On 27 June 2025, the National Assembly issued Resolution No. 222/2025/QH15 (“Resolution 222”) to establish the International Financial Center in Vietnam (“VN IFC”). This policy initiative reflects Vietnam’s determination to compete directly with other financial hubs in the region in attracting capital flows, international financial institutions, and high-caliber talent.
For foreign investors, the key question is not merely whether the market offers attractive opportunities, but whether the legal framework is sufficiently robust to facilitate the efficient movement of both capital and people.
In this article, BLawyers Vietnam provides an overview and analysis of 03 notable mechanisms under the VIFC framework: personal income tax (“PIT”) incentives, favourable visa policies, and work permit (“WP”) exemptions applicable to eligible individual.
1. PIT incentives, a tool to attract global talent
In addition to tax incentives available to organisations, Article 19 of Resolution 222 introduces a PIT exemption regime applicable until the end of 2030 for foreign individuals working within the VIFC, including:
- Employment income derived from work performed by managers, experts, scientists, and individuals possessing high levels of professional expertise; and
- Income derived from the transfer of shares, capital contributions, or rights to contribute capital in VIFC Members.
Where an individual receives both PIT-exempt employment income and other taxable employment income, the amount of PIT exempted shall be determined in proportion to the exempt income, based on the following formula:
2. Visa and residence policies, facilitating international talent mobility
Article 20 of Resolution 222, together with Article 7 of Decree No. 324/2025/ND-CP, establishes a more favourable immigration regime for individuals participating in the VIFC. Specifically:
- Investors, experts, managers, and highly qualified employees may be considered for the issuance of visas and temporary residence cards valid for up to 10 years under the UD1 category, while their accompanying family members may be granted visas and temporary residence cards under the UD2 category; and
- In particular, foreign nationals who are significant investors, experts, scientists, individuals with exceptional talents, or senior executives working on a long-term basis for organisations headquartered within the VIFC may be considered for permanent residence in Vietnam.
In addition, dedicated priority immigration channels will be established at international airports in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City. Eligible individuals may also be issued VIFC expert identification cards, allowing access to designated lanes and facilitating faster immigration clearance procedures.
3. WP exemptions, reducing administrative burdens for key personnel
Pursuant to Article 20 of Resolution 222 and Article 5 of Decree No. 325/2025/ND-CP, the following categories of individuals may qualify for work permit exemptions when working for organisations operating within the VIFC: significant investors, experts, managers, highly skilled employees, scientists, and individuals with exceptional talents.
Nevertheless, a “WP exemption” does not eliminate compliance obligations altogether. Although employers are not required to obtain a formal confirmation of WP exemption, they are required to notify the relevant VIFC operating authority through the National Public Service Portal, via public postal services, or by direct submission at least 03 working days prior to the foreign employee’s anticipated commencement date in Vietnam.
Accordingly, the validity period of the work permit exemption confirmation may be granted for a maximum period of 10 years.
How does BLawyers Vietnam support investors participating in the VN IFC?
The deployment of international talent and the establishment of a foreign investor’s presence within the VIFC require not only commercial planning but also careful legal preparation from the outset. BLawyers Vietnam provides comprehensive legal support to investors, financial institutions, and foreign professionals throughout their operations within the VIFC, including:
- Assisting clients in assessing the legal conditions applicable to foreign investors and personnel proposed to work within the VIFC, in order to accurately identify available incentives and relevant compliance obligations.
- Advising on the application of PIT incentives and developing appropriate visa and residence strategies for investors, experts, and accompanying family members.
- Supporting the preparation of WP exemption documentation and liaising with competent authorities to ensure that the establishment and operation of a presence within the VIFC are implemented efficiently, in a timely manner, and in compliance with applicable laws.
The above is not official advice from BLawyers Vietnam. If you have any questions or suggestions about the above, please contact us at info@blawyersvn.com. BLawyers Vietnam would love to hear from you.
Date: 23 June 2026
Writer: Ha Le
