Vietnam's rapidly growing economy and skilled workforce make it an attractive destination for global companies looking to hire employees in Vietnam. An Employer of Record (EOR) Vietnam solution provides the fastest, most compliant way to expand into this dynamic Southeast Asian market without establishing a local entity. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about EOR Vietnam services, from employment laws to payroll requirements.
Quick Reference for EOR Vietnam Services:
Why Choose EOR Vietnam in 2025: Vietnam's GDP of $408 billion and position as Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economy make it ideal for business expansion. An Employer of Record Vietnam eliminates setup complexities while ensuring complete regulatory compliance from day one.
An Employer of Record (EOR) Vietnam is a third-party service that legally employs your workers in Vietnam on your behalf. While you maintain day-to-day management control, the EOR handles all legal employment responsibilities, payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance with Vietnamese labor laws.
The EOR model has become increasingly popular in Vietnam as businesses recognize the country's potential as the world's second-largest apparel exporter and Southeast Asia's manufacturing powerhouse. With Vietnam's government actively promoting foreign investment through initiatives like the National Digital Transformation Program 2025, Vietnam 2030 Vision, and extensive Free Trade Agreement benefits, international companies are seeking efficient ways to tap into this market without the complexities of establishing local entities.
The relationship between your company and the EOR creates a seamless employment experience where you retain complete operational control while transferring all legal and compliance obligations to local experts who understand Vietnam's intricate regulatory environment.
Vietnam stands as Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economy and a strategic manufacturing hub, offering companies access to a highly skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, and a government that actively promotes foreign investment. The country serves as a global center for electronics manufacturing, textiles, and emerging technology services, providing exceptional opportunities for international expansion.
Vietnam's National Digital Transformation Program represents a VND500 trillion initiative focused on digital government, digital economy, and digital society development. The program aims to create over 1.2 million digital jobs by 2030, positioning Vietnam as a regional technology and innovation hub.
The country is also positioned as a key beneficiary of global supply chain diversification, particularly in electronics manufacturing and renewable energy. Vietnam expects significant investment in semiconductor assembly, electric vehicle manufacturing, and solar panel production over the next five years.
With Vietnam positioned as the "Factory of Asia" and emerging as a major player in global technology services, the country's business-friendly environment continues to attract international investment across multiple sectors.
Navigating Vietnam's complex employment landscape presents significant challenges for international businesses. Vietnamese employment regulations encompass the comprehensive Labor Code 2019, Social Insurance Law, Enterprise Law, and various implementing decrees, making expert guidance essential for business success.
The regulatory framework requires deep understanding of Social Insurance Fund obligations, health insurance contributions, unemployment insurance requirements, personal income tax regulations, and Vietnam's work permit processes. Quality EOR service providers must demonstrate expertise across all these areas while offering transparent pricing and comprehensive advisory support.
Vietnam implements a regional minimum wage system with rates varying by region, reflecting local economic development levels and cost of living differences.
The minimum wage applies to Vietnamese employees in enterprises, cooperatives, and organizations. Foreign employees are not subject to minimum wage requirements but must receive market-rate compensation.
Vietnam's Labor Code establishes clear guidelines for working hours and overtime compensation, balancing employee protection with business flexibility.
Special provisions apply to certain industries including manufacturing, where shift work and extended hours are common with proper regulatory approvals and employee consent.
Vietnamese employees are entitled to various types of leave throughout the year, with entitlements based on length of service and specific circumstances.
Vietnam provides 10 national public holidays, including Tet (Lunar New Year) which typically involves 5-7 consecutive days off. The Tet holiday is the most significant cultural event and must be factored into business planning and workforce management.
The choice between establishing a local entity or partnering with an Employer of Record represents a critical strategic decision that impacts timeline, investment requirements, operational control, and long-term business flexibility in Vietnam.
Traditional entity setup in Vietnam can cost over VND15 billion and take 16-24 weeks to complete. This lengthy process includes business registration with the Department of Planning and Investment, investment certificate applications, minimum capital requirements, and ongoing regulatory compliance with multiple ministries.
