Legal Procedures for Hiring Vietnamese Workers: A Guide for International Employers 2025

Vietnam has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investors thanks to its stable economic growth, reasonable labor costs, and abundant workforce. However, international employers must comply with numerous legal requirements when hiring Vietnamese workers to ensure legality, avoid unnecessary risks, and protect employee rights.

This article provides a comprehensive guide for international employers who wish to operate in Vietnam or recruit Vietnamese workers abroad. It covers the labor law framework, recruitment procedures, employer obligations, potential legal risks, and proposed solutions.

Overview of Vietnam’s Labor Law Framework

1. Labor Law System

Vietnam’s labor law system is relatively comprehensive and includes several key legal documents:

• Labor Code 2019: The foundational law that governs the rights and obligations of employees and employers, contract signing, working conditions, labor discipline, etc.

• Employment Law 2013: Regulates employment policies, employment service centers, and labor management.

• Social Insurance Law 2014, Occupational Safety and Health Law 2015, Law on Vietnamese Workers Working Abroad under Contracts 2020: Supplement social policy regulations and protect workers’ rights both domestically and abroad.

In addition, government decrees and circulars provide detailed guidelines for implementing these laws in practice.

2. Government Regulatory Agencies

The central regulatory authority for labor is the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). MOLISA is responsible for policymaking, inspection, and monitoring compliance with labor laws.

At the local level, the Departments of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs are responsible for labor registration, dispute resolution, and guiding businesses in compliance.

3. Fundamental Principles in Labor Relations

• Voluntariness, equality, and goodwill

• Respect for labor agreements

• Protection of legal rights of employees

• No discrimination in employment

These principles form the foundation for labor actions and policies and are essential for assessing the legality of labor relations between international businesses and Vietnamese workers.

Legal Procedures for Hiring Vietnamese Workers

1. Identifying Recruitment Needs

Employers should clearly define the number of workers, job positions, qualifications, skills, working hours, expected salaries, and recruitment method (domestic or overseas placement). This supports a suitable recruitment plan and preparation of legal documents.

2. Public Recruitment Announcement

As required by law, employers must publicly announce recruitment information through employment service centers or mass media. This ensures transparency and equal access for job seekers.

3. Signing a Labor Contract

Once a suitable candidate is selected, the employer and employee must sign a written labor contract detailing:

• Job description and workplace

• Contract term (fixed or indefinite)

• Salary, working hours, rest periods

• Rights and obligations of both parties

The labor contract is a legal basis for protecting rights and resolving disputes.

4. Labor Registration and Compulsory Insurance Participation

Employers are required to report new hires to the local Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. They must also register employees for the following mandatory insurance schemes:

• Social insurance

• Health insurance

• Unemployment insurance

This is not only a legal obligation but also reflects business ethics and compliance.

5. Training and Orientation

Employers may organize training and orientation programs on job duties, workplace regulations, and company culture to help workers integrate and work efficiently.

6. Hiring Vietnamese Workers for Overseas Employment

If an international employer intends to hire Vietnamese workers for jobs abroad, they must follow a separate process under the Law on Vietnamese Workers Working Abroad under Contracts 2020:

• Register labor supply contracts with the Department of Overseas Labor Management (under MOLISA)

• Obtain permits for workers to work abroad

• Sign a tripartite contract (employer, worker, and foreign partner)

• Ensure transparent and fair terms and costs for workers

Obligations and Responsibilities of International Employers

1. Compliance with Vietnamese Law

All international employers operating in Vietnam must comply with Vietnamese labor regulations, regardless of whether they are investors or only engaging in recruitment activities.

2. Ensuring Workers’ Rights

• Pay wages fully and on time

• Prohibit discrimination or forced labor

• Provide a safe and healthy working environment

• Fulfill all insurance and leave entitlements

3. Record Keeping and Reporting

Employers are obligated to maintain employee records and periodically report labor usage and social insurance participation to authorities.

4. Resolving Labor Disputes

In case of labor disputes, employers should actively negotiate and reconcile with employees or request mediation from labor mediators or labor courts.

Vietnam Manpower Supply Group (VMS Group) – Vietnam’s leading labor supplier

Vietnam Manpower Supply Group (VMS Group) is one of the leading companies in Vietnam in the field of human resource supply. Established with the mission of meeting the labor needs of domestic and foreign enterprises, Vietnam Manpower Supply Group has continuously developed and affirmed its position in the market.

Since its establishment, Vietnam Manpower Supply Group has oriented its operations on the basis of core values ​​including professionalism, prestige and quality. Vietnam Manpower Supply Group’s staff not only has high professional qualifications but also possesses rich experience in providing optimal human resource solutions for customers.

Why cooperate with Vietnam Manpower Supply Group?

• Long-term experience: Vietnam Manpower Supply has many years of experience in the field of human resource supply, serving a variety of industries and international markets.
• Extensive network of partners: With strong relationships with domestic and foreign enterprises, ensuring that human resources are always arranged and allocated effectively.
• Strict selection process: The team of recruitment experts conducts a strict candidate assessment process, ensuring quality and suitability for job requirements.
• Comprehensive services: Not only stopping at human resource supply, Vietnam Manpower Supply Group also provides training solutions, legal support and employee care.
• Reputation and professionalism: Affirmed through many years of operation, VMS Group is a trusted partner of hundreds of businesses worldwide.
• Dedicated support: We always put the interests of customers and employees first, with timely and effective consulting and support services.

Please contact us for more details:
☎ Whatsapp: +84853525085
🌐 Website: vietnammanpower.group
📩 Email: infor@vietnammanpower.group

It’s our pleasure to support you!

Hiring Vietnamese workers brings significant opportunities for international companies. However, it also comes with strict legal obligations. Understanding and complying with the Labor Code, Employment Law, and related legal documents will help businesses avoid risks, maintain professionalism, and ensure sustainable development in the Vietnamese market.

International employers are advised to work closely with legal experts, HR consulting firms, and government agencies to ensure a transparent, legal, and effective recruitment process.