Working in Vietnam
For transparency, AI has been used during the generation of this content, with every care taken to verify its accuracy. Last updated April 2026.
Average Salary
The average monthly salary across all sectors in Vietnam is approximately VND 8,500,000 – 8,700,000 ($330 – $340). However, expats working in senior, technical, or specialist roles can expect substantially higher earnings than local averages, particularly in the engineering, energy, and tech sectors. Monthly salaries for experienced expats in these sectors are more typically in the range of VND 80,000,000 – 150,000,000 ($3,200 – $6,000), with senior managers, niche specialists, and executive leadership roles earning above this.
Internationally mobilised expats also typically receive enhanced packages including housing, healthcare, relocation support, and annual bonuses.
General information
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Official language
Vietnamese
Conversational languages
English
Time zone
Indochina Time (UTC+07:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Vietnam offers a mix of employment and flexible contracting arrangements, particularly attractive to international businesses and specialists.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Thinking about working abroad?
Take a look at our latest international jobs.
Living in Vietnam
Vietnam offers a vibrant lifestyle shaped by regional diversity, rich cuisine, and a young, urban population. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the most expensive locations to live, while cities such as Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang offer a lower cost of living with strong expat communities.
-
The average cost of a weekly grocery shop for a small family is VND 1,500,000 – 2,000,000 ($60 – $80)
-
Monthly rent for a 2 – 3-bedroom property costs roughly VND 20,000,000 – 30,000,000 ($800 – $1,200) in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. These costs are lower in regional cities
-
The average monthly cost of childcare is VND 3,000,000 – 6,000,000 ($120 – $240), international school fees are significantly more expensive, roughly VND 20,000,000 – 75,000,000 ($800 – $3,500) per month
-
Fuel costs fluctuate often depending on regional and global oil markets. A litre of petrol is roughly VND 21,000 ($0.85), while a litre of diesel is VND 19,500 ($0.79)
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Expats may obtain a local driving licence by converting an existing foreign licence or completing a Vietnamese driving test, depending on nationality and visa status.
Weather in Vietnam
Vietnam has a predominantly tropical climate, with regional variation. Summers are hot and humid, with temperatures typically ranging from 30 – 38°C, while winters are milder, particularly in the north where temperatures can fall to 15 – 22°C. Southern Vietnam remains warm year-round, with a defined rainy season from late spring to autumn.
Language and integration support
Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam, though English is widely used in major cities and international workplaces. Language centres, community groups, and expat networks provide informal integration support.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Vietnam
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
