Guide · Working time
Working hours and overtime in Vietnam.
Normal hours, overtime caps, overtime and night pay, and the breaks every employee is owed.
Updated 22 October 2026 · General information, not legal or tax advice
Short answer
What are the working hours and overtime rules in Vietnam?
Normal working time in Vietnam is capped at 8 hours a day and 48 hours a week, and the State encourages a 40-hour week. Overtime needs the employee's agreement and is capped at 50% of normal daily hours, 40 hours a month and 200 hours a year — or 300 hours a year in listed sectors such as textiles, garments, footwear and electronics. Overtime is paid at no less than 150% of the normal hourly wage on a working day, 200% on a weekly rest day and 300% on a public holiday, on top of that day's holiday pay. Night work between 10pm and 6am carries at least 30% extra. Anyone working six hours or more gets a break of at least 30 minutes, and every employee gets at least 24 consecutive hours of rest each week.
Limits
Hours and overtime caps.
| Limit | Maximum |
|---|---|
| Normal hours | 8 a day, 48 a week |
| Overtime in a day | 50% of normal daily hours |
| Overtime in a month | 40 hours |
| Overtime in a year | 200 hours; 300 in listed sectors |
| Rest between shifts | At least 12 hours |
| Weekly rest | At least 24 consecutive hours |
Overtime pay
How overtime and night work are paid.
| When the hour is worked | Minimum pay |
|---|---|
| Overtime on a normal working day | 150% |
| Overtime on a weekly rest day | 200% |
| Overtime on a public holiday or paid leave day | 300% + the day's holiday pay |
| Night work, 10pm–6am | +30% |
| Overtime at night | a further +20% of the day rate |
Breaks: at least 30 minutes for six hours' work, 45 minutes on a night shift. The premium part of overtime and night pay is exempt from income tax — see tax-free allowances.
Sources: Labour Code 2019, Articles 98 and 105–111; Decree 145/2020/ND-CP.
Questions
Working hours in Vietnam: frequently asked questions
What is the maximum working week in Vietnam?
48 normal hours a week and 8 a day, plus overtime within the legal caps.
How much overtime can an employee work in Vietnam?
Up to 40 hours a month and 200 hours a year, or 300 hours a year in listed sectors.
What is the overtime rate in Vietnam?
At least 150% on working days, 200% on weekly rest days and 300% on public holidays.
Is night work paid extra?
Yes. Work between 10pm and 6am is paid at least 30% extra, and overtime at night gets a further 20% of the day rate.
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