Vietnam | Immigration | Hanoi shifts selected work permit procedures to local authorities


June 12, 2026

Immigration

Vietnam | Hanoi shifts selected work permit procedures to local authorities

Summary

From 20 June 2026 to 31 December 2028, the ward and commune level People’s Committees in Hanoi will be authorised to handle certain work permit processes for foreign employees in Hanoi, with other work permit processes, such as new work permit applications, remaining with the Hanoi Department of Home Affairs. Employers and sponsoring entities should allow for a transition period while the new local processes are put in place.

The detail

Earlier this year, the Hanoi Department of Home Affairs, known as HAN DOHA, delegated authority for most work permit processes to the ward and commune level People’s Committees in Hanoi. Decision No. 1052/QD-SNV narrows the scope of that delegation, with the change applying only to the following selected procedures and responsibilities for foreign employees in Hanoi:

  • Reissuing and extending work permits and work permit exemption certificates.
  • Cancelling work permits and work permit exemption certificates that were issued, reissued or extended by the relevant ward or commune level authority.

HAN DOHA will continue to handle matters that have not been transferred to local authorities.

What this means

Employers and sponsoring entities should be prepared to work more closely with local authorities and may experience delays while the changes are introduced, especially if the online filing system also needs to be updated.

How we can help

Vialto can help you manage your immigration compliance obligations in Vietnam. We would be pleased to discuss how we can support you and your employees through these changes.

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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