About this Video

• Video Title: Working in Vietnam HAS CHANGED in 2025! (The 'UGLY' side Nobody's Talking About!)
• Channel: Duong Global Business Consulting Group
• Speakers: Ken Yung
• Duration: 00:13:57

Introduction

This video discusses the changes in the Vietnamese job market in 2025, focusing on opportunities for expats. It covers job hunting strategies, visa and work permit requirements, salary expectations, cost of living, tax implications, and popular expat cities. The speaker highlights the growing economy and increased demand for skilled professionals.

Key Takeaways

• High demand for skilled managers: Vietnamese companies actively seek skilled managers with global market understanding.
• Competitive job market: Competition exists among local graduates, necessitating a strong strategy.
• Attractive cost of living: Despite rising costs, the cost of living remains lower than in many Western countries.
• Work permit and visa requirements: Expats need work permits and visas, sponsored by employers, involving paperwork and potentially a police clearance and health check.
• Salary and tax considerations: Salaries vary by field; tax residency depends on time spent in Vietnam (over 183 days triggers progressive tax rates up to 35%).
• Popular expat cities: Ho Chi Minh City (financial hub), Hanoi (political and cultural hub), and Da Nang (emerging tech scene) are highlighted with their respective pros and cons.
• Networking is crucial: Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn, networking events, and personal referrals are recommended.

The transcript mentions the following salary ranges:

• English teachers: $1,000 to $2,000 per month (potentially up to $2,500 or more in international schools).
• Mid-level managers (in finance, marketing, or manufacturing): $1,500 to $3,000 a month.
• Senior managers: Up to $5,000 to $10,000 a month (especially in booming industries like technology).

These figures are approximate and can vary depending on experience, skills, and specific employer.

The video presents the following cities as popular expat destinations, along with their pros and cons:

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):

• Pros: Financial and business hub; high salaries in corporate and tech sectors; international dining and nightlife; vibrant expat community.
• Cons: Intense traffic; rising cost of living (though still cheaper than many Western countries).

Hanoi:

• Pros: Political and cultural hub; rich history; stunning lakes; slower pace of life; government jobs, NGOs, and educational institutions are headquartered here.
• Cons: Can be chilly in winter; nightlife is more subdued than Saigon.

Da Nang:

• Pros: Gorgeous beaches; laid-back atmosphere; emerging tech scene (significant FPT Software presence); lower rents; cleaner air.
• Cons: Smaller job market; may require more effort to find work or specialized skills.