Cost of an employee in Vietnam (2026)
What an employee really costs an employer in Vietnam: gross salary plus mandatory employer social contributions.
On a gross salary of โซ8,684,000 per month in Vietnam, an employer pays about โซ10,551,060 in total once mandatory employer social contributions of 21.5% on top of the gross are included.
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How salary is taxed in Vietnam
Income tax in Vietnam is progressive: marginal rates rise from 5% to 35% as income grows.
Employees also pay social contributions of around 10.5% of gross salary.
A tax-free allowance of about โซ132,000,000 per year is deducted before income tax.
The standard VAT rate is 10%.
| Annual taxable income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Up to โซ120,000,000 | 5% |
| Up to โซ360,000,000 | 10% |
| Up to โซ720,000,000 | 20% |
| Up to โซ1,200,000,000 | 30% |
| โซ1,200,000,000 and above | 35% |
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to employ someone in Vietnam?
On top of the gross salary, an employer in Vietnam pays mandatory social contributions. The total cost of employment is the gross salary plus those employer contributions.
Are employer contributions the same as salary deductions?
No. Employer contributions are paid by the company in addition to the gross salary, while employee deductions (income tax and social contributions) are taken out of the gross to leave the net take-home pay.
Employer-contribution rates are approximate and may be capped or vary by region and sector.
Approximate 2026 estimate. Simplified model, verify before relying on it. Not tax advice.
Rates updated June 2026