A work permit exemption is obtained as a “certificate of not being subject to a work permit” from the provincial People’s Committee (Department of Home Affairs), issued in 5 working days, free of charge. File between 60 and at least 10 days before the start date with the employer’s request, a passport copy and proof of the exemption ground. Some groups (spouses of Vietnamese citizens, investors with 3 billion VND+, work under 90 days/year) only need a notification at least 3 working days before starting.
Updated October 2026 under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (effective 7 August 2025), which replaced Decrees 152/2020/ND-CP and 70/2023/ND-CP.
Certificate or notification?
| Notification only (at least 3 working days before) | Exemption certificate required |
|---|---|
| Service sellers under 3 months; technical incidents under 3 months; licensed lawyers; spouses of Vietnamese citizens; investors with 3 billion VND+; correspondents; family of mission staff; people establishing a commercial presence; work under 90 days/year | Intra-corporate transferees; student interns; teachers at diplomatic-request schools; ODA consultants; priority-sector workers confirmed by authorities; other remaining cases |
Documents
- Employer’s request on the prescribed form (Decree 219/2025/ND-CP).
- Passport copy.
- Proof of the exemption ground (assignment letter and 12-month employment proof for transferees; internship agreement; confirmation from a ministry or province for priority sectors).
- Other documents if requested.
Foreign documents need legalisation and certified translation.
Steps
- Confirm whether you need a certificate or just a notification.
- Prepare, legalise and translate documents.
- File online, in person at the provincial public service centre or by post, 60 to at least 10 days before starting.
- Receive the certificate in 5 working days.
Renewal and re-issue
Valid up to 2 years; renewable once for up to 2 years (5 working days, file when 10–45 days remain). Re-issue takes 3 working days.
Need it handled?
We prepare work permits, exemptions, renewals, criminal records, health checks and residence cards. See our work permit service or call Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822.
Legal basis: Decree 219/2025/ND-CP; Labour Code 2019 (Art. 154); Decision 346/QD-BNV (2026) on administrative procedures.
Companies sponsoring foreign staff can hand the whole file to a Vietnam visa agency such as Info Travel to track visa and residence card deadlines and avoid overstay fines. Call Zalo/WhatsApp: +84327828822.
