Vietnam proposes faster work permit processing for foreign experts

The Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing the draft decree, which aims to overhaul regulations on foreign workers in Vietnam. 

If approved, the measure would cut the current maximum processing time from 36 days to 10, calculated from the date the application is submitted.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said the expedited timeline is designed to help Vietnam meet urgent workforce needs in emerging industries such as semiconductors, AI, and digital transformation.

The draft decree would also broaden eligibility criteria. 

Foreign experts working in priority fields—such as finance, science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation—would be able to apply with just a university degree, even without relevant work experience.

Work permits could be granted based on validation from the Ministry of Education and Training or the Ministry of Science and Technology. 

In special cases, the government could issue permits through an exception clause at the home affairs ministry’s recommendation.

Employer support and questions

The proposal has been welcomed by foreign businesses. 

Manpower Vietnam, a global human resources firm, said the faster process would support investment and business continuity. 

The company noted that long delays had previously prevented some short-term technical experts from starting assignments on time.

However, Manpower called for clearer guidance on key points—such as whether a degree must match the applicant’s job field, and how to evaluate qualifications from institutions labeled 'college' but internationally ranked, like King’s College London.

The firm also urged flexibility in recognizing work experience. 

Many professionals with IT degrees work in innovation or management without formal training in those areas, and such experience should be considered, it said.

Henry Chien, HR manager at LITEON Vietnam, said domestic talent is still building capacity in cutting-edge fields. 

He encouraged the government to keep improving policies that attract foreign experts who can support training and technology transfer—especially by streamlining visa and permit procedures.

As of the end of 2024, Vietnam had nearly 162,000 foreign workers, over 149,000 of whom required work permits.

Most foreign workers came from China, accounting for 31 percent, followed by South Korea with 18 percent, and Japan with 9.5 percent, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.