A control device is provided to reduce an engine start shock when there is a request to start the engine in response to the accelerator pedal depression and the slip polarity of the second clutch is negative. The control device for a hybrid vehicle has an engine, a motor/generator, a first clutch, a second clutch, and a mechanism for an engine start permission controlling operation. The first clutch is selectively engaged during engine start in which the motor generator is operated as the starter motor. The second clutch is interposed between the motor/generator and tires, and is slip-engaged when the engine is started. The mechanism for the engine start permission controlling operation delays starting the engine until the slip polarity becomes positive when the engine start request is produced and the slip polarity of the second clutch is negative.