How to Handle Multiple Employers in Different Provinces?

You already have a work permit in one province and now need to work in another. How should a worker in multiple provinces handle this so they do not work outside the scope of what has been granted?

Under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP, the key point is to identify the correct competent authority and notify it before you start work at the new location.

📄 Which authority is competent to issue, re-issue, extend, and revoke?

The general principle in Article 4 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP is that the provincial-level People’s Committee (Ủy ban nhân dân cấp tỉnh) is competent to issue, re-issue, extend, and revoke work permits and confirmations that a worker is not subject to a work permit.

This authority is linked to where the employer has its head office, branch, representative office, or business location in the locality where the foreign worker is expected to work.

If a foreign worker works for one employer in many centrally-run provinces and cities, the provincial-level People’s Committee where the employer has its main head office is competent to issue, re-issue, extend, and revoke.

This is an important basis for avoiding filing in the wrong locality. Before preparing documents, the family and employer should confirm clearly in which province or city the employer’s main head office is located.

You can refer to Do Foreigners Working in Vietnam Need a Work Permit or an Exemption Certification? to distinguish the correct type of document you need.

🧭 What should a worker in multiple provinces who already has a work permit do?

Article 22 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP covers the case where a foreign worker has already been issued a work permit and needs to work for that employer in many centrally-run provinces and cities.

In this case, the employer does not need to apply for a new permit for each province. Instead, the employer must notify the competent authority where the foreign worker is expected to work.

The notification must be made at least 3 days before the expected start of work. This is a timeframe to remember so you can plan travel and work schedules in advance.

The notification must include all of the following information:

• Full name, age, nationality, and passport number of the foreign worker.
• Number of the work permit already issued.
• Name of the foreign employer.
• Start date and end date of work at the new location.

The period of work at the new location must not exceed the validity of the work permit already issued. If the expected period exceeds the permit’s validity, you will need to consider the extension procedure in accordance with regulations.

To better understand the time limit, you can read What Is the Maximum Duration of a Work Permit?

📋 Steps to carry out the notification when working in a new province

The notification should be done in a planned way, not left until close to the start date. The employer should keep the information notified so it can be checked if requested.

1. Confirm that the current work permit is still valid and record the permit number correctly.
2. Identify the new work location and the expected start and end dates.
3. Send the notification to the competent authority where the foreign worker is expected to work at least 3 days in advance.
4. Ensure the period of work at the new location is within the validity of the permit already issued.
5. Store the notification together with the labour file so it can be provided easily when needed.

If you do not yet have a work permit, the employer needs to carry out the new issuance procedure first. The basic documents are explained in What Documents Are Needed for a Work Permit Application?

📄 What about a confirmation that a worker is not subject to a work permit?

Not every case requires a work permit. Some cases are subject to a confirmation that a worker is not subject to a work permit in accordance with regulations.

Article 9 of Decree 219/2025/ND-CP also has a similar provision for workers in multiple provinces. If a worker has been issued a confirmation that they are not subject to a work permit and needs to work for that employer in many centrally-run provinces and cities, the employer must notify in advance.

The notification period is also at least 3 days before the expected start of work to the competent authority where the foreign worker is expected to work.

The notification must include:

• Full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
• Number of the confirmation that the worker is not subject to a work permit already issued.
• Name of the foreign employer.
• Start date and end date of work.

The period of work must not exceed the validity of the confirmation already issued. This helps families and employers control the time worked at each location clearly.

⚠️ Notes to avoid mistakes when moving for work

The 3-day advance notification only applies when the worker works for the same employer in many provinces and cities. This needs to be clearly distinguished from a change of employer.

If the employer, job position, or form of work changes, you need to carry out the procedure for issuing a new work permit in accordance with regulations. Do not apply the notification method to a change of employer.

In addition, the employer needs to ensure the information on the permit or confirmation remains accurate. If there is a change to name, nationality, passport number, or employer name without a change to the identification number, you need to consider the re-issuance procedure.

The processing time for these procedures also needs to be monitored to avoid interruption to work. You can refer to How Long Does the Work Permit Approval Process Take?

To prepare better, review the relevant documents and information before the worker moves to the new location:

• ☐ Check that the work permit or confirmation is still valid.
• ☐ Identify the correct competent authority where work is expected.
• ☐ Prepare the notification at least 3 days before the expected start of work.
• ☐ Declare in full the name, nationality, passport number, and permit number or confirmation number.
• ☐ State clearly the start date, end date, and employer name.
• ☐ Ensure the work period does not exceed the validity of the issued document.
• ☐ Store the notification together with the foreign worker’s labour file.

If information changes or the work period is extended, you should re-check the contract terms and contact the competent authority for specific guidance. Preparing early helps the worker feel at ease at work and allows the family to be more proactive in daily life.

If you need support understanding work permit procedures for foreigners working in Vietnam, please contact 0347674755 or visit https://paa.vn for suitable, prompt, and reputable information and advice.