In contrast, EOR providers can reduce setup time by 95%+, enabling immediate market entry without capital investment or administrative burden. This speed advantage becomes crucial in Vietnam's rapidly evolving business environment where first-mover advantage can determine market success.
The EOR model provides particular value for companies testing Vietnam market viability, requiring rapid deployment of specialized talent, or managing seasonal workforce variations. Vietnam's foreign ownership restrictions in certain sectors make EOR an attractive alternative for market entry.
The EOR implementation process in Vietnam follows a structured approach designed to ensure compliance while minimizing time-to-market. Leading providers have streamlined this process to deliver predictable outcomes within established timelines.
Selecting the right EOR provider requires systematic evaluation of compliance capabilities, local expertise, and service delivery standards. The complexity of Vietnamese employment regulations and cultural considerations demands thorough due diligence to ensure provider reliability and regulatory adherence.
Critical evaluation criteria include compliance track record verification, with top providers maintaining zero-penalty track records and providing transparent compliance reporting. Verify provider registration with Vietnamese authorities and their understanding of Labor Code, Social Insurance Law, and tax regulations.
Working with your EOR partner, you'll define the employment structure that complies with Vietnamese labor standards while meeting your business objectives. This phase requires careful attention to both legal requirements and cultural expectations.
Employment contracts in Vietnam must include specific mandatory elements such as employee personal information, detailed job responsibilities, compensation structure, working conditions, and termination procedures. Contracts must be in Vietnamese with official English translations permitted for reference.
Once contracts are executed, the EOR manages comprehensive onboarding procedures that ensure immediate productivity while maintaining full regulatory compliance across all aspects of Vietnamese employment law.
The onboarding process includes Social Insurance registration, health insurance enrollment, unemployment insurance setup, tax code assignment, and benefit activation. For foreign employees, the EOR coordinates work permit applications and visa support, ensuring all Department of Labor requirements are met.
Continuous compliance management ensures ongoing legal adherence while providing the reporting transparency and operational support necessary for successful business operations in Vietnam's dynamic regulatory environment.
Professional EOR providers maintain dedicated Vietnam legal teams, conduct regular compliance audits, and implement automated regulatory monitoring systems. They provide compliance certificates and regular regulatory updates specific to Vietnam requirements, ensuring your business stays ahead of regulatory changes.
Vietnam's payroll and taxation system requires precise compliance with General Department of Taxation regulations and Labor Code provisions. Understanding the tax structure, contribution requirements, and processing timelines is essential for compliant employee compensation management.
Recent updates include enhanced digital filing requirements, revised tax incentives for high-tech industries, and improved social insurance portability, making expert payroll management increasingly valuable for international businesses operating in Vietnam.
Vietnam employs a progressive personal income tax system with rates ranging from 5% to 35% for resident individuals, with various deductions and exemptions available.
Personal deductions include VND11 million monthly for the taxpayer, VND4.4 million for each dependent, and various deductions for insurance premiums and charitable contributions.
Beyond salary and basic contributions, employers must budget for additional mandatory costs that support Vietnam's comprehensive social security and healthcare framework.
Trade Union fees apply to enterprises with trade union organizations, while some companies may be exempt based on size and industry classification.
Monthly payroll processing follows established timelines that ensure employee satisfaction while meeting all regulatory deadlines and maintaining cash flow predictability for business planning.
Vietnamese law requires monthly salary payments in Vietnamese Dong, with payments typically made by the last working day of each month. All salary payments must be made through Vietnamese bank accounts.
Vietnam's comprehensive benefits framework combines statutory requirements with competitive market practices, creating attractive employment packages that support work-life balance and employee wellbeing. Understanding both mandatory and discretionary benefits is crucial for designing competitive compensation packages that attract and retain top talent.
Vietnamese business culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy, collective decision-making, and building long-term relationships ("guanxi" influence from Chinese culture). Face-saving concepts are important, and direct confrontation should be avoided. Understanding cultural nuances around family obligations, education values, and seasonal celebrations significantly enhances business success.
Vietnamese employment law establishes comprehensive mandatory benefits designed to protect employees and provide financial security throughout their careers and beyond.
