Finding a job in Hanoi may not be too challenging if you are in a niche career field or have been in discussions with recruiters. Despite being from a foreign country, there is an abundance of opportunities for any person with an appropriate skill set. This article will guide you through your job search in Hanoi, with insights into the labor market and the work environment.
There are dozens of reasons to consider finding a job in Hanoi: the city, the surrounding countryside, the culture, charm, motorbikes, food, and people. The economic growth rate in Hanoi is steadily improving and is nothing short of impressive. Paired with lower living costs and modern accommodation, a lifestyle here can be incredibly satisfying.
Although Ho Chi Minh City is the economic hub of this country, Hanoi is regarded as the traditional epicenter. Agriculture used to contribute massively to Vietnam's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) before the service sector took center stage. With myriad advancements in this sector's technology, agricultural farming is quickly returning to the spotlight.
Can expats work in Hanoi?
While being a foreigner in Vietnam has many advantages, finding a job may still be tricky. The Vietnamese unemployment rate has dropped to 2.03%, with reports from Trading Economics highlighting the key initiatives that are being released for citizens.
With Vietnam's new visa regulations, we encourage you to secure a job before entering the country. Opportunities that used to exist where one could transfer from a tourist visa to full-time employment are starting to dwindle as more employers need specific documentation and experience to offer a letter of employment.
As long as you have a minimum of a bachelor's degree, it is possible for a foreigner to get a job in Hanoi. Vietnamese citizens are very patriotic, but they are not pretentious. Foreigners are treated with respect and are given credit for anything they bring to the table in their chosen sphere.
That's not to say that some jobs aren't more popular than others in Hanoi. At one point, you would only be meeting other expats who were working as English teachers, but now the working environments are getting more diverse with international recruitment and development.
Keep in mind that if you arrive on an employment contract and want to terminate early, your employer has the option to cancel your visa and residence permit, so ideas about having a temporary sabbatical might not reach reality. The good news is that networking is your best bet to switch careers or find opportunities, meaning the effort you put into your career in Vietnam is what you will get out of it.
Hanoi's labor market
You may experience the harsh reality that not every industry is seeking foreign workers. However, there are opportunities to volunteer and get a foot in the door with local Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as children's charities or various environmental projects. For more information, visit NGO Recruitment for up-to-date job boards. The most well-known NGO in Hanoi is Blue Dragon, which, in the past, has had a couple of openings for international candidates.
Hanoi's services sector is growing exponentially, and foreign trade is at an all-time high. Agriculture has always been an essential part of the local economy, especially as Vietnam is one of the biggest rice exporters in the world. Thanks to improving technologies, as well as other entities, there is a new range of opportunities for the Hanoi expat community, making finding a job in Hanoi undoubtedly much easier compared to similar cities around the world.
The most prominent sectors in Hanoi
Let's explore the most popular industries in Hanoi for expats and what to expect if you are applying to join these divisions.
Teaching
Hanoi is peppered with a range of teachers from ESL to university-accredited. Depending on your qualifications, this could be the career shift you are searching for! To qualify for a work permit in this sector, one must have a bachelor's degree in the field of your application. If you are more focused on working with language centers, a TEFL or CELTS will suffice, but it may not equal a long-term work permit. At an international school in Hanoi (British Vietnamese School), monthly salaries begin at 127,780,044 VND (5,010 USD)for English teachers, but require a bachelor's degree and higher(master's of education or/and PGCE cert). For a public education teacher, salaries begin at 33 million VND (1,294 USD) and still require a bachelor's degree and TEFL.
Unfortunately, there are numerous stigmas attached to teaching English in Vietnam. For starters, a certain degree of prejudice is apparent within the ESL (English as a Second Language) sector in this country, especially in terms of racism. People of color are often discriminated against, regardless of their qualifications and suitability for the role. There is also a misunderstanding that English speakers from North America are elite versus European or other native speakers. Luckily, the more prestigious English institutions attempt to be more objective and professional. This discrimination is well-documented among expats and local communities alike. If you are a person of color hoping to work in Vietnam, we advise you to be prepared for many ignorant questions.
