First-time work permits under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP follow a mandatory two-step process: (1) report foreign-labor demand + domestic recruitment, (2) file the WP dossier. Realistic total: 4–6 weeks with good preparation — and most delays come from missing consular legalization or a criminal record older than 6 months.
Step 1: demand report + hire Vietnamese first
Employers must try hiring Vietnamese first: post the vacancy on the provincial People’s Committee e-portal for at least 15 days (position, title, description, headcount, qualifications, experience, salary, location). Only after unsuccessful recruitment may they file the demand report (Form 01/PLI or 02/PLI) at least 15 days before the intended employment date.
The state agency has 10 working days to issue approval or reasoned rejection. Note: service contracts / ICT are exempt from job posting (posting applies to domestic labor contracts).
Step 2: the WP dossier — Article 18
File at least 15 days before the expected start date, comprising (Article 18, Decree 219/2025):
1. Written WP request — demand report + request per Form 03 (with the step-1 demand approval). 2. Health certificate — within 12 months, from a qualified facility (no paper copy if data is connected to the health system). 3. Passport still valid (certified copy). 4. Criminal record / no-conviction confirmation — issued within 06 months (submission waived if procedures are interconnected per Article 6.3). 5. Two 4×6 photos, white background, full-face, bareheaded, no glasses, taken within 6 months. 6. Proof of employment form — labor contract / appointment decision / cooperation agreement. 7. Proof of job position — diplomas, certificates, experience confirmation (experts: degree + 2 years; priority sectors: 1 year).
Processing: 10 working days from receipt of a complete valid dossier (Article 22.3). WPs last up to 2 years, renewable once for up to 2 more years — then a fresh application is required.
Common dossier traps
Trap 1 — consular legalization: every foreign-issued document (degrees, experience letters, criminal records) needs consular legalization + notarized Vietnamese translation (Vietnam joined the Hague Apostille Convention in late 2025 — simpler for member states). Trap 2 — the 6-month clock: a criminal record older than 6 months gets the file returned; obtain it last. Trap 3 — foreign health checks: usable only with a mutual recognition treaty — in practice, do the check in Vietnam (often employer-arranged, ~USD 50). Trap 4 — the 15-day filing rule: one day late shifts the whole timeline.
Practical recommendations
First, start 6–8 weeks out — 15-day job posting + 10-day approval + dossier prep + 10-day issuance. Second, do consular legalization first — the slowest link (2–4 weeks); run the Vietnam health check in parallel. Third, get the criminal record last — to maximize the 6-month clock at filing; and check whether interconnected procedures (Article 6.3) waive its submission.
Frequently asked questions
What does a first-time WP dossier contain?
Per Article 18 of Decree 219/2025: written request (Form 03) + demand approval; health certificate (12 months); passport; criminal record (06 months); two 4×6 photos; proof of employment form; proof of position (degrees/experience).
How far ahead must the dossier be filed?
At least 15 days before the expected start date. Before that comes the demand-report step (15-day posting + 10-working-day approval) — 4–6 weeks total realistically.
How long does WP processing take?
10 working days from receipt of a complete valid dossier (Article 22.3, Decree 219/2025).
Do foreign documents need legalization?
Yes — consular legalization + notarized Vietnamese translation, unless treaty-exempt. Vietnam joined the Hague Apostille Convention in late 2025, simplifying this for member states.
How long is a first-time WP valid?
Up to 2 years; renewable once for up to 2 more years (4 years total) — then a completely fresh application is required.
For detailed advice on first-time WP applications, companies may 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.
