Hiring & Employment in Vietnam: 2025 Guide
Your guide to the employment landscape, working customs and local labor laws in Vietnam.
Capital
Hanoi
Commercial Center
Ho Chi Minh City
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Language
Vietnamese
Business Climate Overview
Vietnam continues to be one of the most attractive destinations in Southeast Asia for global companies looking to expand. With competitive labor costs, a young and educated workforce, and growing tech and services sectors, it offers opportunities across many industries.
Economic Hubs
Hanoi (capital), Ho Chi Minh City (commercial center), plus Da Nang and Hai Phong as emerging cities.
Key Industries
Technology, services, finance, real estate, manufacturing, and healthcare
Talent Market & Recruitment
In-demand Roles
- • Software developers
- • IT engineers
- • Financial specialists
- • Marketers
- • Designers
- • Healthcare professionals
Hiring Channels
Job Boards:
VietnamWorks, CareerBuilder Vietnam, LinkedIn
Recruitment Agencies:
Adecco Vietnam, Vietsourcing HR, 9cv9
Employment Regulations
Written Contracts
Required in Vietnamese or bilingual (Vietnamese–English). Must state role, salary, benefits, working hours, leave entitlements, and termination terms.
Probation Periods
• Management: up to 180 days
• College-degree roles: up to 60 days
• Intermediate & low-skilled: up to 30 days
Public Holidays
In 2024, Vietnam observed 17 public holiday dates, including Tet (Lunar New Year), Independence Day, Labor Day, and other national celebrations.
Annual Leave
At least 12 working days per year (statutory minimum).
Termination & Severance
• Contract expiry: no notice required
• Resignation: 30 days' notice (fixed-term), 45 days (indefinite-term)
• Dismissal after probation: typically 30 days' notice
• Severance: ½ month's salary for each year of service (if applicable)
Compensation, Tax & Social Security
Average Salary
As of mid-2025, the national average monthly wage is around 8.25 million VND (~USD 330). This varies significantly by city and industry.
Overtime Pay:
• Weekdays: 150% of base rate
• Weekends: 200%
• Public holidays: 300%
• Night shifts: +30% extra
Tax & Contributions
Employer contributions (on gross salary):
• Retirement & survivor's insurance: 14%
• Occupational accident & disease: 0.5%
• Sickness & maternity: 3%
• Health insurance: 3%
Employee contributions:
• Retirement & survivor's: 8%
• Health insurance: 1.5%
• Unemployment insurance: 1%
Personal Income Tax
Progressive rates from 5% to 35%
VAT
Standard rate is 10%
Bonuses
"13th month" pay or Tết bonus is common though not legally required
Salary Benchmarks by Industry
| Industry / Role | Junior (entry–mid) | Senior (experienced) |
|---|---|---|
| Software Engineer / Developer | 15–25M VND/month | 35–60M+ VND/month |
| Front-end / Back-end / Full-stack | 12–25M | 30–50M+ |
| Digital Marketing | 7–20M | 20–35M |
| Engineering / Manufacturing / Construction | 7–18M | 20–30M+ |
| Human Resources | 6–18M | 20–30M |
| Finance / Accounting / Banking | 10–25M | 25–35M+ |
| Graphic Design / Creative | 8–20M | 20–35M |
| Healthcare (Doctors, Nurses, Pharma) | 8–20M | 25–40M+ |
| Real Estate / Sales | 10–22M | 22–40M+ |
| Management / Leadership | — | 40M to 100M+ (varies widely) |
Payroll & Immigration
Payroll Cycle
Monthly is standard. Employers must provide payslips and ensure compliance with deductions and social contributions.
Work Permits
Foreign hires generally require LD1/LD2 visas and a work permit, unless exempt. Employers are responsible for applications.
Options for Hiring in Vietnam
Employer of Record (EOR)
Partner with a provider who legally employs staff on your behalf.
Local Payroll Providers
Handle compliance, payroll, and social contributions locally.
Independent Contractors
Possible, but watch out for misclassification risks.
Setting up a Local Entity
Incorporating a subsidiary for full control.
Ready to expand your team in Vietnam?
Let HYRED guide you through the complexities of hiring in Vietnam with our comprehensive employment solutions.