On September 12, 2025, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP regulating foreign workers in Vietnam, replacing and updating several provisions of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP. The new Decree aims to improve the legal framework for managing foreign employees, ensuring transparency, compliance, and alignment with Vietnam’s evolving labor market in the context of deeper international integration.
Key Changes in Decree 219/2025/ND-CP Compared to Decree 152/2020/ND-CP
Conditions for Recruiting Foreign Workers
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP supplements and specifies the criteria relating to the competence, professional qualifications, and work experience of foreign workers. The definitions of “expert,” “manager,” and “technical worker” have been clarified to ensure transparency in the evaluation of work permit applications and to avoid inconsistent implementation among local authorities.
Administrative Procedures and Authority
One of the remarkable improvements under Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP is the simplification of administrative procedures, particularly during the stage of explaining the demand for employing foreign workers. Enterprises are now allowed to submit applications and receive results through an electronic system, thereby saving time and costs.
Compared with Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP, the new Decree clearly delineates the authority between the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) and the People’s Committees of provinces, ensuring consistency and minimizing overlaps during implementation.
Duration of Work Permits
The validity period of a work permit shall correspond to the duration of the relevant labor contract, service contract, or investment project. In addition, Decree 219/2025/ND-CP introduces certain new cases in which the work permit term may be flexibly determined, enhancing adaptability to the specific nature of each employment arrangement..
Management, Inspection, and Sanctions
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP expands the categories of foreign individuals who are not required to obtain a work permit. This includes consultants, volunteers, and foreign experts working under technology transfer or technical cooperation arrangements.
Furthermore, the Decree clarifies the obligation of proof for cases falling under work permit exemption, providing enterprises with a clearer legal basis to comply with the process and mitigate administrative risks.
Impacts of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP on Enterprises and Foreign Investors
Positive Impacts
Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP introduces new provisions while streamlining several ineffective regulations, thereby enhancing transparency in the management of foreign workers and shortening the application processing time. The simplification of administrative requirements reduces burdens on enterprises and improves the efficiency of human resource management.
With the implementation of the electronic filing mechanism, foreign-invested enterprises (FDIs) can now manage foreign personnel records more effectively, contributing to a favorable legal environment for long-term investment and business operations in Vietnam.
Challenges and Compliance Requirements
Despite the simplification of procedures, the new Decree imposes stricter and more comprehensive compliance obligations on enterprises. Businesses are required to review and update their internal processes concerning the recruitment, reporting, and recordkeeping of foreign workers.
Failure to adapt promptly to the new regulations may result in administrative penalties or suspension of the right to employ foreign workers, thereby increasing the need for proactive legal compliance and internal risk management.
Impacts on Foreign Workers
Foreign employees now benefit from greater flexibility to extend their work permits and continue employment in Vietnam under the newly adjusted rules. The Decree also strengthens legal protection for foreign workers during their employment period.
However, foreign employees must strictly comply with requirements relating to documentation, job position, and duration of work, to avoid risks such as work permit revocation or administrative sanctions.
For free and comprehensive consultation on work permit application procedures for foreign employees in Vietnam, please contact:
Head Office: No. 44/A32 – NV13, Geleximco Urban Area, Le Trong Tan Street, An Khanh, Hoai Duc, Hanoi, Vietnam
Branch Office: No. 103 – 105 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: +84 961 366 238
Email: vphn@siglaw.com.vn or vphcm@siglaw.com.vn
Contact us today to receive 1-on-1 legal consultation and full support from Siglaw’s professional team for your work permit application in Vietnam!
