Work permits in Viet Nam: Decree 219/2025 for foreign workers
Foreigners working for an employer in Viet Nam need a work permit unless an exemption applies. Since 7 August 2025 the rules are in Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, which replaced Decrees 152/2020 and 70/2023.
The rules since August 2025
- Provincial People's Committees issue, extend and revoke work permits.
- Approval of the employer's need for foreign workers is now part of the permit application.
- A new exemption-confirmation route covers finance, science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Applying
- The employer files the application online on the National Public Service Portal (dichvucong.gov.vn) or at the local public administration service centre.
- A decision is due within 10 working days of a complete file; a refusal must come within 3 working days.
- A work permit lasts up to 2 years.
Social insurance
- Foreign employees on a labour contract of 12 months or more must join compulsory social insurance (Social Insurance Law 2024, from 1 July 2025).
- The employee pays 8% and the employer 17%; intra-company transferees and people already at retirement age are not covered.
More guides on living in Viet Nam
- Temporary residence in Viet Nam: declaration, residence card and extensions
- VNeID for foreigners: the electronic ID account from 28 September 2026
- Driving in Viet Nam as a foreigner: international permits and licence conversion
- SIM cards, bank accounts and emergency numbers for foreigners in Viet Nam
- Public holidays in Viet Nam 2026–2027
- Vietnamese etiquette and gift-giving: a guide for foreigners
- Opening a business in Viet Nam: grand opening customs for foreign companies
- Living in Viet Nam: a practical guide for foreigners
Sources
Facts checked on 2026-10-03 against the official sources below. Rules change: check the source before you act.
- Government of Viet Nam: Decree 219/2025/ND-CP on foreign workers
- Government news portal: new work permit rules (Decree 219/2025)
- Government news portal: work permit procedure for foreigners
- National Public Service Portal: work permit application
- Government news portal: a work permit lasts up to 2 years
- Government news portal: compulsory social insurance from 1 July 2025
Written by a florist in Ho Chi Minh City
This series is written by Flosa, a flower shop in Ho Chi Minh City that delivers to homes, offices and hotels across Viet Nam. For company orders see flowers for companies; for the holidays of your own community in Viet Nam see flower holidays in Viet Nam.