Updated Definitions for Foreign Workers Under Vietnam's Decree No. 219/ND-CP

September 11, 2025 | Guidelines, Work permit in Vietnam

Vietnam's Decree No. 219/ND-CP provides crucial clarifications on the definitions of key positions for foreign employees. A clear understanding of these categories—Manager, Executive (CEO), Expert, and Technical Worker—is essential for businesses and individuals navigating the work permit application process. This guide breaks down the official criteria for each role.

1. Who qualifies as a Manager?

A Manager is defined as an individual who holds one of the following positions:

A manager of an enterprise, as defined in Clause 24, Article 4 of Vietnam's Law on Enterprises.
The head or deputy head of an agency or organization.

2. Who qualifies as an Executive (CEO)?

An Executive (CEO) is an individual who meets one of the following criteria:

Serves as the head of a branch, representative office, or business location of an enterprise.
Directly manages a specialized department or field within an agency, organization, or enterprise and possesses at least three (3) years of experience in that field.

3. Who qualifies as an Expert?

An Expert is a foreign national who meets one of the following conditions:

Standard Criteria: Holds a bachelor's degree or higher (or equivalent) and has at least two (2) years of relevant work experience in their specialty or a field suitable for the intended job position in Vietnam.
Specialized Criteria: Holds a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant major and has at least one (1) year of relevant experience. This criterion applies to experts working in high-priority fields such as finance, science, technology, innovation, national digital transformation, or other socio-economic development sectors designated by Vietnamese authorities or government cooperation agreements.

4. Who qualifies as a Technical Worker?

A Technical Worker is an individual who meets one of the following requirements:

Has received technical or other specialized training for at least one (1) year and possesses at least two (2) years of relevant work experience in that trained field.
Possesses at least three (3) years of relevant work experience in the intended job position in Vietnam.

The information contained in this article is general and intended only to provide information on legal regulations. DB Legal will not be responsible for any use or application of this information for any business purpose. For in-depth advice on specific cases, please contact us.

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