Multiplier is the top pick for Vietnam — owned entity, Vietnamese-speaking HR staff, full BHXH/BHYT/BHTN registration, and $199/mo cheaper than Deel or Remote. INS Global is the specialist choice for manufacturing and supply chain companies moving production out of China into Vietnam. For standard tech, ops, or professional services hiring, Multiplier is the default.
Vietnam has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing hiring markets — young workforce, competitive salaries, and proximity to manufacturing supply chains shifting from China. Foreign companies hiring Vietnamese engineers, operations staff, and sales teams need an EOR with genuine Vietnam depth, not just a listed country coverage.
Vietnam’s Labour Code 2019, compulsory social insurance system, and strict work permit requirements for foreign nationals make provider expertise non-negotiable.
Why Vietnam Needs a Specialist EOR
Key Vietnam employment compliance obligations:
- Compulsory Social Insurance (BHXH): Employer contribution ~17.5% of salary (capped at 20x regional minimum wage). Covers retirement, sickness, maternity, occupational disease, and unemployment.
- Health Insurance (BHYT): Employer 3% + Employee 1.5% of salary.
- Unemployment Insurance (BHTN): Employer 1% + Employee 1% of salary.
- Personal Income Tax (PIT): Progressive 5–35% for residents. Foreign nationals face different treatment in the first 183-day period.
- Work permits for foreign nationals: Foreign employees need a Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động) — a complex process with high refusal rates if documentation is incomplete. Not all EOR providers handle Vietnam work permits reliably.
- Labour unions: Companies with 5+ employees must allow trade union formation. EOR providers manage this on your behalf.
- 13th month pay: Not legally mandated but market standard for professional roles — most Vietnamese professionals expect it.
Top EOR Providers for Vietnam
| Provider | Vietnam Entity | Work Permit Support | Monthly Fee | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Multiplier | Owned | Yes | $400/mo | 4.7 |
| Deel | Owned | Yes | $599/mo | 4.8 |
| INS Global | Owned | Yes | Custom | 4.3 |
| Remote | Owned | Yes | $599/mo | 4.7 |
| Payoneer WFM | Owned | Yes | From $199/mo | 4.3 |
1. Multiplier — Best Overall for Vietnam
Multiplier’s Singapore headquarters and ASEAN-first operational model give it the strongest Vietnam depth of any globally-priced EOR. Its Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi operational coverage is backed by Vietnamese-speaking HR staff — not translation services layered onto English-language operations.
Vietnam-specific strengths:
- Owned entity in Vietnam
- Vietnamese-language employment contracts compliant with Labour Code 2019
- Full BHXH, BHYT, and BHTN registration and remittance
- Work permit and temporary residence card management for foreign national employees
- Compulsory trade union reporting
- At $400/mo, $199/mo cheaper than Deel or Remote for comparable coverage
Best for: The default top choice for Vietnam hiring — strong compliance, best price, ASEAN operational depth.
2. INS Global — Best for Cross-Border ASEAN Operations
INS Global’s regional presence across Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar makes it the strongest choice for companies operating across the full ASEAN region. Its Vietnam team has particular depth in the manufacturing sector — important for companies relocating supply chains from China to Vietnam.
Vietnam-specific strengths:
- Physical offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi
- Deep manufacturing sector experience (factory compliance, shift work, piece-rate pay structures)
- Strong work permit track record for foreign senior managers and technical experts
- Covers Cambodia and Myanmar for companies with pan-Indochina operations
Weakness: Custom pricing only — no published rates. Platform is less sophisticated than Deel or Multiplier.
Best for: Manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain companies with complex Vietnam operational requirements.
3. Deel — Best for Speed and Scale
Deel’s owned Vietnam entity and automation capabilities make it the fastest option for onboarding multiple Vietnam employees simultaneously. For companies scaling Vietnam teams rapidly, Deel’s bulk onboarding features are the deciding advantage.
Best for: Companies onboarding 5+ Vietnam employees simultaneously, or those prioritising speed over cost savings.
4. Payoneer WFM — Budget Option
At $199/mo starting price, Payoneer WFM is the most affordable Vietnam EOR. Solid for straightforward employment, particularly in IT services and BPO. Less depth for complex foreign national work permit scenarios — if your hire needs a work permit, evaluate Payoneer WFM carefully before committing.
Best for: Cost-conscious companies hiring Vietnamese nationals in standard professional roles.
Vietnam Employment Compliance Snapshot
| Obligation | Rate / Detail |
|---|---|
| BHXH (employer) | 17.5% of salary (capped) |
| BHXH (employee) | 8% of salary |
| BHYT (employer) | 3% of salary |
| BHYT (employee) | 1.5% of salary |
| BHTN (employer) | 1% of salary |
| BHTN (employee) | 1% of salary |
| Personal Income Tax | 5–35% progressive (residents) |
| Minimum wage (Region 1 — HCMC/Hanoi) | VND 4,960,000/mo (~$195) |
| Annual leave | 12 days (increases with tenure) |
| Probation | Max 60 days for most roles |
| Notice period | 30–45 days (depends on contract type) |
| 13th month | Market standard, not legally mandated |
Work Permits for Foreign Nationals in Vietnam
Foreign nationals working in Vietnam need a Work Permit (valid up to 2 years, renewable). Requirements include:
- Health certificate from a Vietnamese-approved medical facility
- Criminal background check (apostilled)
- Qualifications documentation (degree certificates, apostilled)
- Job description confirming the position cannot be filled by a Vietnamese national
- Employer application filed at least 15 days before start date
Work permit refusal rates are high without complete documentation. Choose an EOR with a demonstrated track record of successful Vietnam work permit applications — ask for examples before signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign company hire someone in Vietnam without an entity? Yes — via an EOR. The EOR’s Vietnam-registered entity signs the employment contract. This is the standard approach for foreign companies entering Vietnam without a local subsidiary.
What social insurance must Vietnamese employees receive? All Vietnamese employees (and foreign nationals with work permits) must be enrolled in BHXH, BHYT, and BHTN from their first working day. Combined employer contribution is approximately 21.5% of salary.
How long does Vietnam EOR onboarding take? For Vietnamese nationals: typically 5–10 business days. For foreign nationals requiring a work permit: 4–8 weeks for the full process. The employee can sometimes begin under a temporary arrangement while the permit is processed — confirm this option with your EOR.
Does Vietnam require 13th month pay? The Labour Code does not mandate 13th month pay in Vietnam, unlike the Philippines. But it is market standard for professional roles. Budget for it and confirm with your EOR whether it’s provisioned monthly or paid as a year-end lump sum — the cash flow implications are different.
Which cities does Vietnam EOR cover? All major providers cover Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. For employees in Da Nang, Binh Duong, or industrial zones, confirm your provider has local payroll processing capability — provincial minimum wages differ from HCMC/Hanoi rates.
