Changing Employer in Vietnam 2026: Work Permit & TRC Guide

Your Vietnam work permit does not move with you when you change employer. The new company must apply for a new work permit under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP (with a shorter dossier if you keep the same position and field), then sponsor a new temporary residence card (TRC). You may only start work for the new company once the new permit is issued. Info Travel handles the whole switch – work permit, visa and residence card – contact us on WhatsApp +84327828822.

Changing jobs in Vietnam touches three sets of papers: the work permit, your visa or residence card, and your temporary residence declaration. Doing them in the wrong order can leave you working without a permit, or holding a residence card still sponsored by your former employer. Here is how the switch works under the rules in force in 2026.

Contents

Can I use my old work permit at the new company?

No. A work permit is issued for one specific employer. Under the Labour Code it stops being valid in several situations, including when the labour contract ends. Articles 30 and 31 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP require the former employer to collect the permit and return it to the issuing authority, with a written report, within 15 days of it ceasing to be valid (or explain why it could not be collected).

Agree a clear leaving date with your old employer, along with the return of the permit and any confirmation letters you will need.

Getting a new work permit

The new employer files the application with the authority of the province where you will work (the Department of Home Affairs, or an industrial-zone management board where this is delegated). There are two scenarios.

1. Same position and same field – shorter dossier

Article 20(1) of Decree 219 covers a worker whose permit is still valid and who will work for another employer in the same position and field. The file includes:

A confirmation letter from the current employer, as required by the decree;
The employer’s report and application (Form No. 03);
A valid passport;
Two 4×6 cm colour photos on a white background;
Proof of the work arrangement (e.g. the labour contract with the new company);
A copy of the existing work permit;
Proof of manager or executive director status, if applicable.

This list does not include the health certificate, criminal record certificate or degree and experience documents required for a first permit. Local practice can differ, so check with the receiving authority before filing.

2. Different position or field – full dossier

If you move to a different role or sector, expect to file a full application: Form 03, a health certificate valid for 12 months (work permit health check), a criminal record certificate issued within 6 months, and proof of qualifications and experience with consular legalisation and a notarised translation. See also legalising your degree for a work permit.

A new permit is processed within 10 working days of a complete file and is valid for up to 2 years. The wider changes are covered in Vietnam work permit rules 2026.

What happens to my residence card and visa?

A work-category (LD) residence card is tied to the sponsoring organisation. Once you change employer, the old sponsor no longer fits, so you need a new card sponsored by the new company after the new work permit (or exemption confirmation) is issued. Do not keep using the old card as if nothing had changed.

If there is a gap while the new permit is processed, you may need a suitable visa to stay legally. Article 7 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners allows a change of visa purpose for a person sponsored to work by an organisation who holds a work permit or exemption confirmation, including people who entered on an e-visa. The right route depends on how long your old card has left and whether the old sponsor cooperates, so check with the immigration authority or an adviser first.

Government fees for residence cards (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC, from 1 April 2026):

Card validity	Fee
Up to 2 years	USD 145
Over 2 to 5 years	USD 155
Over 5 to 10 years	USD 165

Read more about temporary residence cards or use our TRC service.

Recommended order of steps

Before you resign: check the expiry dates of your work permit, residence card and passport, and request any confirmation letters from your old employer.
New employer prepares the permit file: decide whether the shorter dossier (same position and field) applies.
File the work permit application online via the National Public Service Portal, in person or by post; allow about 10 working days.
Old employer returns the old permit within 15 days of it ceasing to be valid.
Apply for a new residence card sponsored by the new company, or sort out your visa in the meantime.
Update your temporary residence declaration if you move: since 21 May 2026 this is done on the nationwide system tbltkbtt.bocongan.gov.vn (see temporary residence declaration).

Common risks

Starting work before the new permit: the worker can be fined VND 15–25 million and deported, and the new employer is fined according to the number of workers. See fines for working without a work permit.
An uncooperative former employer who delays confirmations or paperwork.
Your old card expiring during the gap, leading to an overstay fine (Article 21, Decree 282/2025/ND-CP).
Moving to another province: you file where the new job is, and local procedures can differ.
A passport close to expiry: renew it first so you do not have to redo the permit and card.

How Info Travel helps

Info Travel (DGROUP TECHNOLOGY Co., Ltd) supports both employees and companies through the switch:

Reviewing your current permit, card and visa and planning a timeline with no gaps;
Preparing and filing the new work permit;
Bridging visas and visa extensions where needed;
A new residence card under the new sponsor;
Legalisation and translation if a full dossier is required.

Service fees depend on your case; message us on WhatsApp +84327828822 for a quote.

FAQ

Do I need a new criminal record certificate when I change jobs?

If your current permit is still valid and you keep the same position and field, the Article 20 dossier does not list one. If you change position or field, a full dossier including a criminal record certificate is usually needed.

My residence card still has a year left. Can I keep it?

A work-category card is tied to your former sponsor. Plan for a new card sponsored by your new employer once the new permit is issued, and check with the immigration authority about the old card.