Vietnam Rolls Out New Work Permit Regulations To Improve Efficiency, Attract Global Talent, And Strengthen Travel Industry Growth With Streamlined Processes For Foreign Workers

Published on August 17, 2025

Vietnam has introduced major updates to its work permit regulations to streamline the hiring process, attract global talent, and enhance travel industry growth. By streamlining processes, eliminating red tape, and expediting timelines, these reforms facilitate foreign worker participation in the technology, finance, and innovation sectors. Enhanced flexibility as well as the reduction of redundant processes not only aid in meeting employer demand for skilled workers, but also greatly support the growth of the tourism industry as more international professionals enter the country.

Vietnam has unveiled significant updates to its work permit regulations, streamlining the process and removing barriers for foreign workers. Aimed at simplifying administrative procedures and attracting global talent, the new rules promise to benefit both workers and employers by speeding up timelines and reducing red tape. These reforms mark the most substantial overhaul of the work permit system since 2021, with a clear focus on flexibility and efficiency.

Vietnam’s New Work Permit System: Key Changes

The recent revisions to Vietnam’s work permit system focus on making it quicker, simpler, and more accessible for foreign professionals, especially in industries with high demand for skilled workers. Here’s an overview of the major changes:

1. Simplified Labour Market Test

Previously, employers in Vietnam were required to post job openings for 15 days on a government portal to demonstrate that no local candidate could fill the role. This rule has now been relaxed:

• Job postings are only necessary if the foreign worker is being hired through the local hire route.
• The posting period has been reduced to just 5 business days.
• Employers can now post job vacancies on their own websites or other platforms, not just the official government portal.

Why it matters: The shortened posting time and broader options for job advertisements mean quicker hiring processes. This is particularly beneficial for companies transferring employees, such as regional managers, or those in urgent need of foreign talent.

2. Fewer Steps in the Application Process

Vietnam has eliminated or combined several steps in the work permit application process, reducing bureaucracy and paperwork:

• The approval of the job position is now incorporated into the work permit application for local hires.
• Employers can apply for the work permit and police clearance simultaneously.
• The labor contract is no longer required unless specifically requested.
• Semi-annual reporting obligations have been abolished.

Why it matters: These changes minimize paperwork and reduce delays, making the process smoother for employers. While record-keeping is still necessary, companies no longer need to submit reports regularly, which significantly eases the administrative burden.

3. Updated Eligibility Criteria

The qualifications required for obtaining a work permit have been adjusted to make it easier for foreign workers to meet the criteria:

• Experts now need only 2 years of relevant experience (down from 3) and a university degree.
• For priority fields such as finance, science, and technology, just 1 year of experience is now sufficient.
• Technical workers are now required to have 2 years of experience and 1 year of training, replacing the previous 3 to 5 years of experience.

Why it matters: These updated qualifications open up work permit opportunities for a broader pool of foreign professionals, particularly in high-demand sectors such as technology and finance, allowing Vietnam to attract more global talent.

4. Expanded Exemptions for Work Permits

The new decree also makes it easier for certain individuals to work in Vietnam without needing a permit:

• The previous rule limiting foreigners to 3 short-term work visits has been removed, allowing individuals to work for up to 90 days per year without a permit.
• Spouses of Vietnamese nationals no longer require a Work Permit Exemption Certificate.
• Experts in key sectors are now eligible for exemptions.

Why it matters: These changes make short-term assignments and expatriate employment more straightforward. However, the absence of an exemption certificate for spouses may complicate their ability to work, as they may face additional scrutiny.

5. Working Across Multiple Locations

For foreign workers who will be based in more than one province, there are new guidelines regarding work permit applications:

• The application process now goes through the Provincial People’s Committee where the company’s head office is located.
• Employers must notify authorities in each province where the foreign worker will operate.

Why it matters: While this change theoretically simplifies the process, it could still present challenges, especially for workers assigned to sites not owned by the company. Further clarification on how these rules will be enforced is expected.

6. Updated Health Certificate Requirements

Vietnam now requires health certificates from foreign doctors only if there is a mutual agreement between Vietnam and the worker’s home country.

Why it matters: Workers without a reciprocal agreement may be required to travel to Vietnam for their medical check-up, which could lead to additional costs and logistical challenges. The full list of accepted countries has not yet been published.

7. Clearer Timelines for Applications

The new decree sets specific deadlines for submitting work permit applications and offers clear processing times:

• New Work Permit or Exemption: Applications must be submitted 10 business days before the start date, with processing time set at 10 business days.
• Work Permit or Exemption Renewal: Applications must be made 10 business days before the expiration date, with processing taking 5 business days.

Why it matters: These defined timelines eliminate uncertainty and ensure that both employers and foreign workers know exactly when to submit applications and expect approval.

Vietnam has overhauled its work permit system to streamline hiring, attract global talent, and boost the travel industry by simplifying procedures and reducing bureaucratic barriers. These changes aim to make it faster and easier for foreign workers to contribute to key sectors while supporting tourism growth.

Vietnam’s new work permit regulations demonstrate a strong commitment to attracting skilled foreign workers, particularly in key sectors like technology, science, and finance. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying eligibility requirements, and offering greater flexibility, the country is positioning itself as an appealing destination for global talent. For companies operating in Vietnam, these changes will streamline the hiring process, reduce administrative burdens, and help them attract the best international professionals to support their growth and innovation.