Blog HR & Labor Market

The Vietnam Employment Law 2025 marks one of the most significant reforms to the country’s labor framework in over a decade. Taking effect on January 1, 2026, the new law introduces broader unemployment insurance coverage, a flexible employer contribution rate of up to 1%, and the creation of a centralized National Labor Registration Database. For employers—whether foreign-invested enterprises, domestic companies, recruiters, or staffing agencies—these changes mean payroll systems, HR policies, and data governance must all be updated. Workers also gain stronger rights to access and correct their employment records, alongside clearer rules for electronic labor contracts and data privacy under the new Personal Data Protection Law. With higher compliance expectations and potential penalties for missed contributions or data violations, HR leaders and business owners should act now. This article explains the 10 key changes, offers a 30–60–90 day compliance checklist, and provides practical guidance to help organizations prepare for the Employment Law 2025 in Vietnam.