How To Work and Find a Job in Vietnam – that will be the topic of today’s article.
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Introduction
I’m sure you might have read through our expat guide about Expat visas in Vietnam, right? If that sounds like a NO! We advise you to go through the content to understand this article better. To begin working in Vietnam, you should always know that you have to secure a work permit before visitation.
In recent years, more and more emigrants have wanted to work in Vietnam. As a result, the demand for hiring foreign laborers from the Vietnamese has continued to increase. While many may know the trends to get the right jobs, many people still find it difficult to secure one. Guess what! We’ve got you covered.
At first, it may seem complicated to find the right job in this country, but you could surely get one if you have the qualifications. That’s why we advise you to obtain a degree certificate before planning to process your visa to the country. To explain in brief, let’s quickly highlight the five job trends in Vietnam.
● Becoming an English Teacher – Teaching the English language in Vietnam is an exciting opportunity for expat. In fact, the country is completely seeking to acquire an English language license in a National Foreign Language Project. However, the goal of the project is to improve English proficiency for all international students.
● Working as Online Freelancer – Working as an online freelancer is becoming increasingly popular in today’s 21st century. Aside from Graphic designs, Writing, and other related skills, you can explore skills that are even better than what you’ve imagined. Programming or any special technical skills are suitable for foreigners to have a solid foundation to secure a job.
● Working in a Hotel – Alternatively, this is another job trend in Vietnam as updated in 2021. You can earn money while working at restaurants or in a hotel. Aside from this fact, serving as tables, freelancers at restaurants, bartenders, and many others can help you get more income and communicate with many people at your wish.
● Becoming a Tour Guide – You can always become a tour guide or staff in the tourism industry in this country. This group may include supportive work such as onboard staff, standing and seating arrangements, and many others, to mention a few. Meanwhile, working in this industry has two advantages which are; being reluctant to move and staying in the workspace for some time.
● Writing Tour Reviews – Writing a review for different tourist sites is also good. In fact, this is one of the hottest jobs attracting young people who want to make money in the country. Also, many travel companies and the new hotel can organize a press trip for some famous bloggers.
Yes! After getting to know the five trends, we will walk you through working and finding a job in Vietnam. In addition, we would like to draw your attention to How to get a Vietnam visa if you’re looking for a job in Vietnam. Would you love to know more? If that sounds like a YES, read further.
Getting Vietnam Visa for Job in Vietnam
In our previous article, we discussed how to get visas to relocate to this country. Aside from this fact, we also gave a detailed explanation regarding the types of visas in Vietnam. So, you can come to Vietnam to look for a job on a tourist visa or business visa. And then secure a work permit afterward.
While the easiest way to apply for a tourist or business visa is to apply for a visa-on-arrival, the entire process can be challenging. However, it’s better to know that the application is preferred by many tourists and business travelers with the simple online application and submission of documents.
Several Ways to Look for Jobs in Vietnam
We’ve always emphasized that Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world. At the moment, living expenses are becoming more expensive in China. This way, many expat would love to utilize going to Vietnam. More so, finding a job in Vietnam is not the easiest task for foreigners.
Thus, the most challenging part is to find your first job. Meanwhile, always know that the key to land your first job is to have some experience, and then you’ll see more job opportunities coming. Below, I’ve listed the standard ways of finding the right job in Vietnam as an expat.
1. Finding a Job via Job Boards (2021)
This is by far one of the most common ways to land a job in Vietnam. This is because; Vietnam job market is comparatively slim and still relatively closed to foreigners. With that being said, you can find a job through different job boards in the country such as; vietnamworks.com, LinkdIn.com, Careerbuilder.vn, Adecco.com.vn/en, Cxosearch.com, and many others, to mention a few.
2. Finding a Job through Recommendation
Finding a job through referrers and recommendations is another way to secure a job in Vietnam. Since Vietnam’s job market is comparatively slim and relatively closed to foreigners, it would be better to know someone living in the country to refer you to the right place of work. If you arrive in Vietnam and look for jobs, you can attend many networks and socialize as much as possible to get one.
3. Finding a Job through In-house Recruiters
In-house recruiters also contribute another way to look for a job in Vietnam. LinkedIn is one of my favorite platforms to connect with different in-house recruiters at companies. One of the benefits of connecting with these recruiters is that you can meet the requirements for a position and get hired as quickly as possible. If you have the opportunity, you can also speak to the hiring manager directly.
4. Finding a Job through Recruitment Agency
Renowned recruitment agencies like Robert Walters, Michael Page, and many others could help you secure the right job in Vietnam. In the past years, we’ve seen an increase in how these companies allow people to find employment. So, using these agencies is one of the best things to put into consideration. Some of the companies you should look after include; Robert Walters, Monroe Consulting, and more.
5. Polish Your Language Skills (2021)
In addition to getting the right job in Vietnam, language skills are quite essential. This way, you must at least be able to speak one foreign language. While the English language is widely spoken recently, some other languages such as Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, French, German, and many others, to mention a few are constantly in high demand. So, it would be better if you speak any of this language fluently.
