Immigration News – September 2025: A Nation on the Move – Attracting, Educating, and Innovating

1. Visa exemption for investors

Since August 15, 2025, the Vietnamese government has introduced a limited visa exemption scheme for foreigners who make significant contributions to the country’s socio-economic development—such as investors, experts, researchers, artists, top-level athletes, and cultural ambassadors.

This exemption takes the form of a physical smart card, or its electronic equivalent, allowing multiple entries. Valid for five years, it grants holders the right to stay in Vietnam for periods of up to 90 days, renewable. Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Public Security through recognized organizations or agencies that can certify the applicant’s contribution. Framed by Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP, this measure simplifies entry and long-term stays for international talent, strengthening Vietnam’s attractiveness for investment and innovation.

2. Reforms to foreign work permits

Issued on August 7, 2025, Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP relaxes procedures for employing foreign workers in Vietnam. Applications are now decentralized to the provincial level and processed within just ten business days.Qualification criteria have also been eased. For experts, only a university degree and two years of professional experience are required—or just one year in priority sectors. For technicians, the required experience ranges from two to three years depending on the industry.

The categories of workers exempted from work permits have also expanded to include major investors, public aid consultants, accredited journalists, and diplomatic teachers. In addition, the maximum duration of short-term assignments exempt from work permits has been extended from 30 to 90 days.

3. New incentives for supporting industries

Decree No. 205/2025/NĐ-CP, effective from September 1, 2025, reforms the framework for developing Vietnam’s supporting industries. It expands their definition to include processing activities and auxiliary materials, and extends incentives not only to new investment projects but also to expansions in priority product categories—some of which require European or equivalent technical certification.

The decree introduces financial support covering up to 50% of expenses related to R&D, equipment purchases, consulting services, testing, and intellectual property, and up to 70% for training and capacity building. It also provides incentives for industrial parks and clusters, legal assistance, reduced fees, and tax benefits.

These reforms underscore Vietnam’s determination to enhance its international competitiveness—by facilitating the entry and employment of foreign talent while boosting the growth of strategic industrial sectors. By combining openness to global expertise with targeted investment incentives, the country is positioning itself as a competitive hub in Asia for innovation and sustainable growth.