EuroCham Seeks Solutions to Vietnam’s Foreign Worker Permit Challenges

Key Takeaways

• From March 1, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs handles work permits instead of MOLISA in Vietnam.
• By the end of 2025, all work permit processes will move online, reducing paperwork by up to 40%.
• Vietnam’s new rules after May 31, 2025, simplify foreign expert qualifications and remove permit renewal options.

Foreign businesses and skilled workers in Vietnam are facing important changes in the way work permits are handled. On May 16, 2025, EuroCham (the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam) and KoCham (the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam) held a major conference in Ho Chi Minh City. The main topic was how to make work permit rules simpler and faster for foreign workers. This event brought together business leaders and top Vietnamese officials to talk openly about the problems and possible solutions. The goal is to make it easier for companies to hire foreign experts and help Vietnam 🇻🇳 stay competitive in the global market.

Why is this happening now? Vietnam’s government wants to attract more foreign investment and skilled workers, especially in high-tech and management jobs. At the same time, businesses are asking for less paperwork and faster processing. According to EuroCham, fixing work permit issues is one of their top five priorities for 2025. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) is expected to propose new rules by May 31, 2025, which could take effect right away.

Let’s break down what’s changing, why it matters, and what foreign workers and employers need to know.

What’s New: Policy Changes and Digitalization

Who’s in Charge Now?

Until recently, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA) managed work permits. But as of March 1, 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is responsible. This change is part of a bigger plan to make the process more organized and efficient.

Digital Work Permit System

MOHA plans to move all work permit steps online by the end of 2025. This means employers and foreign workers will use a central website to submit forms, upload documents, and track progress. The government hopes this will:

• Cut paperwork by 30–40%
• Speed up processing times
• Make rules clearer and more consistent

New Rules Coming Soon

The government is working on changes to Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP, which is the main law for work permits. The new rules, expected after May 31, 2025, will likely:

• Make it easier for foreign experts in finance, science, technology, and management to qualify
• Simplify education and work experience requirements
• Remove the option to “renew” a work permit—everyone will need to apply for a new one when the old one expires

The Numbers: Foreign Workers and Business Impact

Vietnam 🇻🇳 had about 162,000 foreign workers by late 2024. Most are in high-tech, manufacturing, and management jobs. These workers help fill skill gaps and support the country’s rapid growth.

But getting a work permit can take 1.5 to 2 months—sometimes longer if there are problems with documents or qualifications. Delays and unclear rules can make it hard for companies to hire the people they need.

EuroCham’s latest survey found that 24% of businesses said fixing visa and work permit problems is the most important thing for attracting more foreign investment. Delays in other areas, like VAT refunds, also hurt business confidence.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Work Permit in Vietnam (2025)

Here’s a simple guide to the work permit process, including the latest changes:

1. Approval for Hiring Foreign Workers

• Who does this? The employer (the company in Vietnam)
• Form needed: Form 01/PLI (or the latest version)
• Where to submit: To the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) or local Department of Home Affairs
• When: At least 30 days before the foreign worker starts
• How long does it take? About 10–12 working days

2. Work Permit Application

• Documents required:
  • Notarized copy of the worker’s passport
  • Medical certificate (issued within the last 12 months)
  • Criminal background check (from home country and/or Vietnam)
  • Certified copies of degrees, professional qualifications, and work experience (with Vietnamese translations)
  • Appointment decision (for internal transfers) or draft labor contract
  • Two recent 4x6cm passport photos
  • Completed application form (Form 09/PLI) (or latest version)
• How to submit: Directly at MHA or online through the National Public Service Portal
• Processing time: 5–7 working days

3. Work Permit Validity and Renewal

• How long is it valid? Up to 2 years
• Can it be renewed? Starting in 2025, you cannot “renew” a work permit. When it expires, you must submit a new application with all documents again.

What’s Changing: Key Policy Implications

Easier Rules for Experts

The new rules will make it simpler for foreign experts, especially in important fields like finance, science, and technology, to qualify for work permits. This should help companies bring in the talent they need for growth and innovation.

Digital Platform: Pros and Cons

Moving everything online should make the process faster and more transparent. Employers and workers can track their applications and get updates. However, some people may need time to get used to the new system, and there may be technical issues at first.

Less Paperwork, Lower Costs

By cutting out unnecessary steps, the government hopes to lower costs for businesses and reduce delays. This should make Vietnam 🇻🇳 more attractive to foreign investors and skilled workers.

Same Rules Everywhere

EuroCham has asked the government to make sure all provinces follow the same rules. In the past, different areas sometimes interpreted the law differently, causing confusion and delays.

No More Simple Renewals

One downside is that long-term foreign workers will have to reapply for a new work permit every time their old one expires. This means gathering all documents again, which could be a burden for some.

