Vietnam to grant 10-year work permits for IFC personnel

The Government has issued Decree No. 325/2025/ND-CP on labor, employment, and social security in the International Financial Center in Vietnam.

Regarding labor recruitment, the Decree stipulates that employers may proactively recruit Vietnamese workers in accordance with Clause 1, Article 11 of the 2019 Labor Code. Specifically, employers have the right to recruit workers directly or through employment service organizations and enterprises engaged in labor outsourcing, depending on their needs.

Employers are also allowed to recruit foreign workers based on job requirements without being subject to any quota or limitation on the proportion of foreign employees. The recruitment of both Vietnamese and foreign workers must not affect national security.

The governing authorities of the International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are vested with the power to issue, re-issue, extend, and revoke work permits, as well as certificates of exemption from work permit requirements for foreign workers employed by organizations in these cities.

According to the Decree, foreign workers are exempt from work permits in the following cases:

First, those falling under the categories specified in Points a and b, Clause 1, Article 20 of Resolution No. 222/2025/QH15 on the International Financial Center in Vietnam, excluding accompanying family members.

Specifically, Points a and b of Clause 1, Article 20 provide for visas and temporary residence cards of up to 10 years for foreign nationals who are key investors, experts, managers, or highly skilled workers employed by agencies or organizations headquartered in the International Financial Center, along with their accompanying family members.

Foreign nationals who are key investors, experts, scientists, individuals with exceptional talents, or senior managers working long-term at agencies or organizations headquartered in the International Financial Center may be considered for permanent residence cards upon recommendation by the governing authority, enabling them to reside permanently in Vietnam. They will also benefit from simplified procedures compared to the general regulations.

Second, those who fall under categories exempt from work permits as stipulated in Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP on foreign workers in Vietnam.

Third, those who meet professional standards as defined by the governing authorities in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Employers are responsible for applying for the issuance, re-issuance, extension, or revocation of certificates of exemption from work permits for foreign workers.