Vietnam is introducing significant changes to its work permit regulations for foreign professionals. Effective 5 December 2026, Decree 393/2026/ND-CP will replace Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, creating new opportunities for international talent while introducing additional compliance requirements for employers.

For HR and Global Mobility professionals managing international assignments or recruitment in Vietnam, several changes deserve attention.

New opportunities for skilled foreign professionals

The new decree introduces additional pathways for foreign nationals with specialised expertise, professional experience and skills relevant to Vietnam’s economic development.

Particular attention is given to strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors and advanced technologies.

Certain professionals and qualifying family members may also benefit from expanded work permit exemptions, subject to specific eligibility requirements.

Administrative changes: simplification and new requirements

Some procedures are becoming more straightforward, while others require additional documentation.

For example, a new medical certificate is no longer listed among the documents required for standard work permit renewals. However, criminal record documentation will now be necessary for certain exemption certificate applications.

Employers should also review employee classifications, particularly for intra-company transfers, as the eligibility criteria have evolved.

Greater employer accountability

Beyond obtaining work authorisation, companies must pay closer attention to ongoing compliance.

The new rules clarify restrictions on foreign labour subleasing, introduce more precise occupational classifications and reinstate periodic foreign-worker reporting obligations.

Employers should therefore review their existing immigration and assignment procedures to ensure compliance with the new framework.

What does this mean for Global Mobility teams?

Vietnam’s updated regulations create additional opportunities for international recruitment and assignments, but careful preparation remains essential.

For a detailed breakdown of the changes and their practical implications, Laurent Quistrebert from Resident Vietnam, a member of the Bienvenue Network, shares his expert analysis of Decree 393.

Read the full article by Resident Vietnam.