Who’s Involved: Key Stakeholders and Their Views

EuroCham Vietnam

EuroCham, led by Executive Director Ms. Delphine Rousselet and Advocacy Manager Mrs. Truong Ngoc Diep, is pushing for:

• Clearer, simpler rules
• Faster, digital processes
• Consistent enforcement across the country

EuroCham says these changes are needed to keep Vietnam 🇻🇳 attractive for foreign investment and to help businesses grow.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA)

MOHA, with officials like Mrs. Nguyen Thi Quyen and Mr. Pham Anh Thang, is leading the reforms. They want to:

• Follow the Prime Minister’s orders to cut red tape
• Make it easier for businesses to hire foreign workers
• Use technology to improve transparency and efficiency

Ministry of Justice (MOJ)

MOJ is involved in making sure the new rules are legal and fair. They work with other ministries to review and approve changes.

Business Community

EuroCham and KoCham represent European and Korean companies in Vietnam 🇻🇳. They have given detailed suggestions to the government and are closely watching how the new rules will work in practice.

Foreign Workers

Foreign workers are hoping for:

• Faster, clearer processes
• Less paperwork
• Fair treatment, no matter where they work in Vietnam 🇻🇳

Some are worried about having to reapply for a new permit every two years, especially if it means more paperwork and waiting.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

Vietnam’s work permit system has changed a lot over the years. As the country opened up to foreign investment, more skilled workers came to help build factories, run businesses, and share knowledge. The main law, Decree 152/2020/ND-CP, set the rules for who could get a work permit and how.

But as more companies came in, problems appeared:

• Too much paperwork
• Slow processing times
• Different rules in different provinces
• Unclear requirements for education and experience

To fix these issues, the government started making changes. Moving responsibility to MOHA and pushing for digitalization are part of a bigger plan to make things work better for everyone.

What’s Next: Future Outlook

Digitalization by End of 2025

By the end of 2025, all work permit steps should be online. This means:

• Employers and workers can submit and track applications from anywhere
• Less need for in-person visits or paper documents
• Faster responses and fewer lost files

New Rules After May 31, 2025

The government will propose new rules by the end of May 2025. If approved, they will take effect right away. These changes should:

• Make it easier for experts and managers to qualify
• Cut out unnecessary steps
• Make the process the same in every province

Long-Term Impact

If these reforms work as planned, Vietnam 🇻🇳 will be more attractive to foreign investors and skilled workers. This will help the country grow its economy, create new jobs, and stay competitive in the global market.

Practical Guidance: What Should Employers and Workers Do?

• Stay Informed: Check the Ministry of Home Affairs website and EuroCham Vietnam for updates.
• Prepare Early: Start gathering documents well before the planned start date. Remember, you need to apply at least 30 days in advance.
• Use the Online Portal: Submit applications through the National Public Service Portal for faster processing.
• Check Local Rules: Even with new national rules, some local differences may remain at first. Contact your local Department of Home Affairs if you have questions.
• Plan for Reapplication: If you have long-term foreign staff, plan ahead for the new rule that requires a full new application every two years.

Common Questions

How long does it take to get a work permit?
Usually 1.5 to 2 months, but the new digital system should make it faster.

What are the main challenges?
Delays, unclear rules, and the need to reapply instead of simply renewing.

What is changing in 2025?
MOHA is now in charge, everything is moving online, and new rules are coming to make things simpler.

Summary Table: Key Changes and Timelines

Final Thoughts

Vietnam 🇻🇳 is taking big steps to make it easier for foreign workers and businesses to get work permits. EuroCham’s push for change and the government’s response show a strong commitment to improving the system. Digitalization, simpler rules, and better coordination should help everyone involved.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are expected to make Vietnam 🇻🇳 a more attractive place for foreign talent and investment. However, it’s important for employers and workers to stay updated, prepare documents early, and use the new online tools as they become available.

For more details on work permit rules and updates, visit the Ministry of Home Affairs official website. Employers and foreign workers should also keep in touch with EuroCham and their local Department of Home Affairs for the latest information and support.

By working together, businesses, government, and foreign workers can help Vietnam 🇻🇳 grow and succeed in the global economy.

Learn Today

Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) → Vietnamese government agency now responsible for work permit management starting March 2025.
Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP → Main legal document governing work permit issuance and conditions in Vietnam.
EuroCham → European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam advocating for smoother work permit processes.
Work Permit Renewal → Previous option to extend permits, now replaced by mandatory reapplication every expiry.
Digital Work Permit System → Online platform to submit, track, and manage work permit applications efficiently.

This Article in a Nutshell

Vietnam shifts work permit authority to the Ministry of Home Affairs from March 2025. Digitalization will reduce paperwork and speed processing. New rules simplify qualification for foreign experts and require new applications instead of renewals. These reforms aim to boost foreign investment and keep Vietnam globally competitive.
— By VisaVerge.com