EuroCham calls for experience-based work permits in Vietnam

The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) has officially called on the Vietnamese Government to overhaul work permit regulations by recognizing professional experience as a valid qualification for foreign experts, especially in high-tech and rapidly evolving sectors.

EuroCham on 26 May submitted a formal letter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) with detailed recommendations for the draft decree that will replace Decree 152, Vietnam’s current framework governing work permits for expatriate professionals. The proposed decree is expected to be submitted to the Government by May 31, 2025.

Rigid requirements hinder talent mobility

At the heart of EuroCham’s proposal is a growing concern among international businesses: Vietnam’s current emphasis on formal academic degrees excludes top global talent, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation - fields that often value hands-on experience over formal credentials.

“It took over six months of bureaucracy just to bring in a logistics expert with 25 years of experience, simply because he had a biology degree,” said EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert, calling the system “not just a cost burden, but a brake on innovation.”

EuroCham Vice-Chair Nguyen Hai Minh emphasized the mismatch between outdated degree requirements and today’s interdisciplinary workforce: “Professionals often build careers beyond their academic major. Vietnam needs to value experience as much as degrees if it wants to attract and retain global talent.”

These proposals followed a high-level consultation organized by EuroCham and the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Kocham) on 16 May 2025. The event, titled “Policy Recommendations on Work Permit Regulations and the Amendment of Decree No. 152”, was the only public forum to date where government officials directly engaged with foreign businesses on this issue.

The Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledged the concerns raised, with Deputy Director General Nguyen Thi Quyen noting that the draft decree aligns with the Prime Minister’s directive to streamline administrative procedures by at least 30%, with some targets aiming for 40% simplification. Officials confirmed they are actively considering whether professional experience can substitute for degrees in innovation-focused sectors.

Officials also acknowledged the degree-versus-experience concern and confirmed they are reviewing whether relevant work experience may substitute for academic degrees, especially in innovation-driven sectors.

During the  session, Truong Ngoc Diep, EuroCham’s Advocacy Manager, and Nguyen Thuy Duong, representative of the Human Resources & Training Sector Committee, presented keyrecommendations. These included clarifying exemptions for intra-corporate transferees, simplifying short-term expert assignments, adjusting job posting requirements for Vietnamese labor, and standardizing submission procedures.

Representatives from the international business community shared real-life stories that help government officials understand the perspectives of both employers and employees.

Furthermore, they suggested regulation updates to enhance business efficiency and drive more quality investments and knowledge transfer into Vietnam.

The session reaffirmed EuroCham’s commitment to shaping a more predictable, transparent, and business-friendly regulatory landscape in Vietnam. Work permit reform is one of EuroCham’s Top 5 Must-Win Battles for 2025, as outlined in the Whitebook Launch 2025.

EuroCham Vice-Chair Jean-Jacques Bouflet praised the Government’s openness to dialogue: “This consultation is a vital step toward regulatory clarity and a competitive talent environment. We are proud to serve as a bridge between the European business community and Vietnamese policymakers.”

As Vietnam aspires to become a regional innovation hub, EuroCham stands ready to continue working with authorities to ensure that regulations evolve in line with the needs of a globalized, high-tech economy.