The Social Insurance system provides comprehensive coverage including old-age pensions, sickness benefits, maternity allowances, and work-related injury compensation.
While not legally required, competitive employers often provide additional benefits that enhance the total compensation package and improve employee retention in Vietnam's competitive talent market.
Private health insurance is highly valued, providing access to international-standard hospitals beyond the basic health insurance coverage. Transportation allowances help with commuting costs, while language training (especially English) is considered a valuable career development benefit.
Foreign nationals seeking employment in Vietnam must obtain proper work authorization through Vietnam's immigration and labor permit system. The process involves multiple government agencies and requires careful coordination between visa applications and work permit approvals.
Vietnam has implemented several digital initiatives to streamline government processes, though compliance with immigration requirements remains critical for both employers and employees.
Different visa categories serve various employment needs, from traditional working visas to specialized programs targeting high-skilled professionals and investors.
All foreign workers require both a work permit from the Department of Labor and a temporary residence card from the Immigration Department.
The work permit application process requires systematic documentation and compliance with Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) requirements to ensure successful approval within established timelines.
Required documentation includes personal documents (passport, criminal background check, health certificate), educational credentials (degree certificates, notarized and apostilled), and employment documents (contract, company license, job description).
Understanding the full cost structure for work permits and visas enables accurate budgeting for international talent acquisition while ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Annual renewals require updated health certificates, employment contracts, and tax compliance documentation. The total annual cost for maintaining foreign worker status typically ranges from VND20-50 million depending on services required.
Vietnam's termination laws balance employer flexibility with strong employee protection, requiring careful attention to legal procedures and legitimate grounds for dismissal. Understanding these requirements is essential for maintaining compliance while managing workforce changes effectively.
Legal termination grounds include disciplinary dismissal (serious violations, repeated breaches) and economic dismissal (redundancy, restructuring, economic difficulties). The Labor Code provides detailed procedures for each type of termination, with different notice and compensation requirements.
Severance pay requirements vary based on the reason for termination and length of service, providing financial protection for employees during career transitions.
Severance calculations are based on average salary over the last 6 months, including basic salary and regular allowances.
Notice periods provide adequate time for both parties to prepare for employment termination while ensuring orderly business operations.
Final settlement must include all accrued benefits, unused annual leave, and applicable severance pay. Professional EOR providers manage this process to ensure compliance with Labor Code requirements while maintaining positive employee relations.
The Vietnam EOR provider market has expanded significantly, with both international and regional service providers competing to serve growing demand from manufacturing companies, technology firms, e-commerce businesses, and multinational corporations establishing Asian operations.
Selecting the right EOR service provider requires evaluating several critical capabilities specific to Vietnam's complex business environment. Vietnamese employment law complexity and strong worker protections demand providers with deep local expertise and proven compliance track records.
AYP Group leads the Vietnam EOR provider market through its unwavering commitment to regulatory excellence, comprehensive advisory support, and complete price transparency. With extensive local expertise and a proven zero-penalty track record in Vietnam's complex regulatory environment, AYP Group delivers unmatched peace of mind for companies expanding into this strategic Asian manufacturing hub.
AYP Group's Vietnam operations are built on three core pillars: guaranteed compliance with no penalties, comprehensive advisory services eliminating uncertainty, and complete price transparency with no hidden costs. Their local team maintains deep expertise in Vietnamese Labor Code, Social Insurance Law, tax regulations, and work permit processes, ensuring clients never face compliance surprises.
Remote offers comprehensive EOR services in Vietnam through its global platform, providing standardized processes with local compliance expertise and multi-currency payroll capabilities suited to Vietnam's growing international business environment. Remote manages Vietnamese employment contracts, social insurance contributions, and provides integrated work permit support for foreign employees.
Deel provides EOR services in Vietnam through its digital-first platform, emphasizing speed and technology integration for Vietnam's rapidly digitalizing business environment. Deel offers rapid onboarding capabilities, automated Vietnamese tax calculations, and integrated contractor-to-employee conversion services essential for fast-growing technology companies.
