hr-vietnam-context

HR Vietnam context

A supplementary skill covering Vietnam-specific employment law, compliance obligations, and cultural practices that apply when operating in or hiring for Vietnam. Use alongside other HR skills to adapt global frameworks to the Vietnam market.

Supported tasks

• Interpreting and applying the Vietnam Labor Code
• Social Insurance, Health Insurance, and Unemployment Insurance enrollment and reporting
• Personal income tax (PIT) registration and payroll tax compliance
• Work permit and business visa management for foreign workers
• Drafting legally compliant employment contracts under Vietnamese law
• Disciplinary procedures and termination under Vietnam Labor Code
• Trade union obligations and worker representative engagement
• Managing Vietnam-specific leave entitlements (annual, maternity, sick, Tet)
• Adapting global HR policies for Vietnam cultural norms
• Navigating Vietnam's data localization and cybersecurity law

Key prompts

Vietnam Labor Code fundamentals

• "Explain the key differences between definite-term and indefinite-term employment contracts under Vietnam's Labor Code and when to use each."
• "What are the mandatory probation period rules in Vietnam, and what can and can't be included in a probation contract?"
• "Draft a Vietnam-compliant employment contract for a [full-time / part-time] [role title] with a salary of [amount] VND."
• "Summarize an employee's rights when terminated without cause under Vietnam Labor Code, including severance pay calculation."
• "What notice periods are legally required for resignation and employer-initiated termination in Vietnam?"

Social insurance and benefits compliance

• "Create a new-hire compliance checklist for Vietnam covering Social Insurance enrollment, Health Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, and PIT registration within 30 days."
• "How is Social Insurance contribution calculated for both employer and employee in Vietnam? List the current rates."
• "What are the rules for Health Insurance coverage for dependents of employees in Vietnam?"
• "Explain the Unemployment Insurance claim process in Vietnam and what documentation HR must prepare."
• "Draft an internal memo explaining changes to Social Insurance contribution rates for [year] to all Vietnam-based employees."

Disciplinary procedures and termination

• "Outline the legally required steps for issuing a written disciplinary warning to an employee in Vietnam, including the required notice and witness rules."
• "What documentation must HR prepare before terminating an employee for poor performance in Vietnam?"
• "Draft a disciplinary meeting agenda and minutes template that meets Vietnam Labor Code requirements."
• "Explain the difference between unilateral termination by employer, mutual agreement, and contract expiry under Vietnam law, and the different obligations for each."
• "What are the grounds for immediate termination (dismissal without notice) in Vietnam, and what proof is required?"

Work permits and foreign worker management

• "List all documents required to apply for a work permit for a foreign national in Vietnam, including employer and employee responsibilities."
• "What are the exemption criteria for the work permit requirement in Vietnam, and how do we document an exemption correctly?"
• "Draft a written explanation letter for renewing a foreign employee's work permit in [industry / role]."
• "Explain the Business Visa (DN) and its limitations for foreign staff who work in Vietnam without a work permit."
• "Create an expat onboarding checklist for foreign employees joining our Vietnam office covering immigration, tax, social insurance, and cultural orientation."

Trade union and collective labor

• "Explain an employer's obligations when employees form or join a trade union in Vietnam."
• "What must be included in a Collective Labor Agreement (CLA) under Vietnam law?"
• "How should HR respond if a trade union requests negotiation over wages or working conditions?"
• "Draft a communication to employees explaining their rights to join the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL)."

Cultural norms and local HR practices

• "What are the key cultural norms HR should communicate to new foreign managers leading Vietnamese teams (hierarchy, saving face, indirect communication, Tet expectations)?"
• "How should HR handle performance feedback conversations with Vietnamese employees who may be reluctant to openly disagree with a manager?"
• "Draft a Tet bonus policy that is fair, legally compliant, and aligned with Vietnamese employee expectations."
• "What is the 13th-month salary expectation in Vietnam, and how should it be structured in an employment contract?"
• "Create an internal guide for foreign managers on Vietnamese workplace communication norms, decision-making styles, and team motivation approaches."

Leave entitlements and payroll

• "List all statutory leave entitlements in Vietnam: annual leave, sick leave, maternity, paternity, and public holidays."
• "How is annual leave accrual calculated in Vietnam for employees with different tenure lengths?"
• "Explain maternity leave rights in Vietnam including duration, Social Insurance payment, and breastfeeding breaks."
• "Draft a leave policy addendum that complies with Vietnam Labor Code and reflects our [company name] internal leave benefits."

Tips

• Always use written contracts. Verbal agreements have limited enforceability in Vietnam. Every employment relationship must be documented in a signed labor contract before or on the first day of work.
• The 30-day enrollment rule is strict. Social Insurance, Health Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, and PIT registration must all be completed within 30 days of the hire date. Late enrollment exposes the company to back contributions plus penalties.
• Disciplinary procedures are procedurally rigid. Vietnam's Labor Code requires specific steps (written notice, disciplinary meeting with witness, written decision) even for minor infractions. Skipping steps can void the disciplinary action and expose the company to reinstatement claims.
• Tet bonus sets cultural expectations. While not legally mandated, a 13th-month or Tet bonus is a strong cultural norm. Failing to pay it — or paying it late — significantly damages employee trust and retention. Define the policy clearly in contracts or company policy.
• Work permit timelines are unpredictable. Begin the work permit application at least 60 days before a foreign employee's start date. Factor in the labor need approval from the Department of Labour — a separate step that adds 10–15 business days before the permit application itself.
• "Saving face" affects feedback quality. Vietnamese employees may say "understood" or "yes" to avoid conflict, not because they agree. Build psychological safety through 1-on-1 sessions and anonymous surveys rather than relying on open group feedback.