Employers hiring foreign nationals in Vietnam must obtain a work permit (except for exempt cases). The most practical questions are: how long is it valid, and how many times can it be renewed? The answer: a maximum of 2 years, renewable only once.
Note on applicable regulation: Decree 152/2020/ND-CP (on foreign labor) expired on 7 August 2025 and was replaced by Decree 219/2025/ND-CP — this article cites the current regulation.
Work permit validity rules
Under Article 21 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (in force since 7 August 2025, replacing the foreign-labor provisions of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP), a work permit is issued for the duration of one of the following, not exceeding 2 years:
- The term of the labor contract to be signed;
- The duration of the foreign assignment to Vietnam;
- The term of the contract or agreement between Vietnamese and foreign partners;
- The duration stated in the operation license of the agency, organization or enterprise;
- Other cases prescribed by law.
In other words, the actual validity "follows" the underlying contract or assignment document, capped at 2 years.
How many renewals are allowed?
Under Article 29 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, a work permit may be renewed only once, for a maximum of 2 years.
Renewal conditions (Decree 219/2025/ND-CP):
1. File within the renewal window: at least 10 days but no more than 45 days before the permit expires (Article 28(1)); 2. The demand for foreign workers is approved by the competent authority when reviewing the dossier (Article 28(3) — decided within 10 working days); 3. A complete renewal dossier under Article 27 (demand explanatory statement + renewal request in Form 03, health certificate, two 4×6 photos, the still-valid work permit, a valid passport, and proof of the form of employment).
Practical notes for employers
- Schedule renewals early: file within the 10–45 day window before expiry (Article 28(1) of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP). Filing too early or too late will be rejected.
- After two issuances (initial + one renewal): to continue employing the foreign worker, the employer must apply for a brand-new work permit.
- Job position changes: the permit is tied to the registered position; a change of position requires a new permit.
- Exempt cases (e.g., capital-contributing members, experts working under 90 days per year) still require confirmation of non-eligibility under Article 7 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP — it does not mean "no paperwork at all."
Frequently asked questions
What if the permit expires before renewal? The foreign worker may not continue working once the permit has expired; the employer may face administrative penalties for labor violations.
Does the permit automatically match the labor contract term? No — the issuing authority decides based on the dossier, subject to the 2-year cap.
Conclusion
Remember two numbers: 2 years maximum per issuance and one single renewal. Employers should add work permit expiry dates to their compliance calendar to avoid last-minute rushes.
*This article is for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice for any specific case. Content has been reviewed by the QA Council.*
Read more: Hiring Foreign Workers in Vietnam: Work Permit Guide · Contact FLAT Law Firm
