Procedures for Extending Work Permits for Foreign Workers in Vietnam under the Latest Regulations 2025–2026

Procedures for extending the Vietnam work permit for foreigners working in Vietnam according to the latest regulations under Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP dated 7 August 2025 on foreign workers working in Vietnam.

Legal documents governing the extension of work permits

Labor Code No. 45/2019/QH14 issued on 12 December 2019, effective from 1 January 2021.

Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP dated 7 August 2025 regulating foreign workers working in Vietnam.

Circular 35/2016/TT-BCT provides regulations on cases exempted from work permits and cases not required to apply for a work permit for foreigners.

According to Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP dated 7 August 2025 on foreign workers working in Vietnam and the recruitment/management of Vietnamese employees working for foreign organizations and individuals in Vietnam, effective from 18 September 2023, the procedures for extending or reissuing work permits are as follows:

I. General provisions on work permit extension

1. How long before expiry must employers and foreign workers carry out the work permit extension procedure?

According to the law, when the work permit is valid for between 5 and 45 days before expiry, the employer and the foreign worker must carry out the extension procedure. In practice, it is advisable to process the extension 30–45 days before expiry.

If this deadline is missed, the foreign worker must apply for a new work permit from the beginning through a more complex procedure; may be administratively sanctioned; or may face difficulties with visa and temporary residence card validity.

2. Duration of the extended work permit

The duration of the extended work permit is proposed by the employer but cannot exceed 2 years (24 months) as provided by the Labor Code.

3. Is a new health check required before submitting the extension application?

A health check is mandatory for foreign workers to ensure labor capacity and protect the employer's lawful interests. Before submitting the extension, the foreign worker must undergo a health examination at a qualified hospital or medical facility.

4. Must the employer register and explain the need for foreign workers before submitting the application?

Yes. Before applying for a work permit, the employer must register the demand for foreign workers either in person or online. The Approval Letter for the Use of Foreign Workers is a mandatory document when extending a work permit.

II. Application dossier for extending a work permit in Vietnam

1. Application form for work permit extension (Form 03)

2. Two color photos (4 cm × 6 cm, bareheaded, frontal view, clearly showing face and both ears, no glasses, white background), taken within 6 months before submission.

3. Documents for foreign workers:

a. Original valid work permit, still valid for at least 5 days before its expiry date;

b. Original health certificate as prescribed.

Note: A work permit can only be extended once. Subsequent renewals require a new application.

Additional documents may be required depending on the case (e.g., appointment decision, diplomas, work experience, company charter). Please contact us for specific advice.

Foreign-issued documents must be legalized and translated into Vietnamese according to regulations.

III. Place of submission for reissuance/extension of work permits

1. Processing time

Within 10 working days from the date of receiving a complete application, the Ministry of Home Affairs or the local Department of Home Affairs will process and issue the extended work permit. If the permit is not issued, the authority must respond in writing stating the reason.

2. Where to submit the extension application?

- For representative offices, branches, and organizations licensed by the Government or ministries, the Ministry of Home Affairs will issue the extended work permit.

- For foreign workers employed by companies or organizations under the authority of the local Department of Home Affairs, the Department will process the application, particularly for enterprises in industrial zones and export processing zones.