Work permits re-issuance procedure (2025 update): Key requirements

1. What is work permit re-issuance? When do employers need to apply for re-issuance of a work permit? 

Re-issuance of work permits is a process to help foreign workers continue to work legally in Vietnam after the unexpired work permits lost or damaged and unusable, or the information stated on the unexpired work permit is changed. 

A work permit shall be re-issued in the cases specified in Article 23 of Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP dated 07/08/2025 on foreign workers working in Vietnam (“Decree 219/2025”), including the following:  

• Unexpired work permits that are lost or damaged and unusable. 

• Changes in one of the contents of the unexpired work permit: full name, nationality, passport number, place of work, or change of the employer’s name without changing the employer’s identification number. 

Accordingly, in any of the above-mentioned cases, the employer must carry out the procedures for requesting the re-issuance of a work permit for the foreign employee.  

Ensuring that the application for re-issuance is submitted within the prescribed timeframe helps enterprises avoid administrative sanctions and protect the lawful interests of foreign workers. 

2. Work permits re-issuance procedure (2025 update) 

The procedure for applying for re-issuance of a work permit under Decree 219/2025 consists of the following stages:  

1. Application preparation stage  

Under Article 24 of Decree 219/2025, the dossier components, submission quantity and fees for re-issuance of work permits are as follows:  

a) Dossier components: 

• Application form for re-issuing work permits of the employer using Form No. 03 attached in Decree 219/2025.  

• 02 color photos (size 4 cm x 6 cm, white background, facing forward, head uncovered, and no glasses). 

• Documents proving the changes of content: full name, nationality, passport number, place of work, or change of the employer’s name without changing the employer’s identification number. 

• The unexpired work permit, except in cases of loss as specified in Clause 1 of Article 23 hereof. 

b) Submission quantity: 01 set.  

c) Fees: As prescribed in the provisions of documents guiding the Law on Fees and Charges under the decision-making competence of the People’s Councils of provinces and municipalities; with specific fee levels varying by locality. 

Currently, in most provinces, the fee for re-issuance of work permits for foreigners is 450,000 VNĐ/01 permit. Previously, the current re-issuance of work permits in Ho Chi Minh City had a fee of 450,000 VNĐ/01 permit based on Resolution 09/2022/NQ-HDND dated 08/07/2022 on the collection of work permit fees for foreigners working in Ho Chi Minh City. However, currently, based on Process No. 04 on issuance of work permits for foreign workers working in Vietnam (issued together with Decision No. 1519/QD-UBND dated May 2025 of the Chairman of the City People's Committee), the re-issuance of work permits is exempt from fees when submitting online applications, and the application fee for direct submission is 600,000 VNĐ. 

2. Application stage  

The order of dossier submission as prescribed in Article 25 of Decree 219/2025 are as follows:  

• The employer shall submit a dossier of application for re-issuance of a work permit to the Public Administration Service Center in the locality where the foreign worker works.  

• Currently, Decision 886/QĐ-BNV is regulating the latest administrative procedures. Accordingly, the documents can be submitted online through the Public Service Portal; in person, by post, via a service provided by an enterprise or individual, or via an authorized representative.  

Depending on each method, the place of receipt and return of dossier results is as follows:  

• Information system for settlement of administrative matters: https://dichvucong.gov.vn 

• If the procedures are carried out in Ho Chi Minh City, the place of receipt and return of dossier results shall be carry out directly or by public post at the Receiving And Result Returning Department - Management Board of Exporting Processing and Industrial Zones of Ho Chi Minh City: a) Head Office 1: No. 35 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City; b) Headquarters 2: Binh Duong Administrative Center Building; c) Headquarters 3: Ba Ria - Vung Tau Administrative Center Building; or at the Department of Home Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City in 159 Pasteur Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. 

• The local Public Administration Service Center shall forward the application/dossier in accordance with laws on administrative procedures to the competent authority for reissuing work permits. 

3. Results receiving stage  

• Within 03 working days from the date of receiving a complete application/dossier for reissuing the work permit, the competent authority shall reissue the work permit for the foreign worker. 

• In case of refusal, the competent authority must provide a written response clearly stating the reasons. 

• Under Article 26 of Decree 219/2025, the validity period of the reissued work permit shall be equal to the remaining validity period of the previously issued work permit after deducting the time the foreign worker has already worked when the application for reissuance is submitted.  

For example, Ms. H is a foreigner working in Vietnam with a work permit with a term of 24 months, from January 01, 2023 to January 01, 2025. At the time of applying for re-issuance of the work permit, Ms. H had been working for 12 months. Therefore, the term in the re-issued work permit will be 12 months, which is from January 01, 2024 to January 01, 2025. 

3. Key updates in the procedure for re-issuance of work permits 

From 2025, a number of new regulations will be issued to synchronize data and digitize administrative procedures, creating more favorable conditions for businesses. 

Some updates such as:  

• The requirements for the application are more minimalist, facilitating and fast for applicants. 

• Supplement and clarify the methods of application which the documents can be submitted online through the Public Service Portal; in person, by post, via a service provided by an enterprise or individual, or via an authorized representative.  

These updates contribute to a more transparent and expedited procedure, mitigate legal risks, and help foster a favorable working environment for both employers and foreign workers. 

4. Notes when carrying out the procedures for applying for re-issuance of a work permit 

In order for the process of re-issuance of work permits to take place smoothly, enterprises need to pay attention to common mistakes as follows: 

• Failure to prepare sufficient documents/dossier or the form of paperwork is not in accordance with regulations. 

• Lack of a valid notarized translation. 

• Fill in the wrong information in the documents. 

• Did not track the status of electronic application processing (if applying online). 

Tips for Getting Fast and Legal 

• Double-check the application/dossier before submitting. 

• Use professional legal consulting services from Lexsol to avoid errors and ensure the implementation of procedures quickly and in accordance with the law. 

• Maintain complete records of receipts and feedback emails to facilitate resolution if any issues arise. 

These notes help businesses mitigate legal risks and ensure uninterrupted foreign employment. 

Frequently Asked Questions on work permit re-issuance procedure 

1. How long does it take to re-issuance a work permit? 
The processing time is 3 working days if the application/dossier is complete and valid. 

2. Can I apply for re-issuance of work permits online? 
Applications/Dossier can be submitted online via the Public Service Portal. 

3. What are the consequences of not applying for re-issuance of a work permit? 
Foreign workers can have their work permits revoked, resulting in consequences such as losing their legally working status, being deported, and affecting their temporary residence cards (TRC). In addition, both employees and employers can suffer administrative sanctions. 

Re-issuing a work permit (2025 update) has many new changes in order to ease the procedure more convenient for businesses but also requires accuracy and strict compliance with legal regulations. Preparing complete documents/dossier, acknowledging the procedures and timelines will help save time and avoid violations. 

Contact Lexsol for in-depth legal advice, support in carrying out the procedure for re-issuing a work permit quickly, in accordance with the law and effectively.