Oyster HR delivers EOR services across the Asia-Pacific region with specialized Vietnam operations and deep understanding of Vietnamese business culture and relationship-focused practices. Oyster provides Vietnamese/English employment contracts, local benefits administration, and comprehensive social insurance management with cultural integration support.
Globalization Partners offers enterprise-grade EOR services in Vietnam with focus on large-scale deployments and complex organizational requirements suitable for major manufacturing operations and regional centers. GP provides dedicated Vietnam entity management, comprehensive legal support, and enterprise-level compliance infrastructure.
Evaluating EOR service providers in Vietnam requires systematic assessment of compliance capabilities, local expertise, and service delivery standards. The complexity of Vietnamese employment regulations and strong worker protections demands thorough due diligence to ensure provider reliability and regulatory adherence.
Compliance track record verification should include detailed compliance histories, DOLISA penalty records, and regulatory audit results. Top providers maintain zero-penalty track records and provide transparent compliance reporting, with verification of provider business license registration and understanding of Labor Code requirements.
Local expertise assessment involves evaluating provider teams' Vietnam market knowledge, Vietnamese language capabilities, and cultural understanding. Assess their ability to handle regional wage variations and navigate Vietnam's hierarchical business environment and relationship-building practices that characterize successful Vietnamese business operations.
Pricing structure transparency requires detailed cost analysis including setup fees, monthly charges, social insurance handling, and potential penalty fees. Compare total cost of ownership and ensure providers offer clear, predictable pricing without hidden charges for regulatory changes, Tet bonus administration, or compliance updates.
Successfully implementing EOR services in Vietnam requires careful planning, clear communication, and attention to both regulatory requirements and cultural considerations that characterize Vietnamese business relationships.
Define your hiring needs clearly, including specific roles, timelines, and budget parameters. Research EOR providers thoroughly, comparing services, pricing, and local expertise while checking references from clients with similar Vietnam operations.
Review contracts carefully, paying attention to terms, service level agreements, and termination clauses. Establish clear communication protocols and reporting procedures to ensure smooth ongoing operations and rapid issue resolution.
Understanding and respecting Vietnamese business culture significantly enhances employee integration and retention. Vietnamese workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy, consensus building, and maintaining face in professional interactions, requiring sensitivity to organizational dynamics and communication styles.
Provide Vietnamese language support and cultural training while respecting Vietnam's strong family values. Offer flexible arrangements to accommodate family obligations and recognize traditional festivals (especially Tet) to demonstrate respect for work-life balance and cultural traditions.
Monitor monthly payroll accuracy and compliance through regular reviews with your EOR provider. Conduct quarterly compliance checks to stay updated on regulatory changes while maintaining annual contract reviews to update terms and compensation structures.
Track EOR service quality through performance monitoring and plan for expansion as your business grows in Vietnam's dynamic market environment.
AYP Group distinguishes itself in the Vietnam EOR provider market through its unique combination of guaranteed compliance, comprehensive advisory support, and complete price transparency—delivering unmatched peace of mind for businesses expanding into Vietnam's dynamic and relationship-focused market environment.
AYP Group's zero-penalty compliance guarantee sets the standard for Vietnam EOR services, backed by deep local expertise and proactive regulatory monitoring across Vietnam's complex employment regulations. Our comprehensive advisory approach eliminates uncertainty by providing strategic guidance on Vietnamese employment best practices, cultural considerations, and relationship management strategies.
Complete price transparency ensures clients understand all costs upfront with no hidden fees for compliance management, social insurance administration, or regulatory changes. This transparency, combined with our advisory expertise, enables accurate budgeting and confident decision-making throughout your Vietnam expansion journey.
Our Vietnam operations combine cutting-edge technology with human expertise, providing real-time compliance monitoring while maintaining the personal relationships and cultural sensitivity essential for successful Vietnamese business operations.
Vietnam's economy is transforming rapidly, and the businesses that thrive will be those who act fast, hire smart, and scale with agility. Partnering with an Employer of Record like AYP Group gives you a strategic edge—enabling you to unlock Vietnam's market potential quickly, legally, and cost-effectively.
