A Vietnamese work permit lasts up to 2 years and may be extended only once, for up to 2 more years (Article 29 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, effective 07/08/2025). After this “4-year wall”, continuing to work requires a brand-new permit — there is no second extension.
Timeline: start 45–60 days early
There is no retroactive renewal: the extension dossier must be filed before the current permit expires. Safe practice is to start 45–60 days ahead, because document preparation always takes longer than expected and processing is 10 working days from receipt of a complete dossier. An expired, unextended permit means working without authorization.
Parallel rule: the permit may not outlast the labor contract, and the contract may not exceed the permit — the two documents must align.
What happens after the single extension?
When the once-extended permit expires and the worker continues in the same position with the same employer, the employer must apply for a new issuance from scratch. The relief in Article 20.3 of Decree 219/2025: in this case no criminal record certificate is required. The new-issuance dossier comprises documents under Clauses 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of Article 18, a copy of the old permit, and proof of manager/executive-director status.
New: exemption confirmations can also be extended
Decree 219/2025 for the first time allows a work permit exemption confirmation to be extended once for up to 2 years — previously expiry meant a fresh application. Separately, re-issuance cases (lost or damaged confirmation; changes to name, nationality, passport number, or workplace; employer name change without tax-code change) are handled in 3 working days with a simplified dossier — no need to resubmit the health certificate, passport, or exemption proof.
How many times can a work permit be extended?
Once only, up to 2 years. The maximum lifetime of one permit (new issuance + extension) is 4 years; after that a completely new application is required.
When should the extension dossier be filed?
45–60 days before expiry. The dossier must be filed while the old permit is still valid — there is no retroactive extension after expiry.
Does extension need a new criminal record check?
Extension dossiers are generally simpler than new issuance. Notably, when applying for new issuance after one extension (same position, same employer), Article 20.3 of Decree 219/2025 waives the criminal record certificate.
Does a company rename (same tax code) require a new permit?
No — this is a re-issuance case, processed in 3 working days with proof of the change, not a full new procedure.
What happens to the permit if the company dissolves?
Cessation of the employer is a ground for revoking the work permit. The worker must find a new employer to sponsor a fresh application, or leave the country.
For detailed advice on work permit extension, contact FLAT Law Firm.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council. Content was prepared by the FLAT Law Firm AI Legal Council and has not been reviewed by a human lawyer.
