Vietnam has no “one-size” work permit — WPs attach to 4 job categories: manager, executive director, expert, technical worker. Decree 219/2025 lowered the bar for experts (3→2 years) and technical workers, but newly tightened executive directors (3 years’ experience required). Wrong category = wrong dossier from the start.
Managers and executive directors
Manager: one who manages an enterprise per Article 4.18 of the Law on Enterprises, or heads/deputies of agencies and organizations — general directors, deputies, division heads, equivalent decision-makers. Decree 219 makes no substantive change — dossiers typically need an appointment decision + management experience.
Executive director: the head directly running a unit of an agency, organization, or enterprise (C-suite, country head). New: must have at least 3 years’ experience in the relevant field — tighter than before. Many business-card “directors” don’t meet this bar.
Experts and technical workers — bars lowered
Expert (the most-used white-collar category): bachelor’s degree or higher + 2 years’ experience in an equivalent position (down from 3); or bachelor’s + 1 year in priority sectors (finance, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation). A practicing certificate is needed where sectoral law requires it.
Technical worker (skilled trades): ≥1 year of training + 2 years’ practical experience (down from 3); or a certificate proving ≥3 years’ experience without formal training — a new door for skilled workers without diplomas.
Which category? Decision matrix
Degree + office experience: → expert (2 years; 1 year if priority). Unit leader, direct operator + 3 years’ experience: → executive director. Enterprise manager per the Law on Enterprises: → manager. Skilled technician: → technical worker (1 year training + 2 years’ experience, or 3 years’ experience).
Traps: filing “executive director” for someone with 1–2 years’ experience (missing the new 3-year bar); filing “expert” for technicians without degrees; and the reverse — squeezing IT specialists into “technical worker” to look “easier” while misrepresenting the job, a risk when inspectors compare actual duties.
Practical recommendations
First, fix the category before preparing the dossier — each needs different proof (appointment vs degrees vs trade certificates). Second, for executive directors: check the 3-year experience bar — new standard; many old dossiers would now fail. Third, for STEM experts: test the 1-year priority-sector door before the ordinary 2-year one — faster and possibly WP-exempt.
Frequently asked questions
How many WP job categories are there?
Four: manager, executive director, expert, technical worker (Article 3, Decree 219/2025). Each has its own degree/experience bar.
How much experience does an expert need?
Bachelor’s + 2 years (down from 3); or bachelor’s + 1 year in priority sectors (finance, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation).
What’s new for executive directors?
At least 3 years’ experience in the relevant field — a new Decree 219/2025 standard, tighter than before.
Can technical workers qualify without diplomas?
Yes — with a certificate proving ≥3 years’ practical experience in the field (new door, no formal training needed). Or ≥1 year training + 2 years’ experience.
What if the category is wrong?
The dossier gets returned, or the WP mismatches the real job — an inspection risk. Get the category right from the start based on degrees, experience, and actual duties.
For detailed advice on WP job categories, 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.
