Posted on December 8, 2025
Career Pathway
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Vietnam is rapidly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for international professionals. Once known mainly for tourism and English teaching, the country has transformed into a competitive hub for technology, manufacturing, and global business operations. Backed by strong foreign direct investment (FDI) and a young, tech-driven workforce, Vietnam now offers a wide range of high-quality job opportunities for foreigners.
Whether you're an expat considering relocation or a professional exploring new markets, this guide breaks down the best industries, expected salaries, hiring trends, and legal requirements to work in Vietnam legally in 2025.
If you're exploring job opportunities for foreigners in Vietnam, these are the top sectors hiring expats in 2025:
English Teaching & Education: International schools and accredited language centers.
IT & Software Development: Senior developers, product managers, AI engineers.
Manufacturing & Sourcing: QC managers, supply chain leaders.
C-Level & Senior Management: Country Directors, Heads of Sales.
Digital Marketing & Creative: Agency strategists, creative leads.
Vietnam consistently ranks among Asia’s fastest-growing economies. Major global companies such as Samsung, Intel, Bosch, and LG have expanded operations here, creating thousands of jobs for expats in Vietnam.
Skill Gap: Companies need experienced foreign professionals for specialized or senior roles.
International Standards: MNCs require global managers to lead local teams.
Manufacturing Boom: Shifts from China → Vietnam increase demand for technical experts.
Vietnam offers one of the region’s best salary-to-living-cost ratios. With $2,000–$3,000/month, expats can live very comfortably in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
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Top 5 Job Opportunities for Foreigners in Vietnam (2025)(Based on Jobcadu + major recruitment agency data)
Teaching remains the most common entry point for foreigners - especially those without technical backgrounds. As regulations tighten, professional teachers with certifications are preferred.
Bachelor’s degree
TEFL/TESOL/CELTA
Native-level English proficiency
Vietnam is emerging as a global outsourcing powerhouse. Companies often hire foreign tech professionals for senior-level expertise and international product mindset.
Senior Developers
DevOps & Cloud Engineers
AI/ML Specialists
Product/Project Managers
Agile experience
Strong technical leadership
Ability to manage global product standards
Vietnam’s rise as a manufacturing hub (especially in electronics, textiles, and furniture) fuels demand for foreign technical managers.
QC/QA Managers
Supply Chain Directors
Sourcing Specialists
Compliance & ESG Auditors
Industrial zones: Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh
Multinationals entering Vietnam often recruit foreign leaders to build local operations.
FMCG
Real Estate (Savills, CBRE)
Hospitality & Tourism
Tech & SaaS startups
These roles offer some of the highest compensation packages in Vietnam.
NGOs: UNICEF, UNDP, Plan International regularly hire foreign experts for development projects.
Tourism: High-end resorts hire foreign General Managers, Executive Chefs, and Guest Experience Directors.
To work legally in Vietnam, all foreign employees must comply with Decree 152/2020/NĐ-CP and its latest amendments under Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP.
You typically qualify under one of the following:
You qualify as an expert if you meet one of the following:
A university degree (or higher) relevant to the job + at least 3 years of experience in that field, OR
At least 5 years of documented experience and recognized as an expert by a foreign organization/company.
You qualify if you hold:
A documented managerial or leadership position that matches Vietnam’s Enterprise Law definition (department head, director, etc.)
You qualify if you have:
A technical/skills training certificate (minimum 1 year), AND
At least 3 years of experience in the trained field.
Passport (valid at least 6 months)
Legalized degree/certifications (if applicable)
Proof of work experience (letters from previous employers)
Criminal background check (home country or Vietnam)
Health check (issued in Vietnam or approved hospital abroad)
Employer’s written request & job position approval from the Department of Labor (DoLISA)
Standard work visa tied to your Work Permit (valid up to 2 years).
Valid 2–3 years. Preferred by long-term expats as it eliminates visa runs.
To maximize your chances, use platforms that specialize in foreigner-friendly job postings:
Jobcadu: Verified, English-language roles across IT, management, and education.
LinkedIn: Ideal for senior roles and MNC recruitment.
Networking: Join AmCham, BritCham, EuroCham events to access hidden jobs.
Key Takeaways
Vietnam’s job market has expanded far beyond teaching.
IT, manufacturing, and management roles are booming.
Expats enjoy strong earning potential with a low cost of living.
Work Permit rules require 3 years of verified experience.
Ho Chi Minh City = business & tech; Hanoi = government & NGO; Da Nang = lifestyle hub.
Vietnam is entering a new era of global competitiveness. Whether you’re in education, engineering, or technology, there are more job opportunities for foreigners in Vietnam than ever before. With the right documents and a strategic job search, you can build a rewarding, long-term career in one of Asia’s most vibrant markets.
Ready to start your journey?
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