Decree 219 on work permits Decree 219/2025/ND-CP This is currently the most important legal document regulating the management of foreign workers in Vietnam. With fundamental changes in administrative procedures and professional requirements, understanding the new regulations helps businesses avoid legal risks and optimize the international recruitment process in the context of the 2026 economy.
Overview of Decree 219 on work permits and its scope of application.
Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, issued by the Government on August 7, 2025, officially came into widespread application for the issuance and renewal of work permits from the beginning of 2026. This document specifies the conditions, procedures, and processes for issuing, reissuing, renewing, and revoking work permits, as well as the process for confirming that a worker is not subject to permit requirements.
Based on official information from the Government's electronic portal (dated August 8, 2025), the subjects directly affected by this decree are as follows: Labor Code 2019 include:
- Foreign workers enter Vietnam through common forms such as labor contracts, internal transfers within enterprises, and as experts or skilled workers.
- Employers in Vietnam include businesses operating under the Enterprise Law, political and social organizations, foreign contractors, and representative offices of international organizations.
- State management agencies for labor range from the central level (Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs) to the local level (Departments of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of provinces and cities).
Key new features of Decree 219 on work permits
Decree 219 on work permits brings a breath of fresh air to the management of foreign labor with a strong trend towards digital transformation and tightens professional competency standards to ensure the quality of international human resources entering Vietnam.
Promote the implementation of procedures through electronic means.
One of the most groundbreaking reforms stipulated in Article 11 of the decree is the optimization of administrative processes. The entire process, from reporting labor needs to submitting applications for permits, is encouraged to be done online via the National Public Service Portal (100%). This significantly saves businesses time and travel costs.
Changes to the standards for experts and technical workers.
In order to improve the quality of the workforce, Decree 219 stipulates stricter regulations on the qualifications and practical experience of foreign workers as follows:
- For specialists: A university degree or equivalent is required, along with at least 3 years of relevant practical work experience in Vietnam related to the intended job position.
- For technical workers: Must have at least one year of specialized technical training or other related fields and possess at least three years of work experience relevant to the training.
New regulations on renewing certificates confirming exemption from work permit requirements.
This is a notable new point in Article 13 of Decree 219 compared to previous documents. Specifically, foreign workers who are not subject to work permit requirements (e.g., investors, those married to Vietnamese citizens) can have their work permit extended once, for a period not exceeding two years, upon expiration of their current status. This regulation helps reduce the burden of new application procedures for those who have already established stable residency in Vietnam.
Conditions and required documents for issuance under Decree 219 on work permits.
Preparing documents according to Decree 219 on work permits requires meticulous attention to detail and absolute accuracy. All documents issued abroad must be consular legalized and notarized translated in accordance with regulations. To help businesses optimize their time, service providers offer these services. work permit services Professionals regularly update themselves on the latest changes to forms and templates.
Below is a summary of the required documents according to Article 9 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP to help businesses proactively prepare:
| Type of document | Detailed requirements as per Decree 219 |
|---|---|
| Request document | Use form No. 11/PLI attached to the decree. |
| Medical certificate | Valid for 12 months, issued by a qualified medical facility. |
| Criminal record | The certificate must be issued no more than 6 months prior to the date of application. |
| Prove your capabilities | Qualifications and experience certificates have been legalized by the consulate. |
| Portrait photos | Two photos, size 4x6cm, white background, no glasses. |
Please note that for documents proving experience, in 2026 the authorities will very carefully check the correlation between the field of study and the actual job position stated in the company's need explanation document.
Procedures for implementing Decree 219 on work permits
The procedure for obtaining a work permit under Decree 219 is divided into three closed steps, requiring close coordination between the enterprise and the employee.
Step 1: Report explaining the need to employ foreign workers.
At least 15 days before the expected date of employment, the employer must submit a report to the relevant authorities explaining the job position, the reasons for not being able to recruit Vietnamese candidates, and specific professional requirements. Approval largely depends on the reasonableness of this report.
Step 2: Submit the application for a work permit.
At least 15 days before the foreign worker is scheduled to officially begin work, the company must submit the complete set of prepared documents. The most common submission methods currently include:
- Submit directly at the One-Stop Service Department of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs.
- Submit online through the provincial or national public service portal.
- Send it via public postal service to save travel time.
Step 3: Approval and receiving results
The competent authority is responsible for processing the application within a short period of time:
- Processing time: 5 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents.
- Result: Original work permit or a written refusal stating the reasons.
Regulations on the duration and renewal of work permits under Decree 219
In accordance with Decree 219 on work permits, the validity period of the issued permit will correspond to the validity period of the labor contract or work assignment document, but in all cases shall not exceed 2 years.
Regarding license renewal, businesses must adhere to the following strict rules:
- Work permits can only be renewed once, with a maximum duration of 2 years.
- Renewal applications must be submitted between 5 and 45 days before the current license expires.
- After the extension period expires, employees must go through the renewal procedure if they wish to continue working.
Administrative penalties for violations related to Decree 219 on work permits.
Complying with Decree 219 on work permits is not only an obligation but also a way to protect the reputation of businesses. Violations will be severely punished according to current labor laws to ensure order in international personnel management.
Common sanctions applied to misconduct include:
- Deportation: For workers who work without a permit or use a forged permit.
- Fines: Businesses may face fines of up to 75 million VND depending on the number of employees violating licensing regulations.
- Suspension of operations: Revoking the right to employ foreign workers for 1 to 3 months if the business intentionally repeats errors in documentation and reporting.
Frequently Asked Questions about Decree 219 on Work Permits
Below are some frequently asked questions to help clarify practical situations when implementing Decree 219 on work permits in localities.
Is it possible to submit applications by mail?
Do foreigners who marry Vietnamese citizens need a work permit?
Do I need to换 my old, still valid work permit to comply with Decree 219?
Conclusion regarding the application of Decree 219 on work permits.
Decree 219 on work permits is truly a major step forward in increasing transparency and modernizing the management of international labor in Vietnam. By promoting the digitalization of procedures and standardizing expert requirements, the decree not only helps the State manage better but also facilitates businesses' access to high-quality human resources. Thorough preparation of documents and adherence to the timeline will be key to ensuring stable and sustainable business operations in 2026.
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Content is moderated by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO of Man, CPA Vietnam Auditors With over 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing, and financial consulting.
