Vietnam’s economy is on the rise, and so is the call to come home.
If you're a Vietnamese professional currently living and working abroad, you may be wondering whether it’s time to return and re-establish your career in Vietnam. For many, the question begins with something personal, a quiet pull toward home. It could be the desire to be closer to your family, raise children in a familiar culture, or simply reconnect with where you came from.
Still, this is not a small decision. From job availability to lifestyle adjustments, there are many questions to answer before making the move. This article is your go-to checklist to help you Make it in Vietnam.
Key Insights
Will this move help me make the most of my experience and potential?
What support is available for my family to adjust and settle in?
1. Career Opportunities and Long-Term Growth
❓ Will this move help me make the most of my experience and potential?
This is a key question for many overseas professionals considering a return. It’s not just about finding a job — it’s about finding the right role that reflects your global expertise, values and supports your long-term growth.
Vietnam’s economy is undergoing a significant shift, with strong demand for internationally experienced professionals in sectors that are vital to the country’s next phase of development.
Based on Manpower Vietnam’s recruitment insights and market observations, the industries that most actively seeking overseas Vietnamese talent include:
Green Economy Sectors such as Renewable Energy and Sustainable Manufacturing
These sectors are driving Vietnam’s shift toward a more digital, sustainable, and globally competitive economy — though many other industries are also actively seeking internationally experienced professionals.
Returnees are especially valued for their ability to bring innovation and structured thinking, drive transformation, and bridge global practices with local execution. For many, it’s not only a chance to grow, but also to give back and inspire future Vietnamese leaders.
Browse executive and expert-level job opportunities.
2. Compensation and Benefits
❓Will the offer reflect my value and experience?
Top companies in Vietnam understand the level of investment required to attract overseas Vietnamese professionals - they get it. While salaries may not exceed those in developed markets, they are designed to be competitive, and thanks to Vietnam’s lower cost of goods and services, many returnees enjoy a higher overall standard of living.
View Vietnam Salary Guide 2025 for detailed benchmarks by function and industry.
❓What’s typically included in the benefit package?
Relocation support (housing, children’s school tuition, flights)
Premium healthcare (often for dependents as well)
Performance-based bonuses
Equity or profit-sharing (in selected roles)
Sign-on bonus
Extended paid leave or executive perks
Many companies also offer flexibility in structuring compensation to support a smooth transition. Speaking with a career consultant can help you navigate negotiations and secure benefits tailored to your personal and family needs.
3. Work Culture in Vietnam
❓How different is the work culture in Vietnam today?
The workplace culture in Vietnam is evolving fast. While traditional values such as respect and relationship-building remain important, younger companies are placing greater emphasis on innovation, speed, and results.
Workplace culture varies by industry, based on insights from Manpower Vietnam consultants.
Semiconductors, Tech: hybrid and remote flexibility, open collaboration
Retail, Manufacturing: performance-based culture, structured reporting
Real Estate, Energy: strategic planning, cross-team alignment
Healthcare: hierarchical decision-making, but innovation-driven
Consulting, Education: coaching leadership, global perspectives
Every company has its own culture — some more traditional, others more globally aligned. Share your values with a career consultant who knows the market well to help you find the right fit.
4. Life for Your Family in Vietnam
❓What support is available for my family to adjust and settle in?
Relocating to Vietnam is often a family decision, especially if you’re returning with a spouse, children, or aging parents. Ensuring their comfort and integration is just as important as securing the right job for yourself.
In major cities like HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang, you’ll find:
International schools offering IB, British, American, and French curricula
Private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff and modern facilities
Safe, gated residential areas with amenities like playgrounds, gyms, and supermarkets
Communities of returnees and expats, making it easier to build a support system
For children, adjusting to a new culture and language may take time – but many international schools offer counseling, ESL support, and multicultural environments to ease the transition.
Spouses may explore career opportunities, business ventures, or continue remote work, depending on visa type and employment eligibility.
If you're returning to be closer to elderly parents, Vietnam offers increasingly accessible eldercare services – from at-home caregiving to modern senior wellness facilities.
Above all, many families find that returning strengthens their connection to Vietnamese heritage, allowing children to grow up with bilingual skills, cultural understanding, and extended family support.
Vietnam Is Ready – Are You?
You can begin your journey home from anywhere in the world.
With over 17 years of experience in Vietnam and a strong global network, Manpower Vietnam has supported many professionals like you — from identifying the right roles to navigating final onboarding.
Here’s how we support your return:
Personalized career consultations tailored to your background and goals
Access to exclusive job openings at Vietnam’s top companies
Salary and market insights to help you benchmark and negotiate confidently
Legal, visa, and relocation support to simplify logistics
Ongoing guidance — before, during, and after you start
Let us help you Make it in Vietnam.