On August 7, 2025, the Vietnamese government has officially released Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, introducing sweeping changes to the management of foreign workers. The decree reflects months of consultation between government authorities and the foreign business community and marks a significant step forward in streamlining procedures, clarifying definitions, and reducing administrative burdens for companies employing foreign nationals in Vietnam.
While some procedural details remain to be clarified, Decree 219 is widely seen as a positive development for employers navigating Vietnam’s foreign labor regulations.
Key Highlights of Decree 219/2025
1. Extended Short-Term Work Missions
Foreign specialists can now undertake short-term assignments in Vietnam for up to 90 days per calendar year, replacing the previous limit of 30 days (up to three times annually). This change offers greater flexibility for project-based deployments without triggering full work permit requirements.
2. Work Permit Exemptions for Experts in Priority Sectors
For the first time, experts in fields such as finance, science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation and other priority socio-economic development sectors may qualify for work permit exemptions. These exemptions must be confirmed by competent authorities, though the process for obtaining such confirmation is still pending further guidance.
3. Simplified Work Permit Application Process
The previously required foreign labor demand approval has been integrated into a single application form (Form No. 03), streamlining the process and reducing delays. Additionally, the job posting requirement now applies only to local hires under Vietnamese labor contracts.
4. Relaxed Qualification Requirements
- Experts: Experience requirement reduced from 3 years to 2 years, or just 1 year for those in priority sectors with relevant degrees.
- Technical Workers: Experience requirement reduced from 3 years to 2 years (with training), or from 5 years to 3 years (without training).
- The previous pathway for experts based solely on experience (5+ years) has been removed.
5. Multi-Location Work Authorization
Foreign employees with valid work permits may now work in multiple provinces for the same employer with only a notification to local labor authorities at least 3 days before starting in the new location – eliminating the need for a separate permit.
6. Removal of Semi-Annual Reporting
Employers are no longer required to submit biannual reports on foreign labor usage, significantly reducing compliance workload for HR and legal teams.
7. Expanded Work Permit Exemption Categories
New exemptions include:
- Spouses of Vietnamese nationals
- Foreign journalists
- Foreigners establishing commercial presence
- Short-term technical specialists (under 3 months) These categories are also exempt from obtaining a Work Permit Exemption Certificate (WPEC), though notification to authorities is still required.
8. Medical Check-Up Requirements
Health certificates issued by foreign authorities may be accepted if Vietnam has a mutual recognition agreement with the issuing country. Clarification on accepted jurisdictions is still pending.
9. Application Timelines and Processing
- New Work Permit/WPEC: Must be submitted within 60 days and no later than 10 working days before the employment start date.
- Renewals: Must be submitted within 45 days and no later than 10 working days before the start date.
- Processing Times: Work permits issued within 10 working days; WPECs within 5 working days.
10. Implementation and Transition
Applications submitted before the effective date will continue under previous regulations (Decrees 152/2020 & 70/2023). Existing permits remain valid until expiration and may be renewed under the new framework.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.