Vietnam Work Permit Rules 2026: What Employers Should Know
Vietnam has issued Decree No. 393/2026/ND-CP, a new regulation governing foreign workers in the country. It was issued on October 20, 2026, and is scheduled to take effect on December 5, 2026, replacing Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP.
For foreign companies operating in Vietnam, the upcoming change is a good reason to review work-permit procedures and employee records before the new rules take effect.
What Does the New Decree Cover?
Decree No. 393/2026/ND-CP addresses several areas of foreign-worker administration, including:
- Applications for work permits and work-permit exemption certificates
- Reissuance and extension procedures
- Revocation of permits and exemption certificates
- Requirements for different forms of work, including employment contracts and intra-corporate transfers
The decree also identifies categories of foreign workers who may be exempt from work-permit requirements, subject to the applicable conditions.
What Should Employers Review?
Companies do not need to assume that every foreign employee must apply for a new permit. Instead, start by checking three areas.
1. Work-permit validity
Review current permits, expiry dates, and upcoming extension or renewal needs. Make sure the person responsible for tracking deadlines has accurate records.
2. Exemption eligibility
If an employee is working under a claimed exemption, check the relevant legal basis and supporting documents. A job title or an overseas assignment alone does not establish that an exemption applies.
3. Internal procedures
Confirm who prepares applications, maintains employee documents, monitors deadlines, and coordinates with the relevant authorities. HR and business teams should know when a review is needed.
Does Every Employer Need to Change Its Process?
Not necessarily. The action required will depend on the company’s circumstances, the employee’s working arrangement, and the detailed provisions of the new decree.
Employers should review the official text before changing existing practices, especially where a permit, exemption, or application is already in progress. Any applicable transitional provisions should also be checked before deciding how an existing case should be handled.
Key Takeaway
December 5, 2026, is an important date for employers of foreign workers in Vietnam.
Reviewing permit validity, exemption grounds, and internal responsibilities ahead of the effective date can help companies identify cases that may need further attention.
Legal Reference
Decree No. 393/2026/ND-CP on foreign workers working in Vietnam
Issued: October 20, 2026
Effective date: December 5, 2026
Official text: vanban.chinhphu.vn
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Employers should consult the official Vietnamese legal text and seek qualified advice for case-specific questions.
📌 Employing foreign workers in Vietnam?
Permit validity, exemption grounds and renewal deadlines all need checking before the new decree applies. Remoly’s global employment experts can help HR and mobility teams prepare their records ahead of 5 December 2026.
📧 contact@remoly.net · Talk to our team →
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Published: October 2026
