icon fb blueicon linkedin blueicon call blueicon youtube blue

Tips for Hiring Programmer in Vietnam

Nora Setiawan

When we talk about Vietnam, we have to acknowledge it as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia today. Vietnam also has become the primary source for programmer in Southeast Asia. However, keep in mind, the Vietnamese programmer is not as experienced in selling their skills, and finding the top talents in Vietnam can take a different approach. Thus, this article will provide you with tips for hiring pogrammer in Vietnam. Let’s keep reading!

READ MORE: How Viettonkin Consulting can help you hire good programmers in Vietnam


Why You Should Hire Programmer in Vietnam?

According to Channel News Asia (CNA), Vietnam has a robust annual growth of 6% since 2010. In 2019, Vietnam has received over US$38.2 billion for total Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), which is a 7.2% year-on-year increase compared to 2018. Moreover, Singapore was Vietnam’s third-largest investor in 2019 with total investments of US$4.5 billion. 

Singapore’s Direct Investments Abroad (DIA) into the country has more than tripled in the last decade. In addition, the seven Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) have attracted over US$12.9 billion in investment for more than 800 companies in 2018. 

Vietnam has a rapidly-growing technology community that attracted a wave of foreign investors, including venture capital funds and co-working space providers. The country’s heavy investment in technology and engineering, combined with improved internet connectivity and a young, low-cost workforce, has hatched a prospering IT outsourcing industry. 

According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, the country is now home to roughly 30.000 IT companies, while churn out 80.000 IT graduates a year from its universities. Another interesting fact to add, there is top tech talent behind Vietnam's economic growth, and it increases the demand for programmer. 


Programmer Types Available in Vietnam

software developer types

Before hiring the top talents in the technology industry, you have to recognize the field of software development, because there are many different roles involved. If you want your software development project to work out successfully, your company should include different types of programmer in your team.

Here are some of the most popular programmer or software developer types:

1. Frontend Developers

Frontend developers are specialists in user interface development. They include web developers with expertise in CSS, HTML5, Javascript, CMS, and WordPress, and frontend developers with Angular or ReactJS knowledge.

2. Backend Developers

Backend developers specialized in the performance and logic behind an application through the integration of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Common backend developers are C developers, Java developers, .NET developers, PHP developers, NodeJS developers, Python developers, and Ruby developers. 

3. Mobile Developers

This type of developer specialized in mobile technology such as creating applications for Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, or Microsoft’s Windows Mobile platforms. Developers with expertise in Ionic or React Native are also part of this category and are more difficult to find.

4. Offshore Full Stack Developers

Another type of software developer is offshore full stack developers. They can manage both backend and frontend software development in terms of Javascript, PHP, NodeJS, C# Net, and so on.


Salary and Benefits Expected by a Programmer in Vietnam

Software developers in Vietnam often expect the proper salaries and benefits for them to consider joining your company. Here is the guide for your reference:

1. Salary

  • Junior developers with 2 to 3 years of experience: US$500 - US$1.200 monthly
  • Senior developers with 3 to 7 years of experience: US$1.000 - US$2.000 monthly
  • UI / UX designers” US$600 to US$2.000 monthly.

2. Tax and Insurance

Employers in Vietnam are required to pay for their taxes, social insurances, health insurance, trade union fees, and unemployment insurance. All these payments are around 15% to 35% of an employee’s base salary.

3. Other Benefits

It is very common to include an employee’s benefit package, but it depends on their necessities and employer’s ability. Here are the common benefit packages for the employees:

  • A bonus on the Lunar New Year equals at least a one-month salary. This bonus is different from performance bonuses.
  • Annual company trip, either domestic or overseas.
  • Annual company dinner or party.
  • Private health insurance.
  • Training and career advancement opportunities.
  • Flexible working hours.
  • Premium office facilities.

What To Avoid When Hiring Programmer?

After knowing the tips for hiring software developers, you also need to keep in mind what things that you need to avoid these common mistakes when doing one.

