committees manage the full lifecycle and apply national standards locally.
• Practical implications:
  • Local interpretation and process details can differ by province.
  • Employers operating across provinces should map local variations and build relationships with local officials.

Practical tips for employers working across provinces

• Create a province‑specific checklist (extra details local offices may prefer).
• Keep translations and legalizations current and consistent.
• Plan for the 10‑working‑day window and add buffer time for follow‑ups.
• Assign a local liaison (staff or counsel) to interact with provincial offices.

Expanded exemptions and common questions

• Exemptions target roles in finance, science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation when confirmed by a ministry or provincial People’s Committee.
• Common questions:
  • Is exemption automatic? No. Confirmation is required from the relevant ministry or People’s Committee.
  • Do exempt workers still need to register or report? Possibly—other obligations (immigration status, visa type, residence) may still apply.
  • Can exemptions be reviewed or withdrawn? Yes. If role duties change or the exemption was granted in error, authorities can review or withdraw it.

Timeline comparison: why 10 working days can still help

• Under Decree No. 70/2023, a 5‑working‑day issuance existed but required a separate pre‑approval step, creating extra stages and rework.
• Decree No. 219/2025 merges steps into a single 10‑working‑day review for a complete dossier, reducing loops and improving predictability.
• The 3‑working‑day written denial rule increases transparency and helps teams resolve issues faster.

Sector‑by‑sector impacts

• Manufacturing: Benefits from single application when hiring engineers or project leads; watch for local differences in qualification proof.
• Finance and fintech: Exemptions can be particularly helpful for roles tied to financial innovation (risk modeling, cybersecurity, digital payments).
• Technology and R&D: Roles supporting national digital transformation may qualify for exemption; otherwise the integrated process still speeds review.
• Education and training: Prepare careful dossiers with course outlines and academic credentials.
• Construction and infrastructure: Provincial relationships matter—engage early and confirm document expectations.

Compliance risks and penalties

• Working without required permit or valid exemption can trigger fines and removal.
• Penalty range: approximately USD 588 to USD 3,000, with harsher consequences for repeat or serious violations.
• Non‑compliance can jeopardize future applications—invest in robust internal processes.

Two sample scenarios

• Scenario A (Fintech, Ho Chi Minh City): Prepare Form No. 03 explaining cybersecurity lead’s link to financial security and request exemption. If exemption confirmed, permit not required; if denied, the complete dossier is ready for the permit route.
• Scenario B (Factory, Binh Duong): File Form No. 03 plus contract, engineering degree, experience letters, health certificate, and passport copy. Expect a decision within 10 working days; if denied, receive a written rationale within 3 working days.

How to draft a strong Form No. 03

• Be clear and specific: Explain why the job needs skills not available locally.
• Link the role to business needs (e.g., implement quality standards, deploy modules).
• Provide measurable outcomes (targets, deadlines).
• Ensure consistency across Form No. 03, contract, and supporting documents.

Document hygiene reduces delays

• Update health certificates to meet timing expectations.
• Use consistent translations for job titles and duties.
• Verify whether overseas qualifications require legalization or apostille and confirm province acceptance.

Managing extensions, reissuance, and revocations

• Set reminders for renewal windows.
• Keep the worker’s duties aligned with approved terms.
• If duties change, notify the provincial office early to avoid revocation or emergency extensions.

Relationship‑building with provincial authorities

• Designate a single point person for filings.
• Maintain a record of approvals, queries, and responses.
• Respond quickly to clarification requests to keep the 10‑working‑day review moving.

Broader policy context

• Since 2021, Vietnam’s foreign labor rules have evolved: Decree 152 set foundations; Decree 70/2023 added pre‑steps; Decree 219/2025 merges demand reporting with permit issuance and decentralizes decision‑making.
• Administrative restructuring moved MOLISA functions into the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) from 1 March 2025, which frames the new process.

How to prepare your organization today

• Audit current and upcoming foreign roles for potential exemptions.
• Standardize a dossier pack: Form No. 03 template, job descriptions, translation templates, qualifications matrix.
• Train HR and project leads on the 10‑working‑day and 3‑working‑day rules and local coordination.
• Map provincial practices and create quick reference guides.

Frequently asked questions

• Is Form No. 03 available online? The decree prescribes the format. Use the official template referenced by provincial People’s Committees and confirm you have the latest version.
• Does the 10‑working‑day clock include curing defects? No. The clock starts when the dossier is confirmed complete.
• Can I appeal a denial? Use the written explanation to refile; for further disputes consult legal counsel about administrative complaints.
• Are old approvals still valid? Existing permits remain valid until expiry; renewals and changes must follow the new provincial process.

How to reduce risk of denial

• Match skills closely to duties; avoid overstating needs.
• Provide verifiable letters of experience and contact details.
• Keep all details consistent across documents.
• Don’t assume exemptions—prepare a full permit dossier as backup.

Consequences of non‑compliance

• Fines (about USD 588–USD 3,000), removal of the worker, and potential negative effects on future filings.
• Even small mistakes (expired health certificate, inconsistent job title) can escalate if the worker continues working without proper authorization.

Looking ahead

• Provincial People’s Committees will be central to implementation—expect local guidance and updates as staff adapt.
• Watch for additional MOHA instructions refining technical points and forms.
• The government aims to attract specialized foreign talent while preserving labor protections and local job safeguards.

Key resource: Bookmark the Ministry of Home Affairs website for legal texts, decrees, and updates on Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP. Provincial People’s Committees and government legal portals will publish official forms and specific guidance.

A brief, practical checklist for your next application

• Confirm potential exemption for roles in finance, science, technology, innovation, or digital transformation.
• Prepare Form No. 03 with detailed justification.
• Assemble identity, health, education, experience, and employment documents with translations/legalizations.
• File with the provincial People’s Committee where the work will occur.
• Track the 10‑working‑day review and respond quickly to requests.
• If denied, use the written explanation to correct and resubmit.
• Plan renewals with the same provincial authority; keep duties aligned with permit terms.

Reference notes and sourcing

This update reflects Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP (replacing Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP), including the integrated application using Form No. 03, the 10‑working‑day and 3‑working‑day rules, shift to provincial People’s Committees, and expanded exemptions for priority sectors. It also reflects the administrative move to MOHA effective 1 March 2025, and cited penalty ranges for non‑compliance.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes align with Vietnam’s goal to attract specialized foreign talent while aligning processing with local authorities. Employers who invest early in clean documentation and local relationships should find the new pathway more predictable.

Immediate next steps

• If you have an ongoing/planned hire: Draft Form No. 03 and build your dossier now. Confirm province preferences via a brief pre‑filing check.
• If seeking an exemption: Prepare a targeted case showing how the role advances priority sectors and seek confirmation from the relevant ministry or provincial People’s Committee.
• If managing multiple sites: Build a tracking tool for submission dates, officer contacts, and follow‑ups to forecast start dates and resource needs.

Final takeaways:
– Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP simplifies the permit path with a single dossier centered on Form No. 03.
– Expect 10 working days for a decision and a 3 working day written denial explanation.
– Provincial People’s Committees now decide permits; local coordination is essential.
– Exemptions can speed deployment for priority sector roles.
– Strong preparation, consistent documentation, and proactive communication remain the best defenses against delays or penalties.