How Long Is an Exemption Certification Valid?

Many families and businesses wonder how long an exemption certification from a work permit is valid. Can this certification be used for 2 years, or is it calculated based on the employment contract?

Decree 219/2025/ND-CP sets this out clearly in Article 10, Article 17 and Article 21. Understanding the validity period correctly helps foreign workers and employers prepare their documents in advance.

If you are not sure whether your case falls into this category, please see Do Foreigners Working in Vietnam Need a Work Permit or an Exemption Certification?

📅 How Long Is an Exemption Certification Valid?

Under Article 10 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, the validity period of an exemption certification from a work permit is determined according to Article 21 of the Decree.

The most important point is that this period is no more than 2 years.

This means the specific period is not always 2 years. The actual period also depends on the duration of the contract, agreement, or document assigning the worker to work in Vietnam.

Employers need to compare the period stated on the certification with the expected working period. If the working period is shorter, the certification will follow that shorter period.

📌 How Is the Period Determined Under Article 21?

Article 21 provides that the validity period of a work permit and an exemption certification from a work permit is issued according to one of the following cases, but no more than 2 years.

• The duration of the employment contract expected to be signed.
• The duration stated in the document from the foreign party assigning the foreign worker to work in Vietnam.
• The duration of the contract or agreement signed between Vietnamese and foreign partners, or between Vietnamese partners.
• The duration of the contract or agreement for the provision of services signed between Vietnamese and foreign partners.
• The duration stated in the document from the service provider assigning workers to Vietnam to negotiate the provision of services.
• The duration already determined in the business, establishment, or operation licence of the agency, organisation, or enterprise.
• The duration stated in the document from the service provider assigning workers to Vietnam to establish a commercial presence.
• The duration stated in the document proving that the worker is allowed to participate in the activities of a foreign enterprise that has established a commercial presence in Vietnam.
• The duration stated in the document from the foreign party assigning workers under an agreement or international treaty of which Vietnam is a member.
• The duration stated in the document from the foreign party assigning workers under an international agreement signed by a central-level or provincial-level agency or organisation.

This list shows that the validity period of the certification is closely linked to the basis for work in each case.

Therefore, when preparing the dossier, employers need to prepare documents proving the expected working period.

You can also refer to What Is the Maximum Duration of a Work Permit? to compare it with an exemption certification from a work permit.

⏳ Special Cases in Priority Fields

For certain cases confirmed to come to Vietnam to work in finance, science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation, and other fields prioritised for socio-economic development, the period is determined separately.

Under Article 21, the validity period of the certification for these cases is the period confirmed by the relevant ministry, ministerial-level agency, or the provincial People’s Committee.

This period is also no more than 2 years.

This is an important point for experts working in priority fields. The period does not automatically extend if the confirmed period has expired.

You can learn more about cases exempt from a work permit in When Is a Foreign Employee Exempt from a Work Permit?

🔁 Extending the Certification: Only One Extension Allowed

Article 17 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP provides for the extension of the validity period of an exemption certification from a work permit.

The extension period is determined according to Article 21 of the Decree.

In particular, the certification may be extended only once.

The extension period is no more than 2 years.

This means that after one extension, if the foreign worker continues to work, the employer needs to carry out the procedures in accordance with the regulations in force at that time.

Employers also need to pay attention to the timing for submitting the extension dossier.

Under Article 16, the extension dossier must be submitted at least 10 days but no more than 45 days before the certification expires.

Submitting the dossier on time helps avoid interruptions to work due to paperwork.

⚠️ Practical Notes for Families and Employers

The validity period of an exemption certification from a work permit does not exceed the working period stated in the dossier.

If a foreign worker works in multiple provinces or cities, the employer needs to give notice at least 3 days before the expected work.

The working period in the new province or city does not exceed the validity period of the certification already issued.

Families should also check the start and end dates of work stated on the certification. This is an important basis when arranging life and work in Vietnam.

If the certification is lost, damaged, or its information changes, the employer needs to carry out the re-issue procedure in accordance with regulations.

The validity period of a re-issued certification is calculated as the period already issued minus the time the worker has worked up to the time of submitting the dossier.

✅ Checklist for Tracking the Certification Period

• ☐ Check the expected working period stated in the contract, agreement, or assignment document.
• ☐ Compare it with the period stated on the exemption certification from a work permit.
• ☐ Remember the maximum 2-year limit for both the issued certification and its extension.
• ☐ Prepare the extension dossier at least 10 days but no more than 45 days before expiry.
• ☐ Give notice at least 3 days in advance if the worker works in another province or city.
• ☐ Keep the certification, contract, and assignment document for reference when needed.

The validity period of an exemption certification from a work permit may seem simple, but it is very important. Just one delayed step can affect the foreign worker’s work process.

If you need clearer guidance on documents and procedures, please contact us via the website paa.vn or by phone at 0347674755 for quick and reliable support.