Live and work in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to the mouthwatering dish phở, amazing nature, and friendly people, which makes it a dream destination for many travellers and digital nomads. However, it is a less common place to relocate to. So here’s a look into what it is like to move to Vietnam.
Read on to learn about the ins and outs of living and working in Vietnam.
Latest available jobs in Vietnam
German B2B Sales, fully remote
We are currently looking for a German employee in sales for a fully remote position. Full-time and part-time positions available.
German Key Account Manager, fully remote
We are currently looking for a German Key Account Manager for a fully remote position. You will be responsible for conducting company meetings and presentations, guiding sales processes from start to finish.
Unpaid Remote Internship with Job Squad
Are you looking for a hands on and every changing /challenging internship as part of your education - then keep reading!
Currency
The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (ISO code: VND, symbol ₫)
Famous people
Some well known Vietnamese people include Hồ Chí Minh, Trần Đại Nghĩa, and Dustin Nguyen)
Population
Vietnam has ~100 million residents, with a lot living in the cities Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
Typical food
Phở (noodle soup), Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich), Gỏi Cuốn (spring rolls), Bún Chả (grilled pork with noodles)
Avg. working week
Vietnam has a 48-hour work week, usually 8 hours per day over 6 days, though office jobs often follow a 5-day work week
Location
Vietnam is located in Southeast Asia, and borders China, Laos, and Cambodia
Languages
The official language is Vietnamese, and the alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet, called Quốc Ngữ
Healthcare
Vietnam has a mix of public and private healthcare. Public hospitals vary in quality, while private hospitals offer higher-quality care but are more expensive
What you need to know about living in Vietnam
Vietnam is a stunning, tropical, colorful place, and it does not have to be difficult to find a job there. There are many reasons to move there. The huge variation of nature would be enough to convince anyone: mountains in the north, sandy beaches down south, and beautiful national parks throughout the country. But the cuisine, full of fresh, mouthwatering flavors is also a huge part of the culture. The Vietnamese have a very complicated history, and are strong, resilient and kind people. If you are looking to combine a job with a way of life that is so different to anything we are used to in Europe, Vietnam is a perfect option.
Basic facts about Vietnam
- Average working hours per week: 48 hours, 8 hours daily
- Typical working day: Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Number of Vacation days: 12 days
- Work culture: There is an indirect communication form, so try to avoid confrontation
- Population: There’s approx. 100 million people in Vietnam
It is always smart to get to know the culture of the country you are visiting. Especially in a country like Vietnam, where the way of life is so different from European ways of life. For example, the respect towards elders is big, and in traditional areas bowing to elders and waiting for the oldest person to start eating first is expected. Respect and politeness are a big part of daily life, with formal language and gestures (bowing, body language).
What is it like to work in Vietnam?
Workplaces in Vietnam can be quite formal, but there are big changes happening in Vietnam at the moment. This means that there are more modern businesses popping up, creating a growing openness. However, respect and relationship-building are still very important, and by understanding local ways of life, you can build strong relationships.
Try to learn a little Vietnamese: by doing so, you are showing respect! People do speak English, especially in big cities, but it will still be appreciated.
When applying for jobs, you can find positions in international companies, in fields like sales, marketing, engineering or IT. It is also very common to teach English, as there is always work there.
To work legally, you need a work permit. This is something you can organise with your employer, but be sure to read into the requirements beforehand, because it can be a slow process.
Cost of living in Vietnam is very low in comparison to Europe, with affordable housing and food prices. For a few euros you can enjoy a great meal at a restaurant, and rent is usually very reasonable.
How to find jobs and housing in Vietnam
Digital nomading is increasingly popular for foreigners in Vietnam, so if you can apply your skills to something that allows you to work remotely, that is perfect! There are also opportunities to work for a Vietnamese company, or an international company set in Vietnam. We recommend that you go through a recruitment agency specialixing in international employment. Read here about the experience of people finding jobs through Job Squad.
Finding a place to live in Vietnam is possible through your employer. You can also look into Facebook groups, get into contact with foreigners living in the city you wish to move to, and real estate websites. It is much cheaper than European standards.
Why should you get a job in Vietnam?
Vietnam is growing a lot at the moment. The young generation is creative, hard working and looking for innovative people to build a strong future together. If you want to see this change happen in real time, as well as enjoying the stunning nature, food, and people, then don’t hesitate to reach out to us and start your adventure.
Popular cities in Vietnam
Speak to one of our recruiters
Life in Vietnam
Apart from working, there is a lot to explore in Vietnam. Visit the beautiful pagodas and temples nestled in the mountains, enjoy street food with a smell and taste that is like no other – in the best way. Little tip: try to avoid the crazy motorbikes when you walk through the vibrant cities.
Depending on where you decide to settle, it is always recommendable to see as much nature as you can. It is said that Vietnam is one of the prettiest places on earth.
Cultural experiences
Family is probably the biggest priority to Vietnamese. Children usually live with their parents for longer than what is normal in Europe. It is normal for multiple generations to live together. This is linked to religious ways of life, in which there is a strong tie to family roots and Buddhist practices.
When you enter a temple (which Vietnam has a lot of) or someone’s house, take off your shoes. This can also be true for workplaces and other social events. In professional places, stay polite. The Vietnamese have indirect communication manners, so try to avoid confrontation. Also, when addressing a mistake, do it in private, because publicly criticizing someone leads to embarrassment.
Vietnamese cuisine
The tropical climate allows for very exotic fruit to grow! This means that your bananas and apples will probably be replaced with mangosteen and dragon fruit. Enjoy the tangy flavors, and watch out for the infamous Durian fruit, which is probably the most unique flavor (and smell) in the world. There is street food everywhere, ranging from Pho (a tasty noodle soup), to Banh Mi ( a baguette filled with Asian toppings), Bun Cha (a great barbecue dish) to some fresh spring rolls.
Where to learn Vietnamese?
Definitely make an effort to learn Vietnamese. Apps like Duolingo offer great courses, and websites like VietnamesePod101 are also very helpful. It is recommended to o a course once you get there, and practice as much as you can with your friends there.
Still not convinced about Vietnam?
It can be scary deciding to move halfway across the world. But once you are there, the welcoming nature of the Vietnamese people and beautiful sights to see will make it worth it! It is definitely an adventure, but with enough support it will be a wonderful experience.
Taxes in Vietnam
It is good to know how the tax system works in Vietnam. If you stay for more than 183 days, you are a tax resident, and required to pay tax on your worldwide income. They have a progressive income tax for residents ranging from 5% to 35% depending on income level, while non-residents pay 20% on Vietnamese-sourced income. Depending on what you decide to do – working remotely or for a company within Vietnam, different rules will apply. Be sure to check with the embassy what applies to your situation.
FAQ
In Vietnam, English proficiency varies among individuals, but generally, you can expect to find a decent level of English, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. English is the preferred second language in this country. Some estimates put the percentage of people who speak English in Vietnam at more than 50%.
Younger generations tend to have a better grasp of English compared to older generations. But it is very recommendable to learn some Vietnamese phrases as a sign of respect, and it will make things easier if you plan to stick around for a while.
In Vietnam there are different options for transport depending on how far you’re travelling. Cars, motorbikes, and buses are great options for shorter distances and they are also cheap if you’re on a budget. If you’re travelling long distances it is recommended to go by train og airplane. Sometimes ferry can be the best option too.