The opportunity in Vietnam is clear: Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economy offers exceptional growth potential, a highly skilled manufacturing workforce, and government support for international businesses. However, success requires navigating complex regulations while respecting local culture and business practices.
Take the next step in your Vietnam expansion with confidence:
Our Vietnam team combines deep local expertise with international best practices, ensuring your expansion succeeds from day one. Whether you're hiring your first employee in Vietnam or scaling an existing operation, we provide the compliance guarantee and cultural guidance essential for Asian success.
"AYP Group transformed our Vietnam expansion by eliminating compliance concerns and providing transparent, predictable costs. Their advisory team's deep local knowledge helped us navigate complex regulatory requirements and cultural expectations while their zero-penalty guarantee gave us complete confidence in our Vietnam operations and Asian growth strategy."
— Manufacturing Company CEO, expanding from Germany to Ho Chi Minh City
Don't let regulatory complexity delay your Vietnam market entry. AYP Group's proven EOR Vietnam platform enables you to hire top local talent within days while maintaining full compliance with local employment laws.
Our commitment to transparency, compliance excellence, and client success makes us the preferred EOR provider for discerning businesses entering Vietnam's relationship-focused and rapidly industrializing market.
Ready to unlock Vietnam's potential? Contact AYP Group today and discover how guaranteed compliance and transparent pricing can accelerate your business success in Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economy.
AYP Group has been simplifying global employment across Asia for over a decade. Our Vietnam EOR services eliminate compliance complexity while accelerating your market entry with zero penalties guaranteed. Trust the experts who understand both the regulations and the relationships that drive Vietnamese business success.
Legal Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about Vietnam employment regulations and EOR services. Specific legal advice should be obtained from qualified professionals. Employment laws and regulations are subject to change, and this information should not be considered as legal counsel. AYP Group maintains current regulatory knowledge and provides updates to clients as part of comprehensive EOR services.
An Employer of Record (EOR) Vietnam is a third-party service provider that becomes the legal employer for your staff in Vietnam while you maintain operational control over day-to-day management. The EOR handles all employment legal responsibilities including contracts, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance with Vietnamese labor laws, allowing your company to hire employees immediately without establishing a local entity.
EOR Vietnam pricing typically ranges from $288-800 USD per employee per month, depending on seniority level, service scope, and provider. This fee covers all legal compliance, payroll processing, benefits administration, and HR support. Additional costs include employee salaries, taxes, social contributions, and any discretionary benefits you choose to provide.
With an established EOR Vietnam partner, you can typically hire local employees within 1-2 weeks once candidates are identified. For foreign employees requiring work permits, the process extends to 4-6 weeks due to visa and documentation requirements. This timeline includes contract preparation, government registrations, and all legal compliance procedures.
An EOR Vietnam provider becomes the legal employer with full legal responsibility, while a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) shares employment responsibilities with your company. EORs are ideal for companies without local entities, offering complete legal protection and compliance management. PEOs typically require existing local presence and shared liability arrangements.
Yes, EOR Vietnam services support remote and hybrid work arrangements, which became more common following regulatory updates in 2021. However, employees must be legally registered in Vietnam for tax and social insurance purposes, and work permit requirements still apply for foreign nationals regardless of work location.
Your EOR Vietnam provider continuously monitors regulatory changes and automatically updates employment practices to maintain compliance. They handle all necessary adjustments to contracts, payroll calculations, and procedures without disrupting your business operations, providing you with regular updates on any changes affecting your workforce.
EOR Vietnam employees receive all legally mandated benefits including social insurance, health coverage, and statutory leave. You can also provide additional discretionary benefits through the EOR arrangement. In many cases, EOR employees receive superior benefits due to the provider's expertise in local benefit optimization and bulk purchasing power.
Yes, many companies start with EOR Vietnam services and later transition employees to their own Vietnamese entity as their presence grows. This transition requires careful planning to maintain employment continuity and benefits, but experienced EOR providers can facilitate smooth transfers when you're ready to establish your own legal entity.
Still have more questions? Contact us today