Vietnam just dropped a major immigration overhaul that’s reshaping how foreign workers enter the country. This comprehensive decree represents the most substantial reform since 2021, delivering exactly what employers and foreign professionals have been waiting for.
What’s Changed
The labor market testing burden has been dramatically reduced. Job postings now only apply to local hires, with the posting period slashed from 15 calendar days to just 5 business days. Even better? Companies can now post on their own career platforms instead of being stuck with government portals only.
Processing has been revolutionized through smart consolidation. The job position approval step now rolls directly into the work permit application for local hires. Police clearance applications can run parallel to work permit submissions. The semi-annual reporting headache? Gone entirely.
Expanded Access
Qualification thresholds have been lowered across the board. Expert positions now require just 2 years of experience instead of 3, while priority sector experts need only 1 year. Technical workers benefit from reduced experience requirements and shorter training periods.
Work permit exemptions got a major upgrade too. The restrictive 3-trip limit has been eliminated, exemption periods extended to 90 cumulative days annually, and spouses of Vietnamese nationals no longer need exemption certificates at all.
Processing Improvements
Timelines are now crystal clear: 10 business days for new applications, 5 for renewals. Multi-location work permits have shifted from central Ministry processing to Provincial People’s Committees, though some implementation details still need clarification.
One area requiring attention: health certificate requirements now depend on mutual recognition agreements between countries, and the list of qualifying nations hasn’t been published yet.
Strategic Context
This reform aligns perfectly with Vietnam’s economic diversification goals, particularly in finance, technology, and innovation sectors. The government is clearly prioritizing efficiency while attracting high-level international talent to drive growth.
My Insight
This is absolutely a big one! Vietnam just made a bold move to position itself as a more accessible destination for global talent. The streamlined processes and expanded eligibility criteria will significantly impact how companies plan their Vietnam expansion strategies. While some details still need clarification, particularly around health certificates and multi-location work arrangements, the overall direction is unmistakably positive for international mobility. Companies should start reviewing their current processes immediately to take advantage of these improvements.