Working in Vietnam

With an ever-expanding economy, the range of jobs available when you’re working in Vietnam is also growing. The majority of jobs for foreigners are in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, but some can be found in smaller towns and emerging industrial hubs like Thanh Hoa.

You’ll find most opportunities in Vietnam in the IT, construction and tourism sectors, with technology, renewable energy, and logistics seeing rapid growth. A large English teaching community and many NGOs are also operating out of Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi.

Job market in Vietnam

The job market in Vietnam features a relatively low unemployment rate, with most Vietnamese people working in the agricultural and service sectors. Many others are employed in Vietnam’s manufacturing industries, such as machine-building, food processing and the country’s famous garment and shoe production industry.

Expats working in Vietnam typically relocate to take up high-level managerial positions or as young people moving to Vietnam on a short-term basis to teach English or volunteer. Most companies will offer expats relocation packages of some sort; however, the type of package will often reflect your skill level as well as your ability to negotiate.

Salaries in Vietnam are lower than in other large expat locations, although the cost of living in Vietnam is also lower, meaning that you’ll often maintain the same quality of life as in your home country.

Cost of Living in Vietnam

Finding a job in Vietnam

Finding a job in Vietnam can be done online through company websites, job portals and recruitment agencies. Word of mouth from fellow expats online can also be a good source of leads. Expats typically move to Vietnam with a job already in hand.

While it’s possible to find a job within Vietnam, the government continues to implement stricter visa regulations. You must have a valid work permit if you intend to work in Vietnam, which your employer will need to submit on your behalf.

Learning to speak basic Vietnamese will put you in good standing with colleagues and associates and enhance your ability to make the most of your spare time when exploring Vietnam and interacting with the local people.

Work Permits For Vietnam
Visas And Residence Permits For Vietnam

Useful links

• TopCV: Leading Job Portal
• VietnamWorks: Employment Opportunities
• CareerViet: Job Listings
• ViecLam24h: Job Search Platform
• ViecLamTot: Career Opportunities

Work culture in Vietnam

When working in Vietnam, you’ll find that the work environment is similar to Asian countries such as China, South Korea and Japan. The Vietnamese have a healthy work ethic and are hard-working and industrious. Offices are formal environments, and you’re expected to dress and behave appropriately. Networking is incredibly important in Vietnam, and you’ll soon find that a broad social group is important when it comes to securing a position or moving up the ladder.

Communal lunches are an important part of working in Vietnam, as is socialising with colleagues after work. These social occasions also provide good opportunities for expats to connect and interact with their Vietnamese counterparts.

Companies in Vietnam have a very hierarchical structure. This hierarchy is reflected even in meeting seating arrangements, where the boss sits in the middle with staff to the left and right in descending order of seniority. You’re expected to show respect towards your seniors in the workplace. Punctuality is valued, and lateness is seldom tolerated. Make sure to arrive early for meetings or interviews.

Business Culture in Vietnam