On August 7, 2025, the Government issued... Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, officially replacing Decree 152/2020/ND-CP and Decree 70/2023/ND-CP, This document establishes a new legal framework for managing foreign labor in Vietnam. It focuses on modernizing administrative procedures while clarifying competency standards for experts and skilled workers. Understanding the regulations of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP is crucial for businesses to ensure legal compliance.
5 key new points in Decree 219/2025/ND-CP
To help businesses quickly adapt to key changes, here is a summary of the five key areas that have been adjusted:
Complete digitalization: Procedures for issuing, reissuing, and renewing work permits are primarily carried out through the National Public Service Portal.
Data interoperability: Establishing a mechanism for interoperability in issuing criminal record certificates, shortening the processing time for related administrative procedures.
Expert regulations: Standardize expert criteria based on professional qualifications, practical experience, or recognition from competent authorities.
Documentation: Detailed guidance on the required documents for verifying the positions of Manager, Executive Director, Specialist, and Technical Worker (Article 19).
Exemption procedures: Clarifying cases that do not require a work permit (Article 7) and the notification procedures for these individuals.
Comparison of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP and Decree 152/2020/ND-CP
To understand the shift in labor management, the table below compares the key differences between the old and new regulations:
| Criteria | Decree 152/2020/ND-CP | Decree 219/2025/ND-CP |
| Application submission method | Submit directly or through public services. | Prioritize online implementation through the National Public Service Portal. |
| Criminal record certificate | Businesses contact the relevant authorities directly to apply for the license. | Implement a streamlined mechanism in administrative procedures. |
| Expert standards | Focus on qualifications and experience. | Expand the criteria to include specific qualifications, experience, or recognition. |
| Procedures for exemption from work permits | Regulations by category | Update and add specific cases according to priority areas. |
Cases not subject to work permit requirements (Article 7)
Decree 219/2025/ND-CP lists all cases that are not eligible for issuance. work permit. Businesses should note that they need to correctly classify the entities in order to submit exemption notifications under Article 9, instead of applying for permits. The main groups of entities include:
Owners or contributing members of a limited liability company.
Member of the board of directors of a joint-stock company.
Head of representative office or project of international organizations or non-governmental organizations.
Foreign workers are those who come to work for less than 90 days a year, as stipulated by regulations.
Internal transfers within the company are permitted for services offered in the specified categories.
Teachers, lecturers, and experts are brought in to work under agreements between agencies and organizations.
Workers entering Vietnam to implement ODA programs and projects or in special cases approved by the Prime Minister.
Criteria for Identifying Experts and Technical Workers (Article 19)
Proving employment status is a core element when preparing the application. According to Article 19 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, the expert standard is no longer limited to a single formula but is considered flexibly:
Expert: Applicants must meet one of the following conditions: possess a university degree or higher and at least 3 years of relevant work experience; or be a recognized expert by a competent authority; or have qualifications/experience in a specialized field or a priority sector for socio-economic development of the nation.
Technical workers: Applicants are required to possess a technical or vocational qualification of at least one year, along with at least three years of practical work experience in a relevant field.
List of documents to prepare
Based on the requirements of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, businesses need to prepare the following minimum documents to ensure validity:
| Document components | Legal requirements |
| Application for a work permit | According to the form prescribed by the Decree |
| Health certificate | Issued by a qualified health authority. |
| Criminal record certificate | Issued for a period not exceeding 6 months |
| Passport | Certified copy or original color scan |
| Documents proving qualifications | Degrees, certificates, and experience verification (legalized by the consulate) |
| Portrait photos | According to regulations regarding passport photo specifications. |
(Businesses can download the forms and documents of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP from the official portal of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs or other reputable legal resources).
Online procedure
The current administrative process is designed to minimize direct contact. First, employers register an account on the National Public Service Portal. Then, documents are submitted as certified electronic copies. The government agency will review and respond online. In case additional information or clarification is needed, the business will receive notification through the system and must make adjustments within the stipulated deadline.
For renewal or extension procedures, the same process applies, but the documentation will focus on proving the change of information (for renewal) or confirming continued employment (for extension).
Frequently Asked Questions about Decree 219/2025/ND-CP
When does Decree 219/2025/ND-CP take effect?
Which document does Decree 219 replace?
When is it necessary to apply for a work permit exemption?
Why is it important to pay attention to the mechanism for linking criminal records?
How do we identify priority occupations for professionals?
Conclude
Decree 219/2025/ND-CP has created a more transparent and modern legal framework for managing foreign workers. The focus on digitalization and data interoperability requires businesses to better prepare their electronic record management capabilities. To ensure a smooth process, human resources departments need to adhere closely to the original legal documents and regularly update local implementation guidelines. Thorough preparation of documentation and strict compliance with new regulations will help businesses optimize their foreign human resources effectively.
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Content production is overseen by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO of MAN – Master Accountant Network, CPA Vietnam auditors with over 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and financial consulting.
