Immigration

Vietnam | Enhanced documentary requirements for work permits

Summary

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a new Decision No. 346/QD-BNV (Decision 346) which enhances the documentary requirements for foreign workers in Vietnam. Decision 346 took effect from 24 March 2026 and replaces the previous Decision 886 which set out work permit application procedures for foreign workers.

Decision 346 increases scrutiny of work permit applications, particularly for foreign workers changing employers while retaining the same position or renewing in the same role. It requires additional supporting documentation to substantiate qualifications, experience, and managerial or executive capacity.

The detail

Under Decision 346, additional documentation is now required for the following work permit applications

• Experts and technical workers changing employers while retaining the same position; and
• Experts, technical workers, managers, and executive directors renewing work permits with the same employer in the same role.

The additional required documents include:

For experts and technical workers:

• Proof of educational qualifications; and
• Evidence of relevant professional experience.

For managers and executive directors:

• Proof of managerial or executive capacity (e.g., company charter, enterprise registration certificate, appointment or delegation letter, or other supporting corporate records).

What this means

Implications for employers of the new Decision 346 include:

• Higher compliance burden – More extensive documentation must be prepared and maintained.
• Longer lead times – Additional time may be needed to collect and verify documents.
• Increased risk of delays – Applications may face rejection or requests for supplementation if documentation is insufficient.

How we can support

Vialto Partners can support you in meeting your immigration compliance requirements in Vietnam. We would welcome the opportunity to meet or arrange a call to discuss how we can best assist you and your employees in remaining compliant.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Brittany Chong
Partner

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