Guide · Hiring by role
Hiring in Vietnam by role.
The rules are the same for everyone; the questions are not. What to plan for with each kind of hire.
Updated 22 October 2026 · General information, not legal or tax advice
Short answer
What should you know when hiring different roles in Vietnam?
Vietnam's labour rules are the same for every employee, but each type of role raises its own practical questions. Software developers and designers raise intellectual-property and data questions, so the IP chain must run from the employee through the employer to you. Sales representatives and country managers raise permanent-establishment risk, so contract signing and final pricing should stay outside Vietnam. Customer-support and BPO teams on 24/7 rosters trigger night premiums of at least 30% and overtime multipliers of 150% to 300%. Manufacturing roles in textiles, garments, footwear and electronics may work up to 300 overtime hours a year, other sectors 200. Foreign experts and managers need a work permit before they start and join social and health insurance but not unemployment insurance.
Role by role
What to plan for with each kind of hire.
| Role | Main issue | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Software developers and designers | IP ownership, remote work, data access | IP clauses in both contracts; equipment and remote-work terms |
| Sales and country managers | Permanent-establishment risk | Sign contracts and approve prices outside Vietnam |
| Customer support and BPO | Night work and overtime cost | Budget the roster: +30% at night, 150–300% overtime |
| Manufacturing and quality | Overtime caps and shifts | 200 hours a year, or 300 in listed sectors; 12 hours between shifts |
| Foreign experts and managers | Work permit and residence | Allow time for the permit; no unemployment insurance |
| Finance and HR staff | Access to sensitive data | Confidentiality agreement; data-protection training |
Go deeper
Guides for each issue.
- Hiring developers in Vietnam — contracts, IP and cost for engineering teams.
- Permanent establishment risk — for sales and country-manager roles.
- Working hours and overtime — for support, BPO and production rosters.
- Work permits — for foreign experts and managers.
- Who owns employee IP and employee data protection.
Questions
Hiring by role: frequently asked questions
Can an EOR hire a sales manager in Vietnam?
Yes. To limit permanent-establishment risk, keep contract signing and final price approval outside Vietnam and describe the role accurately.
How is a 24/7 support team paid in Vietnam?
Hours between 10pm and 6am carry at least 30% extra, and overtime is paid at 150% on working days, 200% on rest days and 300% on public holidays.
How much overtime can factory staff work?
Up to 40 hours a month and 200 hours a year, or 300 hours a year in listed sectors such as textiles, garments, footwear and electronics.
Do foreign specialists pay unemployment insurance?
No. Foreign employees with a work permit join social and health insurance but not unemployment insurance.
Hiring in Vietnam? We handle all of this as your employer.
Nhân Kiệt employs your team, runs payroll, insurance, tax and work permits. Fee: US$99–199 per employee a month, plus VAT.
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