In line with Vietnam’s growing trend of attracting foreign workers, the work permit remains a mandatory condition for foreigners to work legally. Notably, from 2025, regulations concerning the issuance and renewal of work permits have undergone significant adjustments, requiring both enterprises and employees to stay well-informed in order to mitigate legal risks.
This article, prepared by DNP Viet Nam Law Firm, aims to provide the necessary legal information while offering a detailed analysis and comparison between the conditions for new issuance and renewal of work permits in 2025, thereby assisting enterprises and employees in keeping up-to-date and applying the regulations accurately in practice.
Comparison between conditions for new issuance and renewal of work permits in 2025
Legal basis: Articles 2–4, Articles 18–22, and Articles 27–29 of Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP.
*Similarities:
| Criteria | Issuance of Work Permit | Extension of Work Permit |
| 1. Applicable subjects | Foreign workers in Vietnam who are foreign nationals working under labor contracts, intra-corporate transferees, service providers, project/package implementers, volunteers, managers/investors contributing capital, family members permitted to work under international treaties or other lawful forms as prescribed by law. | |
| 2. Method of submission | At the local Public Administrative Service Center (in person, by post, through service providers, or by authorized representatives). | |
| 3. Competent authority | The Provincial People’s Committee where the foreign worker is expected to work. | |
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*Differences:
| Criteria | Issuance of Work Permit | Extension of Work Permit |
| 1. Application dossier | – Statement explaining the demand for employment and request for issuance (Form No. 03). – Valid health certificate (issued within the last 12 months). – Two (02) color photos, size 4×6 cm, with white background. – Passport with remaining validity. – Documents proving the form of employment (as prescribed in the Decree). – Judicial record card or certificate of no criminal record (issued within the last 6 months). – Additional documents required under Article 19 of the Decree. | – Statement explaining the demand for employment and request for renewal of work permit (Form No. 03). – Valid health certificate (issued within the last 12 months). – Two (02) color photos, size 4×6 cm, with white background. – Passport with remaining validity. – Documents proving the form of employment (as prescribed in the Decree). – Valid work permit. |
| 2. Procedures | – Submission period: From 60 days to no later than 10 days prior to the date the foreign worker is expected to commence work. – Processing time: Within 10 working days from the date of receipt of a complete dossier, the Provincial People’s Committee shall issue a confirmation (Form No. 04). In case of refusal, a written reply with reasons must be provided within 03 working days. – Contract requirement: Foreign workers falling under Point a and Point m, Clause 1, Article 2 must enter into a written labor contract prior to the commencement date; a copy of the contract shall be submitted to the licensing authority upon request. – Foreign workers working in multiple provinces/cities: The employer must notify the competent authority of the locality where the foreign worker is expected to work at least 03 working days before commencement. | – Submission period: At least 10 days and up to 45 days before the work permit’s expiration date. – Processing time: Within 10 working days from the receipt of a complete and valid dossier, the Provincial People’s Committee shall decide on renewal (using Form No. 03) or issue a written refusal stating the reasons. – Contract requirement: If falling under the cases prescribed in Clause 4, Article 28 of the Decree, the parties must sign a written labor contract prior to continuing employment, and a copy must be submitted to the competent authority upon request. |
| 3. Duration | – According to the term specified under one of the cases prescribed in Article 21 of the Decree. – Maximum duration: 02 years. | – According to the term specified under one of the cases prescribed in Article 21 of the Decree. – Maximum duration: 02 years. – Each work permit can only be renewed once. |
“The above content is provided by DNP Viet Nam Law Firm for reference purposes only. For detailed, accurate, and tailored legal advice that meets your specific needs, please contact us using the information provided below.”
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