6. Speaking Vietnamese Is Good
Since you’re coming to this country as an emigrant, knowing essential Vietnamese words could also get you the right job. This is because; speaking the Vietnamese language is always appreciated in the country. Besides, this is among the first strategies to charm local people and making an excellent first impression. You don’t have to be fluent, as Vietnamese is considered difficult to learn, but instead start with some commonly used terms.
Requirements to Get a Job in Vietnam
If you really want to secure a job in Vietnam, there are many things to consider. Aside from this fact, you’ll need a work permit if you work in this country for more than three months. As said in our previous post, applying for a work visa is not highly complex, even with the cOVID-19 restrictions. To get a work permit in Vietnam, you must have the following requirements.
- Be in a good health condition to satisfy the job requirements
- A clear and clean criminal record and you must not be subjected to criminal prosecution or criminal sentence
- As an expat, you must apply for the position of manager, executive director, or expert with technical skills if you have relevant qualifications
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a valid work permit, having at least three years of experience
Exploring Job market in Vietnam
Vietnam has recorded the fastest growth in Southeast Asia, hovering at around 8 percent a year, according to research. The country is now a player to count on in the manufacturing sector. With that being said, more foreign companies are relocating from China to Vietnam.
However, even if many locals flourish in the job market, it’s still difficult for foreigners to find jobs. That’s why you should be an expat in a particular field, with relevant experience. Without further ado, below are the industries where we see a greater demand for foreign workers in recent times.
- Education industry in Vietnam
- Pharmaceutical/medical industry
- The insurance industry in Vietnam
- Manufacturing industry
- Hi-tech industry/IT industry
If you’re an engineer who has worked with hardware products, you can also use this opportunity to secure a good job. As such, if you’re in dire need of finding a job, don’t be picky but instead prepare for low salary requirements.
Jobs with High Salaries in Vietnam
Choosing the wrong career wastes time and has no chance to improve your salary and group in your career. Therefore, if you’re looking for a job with a high salary, always understand that you must be an expert in such a field or must have certain factors such as passion and skills for the job.
However, an attractive salary is always the most motivating factor for employees. Since the job market has been growing over the years, having relevant skills, experience, and expertise contributes to a high salary. Below, you can find examples of jobs with the highest paying salaries in Vietnam.
| High Demand Jobs in Vietnam | Average Salary as of 2021 |
| Business Controller in Vietnam | USD 22,000 – USD 45,000 |
| Engineering Manager in Vietnam | USD 45,000 – USD 62,000 |
| HR Manager in Vietnam | USD 40,000 – USD 65,000 |
| Production Manager in Vietnam | USD 45,000 – USD 60,000 |
| Invest Analyst in Vietnam | USD 25,000 – USD 35,000 |
| Key Account Manager in Vietnam | USD 41,000 – USD 64,000 |
Paying Taxes as a Foreigner in Vietnam
Paying taxes is one thing that we’d always want to do correctly as an emigrant. You can face a lot of legal trouble just by misreporting the taxes and how it works. This doesn’t mean it’s your fault, but for the first time, you might not understand the process better. That’s why it’s vital to know the pros and cons.
Furthermore, if filling your taxes isn’t already a daunting task, doing it in another country might be enormous stress. This is especially true in a country like Vietnam, where most emigrants don’t speak the language. Of course, you can improvise, but you still need to make sure you’re paying the right one.
Types of Foreign Workers and Taxable Income
Before we go into further details about the types of foreign workers and taxable income, always know that taxes are essential in Vietnam. While it is not compulsory for expat in some countries, you’ll be asked to pay a specific amount in Vietnam. Without much talk, take a look at the types and the taxes.
Non-resident Worker – Non-resident workers are the people who initially come to Vietnam for work purposes, and they live here for not more than 183 days in a year as a non-resident based on Section I, Part A of Circular No. 84/20087/TT-BTC in the country’s immigration process.
Taxable income
As a non-resident, the only income that’d get taxed is the income you earn in the country. This means that non-resident in this country is subjected to pay a flat rate of 20 percent of their income paid in Vietnam.
Resident workers in Vietnam – The resident workers, can work in the country for not more than 183 days in 12 consecutive months. With this in mind, we recommend you to be a registered expat to be sure you’re correct there and won’t face potential taxes from your home country.
Taxable income
As a bonafide resident living in Vietnam, you’ll be asked to pay taxes on any income you acquire regardless of whether you receive the payment in the country or abroad. Similar to other taxation systems, residents will be asked to pay a tiered taxation scheme.
