Overtime pay rules in Vietnam
1. Hourly rate
Hourly rate = Monthly salary ÷ (Normal working days in the month × 8)
The number of normal working days is set in company rules: typically 22 days for a Monday–Friday week or 26 days if only Sunday is off.
2. Overtime rates (Labour Code 2019, Article 98; Decree 145/2020)
| When | Daytime (6 am–10 pm) | Night (10 pm–6 am) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal working day | 150% | 210% |
| Weekly day off | 200% | 270% |
| Public holiday, Tết, paid leave day | 300% | 390% |
Monthly-paid employees also receive their normal salary for public holidays, so working on a holiday effectively brings in 400% (day) or 490% (night). On a normal day with no daytime overtime, night overtime is 200% rather than 210%.
3. Overtime limits
- Up to 50% of normal daily hours (4 hours on an 8-hour day), or 12 hours a day in total.
- No more than 40 hours a month.
- No more than 200 hours a year, or 300 hours in certain sectors such as textiles, electronics and seafood processing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the overtime rate in Vietnam?
Under Article 98 of the 2019 Labour Code, overtime is paid at least 150% on normal working days, 200% on weekly days off and 300% on public holidays and paid leave days (excluding the normal holiday pay for monthly-paid employees).
How is night overtime calculated?
Night work (10 pm to 6 am) adds 30%, and night overtime adds a further 20% of the day rate. This gives 210% on normal days (when you also worked overtime that day), 270% on days off and 390% on public holidays.
How many overtime hours are allowed?
Generally no more than 50% of normal daily hours (4 hours on an 8-hour day), 40 hours a month and 200 hours a year. Some sectors may go up to 300 hours a year.
How is the hourly rate worked out?
Monthly salary divided by the number of normal working days in the month (set by company rules, usually 22 or 26) and by 8 hours.