Tech startups and engineering
The startup scene in Hanoi is also thriving at the moment. Although Ho Chi Minh in the south is more blatantly regarded as a modern and innovative city, Hanoi is quickly catching up. For many startups, web developers, graphic and UX designers, and social media managers are in high demand. In a short-term sense, startups revolving around food technology and e-commerce are currently the most viable.
Outside of the startup game, Hanoi is also firmly rooted within the realm of technology, with several universities dedicated to this field situated here. From the playground upwards, students are churned into mathematicians with the integrity of an oil drill, and it is statistically evident that Hanoi is adamant about the development of the startup scene.
Tourism
If you have or want to travel the country extensively, then consider a career or working contract within the tourism sector. Many tourism companies or hostels will negotiate contracts with foreigners who want to help lead or communicate with travelers. This option may not come with a visa security, but you will usually get perks of travel and building connections within the tourism sector. Companies to consider include FriendsTravelVietnam and connecting with Hostel chains like Mad Monkey or The One to inquire about their open positions.
Wages in Hanoi
Salaries in Hanoi vary significantly between occupations, sectors, employee experience, and employee nationality. We've collected a broad spectrum of average salaries for in-demand jobs in 2025:
- Director of human resources: monthly salary 39-42 million VND (USD 1,524-1,641.65);
- Bank teller: monthly salary of 8.4 -14 million VND (USD 328.33-547.22);
- Pilot Vietnam Airlines: monthly salary 15,000 USD or 383,760,288 VND;
- Administrative assistant: monthly salary of 8 - 18 million VND (USD 312.70-703.56);
- IT Auditor: monthly salary of 9.8 - 15.8 million VND (USD 383-617.87);
- Business Analyst: monthly salary of 15-17 million VND (USD 586 -664.48);
- IT Manager Education Sector: monthly salary of 52- 61 million VND (USD 2,032- 2,384).
Where to look for a job in Hanoi
There are numerous tried and tested methods of finding a job in Hanoi. Generally speaking, the internet is the best place to start.
LinkedIn is a valuable asset, and we highly recommend keeping your profile current with a modern picture and a memorable byline. LinkedIn is specifically designed to connect employers with workers, and it is one of the most powerful means of building your professional network. Search for local opportunities or follow leaders in the desired field you wish to enter in Vietnam.
Once you have set up an account, you will upload your resume, add other professionals to your network, highlight achievements, acquire references and reviews, and apply for jobs. It's possible to integrate this platform with a personal website, and the profile is available in many languages. Above all, millions of employers take LinkedIn very seriously. Thus, having a verified and active account will help you create a strong first impression.
Freelance platforms
Freelance platforms are a great starting point if you work in any kind of creative industry, such as graphic design or web development. All major employers across the globe utilize these platforms daily. As a freelancer, you'll likely be working on a project-to-project basis, leaving you with plenty of time to explore Hanoi and Northern Vietnam. Getting a contract on a freelance platform may also connect you with long-term work with Vietnamese clients. Be transparent about your visa status to avoid uncomfortable discussions later.
Vietnamese recruitment websites
We suggest using these websites after moving to Vietnam or with the help of a native speaker. While they all have the option to translate into English, they are not entirely foreign-friendly. As one of the primary destinations of thousands of employers in this country, Vietnamese recruitment websites should be at the forefront of your arsenal. These recruitment platforms offer exceptional levels of convenience and promptitude for employers and the workforce alike. The following websites are among the most well-known in Vietnam:
- Vietnamworks - This is one of the most prestigious recruitment websites in the country and daily traffic is in the millions. Be prepared for a prerequisite of bilingual capabilities.
- Careerbuilder - This multinational site boasts thousands of well-paid positions, so be prepared for fierce competition.
- Vieclam24h - More than 25,000 jobs are posted on this website daily, making it one of the most illustrious recruitment sources in the country.
- Itviec.com- This recruitment site would mainly be of interest to anyone with a background in information technology. Typically, contracts and employment opportunities from this site will match international salary standards.