1. Interviewing Programmer Candidates without Pre-screening

A recruiter can easily find 20 or 30 profiles matching the requirements, but interviewing all of them would take up a lot of time. Thus, the recruiter needs to pre-screening the candidates.

During pre-screening, the recruiter will have an initial interview and validate basic claims made by the candidates and how interested they are in the job.

2. Hiring Programmer Based on Their Resume Only

Some people may have great resumes and conquer all interview questions, but sometimes you find out that they just packaged themselves well. It can be the opposite, a skilled candidate may be terrible at presenting their skills. However, when hiring a software developer, a test assignment will usually tell you more about the candidate.

3. Making an Offer Without Understanding The Local Salary Standards

A recruiter’s objective should be to pay competitive market rates. Nonetheless, you can only do that by knowing what the local salary standard is for similar positions.

You also need to be cautious when a candidate asks for less than the market standard, it might be they likely do not have the qualifications you asked for or have some other issues you will not want to deal with later.

4. Not Understanding Local Employment Regulations 

Being a foreign company does not exempt you from following local laws and regulations. For instance, in Vietnam, companies pay employees a TET (Vietnamese New Year) bonus. This is the 13th salary paid to employees before Lunar New Year. It is not mandatory by law but unless you agree otherwise, your employee will assume they get it.

Furthermore, employees will expect this on top of any other bonuses you give them, so you need to consider this when discussing the job offer. It is also good to know the regular working hours, annual leaves, and paid holidays when preparing an employment contract.

In conclusion, these are all the information related to hiring software developers in Vietnam. If you approach them in the right way, you will get the top tech talents for your upcoming companies. Finding the top talents in Vietnam can be easy as long as you can avoid the common mistakes, and start planning things ahead. If you are still unsure, do not hesitate to contact us. Viettonkin will always be ready to assist you!

Unlock Vietnam's Market: Download Our Comprehensive FDI eBook Now!

Vietnam is emerging as a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), driven by rapid economic growth, favorable government policies, and an investor-friendly business environment. This eBook provides a deep dive into Vietnam’s economic landscape, highlighting key industries such as manufacturing, real estate, and digital banking that attract FDI. It also explores the government’s proactive measures to streamline investment procedures, improve infrastructure, and offer tax incentives for foreign enterprises. Additionally, it covers crucial insights into market entry strategies, regulatory requirements, and socio-cultural factors that influence business success in Vietnam.


Download the eBook now to gain expert insights into successfully navigating Vietnam’s dynamic investment landscape!

Download EBOOK
Unlock Vietnam's Market: Download Our Comprehensive FDI eBook Now!

Vietnam is emerging as a prime destination for foreign direct investment (FDI), driven by rapid economic growth, favorable government policies, and an investor-friendly business environment. This eBook provides a deep dive into Vietnam’s economic landscape, highlighting key industries such as manufacturing, real estate, and digital banking that attract FDI. It also explores the government’s proactive measures to streamline investment procedures, improve infrastructure, and offer tax incentives for foreign enterprises. Additionally, it covers crucial insights into market entry strategies, regulatory requirements, and socio-cultural factors that influence business success in Vietnam.


Download the eBook now to gain expert insights into successfully navigating Vietnam’s dynamic investment landscape!

Download E-Book

About Us

Founded in 2009, Viettonkin Consulting is a multi-disciplinary group of consulting firms headquartered in Hanoi, Vietnam with offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Bangkok, Singapore, and Hong Kong and a strong presence through strategic alliances throughout Southeast Asia. Our firm’s guiding mission is aimed towards facilitating intra-ASEAN investments and connecting investors in Southeast Asia with the rest of the world, thus promoting international business relationships and strengthening inter-nation connections.
Contact
Email: 
info@viettonkin.com.vn
Phone Number: 
+84 977093166
Support
FAQ
Subscribe to our insights to look at the critical issue that your business is facing and stay ahead of the competition in a rapidly changing world.
Subscription Form
img linkedin
Viettonkin Consulting Logo © 2025 - Viettonkin JSC