Tips for Foreigners Seeking Employment in Vietnam

1. Understand the Vietnamese Job Market

• High-demand industries: IT, manufacturing, construction, education (especially English teaching), finance, logistics, real estate, and FMCG.

• Companies open to hiring foreigners: FDI enterprises, multinational corporations, international startups, or local Vietnamese companies expanding globally.

2. Prepare a Professional Job Application

• English CV (or Vietnamese if applicable): Highlight international experience, technical skills, and specific achievements.

• Personalized cover letter: Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and explain your motivation for working in Vietnam.

• Supporting documents: Degrees, certifications, and reference letters.

3. Choose the Right Location

• Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi: Economic, financial, and tech hubs.

• Da Nang, Binh Duong, Bac Ninh: Industrial and logistics zones.

• Vung Tau, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang: Tourism and hospitality opportunities.

4. Work Permit & Legal Requirements

• Work Permit is required for long-term employment:

  • A relevant university degree or at least 3 years of related experience.

  • A signed employment contract with a Vietnamese company.

  • Medical check-up and police clearance certificate.

• Exemptions: Certain short-term roles, investors, and technology transfer experts may qualify for work permit exemptions.

5. Understand the Local Work Culture

• Respect for hierarchy and local business customs is important.

• Flexibility and adaptability are highly valued.

• Standard working hours: 8 hours/day, 5 or 5.5 days/week.

6. Effective Job Search Channels

• Job platforms: VietnamWorks, JobStreet, LinkedIn, Glints.

• Headhunting agencies: Reputable recruiters like Invest Talent, Navigos, Adecco...

• Expat communities: Join Facebook groups, LinkedIn groups (e.g., Expat Vietnam, Jobs for Foreigners in Vietnam).

• International transfers or internships: Leverage opportunities through your current company or global internship programs.

7. Build Competitive Skills

• Cross-cultural management: Ability to work with Vietnamese teams.

• Professional expertise: Engineers, analysts, quality managers, strategic consultants.

• Vietnamese language skills: Not required, but definitely a plus.