New Vietnam Work Permit Rules from July 2025 – Key Updates for Expats

Starting July 1, 2025, Vietnam will roll out a major administrative reform that reshapes how certain immigration and work-related requests are handled. A new government decree shifts responsibilities from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) to local authorities, specifically the Provincial People’s Committees, aiming to speed up approvals and simplify state management.

This move is part of a broader government effort to enhance efficiency and delegation in public administration, especially within the Internal Affairs sector.

What’s Changing for Employers and Foreign Workers?

Previously, MOHA had a role in overseeing immigration cases that involved:

• Foreign employees working across multiple locations, and
• Jobs where enterprise licenses were issued by central-level authorities.

From July 2025, MOHA will no longer handle:

• Job Position Approval (JPA) requests
• Work Permit Applications
• Work Permit Exemptions

These responsibilities will now be transferred to the Chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee or a designated specialised agency within each province.

How Will This Affect Foreign Workers and Employers?

Suppose you’re an employer or foreign worker applying for jobs that previously required MOHA approval, such as roles across multiple locations or in centrally licensed sectors. In that case, you must now submit your application to provincial authorities for processing.

1. Faster Decisions: When an employer submits a work permit application and claims an expert exemption, the Department of Home Affairs must consult the Chairperson within three business days for a decision.

2. Special Circumstances: In rare cases, the Department may propose exemptions for foreign experts transferred under unique circumstances, with the Chairperson making the final decision.

Why This Matters for Visa Applicants

More Localised Processing: By shifting responsibility to provincial authorities, Vietnam aims to make immigration and work permit procedures more responsive and efficient for foreign professionals and investors.

Expert Exemptions: The process for recognising foreign experts is now clearer and faster, which is great news for multinational companies and skilled workers.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

• Apply Early: With new authorities handling your application, processing times may vary by province.
• Consult Local Experts: Work with local HR teams or immigration consultants familiar with the updated regulations.
• Monitor Official Updates: Vietnam regularly updates its visa and immigration policies. Bookmark official government pages and trusted visa news sources for the latest information.

Who Is Affected?

The change primarily impacts:

• Foreign workers whose roles fall under the central licensing authorities
• Employers with staff working across multiple regions
• Businesses seeking exemptions for expert-level foreign hires

If your company currently files immigration or work permit requests directly with MOHA, start adjusting your procedures and liaising with provincial-level agencies instead.

Why This Matters for Visa Planning

For foreign professionals planning to work in Vietnam, this is a key update to track. Processing times may improve as local governments take a more active role, but employers will need to stay informed on how each province handles reviews.

Foreign workers and HR teams should:

• Monitor updates from their relevant provincial People’s Committee
• Clarify the criteria for “expert” exemptions under local interpretations
• Adjust internal timelines for work permit processing ahead of July 2025

Final Thoughts

Vietnam’s July 2025 decree reflects a push toward administrative decentralisation, aimed at creating a faster and more transparent immigration system for foreign workers. While it eliminates MOHA’s role in specific cases, it also places greater responsibility in the hands of local leadership.

For visa applicants and employers alike, staying aligned with provincial regulations will be crucial in navigating Vietnam’s evolving work permit landscape.