Professional Payroll Services in Vietnam for Local and International Companies

Our Vietnam payroll service provides comprehensive payroll processing, tax compliance, and social insurance management for businesses operating in Vietnam. With over 15 years of experience managing payroll for 500+ companies, we ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing that meets all Vietnamese labor law requirements.

Key Elements of Payroll Compliance in Vietnam

Mandatory Contributions

Both employers and employees are required to contribute to Vietnam’s compulsory insurance schemes, which fund pensions, healthcare, and unemployment support.

Contribution TypeEmployer RateEmployee Rate
Social Insurance (SI)17.5%8%
Health Insurance (HI)3%1.5%
Unemployment Insurance (UI)1%1%

Overtime and Bonuses

Employers working beyond regular hours must be compensated at higher rates for their time.

Overtime Pay

Weekdays: 150% of the standard hourly wage.

Weekends: 200% of the standard hourly wage.

Public Holidays

300% of the standard hourly wage.

Night Work (10 PM to 6 AM)

An additional 30% premium on top of their normal hourly rate or overtime rate.

Tet Bonus

While not legally mandatory, companies often offer a 13th-month salary or Tet bonus, especially around Lunar New Year. The bonus is typically equal to one month’s salary.

Income Tax Withholding

Employers in Vietnam are responsible for acting as a withholding agent for Personal Income Tax (PIT). This is. an important part of tax reporting in Vietnam, which includes:

  • Registering employees and dependents with the General Department of Taxation.
  • Withholding PIT from employee salaries based on Vietnam’s progressive tax rates, which are set at 5% to 35% for residents, and a flat rate of 20% for non-residents.
  • Applying deductions to PIT, which includes personal allowance, dependent allowance, and mandatory insurance contributions.
  • Remitting PIT and filing returns on time.

Payroll Cycle and Compliance Requirements

Payroll Frequency and Salary Payments

Payroll in Vietnam is usually processed monthly, with a fixed payday agreed upon in the labor contract. Employers must ensure salaries are paid on time and in full by the last working day of the month to avoid penalties or disputes.

Tax and Contribution Deadlines

Withheld PIT and mandatory contributions must be remitted to the authorities monthly or quarterly, depending on the company’s filing status. Our tax and accounting service will make sure you never miss a deadline.

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Annual Finalization

Employers must submit a year-end PIT finalization report, ensuring all employee income and deductions are accurately reported.

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Recordkeeping and Reporting

Accurate payroll records, payslips, and statutory filings must be maintained and kept for at least 10 years to remain compliant with audits and inspections.

Steps to Register Employees for Payroll Management with Emerhub

From setup to compliance, here’s how we can streamline your entire payroll process:

Employee Onboarding and Setup

During the initial consultation, we will start by understanding your business needs and current payroll setup. As you provide us with your employee’s documentation and salary information, we will set them up in our system.

Statutory and Government Registrations

Our team will handle any mandatory registrations with the local government for your employees, which includes social and health insurance with the local labor department.

Monthly Payroll Processing

We will process your payroll monthly, accurately calculating salaries, benefits, overtime, and employment taxes on time.

Tax Filings and Compliance Reporting

When it comes to taxes, our accountants will assist you with your quarterly personal income tax filings, annual PIT settlements, and employee payslips, providing expert advice as needed.

Industries We Serve

We’ve developed specialized expertise across key sectors in Vietnam

Manufacturing & Industrial

Complex shift patterns and overtime calculations.

Technology & Software

Stock options and international employee management.

BPO and Back Offices

Employee payroll, taxes, and compliance.

Education & Training

Contract teacher payments and seasonal variations.

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals

Professional allowances and compliance.

Financial Services

Bonus structures and commission calculations.

FAQs on Payroll in Vietnam

What currency is payroll processed in?

Salaries must be paid in Vietnamese Dong (VND), even if the employment contract specifies a foreign currency. The exchange rate applied is the rate announced by the State Bank of Vietnam on the payment date.

Can foreign employees be included in payroll?

Yes, when hiring foreign employees, these individuals must hold a valid work permit, visa, and employment contract. Employers must also register them for social insurance (if eligible) and withhold income tax.

What must be included in an employee’s payslip in Vietnam?

Payslips typically include your employee’s gross salary, allowances, overtime pay, deductions, and the net salary paid.

Are digital payslips allowed in Vietnam?

Yes, employers may issue digital or electronic payslips, provided they are secure and accessible to employees.

What is the probationary salary requirement?

Probation salary must be at least 85% of the agreed contractual salary. Probation periods vary by job level but generally last 6 to 60 days.

Are freelancers or contractors included in payroll?

No, freelancers or contractors are not treated as employees, so they are not included in your standard payroll. However, payments to contractors may still require tax withholding depending on their residency status.

Insights on Vietnam Payroll and Compliance