What Is the Maximum Duration of a Work Permit?
Many families and foreign workers wonder how long a work permit can be issued for. Questions about the maximum duration of a work permit often come up as soon as both sides start discussing a contract and a work plan in Vietnam.
When the duration is clear, employers and employees can arrange work more easily, and families can feel more at ease while settling in.
This article is based on Article 21 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP. You can also read Do Foreigners Working in Vietnam Need a Work Permit or an Exemption Certification? to understand these two types of documents.
In this article
⏳ The maximum duration of a work permit is 2 years
Under Article 21 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, the duration of a work permit is issued according to the duration of one of the prescribed cases, but not more than 2 years.
This rule also applies to a confirmation that a worker is not subject to a work permit. The duration of this confirmation is also no more than 2 years.
In other words, 2 years is the general ceiling. The actual duration may be shorter, depending on each specific case.
The duration needs to be determined based on the document proving the form of work. Each form of work has a different basis for calculating the duration.
You should also learn Who Is Considered a Foreign Employee Working in Vietnam? to know who this rule applies to.
📄 What basis is used to calculate the duration?
Article 21 lists many bases for calculating the duration. Employers need to choose the basis that matches the form of work.
Common bases include the duration of the employment contract expected to be signed, the duration in the document from the foreign party assigning the worker to work in Vietnam, or the duration of a contract or agreement between partners.
Other bases include the duration of a service supply contract, and the duration in the document from a service provider assigning a worker to Vietnam to negotiate or establish a commercial presence.
The duration may also be based on a business, establishment, or operating licence of an agency, organisation, or enterprise. Or on a document proving that the worker is allowed to participate in the activities of a foreign enterprise that already has a commercial presence in Vietnam.
Some cases involve assignments under an international treaty to which Vietnam is a member. Or under an international agreement signed by a central-level or provincial-level agency or organisation.
| Basis group | Illustrative example |
|---|---|
| Employment contract | The duration of the employment contract expected to be signed |
| Assignment document | A document from the foreign party assigning a worker to work in Vietnam |
| Contract or agreement | A contract or agreement between Vietnamese and foreign partners, or between Vietnamese partners |
| Service supply | A service supply contract or a document assigning a worker to negotiate a service supply |
| Commercial presence | A document assigning a worker to establish a commercial presence of a service provider |
| International agreement | A document assigning a worker under an international treaty or an international agreement signed by an agency or organisation |
The table above only helps you visualise the groups of bases. When preparing a dossier, you need to compare it with the worker’s actual form of work.
The duration stated on the work permit must not exceed the duration of the basis chosen. If the basis is shorter than 2 years, the permit duration will follow that basis.
🏢 Special cases confirmed by a competent authority
For certain cases confirmed by a ministry, a ministerial-level agency, or a provincial People’s Committee, the duration of the confirmation that a worker is not subject to a work permit is the duration confirmed by that authority.
This duration is still a maximum of 2 years. This rule is stated in Clause 2, Article 21 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP.
This is a point to note for work in fields confirmed under the regulations. Employers should carefully check the confirmation document from the competent authority.
If you are not yet sure which category your case falls under, you can refer to What Job Positions Can Foreigners Hold in Vietnam? for a broader overview.
✅ Checklist to check the duration before submitting your dossier
Before submitting a dossier, both sides should review the documents related to the duration. This check helps avoid confusion and delays.
- ☐ Clearly identify the form of work of the foreign worker
- ☐ Prepare the expected employment contract or a suitable assignment document
- ☐ Check the duration stated in the contract, agreement, or assignment document
- ☐ Compare that duration with the 2-year maximum under Article 21
- ☐ Check the business, establishment, or operating licence if it is used as the basis for calculating the duration
- ☐ Prepare the confirmation document from the competent authority for special cases
- ☐ Keep copies of the documents used to calculate the duration
This checklist is for reference only to help you prepare. The specific dossier contents and duration need to be checked under current regulations.
⚠️ Gentle notes when calculating the duration
The duration of a work permit is not always 2 years. The actual duration depends on each dossier and the basis provided by the employer.
Workers and their families should read the contract, assignment document, and related agreements carefully. Make sure information about working time, work location, and job position is stated clearly.
If the contract or assignment document has a duration shorter than the expected working period, you should discuss this with the employer in advance. Agreeing early helps both sides feel more prepared.
When there are changes to the contract, job position, or form of work, the duration may also need to be reconsidered. You should check the contract terms and contact the competent authority for guidance.
This article provides general information under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP. To be sure in each specific case, you should check the current legal documents or contact a qualified advisory provider.
If you need support learning about work permits for foreigners in Vietnam, please contact us via the website https://paa.vn or call 0347674755 for quick and reliable advice.