Networking
If you insist on using this method of finding a job in Hanoi, try to demonstrate your value in numerous ways. When making initial contact with a friend or family member, take the initiative. Anyone can send a quick message on Facebook. But going above and beyond could make all the difference. Ask to meet up for a coffee or brunch and make your acquaintance feel like they are more than simply a turnkey. Make it clear that your meeting involves the sensitive topic of work, but you'll be picking up the tab for their advice and time. Make them feel valued as a person and potentially rewarded for their time and connections. By doing so, they're much more likely to put effort into your appraisal and recommendation rather than simply sending your resume to someone's inbox.
The work culture in Hanoi
Working in Hanoi understandably brings up a lot of questions, like what the work culture is like. Or, what is the work-life balance expectation? Even more importantly, how do I immerse myself without embarrassing myself? In reality, things are nowhere near as bad as your nerves may be projecting. If you do not speak Vietnamese, rest assured, international employers will provide English translation during work-related discussions or social gatherings. Colleagues are usually eager to help you learn Vietnamese and will enthusiastically suggest new foods. Sharing snacks or having meals together is a good sign of making friends, so let's discover what the workplace culture in Hanoi looks like!
Important:
Don't make direct comparisons between the work environment of Hanoi and your native country. It will be taken the wrong way and become a barrier to friendships.
What workplaces look like
As Hanoi is constantly developing, it is important to remember that facilities here might not be as sparkling as those in your home country. While there are international schools or tech warehouses with state-of-the-art equipment, some local schools have minimal budgets and, therefore, still use blackboards rather than any fancy electronic equipment. Startup companies will not yet have the pennies for air conditioning and will often maintain a simple fan system. Yet the energy and momentum to prove themselves exist in Hanoi loudly! We encourage you to lean in and buy a handheld battery-operated fan or carry tiger balm to help keep you cool and earn brownie points with colleagues.
The dress code
Dress code issues depend on the employer and industry, but it's best to lead with common sense. Make sure to dress sensibly, and if you have specific questions, contact your HR representative. They will give you a direct answer as to what is acceptable. If you have personally been to your place of work already, what were your soon-to-be coworkers wearing? Take inspiration from other people in a similar role. As a general rule of thumb, if you are in the education or management sectors, you will be expected to dress semi-formally. On the flip side, if you are working in a creative role, a casual approach to dressing is normally fine. But you need to double-check with your employer, colleagues, or friends in Hanoi to be on the safe side.
Office etiquette and punctuality
It is also important to note that management in many businesses in Hanoi does not always comply with international standards. Organizational errors are commonplace, which will definitely take getting used to. You will gain the respect of your team by being early or staying late, especially in your first few weeks. After you have proven your work ethic, coming in on time or leaving on time will not ruffle any feathers. However, if there is a big project for a client, it will be all hands on deck and a great opportunity to bond with colleagues.
Other key things to keep in mind include:
- Avoid confrontations: Handle disagreements diplomatically and privately rather than openly challenging colleagues or superiors in meetings. This will cause others to “lose face” and it will not be something that is quickly forgotten or laughed off.
- Don't skip greetings: Always greet coworkers when you arrive and say goodbye when you leave.
- Limit direct criticism: If you have criticism, make sure it is constructive and handled privately, as direct criticism can be seen as disrespectful.
- Don't overlook hierarchy: Respect the organizational hierarchy and defer to senior staff members in decision-making processes. Don't try to take charge unless nominated, and make sure to offer drinks and snacks at team lunches before building your plate.
Socializing in Hanoi
Drinking culture is so important in Hanoi, and the quicker you get invited to drinks or celebrate a team dinner, the quicker you gain the trust of your colleagues. Always accept invitations unless you have something urgent that cannot be put off, with the exception given to parents. Denied invitations are not normally reissued until a formal team dinner. We highly encourage you to try to attend one of these first social excursions. Remember that Hanoi is small: you will likely run into colleagues, and it would be rude not to acknowledge them outside the office.
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