Sending German experts to a plant in Vietnam, or Vietnamese engineers for training in Germany — both directions hit a “permit barrier”. Vietnam controls through work permits (Decree 219/2025 replacing 152/2020); Germany through a recently overhauled skilled-immigration system (2023–2024). This article compares the two so businesses can plan cross-border staffing lawfully.
Legal frameworks
- Vietnam: Labour Code 45/2019/QH14 + Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (replacing Decree 152/2020/ND-CP): foreign employees in Vietnam need a work permit, except exempt cases.
- Germany: the Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) of 2020, substantially amended 2023–2024: relaxed EU Blue Card, the points-based Chancenkarte (opportunity card) from June 2024, and simplified recognition of foreign qualifications.
Into Vietnam: the work permit
A German expert working in Vietnam falls into one of three categories: expert (university degree + experience), manager, or technical worker. Process: obtain approval of the demand for foreign labour → apply for the permit at the provincial labour authority → permits last up to 2 years, renewable. Exemptions (still requiring an exemption certificate) include intra-corporate transferees under 12 months, experts fixing incidents under 3 months, board members, etc. — many companies skip the certification step in practice and get fined.
Into Germany: the skilled-worker visa
EU Blue Card: for university-educated workers with a German employment contract; since the 2023 reform the minimum salary threshold has been significantly lowered and extended to more shortage occupations (IT, engineering, healthcare…), including recent graduates within 3 years. Chancenkarte: a job-seeker visa on a points scale (qualifications, experience, age, German/English) — no prior contract needed, up to one year to find work. Qualification recognition: many occupations no longer need full equivalence recognition before entry if alternative conditions are met.
Practical comparison for businesses
- Philosophy: Vietnam controls by job position (the employer must prove demand and that no Vietnamese can fill it); Germany controls by individual merit (degrees, points) — Germany is loosening to attract talent while Vietnam keeps a tighter approval regime.
- Duration: Vietnamese permits max out at 2 years per grant; the German Blue Card typically runs 4 years with a fast track to permanent residence (21–33 months).
- Family: both allow family reunification, but Germany handles it in one unified visa procedure while Vietnam splits visas and work permits into separate processes.
Frequently asked questions
Does a German expert on a 2-month assignment in Vietnam need a work permit?
It depends. Experts entering to resolve incidents or complex technical situations for under 3 months are exempt but must obtain an exemption certificate — not “nothing to do”. Other cases still require a full permit.
How does Decree 219/2025 differ from Decree 152/2020?
Decree 219/2025/ND-CP wholly replaces Decree 152/2020 on foreign workers in Vietnam. Companies using the old process must re-check: conditions, dossiers and competent authorities may have changed — do not assume “the old way still works”.
Can a Vietnamese engineer without a German-recognised degree get a Blue Card?
The Blue Card requires a recognised (or equivalent) university degree. If ineligible, consider the skilled-worker route with a recognised vocational qualification, or the Chancenkarte with enough points — no prior contract required.
What regime applies to a German expert’s family in Vietnam?
Spouses and children of foreign workers receive dependent visas/temporary residence cards (TT). They are not automatically allowed to work in Vietnam — to work, they need their own work permit like any other foreign employee.
Contact FLAT Law Firm
FLAT Law Firm handles work permits, exemption certificates and residence cards for foreign experts in Vietnam, and works with German partners on visas in the reverse direction. Contact us for guidance.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council
