How Long Does the Work Permit Approval Process Take?

You have submitted your work permit application but are not sure when you will receive a result? The work permit processing time is an important milestone for families and businesses to plan a start date for work. Under Article 22 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, this period is counted from when the competent authority receives a complete dossier.

⏰ How Long Does Work Permit Approval Take Under Article 22?

Under Article 22 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, within 10 working days from the date of receiving a complete dossier requesting a work permit, the competent authority will consider the need and issue the work permit.

This is the main processing period that employers need to follow. The period only begins to be counted when the dossier is complete, not from the date a dossier with missing documents is first sent.

Therefore, preparing your dossier carefully from the beginning will help the review process go more smoothly. You can refer to the article on what documents are needed for a work permit application to review your dossier before submitting it.

📅 Key Submission Deadline Before the Expected Work Date

Article 22 also sets out when to submit the dossier. Employers must submit it within 60 days but no less than 10 days before the date the foreign worker is expected to start work.

This timeframe gives the competent authority enough time to receive, forward, and consider the dossier in the proper order. If you submit too close to the expected work date, the dossier may not be processed in time within the prescribed period.

The dossier can be submitted in person, by public postal service, through a business or individual service provider, or by authorised representative to the local Public Administrative Service Centre where the foreign worker is expected to work.

The Public Administrative Service Centre will forward the dossier to the competent authority for issuing work permits under the one-stop and interlinked one-stop mechanism. Employers should keep the receipt or reception information so they can follow up easily.

📂 The Processing Period Only Counts From a Complete Dossier

The 10-working-day period is counted from the date a complete dossier is received. If the dossier is still missing documents, does not meet the requirements, or needs to be supplemented, the processing time may be longer than expected.

Some documents that usually need careful preparation include a health check certificate, a passport that is still valid, photos, documents proving the form of work, and documents proving that the job position is a manager, executive director, expert, or skilled worker.

You can see further guidance on health checks, passports, and other documents for a work permit application to avoid missing anything.

In addition, a work permit is only issued for job positions that fall within the prescribed scope. If you are not sure whether the intended position is eligible for consideration, you should check in advance through the article on what job positions foreigners can hold in Vietnam.

✉️ What Happens If the Application Is Not Approved?

Not every dossier is approved. In cases where the need to employ a foreign worker is not approved or a work permit is not issued, the competent authority must provide a written response stating the reasons clearly.

The response period in this case is 03 working days from the date of receiving a complete dossier. Employers need to read the reasons in the written response carefully to know whether they need to supplement, adjust, or reconsider a suitable plan.

Receiving a written response with clear reasons helps all parties avoid unclear waiting. From there, the family and business can proactively discuss next steps with the competent authority or an advisory provider in line with regulations.

You should also note that the duration of an issued work permit is no more than 02 years and depends on each specific case. This information is explained further in the article on the maximum duration of a work permit.

✅ Checklist for Tracking the Work Permit Processing Period

• ☐ Identify the date the foreign worker is expected to start work in Vietnam.
• ☐ Submit the dossier between 60 days and no less than 10 days before the expected work date.
• ☐ Check that the dossier is complete according to the prescribed list before submitting.
• ☐ Keep the receipt, dossier code, or reception information from the Public Administrative Service Centre.
• ☐ Count the 10-working-day period from the date the competent authority receives a complete dossier.
• ☐ Follow up on the written response in cases of non-approval within 03 working days from the date a complete dossier is received.
• ☐ Check the information on the work permit after it is issued, including full name, nationality, passport number, job position, form of work, location, and duration of work.

Keeping close track of these milestones will help employers and foreign workers be more proactive in planning work in Vietnam. If you still have questions about the procedures, you should check the relevant provisions in your contract or contact the local competent authority for specific guidance for your case.

If you need support to learn more about work permits for foreigners working in Vietnam, please contact us via the website paa.vn or by phone at 0347674755 for gentle, clear, and practical advice.