Insight Hub

By LevelAdvise Legal Team | Ho Chi Minh City​

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For many foreigners, job searching in Vietnam can feel uncertain at first. The market is dynamic, requirements vary significantly between industries, and information is often scattered across different platforms. Through years of assisting expats and observing hiring patterns, we have compiled a practical guide to help newcomers navigate where, and how to find job opportunities beyond English teaching.

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This article highlights the channels most commonly used by foreigners in Vietnam, along with considerations related to legal employment and work permits.

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1. Professional Recruitment Platforms

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(LinkedIn, VietnamWorks, Indeed, Robert Walters, Michael Page…)

These platforms form the core of most professional job searches in Vietnam, especially for foreign applicants.

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LinkedIn

LinkedIn is currently the most effective tool for foreigners seeking employment. International companies, foreign-invested enterprises (FDI), and many Vietnamese corporations use LinkedIn as a primary recruitment channel.

 

Why LinkedIn stands out:

• High visibility to recruiters and HR teams

• Job postings frequently written in English

• Easy to research company backgrounds and track hiring history

• Suitable for mid- to senior-level professionals, as well as entry-level roles in international environments

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          Tip: ​A strong, updated LinkedIn profile significantly increases the chance of being contacted for                                      relevant positions.​

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VietnamWorks

One of the largest job portals in Vietnam with a long-standing reputation.
Best for: office roles, multinational companies, and positions requiring English proficiency.
Foreigners frequently find marketing, business development, IT, sales, and management roles here.

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Indeed

A user-friendly platform that aggregates listings from multiple employers.
Useful for: those looking for a variety of roles — including customer service, hospitality, marketing, administrative positions, or flexible work.

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Robert Walters & Michael Page

These are international recruitment agencies with offices in Vietnam.
Ideal for: applicants with professional experience seeking higher-level roles or specialized positions.
They often work with companies able to legally sponsor foreign employees.​

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Other Websites to Diversify Your Search

• CareerBuilder Vietnam

• TopCV (with English-language filters)

• ITviec (for tech and engineering roles)

• Glassdoor (insight into company reputation + occasional vacancies)

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2. Social Media Groups & Professional Communities

 

Social media — particularly Facebook — plays a significant role in Vietnam’s job market. Many industries maintain active community groups where employers and professionals share opportunities, experiences, and advice.​

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Why these groups are valuable

• Real-time job postings, including freelance or project-based work

• Insights into work culture, employer reputation, and industry trends

• Networking opportunities with expats already working in Vietnam

• Access to events, workshops, and meetups organized by the community

 

Types of groups to look for

• Industry-specific groups: Marketing, IT, Creative/Media, Hospitality, HR, Business Development

• City-based expat groups: Expats in HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang

• Nationality-based groups: Foreigners from your home country living in Vietnam

 

Search keywords to find suitable communities:

“jobs in Vietnam for foreigners”
“expats HCMC jobs”
“Vietnam marketing community”
“IT Vietnam jobs”
“[your nationality] in Vietnam”

 

Tip: Joining multiple groups helps broaden your visibility and increases the chance of discovering both official and community-referred opportunities.

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3. Direct Outreach to Companies

 

A proactive approach that works well for applicants with clear professional backgrounds or specialized skills.

 

Target the right companies:

Foreigners tend to have the highest success rates when approaching:

• Foreign direct investment (FDI) companies

• International corporations with offices in Vietnam

• Companies originating from your home country

• Industries with high demand for foreign professionals, such as IT, education, healthcare, hospitality, and international business services

 

Many high-quality positions are never publicly advertised. Instead, companies hire through internal referrals, direct applications, or targeted outreach. Preparing a strong, concise introduction and portfolio significantly increases the chance of receiving a response.

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Requirements for this method 

• In-depth understanding of your own skillset

• Research into Vietnam’s industry landscape

• Patience and consistency in communication

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This method requires more effort but often leads to more stable, legally supported roles.

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4. Considering Business Ownership

 

For some foreigners, finding the right job can take time. If you have the financial capacity and a clear idea, establishing your own business in Vietnam is a legitimate and increasingly common alternative.

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Advantages

• Greater independence and control over your career

• Ability to operate legally without depending on an employer

• Potential eligibility for a business visa or Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

• Opportunity to turn personal expertise into a long-term project

 

Possible challenges 

• Initial capital requirements

• Administrative and compliance responsibilities

• Understanding of the local market and legal framework

• Not ideal for those seeking immediate income

 

This path is not suitable for everyone, but for individuals who are ready to commit, it can be a rewarding and sustainable way to live and work in Vietnam.

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5. Legal Considerations

 

Before committing to any job, foreigners should always check whether the position can legally sponsor a work permit and relevant visa/temporary residence documents.

Some roles — especially freelance or entertainment-based work — do not offer legal employment pathways.

 

For a detailed explanation of work permit requirements, visa options, and long-term stay solutions for foreigners, we recommend reading:

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• “How to Legally Be an English Teacher in Vietnam (And Where to Start)”: English Teacher in Vietnam | Level Advise

• "Employment Rules for Foreigners in Viet Nam: A Quick Guide": Employment rules | Level Advise

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6. Final Notes & Practical Tips

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• Build and maintain a professional LinkedIn profile, it is essential.

• Diversify your job search across both official job platforms and community networks.

• Focus on companies that have experience hiring foreigners; this increases success rates significantly.

• Make networking a priority — both online and offline.

• Take time to understand your strengths and how they fit Vietnam’s market.

• Be mindful of the legal aspects of any job offer, especially if long-term residency is your goal.

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📩 Need help with your work permit,  labor dispute or company registration?
Let our legal advisors walk you through your situation with clarity and care.

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📍 Office: 32 Pham Ngoc Thach, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, HCMC
📧 Email: info@leveladvise.com
🌐 Web: www.leveladvise.com

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