Vietnamese Labour in the European Market: A Comprehensive Report 2025

In the age of globalization and labor mobility, the export of Vietnamese labor to international markets has emerged as a critical strategy for economic development and poverty reduction. Among the most promising destinations, Europe stands out as a lucrative yet complex market. With aging populations, labor shortages in key sectors, and rising demand for skilled and unskilled workers, European countries have increasingly turned to non-EU countries like Vietnam to meet their labor needs.

This report offers a comprehensive overview of Vietnamese labor in the European market, focusing on the current trends, key destination countries, sectors of employment, legal frameworks, challenges, opportunities, and strategic recommendations to enhance Vietnam’s labor export performance to Europe.

Vietnam Manpower Supply Group (VMS Group) – Leading manpower company in Viet Nam

Background and Context

1. Vietnam’s Labor Export Policy

Vietnam began formal labor export activities in the 1980s, initially targeting countries in the Soviet Bloc. Over the years, the Vietnamese government has implemented various policies to expand labor exports, recognizing the benefits of remittances, job creation, and skills transfer. Institutions like the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), and its Department of Overseas Labor (DOLAB), have played pivotal roles in regulating and promoting overseas employment.

2. Europe as a Destination

Traditionally, Vietnamese labor export focused on markets in East Asia and the Middle East. However, recent bilateral agreements and the European Union–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) have opened new pathways for labor mobility between Vietnam and Europe. Countries such as Germany, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic have become significant destinations for Vietnamese workers.

Key Destination Countries for Vietnamese Labour

1. Germany

Germany is the leading European destination for Vietnamese workers, particularly in the healthcare and nursing sectors. Through government-sponsored programs, Vietnamese nursing trainees are trained in German language and healthcare practices before employment. Germany has also hosted Vietnamese workers in construction, logistics, and hospitality.

2. Poland

Poland has become a prominent hub for Vietnamese labor in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and services. The Polish government has signed various MOUs with Vietnam to streamline recruitment and ensure legal employment.

3. Romania

Romania faces acute labor shortages due to emigration and demographic decline. Vietnamese workers have filled roles in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and agriculture. The Romanian government has eased visa and work permit processes to attract foreign labor.

4. Hungary

Hungary is increasingly recruiting workers from Vietnam in the fields of electronics, garment manufacturing, food processing, and automotive industries. Several Hungarian companies have partnered with Vietnamese labor supply firms to meet rising labor demands.

5. Czech Republic and Slovakia

These countries have witnessed rising numbers of Vietnamese immigrants and temporary workers, especially in the retail, food, and manufacturing sectors. The long-standing Vietnamese diaspora has facilitated integration and employment.

Employment Sectors

Vietnamese workers are employed in a variety of sectors across Europe, including:

• Healthcare and elderly care (especially in Germany)

• Construction and civil engineering (Romania, Poland, Germany)

• Manufacturing and assembly lines (Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic)

• Agriculture and seasonal farming (Poland, Romania)

• Hospitality and domestic work (Germany, Poland)

Vietnamese workers are generally appreciated for their diligence, discipline, and willingness to learn. Many European employers view them as long-term contributors rather than short-term substitutes.

Legal and Institutional Frameworks

1. Bilateral Agreements

Vietnam has signed various agreements and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with European countries to formalize labor cooperation. These agreements set standards for recruitment, employment conditions, and worker protections.

2. European Union Policies

EU directives on labor mobility, third-country nationals, and seasonal employment influence how Vietnamese workers are recruited and employed. Employers and recruiters must comply with EU labor laws, anti-discrimination statutes, and occupational health standards.

3. Vietnamese Regulations

Vietnamese laws regulate labor export through licensed agencies. MOLISA oversees agency performance, worker rights, training programs, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Workers must undergo pre-departure orientation and sign contracts before traveling.

Challenges

1. Language and Cultural Barriers

Language proficiency remains a major barrier for Vietnamese workers in Europe, particularly in healthcare and technical roles. Cultural differences can also lead to integration difficulties and workplace misunderstandings.

2. Legal Risks and Informality

Some Vietnamese workers end up in informal or undocumented employment due to loopholes in the recruitment process or exploitation by unscrupulous brokers. This exposes them to legal vulnerabilities and labor abuse.

3. Skills Mismatch

A mismatch between the skills of Vietnamese workers and the requirements of European employers can hinder job performance and retention. Inadequate training programs exacerbate this issue.

4. Bureaucratic Hurdles

Lengthy visa processing times, inconsistent documentation requirements, and administrative red tape in both sending and receiving countries can delay deployment and discourage employers.

Opportunities for Vietnamese Labour

1. Demographic Trends in Europe

Europe’s aging population and declining birth rates create long-term labor shortages, especially in healthcare, elder care, and skilled trades. This trend offers sustained demand for Vietnamese workers.

2. Positive Reputation of Vietnamese Workers

European employers often praise Vietnamese workers for their reliability and work ethic. This positive reputation enhances Vietnam’s competitiveness as a labor-sending country.

3. Digital Transformation

The digitalization of recruitment, training, and contract management can streamline processes, reduce fraud, and improve worker experiences.

4. Policy Momentum

The EVFTA and other bilateral initiatives provide legal and economic frameworks to facilitate labor cooperation and reduce barriers to entry.

Vietnamese labor has carved out a meaningful presence in the European job market, contributing to both economic development at home and labor stability in host countries. By addressing challenges and harnessing opportunities through smart policy, enhanced training, and international cooperation, Vietnam can become a leading source of skilled, mobile, and competitive labor for Europe in the decades to come.

This report underscores the potential of Vietnamese labor in Europe and provides actionable insights for policy makers, recruiters, and stakeholders aiming to strengthen and sustain this critical labor migration channel.