Working in Ho Chi Minh City

Working in Ho Chi Minh City puts you in Vietnam’s commercial engine room, responsible for roughly one-quarter of the country’s GDP. The skyline keeps climbing, and so does the hunt for talent, but citizens still have the first call on vacancies, so expats will need sharp skills, senior experience, or niche know-how to stay ahead of the pack.

Job market in Ho Chi Minh City

The job market in Ho Chi Minh City revolves around a service sector that accounts for about two-thirds of local output, and manufacturing, logistics, and a fast-maturing tech scene round out the picture.

Engineers, plant managers, and supply-chain specialists are in short supply. Software developers, data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals are equally sought-after as firms push deeper into e-commerce and fintech. If you speak more than one language, tourism and English-language teaching still offer a steady way in.

Finding a job in Ho Chi Minh City

Expats who set out finding a job in Ho Chi Minh City usually start online. LinkedIn, VietnamWorks and CareerBuilder Vietnam post thousands of openings each week, and recruitment heavyweights like ManpowerGroup and Robert Walters can connect you with roles that never hit the job boards. Face-to-face networking still pays dividends, so keep an eye on chamber-of-commerce mixers and industry meet-ups.

You need a work permit and the correct visa before you sign a contract. A Vietnamese work permit runs for up to two years and can only be renewed once, so set the paperwork in motion well before your start date.

Work Permits in Vietnam
Applying for a Visa in Vietnam

Useful links

• VietnamWork
• CareerBuilder Vietnam
• Manpower Vietnam
• Robert Walters Ho Chi Minh City

Work culture in Ho Chi Minh City

The work culture in Ho Chi Minh City is stimulating, and you can expect long hours and high team spirits. Most offices run 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although smaller outfits may add Saturday mornings. Vietnamese labour law caps the working week at 48 hours. Communal lunches fuel afternoon productivity, and many teams wind down with iced coffee or a cold beer once the heat breaks.

You must hold a business or work visa before setting foot in the office, and your employer has to register you for tax and social insurance. Income tax is withheld at source on a progressive scale, so check that each payslip shows the correct deductions.

Business Culture in Vietnam