KUALA LUMPUR - The Government has issued Decree No. 325/2025/ND-CP outlining labour, employment and social security rules for Vietnam’s International Financial Centre.

Under the decree, employers may freely recruit Vietnamese workers in line with the 2019 Labour Code, either directly or through licensed employment service providers, VnEconomy reported.

Companies are also permitted to hire foreign workers based on operational needs, with no quota or cap on the proportion of foreign employees.

All recruitment of local and foreign workers must, however, comply with national security requirements.

Authorities overseeing the International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are empowered to issue, renew, extend and revoke work permits for foreign workers.

These authorities may also grant or withdraw certificates exempting foreign employees from work permit requirements.

Foreign workers covered under Points a and b of Clause 1, Article 20 of Resolution No. 222/2025/QH15 are exempt from work permits, excluding accompanying family members.

These provisions apply to key investors, experts, managers and highly skilled workers eligible for visas and temporary residence cards of up to 10 years.

Long-term foreign investors, scientists, exceptional talents and senior managers may be considered for permanent residence upon recommendation by the governing authority.

Such applicants will benefit from simplified procedures compared with standard immigration regulations.

Work permit exemptions also extend to categories already specified under Decree No. 219/2025/NĐ-CP on foreign workers in Vietnam.

Foreign professionals who meet standards set by the governing authorities in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang may likewise qualify for exemptions.

Employers are responsible for submitting applications related to the issuance, renewal, extension or revocation of work permit exemption certificates.