Important Updates
Important Updates
October 2, 2025Somalia: Electronic Travel Authorization Launched
October 2, 2025 | United StatesComputer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent
October 2, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
October 2, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesPartner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025
October 2, 2025Somalia: Electronic Travel Authorization Launched
October 2, 2025 | United StatesComputer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent
October 2, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
October 2, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesPartner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025
October 2, 2025Somalia: Electronic Travel Authorization Launched
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Work Permit Guidelines Released

December 27, 2016

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • VietnamVietnam

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Vietnam

Following an April decree, the Ministry of Labour – Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has published related guidelines, which are effective immediately. Notably, the guidelines address the new Short-Term Work Permit exemption and new documentary requirements for experts and specialists submitting Work Permit applications, among other changes. Implementation details remain subject to change and may differ among cities/provinces.

Work Permit Exemption Updates

Foreign nationals who provide a service, who resolve complicated technical/technological problems and who enter Vietnam under a business visa sponsored by the host company qualify for a new Work Permit exemption. The exemption allows stays of up to 30 days each and a cumulative stay period of up to 90 days in a 12-month period. The twelve-month period is calculated from the first date of entry. 

Activities allowed under a business visa are strictly limited to internal/external business meetings and training.

Changes to Work Permit Processes

Experts and specialists who are not able to produce a relevant degree certificate in support of their Work Permit application may now submit a confirmation letter or expert experience certificate issued by the home/sending company in lieu of the letter.  For experts or specialists who hold a relevant degree, a copy of the degree certificate plus proof of three years of relevant work experience is still required. 

Foreign nationals in the Technician Category are still required to hold a relevant degree plus three years of relevant work experience for Work Permit eligibility.

Applicants renewing their Work Permit can submit their existing Work Permit to support their renewal application. Previously, applicants were required to submit legalized degrees to support their renewal application.

New Requirements for Workers at a Company Branch or Client Site

Sponsoring employers of Work Permit holders who are assigned to a company’s branch, project or client location in a province other than the one for which their original Work Permit was granted for a duration of more than 10 days, must report this change to the relevant labour office of the new location.

Foreign nationals working at a sponsoring client/vendor’s site in Vietnam must be employed by their current overseas employer for at least 24 months.

Other Documentary Changes

Employers must return the original Work Permit to facilitate cancellation within 15 days of the employee’s last date of work in the host company in Vietnam. Previously, there was no deadline or rule regarding the return of documents.

Local companies must submit a quarterly Foreign Labour Use Report on a new form every 5th of the first month of each quarter.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Employers and foreign nationals should benefit from more flexible documentary requirements for new and renewal Work Permit applications.

Employers should also benefit from the Short-Term Work Permit exemption, since it will replace the need for a traditional Work Permit process for qualified employees, which could take up to four months.

As far as implementation, the Labour Department of Ho Chi Minh City is now following the newly implemented guidelines. Whether and when other departments follow the guidelines remains to be seen.

Fragomen is monitoring further policy developments and will provide updates if other measures and implementation guidelines are announced. Employers and employees should work with their immigration professional to ensure compliance with the new Work Permit rules. 

We worked closely with Resident Vietnam in Vietnam to prepare this alert. It is for informational purposes only.  If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

© 2016 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Country / Territory

  • VietnamVietnam

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Media mentions

Kommunal topinform: Staatsdienst am Limit

Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Media mentions

Kommunal topinform: Staatsdienst am Limit

Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.