For many businesses employing foreign workers, one of the most frequently asked questions is: Can a work permit be renewed for a second time after its first renewal expires? This is a critical compliance issue because if the wrong procedure is followed, the foreign employee may no longer be legally authorized to work in Vietnam, while the employer may also face administrative penalties for employing a foreign worker without a valid work permit.

Can a Work Permit Be Renewed for a Second Time?

Under Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, a work permit for a foreign employee may only be renewed once, with the renewal period not exceeding two (02) years. Accordingly, a foreign employee may work in Vietnam for a maximum continuous period of four (04) years under the same work permit cycle, consisting of an initial work permit valid for up to two years and a one-time renewal for up to an additional two years.

What Should Employers Do When the Renewed Work Permit Expires?

Once the renewed work permit expires, Vietnamese law does not provide for a second renewal. If the employer wishes to continue employing the foreign worker, it must apply for the issuance of a new work permit.

Importantly, this is not the same as the standard work permit application applicable to first-time foreign employees entering Vietnam. Where the foreign employee continues working for the same employer, in the same position, and within the same field of work, the law provides for a simplified application process compared to the ordinary new work permit procedure.

Application Dossier for a New Work Permit Following the Expiry of a Renewed Work Permit

For foreign employees whose work permits have already been renewed and who continue working for the same employer in the same position and field of work, the application dossier is generally similar to that required for a new work permit application.

However, employers should note two important differences: A copy of the previously issued work permit must be included, and A criminal record certificate is not required.

Specifically, the application dossier includes:

• An application for the issuance of a work permit, incorporating the employer’s explanation of the demand for employing foreign workers, in the prescribed form;
• A health certificate issued within 12 months prior to the application date;
• A valid passport;
• Two (02) colour photographs (4 cm × 6 cm);
• Documents evidencing the foreign employee’s form of employment in Vietnam;
• A copy of the previously issued work permit; and
• Supporting documents proving the employee’s qualifications or status as a manager, executive, or other eligible position, where applicable.