Taxation Scheme Analysis for Residents (VND)
| Average Yearly Income (Expat) | Average Monthly Income (Expat) | Approximately tax rate (%) |
| 60,000,000 and below in 2021 | 6,000,0001 – 11,000,000 | Approximately 5% |
| 61,000,000 – 120,000,000 | 11,000,000 – 18,000,000 | Approximately 10% |
| 121,000,000 – 200,000,000 | 19,000,000 – 35,000,000 | Approximately 15% |
| 216,000,000 – 390,000,000 | 36,000,000 – 52,000,000 | Approximately 20% |
| 400,000,000 – 480,000,000 | 52,000,000 – 80,000,000 | Approximately 25% |
| 500,000,000 – 700,000,000 | 81,000,000 and above | Approximately 30% |
In addition to the analysis stated above, residents who earn in foreign currency must have their taxable income converted to Vietnamese Dong (VNG) based on the exchange rate published by the State bank of Vietnam. Meanwhile, tax issues may be challenging to handle alone, so feel free to meet an accountant.
Other Taxable Income in Vietnam
After you might have gone through the taxation scheme analysis above, there are other taxes we need to put into consideration. Sometimes, paying taxes in Vietnam can be confusing to an emigrant. That’s why we recommend you to read this article carefully if you truly want to understand how it works.
Income from Capital Investment – The income from dividend or capital investments are treated as non-employment income. With that being said, you should know that they are taxed at 5% for both residents and non-residents living in Vietnam. On the flip side, residents do not need to pay PIT from this if they’re business owners.
Income from Capital Assignments – This kind of income for residents and non-residents is taxed 20 percent of net gains while non-residents are taxed 0.1 percent of the gross sales.
Rental income in Vietnam – The rental income acquired through renting property is considered as a business income. Also, they are taxed the same way as other income tax in the country, while the income from property transfer is taxed 25 percent on gross gain or 2.0 percent on gross sales.
Income from Lottery Winning (Vietnam) – Don’t be surprised that you’ll pay a certain percentage if you win a lottery in Vietnam. In addition, lottery winnings from 10 million VND are taxed to deliver nothing less than 10 percent for both residents and non-residents.
Tax on Inheritance and Gifts – Again, there are taxes on gifts and inheritance in Vietnam. Gift from employers to the workers are considered part of your employment income. Therefore, tax with your whole income for each are taxed 10 percent for both residents and non-residents.
Tax Exemption for Emigrants
Of course, not all of your income is subjected to tax in Vietnam. While there are paid taxes allocated to your income, you’re qualified for a tax exemption whether you’re a resident or non-resident. To get a glimpse of what we are saying, look at the tax exemption for emigrants below.
1. Relocation Allowance
If you’re an expat who relocated to the country through your company, you might have received a relocation allowance to help you during your move. This means you might have been given the allocation of relocation tax that’d exempt you with round-trip airline tickets and more as your benefits.
2. Tuition Fee Assistance
Most sponsored emigrants or expats also receive tuition fee assistance or even have the full tuition fee paid for their children by their company. These kinds of benefits are also considered tax-exempted in Vietnam.
Other tax exemptions for emigrants include; allowances you get for mobile phone subscriptions, the income you receive for overtime work, the allowances you get for launch from your employers, and training fees that you received are also non-taxable in Vietnam.
FAQs about Working in Vietnam
Can I work in Vietnam without restrictions?
Of course, YES! If a notable company or firm employs you, you’ll be given a work permit. With this work permit, you can work free and even extra time without restriction or disturbance from the uniform men.
Do COVID-19 affect work in Vietnam?
Since the outburst of the global pandemic, the country has been experiencing a lockdown. Although the lockdown has been lifted to some extent, but all workers need to abide by the COVID-19 rules and regulations as stated by the government. So, be wary of this factor while planning to relocate.
What are the conditions for working as a foreigner?
As it is in all world countries, before working in Vietnam, foreigners must have a work permit. The validity period of the work, as stated by the Vietnamese government, is twelve months. This means that you should have a work visa, a university degree, and at least a minimum of three years of experience.
Is it hard to get a working visa?
Applying for a work permit in Vietnam can be complicated if you don’t have adequate local knowledge. That’s why it’s always good to understand the process of applying for a work visa. Besides, ensure you present the necessary documents and understand the process of working in the country.
Is Saturday a workday in the country?
Saturday and Sunday are considered weekends in Vietnam, unlike Dubai and Saudi Arabia. So, people have days off on these two days, and the street can be crowded because of this factor. On the other hand, some shops can still open, but you’ll definitely enjoy different outdoor activities.
What is the average salary in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, we can say that the average salary for an expat is approximately $90,000. Again, most employers seem not to have financial concern for expats but thanks partly to the country’s reasonable cost of living and good allowances.
Can I work/live permanently in Vietnam?
Of course, you can work and live permanently in the country if you follow due process. In order to reside permanently in Vietnam, you’ll have to apply for a permanent visa residence card, which has the same validity duration.
Conclusion
In recent years, many expats who dream of working and living in Vietnam are looking for teaching jobs. But there are more to explore than having one profession. If you’re a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, you can work in Vietnam as well. Nonetheless, refer to our guide above to know more about Vietnam work.
