Vietnam
Vietnam Exempts 18 Categories of Foreign Workers From Work Permits, Including AI Experts and Investors: Vietnam is introducing new regulations exempting 18 categories of foreign workers from work permit requirements, including qualifying investors, strategic technology specialists, artificial intelligence professionals, researchers and university educators, as the country seeks to attract international talent and strengthen its innovation-driven economy.
The exemptions are outlined in Government Decree No. 393/2026/ND-CP, which regulates foreign nationals working in Vietnam. The new rules are scheduled to take effect on December 15, 2026.
Investors With $116,000 in Capital Qualify
One of the significant provisions concerns foreign investors. Owners or capital-contributing members of limited liability companies, as well as chairpersons and members of the boards of joint-stock companies, may qualify for work permit exemptions if their capital contributions meet the required threshold of VND 3 billion, equivalent to approximately US$116,000.
The decree also covers certain heads of representative offices and projects, foreign lawyers licensed to practise in Vietnam, and foreign nationals married to Vietnamese citizens who reside in the country.
AI and Strategic Technology Experts Included
The new framework specifically recognises the importance of advanced technology and artificial intelligence to Vietnam’s development priorities.
Foreign experts working in designated strategic technology fields and their eligible family members are among those covered. Individuals recruited through the Prime Minister’s National Programme for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Human Resources are also included.
The provisions could make Vietnam a more attractive destination for specialised international professionals and companies seeking to develop technology operations in the country.
Universities and Education Institutions Get Expanded Exemptions
The decree introduces exemptions for foreign nationals involved in teaching, research and international educational cooperation.
Eligible groups include:
- Professionals holding a master’s degree or higher in STEM, science, technology, digital transformation, finance, economics or business administration who teach or conduct scientific research.
- Doctoral degree holders teaching or conducting research at vocational education institutions or higher education institutions.
- Professors and associate professors participating in teaching, research or academic exchanges.
- Foreign educators and researchers working under approved international education and training cooperation programmes.
These provisions are intended to support knowledge transfer, research partnerships and international academic collaboration.
Journalists, Students and Volunteers Also Covered
Other eligible categories include foreign journalists authorised by Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, certain foreign students and trainees with internship agreements or job invitations, apprentices aboard Vietnamese vessels, volunteers and foreign nationals working under specified international agreements.
The rules also cover certain foreign professionals providing technical or professional consultancy services for eligible development programmes funded by non-refundable aid, official development assistance or concessional loans.
Foreign nationals responsible for establishing commercial presences in Vietnam and certain individuals holding official passports who work for state or political organisations are also included.
What Foreign Workers and Employers Should Know
Being exempt from a work permit does not necessarily mean that all employment-related procedures can be skipped. Depending on the applicable category, workers and employers may still need to obtain an exemption confirmation or complete notification requirements.
Foreign professionals and companies planning to operate in Vietnam should review the decree and confirm their eligibility with the relevant Vietnamese authorities before employment begins. The exact documentation and procedures depend on the worker’s circumstances and the applicable exemption category.
Vietnam’s new framework represents a targeted effort to facilitate international recruitment while supporting investment, education, research and emerging technologies. By defining 18 exemption categories, the government is seeking to make it easier for eligible foreign professionals to contribute to the country’s economic and technological ambitions.
