Vietnamese Labor Export to Europe 2025: Opportunities, Challenges, and Sustainable Development Solutions

In the context of globalization and deep international integration, labor export has become a strategic direction for Vietnam to address employment issues, increase workers’ incomes, and contribute to socio-economic development. While traditional labor markets have long been centered in Asia—such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Middle East—in recent years, Europe has emerged as a highly promising and potential destination.

The growing interest of European countries in Vietnamese labor not only provides access to high-paying jobs and professional working environments but also promotes technology transfer and improves workers’ skills. However, along with these advantages come numerous challenges that must be addressed to ensure the sustainable development of Vietnamese labor migration to Europe.

1. Overview of the European Labor Market

1.1 Labor Demand in Europe

Europe is facing an aging population and severe labor shortages in various sectors, including nursing, construction, mechanics, agriculture, IT, and services. Countries like Germany, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, as well as Nordic countries, are actively seeking foreign workers from outside the EU to compensate for domestic labor deficits.

European labor immigration policies are gradually shifting toward more flexibility to attract high-quality labor from non-EU countries, especially in sectors with insufficient internal supply.

1.2 Europe’s Attractiveness to Vietnamese Workers

• High and stable income: The average monthly salary for unskilled labor in Europe ranges from €1,200 to €2,000—significantly higher than wages in Asian markets.

• Good working conditions: Professional environments with clear benefits, safety regulations, and labor laws are rigorously enforced.

• Opportunities for settlement and learning: Some countries offer pathways for long-term employment, vocational training, or even permanent residency after a period of stable work.

2. Current Status of Vietnamese Labor Export to Europe

2.1 Numbers and Growth Trends

Although the number of Vietnamese workers going to Europe is still modest compared to traditional markets, it has shown a sharp upward trend in recent years. According to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, over 10,000 Vietnamese workers were sent to Europe in 2023—a 40% increase compared to 2022.

Countries with strong demand include:

• Germany: Especially in nursing, mechanics, welding, and electrical work.

• Poland and Hungary: Demand for general labor in food processing and electronics assembly.

• Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic: Strong demand in construction, mechanics, and agriculture.

2.2 Forms of Cooperation

Labor migration to Europe is carried out through various channels:

• Bilateral cooperation programs: For example, Germany’s program for training and employing Vietnamese nursing assistants.

• Labor export service companies: These enterprises partner with European firms to recruit and train workers.

• Labor cooperation agreements: Some countries are negotiating labor agreements to create legal corridors for better coordination.

3. Opportunities for Vietnamese Workers

3.1 High and Diverse Demand

Europe is seeking workers for a wide range of occupations—not only unskilled roles but also skilled technical positions and healthcare. This creates opportunities for both trained workers and Vietnamese vocational students.

3.2 Improved Income and Living Standards

Compared to working domestically, labor migration to Europe significantly improves family income. In addition to salaries, workers benefit from social insurance, professional development, and language training.

3.3 Career Development and Residency Options

Countries like Germany and Sweden are implementing policies such as the “Green Card” or skilled labor visas, allowing qualified foreign workers to stay long-term and even apply for residency if they meet the requirements.

4. Challenges and Barriers

4.1 Language and Cultural Barriers

Language is the biggest obstacle for Vietnamese workers in Europe. Unlike in Asia, European languages such as German, Polish, Hungarian, or Czech are difficult to learn and require extensive training.

In addition, cultural differences, lifestyles, and work ethics may cause culture shock and hinder integration.

4.2 Lack of Skills and Professionalism

Many Vietnamese workers still lack the professional qualifications, language proficiency, or soft skills required in international workplaces. Pre-departure training is often fragmented, inconsistent, and not closely aligned with real-world demands.

4.3 Fraud and Legal Violations

Incidents of labor fraud, excessive fees, and illegal migration continue to occur. Some unethical labor brokers damage the reputation of Vietnamese workers in Europe by exploiting them or misrepresenting job opportunities.

4.4 Licensing and Administrative Complexities

Visa applications, work permits, and residence registration in European countries are often complicated, time-consuming, and costly. Poor coordination between Vietnamese and European authorities adds further obstacles.

5. Solutions to Promote Labor Export to Europe

5.1 Develop a National Strategy

Vietnam needs a long-term strategy for labor market development in Europe—identifying key sectors, target markets, and goals for both the quality and quantity of labor exported.

5.2 Improve Training Quality

• Invest in vocational and language training: Establish training centers tailored to specific market demands, with a strong focus on German, Polish, Hungarian, and other relevant languages.

• Partner with European enterprises: Encourage European businesses to invest in Vietnam through training partnerships and joint programs.

5.3 Strengthen Oversight and Management

• Tighten controls on labor export companies: Implement transparent monitoring mechanisms and strictly punish violations and fraud.

• Ensure cost transparency: Reduce the financial burden on workers by publicizing costs and recruitment processes.

5.4 Expand International Cooperation

• Negotiate bilateral labor agreements: With countries like Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia to create legal and protective frameworks for workers.

• Leverage trade agreements: The EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) can serve as a foundation to boost labor mobility and professional exchange.

5.5 Post-departure Support

• Protect workers’ rights abroad: Establish support networks through embassies, consulates, and Vietnamese associations in Europe.

• Provide career guidance: Help workers with integration, upskilling, and long-term career planning.

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!

Labor export to Europe is an inevitable trend for Vietnam in the era of international integration. With great potential on both sides—Europe’s demand for workers and Vietnam’s labor supply—this represents a golden opportunity to improve livelihoods, develop human capital, and contribute to national development.

However, to take full advantage of this potential, Vietnam must adopt a comprehensive, long-term policy approach that covers training, management, international cooperation, and post-departure support. Emphasizing the development of high-quality labor, protecting workers’ rights, and improving the image of Vietnamese labor abroad will be key to securing a strong, sustainable position in the global labor market—especially in Europe.