Scaling a business worldwide is more than just expanding markets; it is also about growing talent. The scarcity of technological skills is a worldwide issue, not simply a local one. Only 16% of CEOs are satisfied with the quantity of technological talent they have to achieve their digital objectives. The majority believe that a lack of computer skills is a serious impediment to progress. Unfilled developer or data scientist roles can stymie a product launch or undermine a new project in today’s fast-paced technology industry.
The good news is that today’s businesses aren’t restricted to recruiting in their own backyard. Remote work and international collaboration are becoming commonplace. It is no longer rare for a New York or London-based business to have engineers in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
Over half of Vietnam’s population is under the age of 35, and the country produces more than 50,000 IT graduates each year. Vietnam’s burgeoning digital landscape is expected to require around 500,000 tech professionals by 2025. This young, rising talent pool is driven by a strong emphasis on STEM education as well as a cultural excitement for technology and innovation.
According to current recruiting statistics from Deel, an all-in-one payroll and HR platform, overseas hiring of high-skilled Vietnamese individuals increased by 111% in 2024, particularly in the tech industry. The Deel data, which provides insights into developing global employment patterns, including Vietnam, shows a significant increase in foreign hiring, highlighting Vietnam’s growing importance in the global labour market. Key global markets with a digital talent shortage, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, have emerged as top employers for highly trained Vietnamese individuals.
Singapore’s increasing need for Vietnamese expertise reflects the country’s strengthening economic and diplomatic ties with Vietnam, as evident in Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s recent visit. Meanwhile, the United States remains the largest employer, although Great Britain has risen in the ranks, surpassing Australia and Hong Kong this year. The most in-demand occupations for Vietnamese talent also shifted from 2023 to 2024. While software engineers or developers remained the most popular jobs, occupations such as quality assurance and game developer gained traction, displacing roles like interpreter and statistician from the previous year. Furthermore, many Vietnamese organisations are growing their global employment efforts, with top positions including software engineer or developer, graphic designer, and antifraud analyst.
Beyond Vietnam, the research identifies major alterations in worldwide recruiting trends. While software engineers continue to be the most in-demand profession, accounting positions are experiencing unparalleled growth. Hiring for accountants increased by 74% globally last year, with compensation rising by 15%, making it one of the fastest-growing career categories. Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong are among the top accounting-hiring nations in the Asia Pacific.
Another obvious advantage is cost without sacrificing quality. Working in Vietnam provides cost savings (salaries and operational costs can be much cheaper than in Western centres) while maintaining quality. The average developer compensation is far lower than in North America or Europe, but the quality of engineering, particularly in high-demand areas like web development, mobile apps, AI, and solid cloud infrastructure, is improving rapidly.
Vietnam is located in the heart of Southeast Asia and serves as a critical gateway to the region’s major markets. Its closeness to the dynamic ASEAN nations and China, as well as its membership in significant trade accords such as the CPTPP and EVFTA, contributes to its appeal as a regional trade and investment hub. This strategic position allows enterprises to reach a large customer base, while professionals may participate in a dynamic and integrated market.
Beyond its remarkable talent pool, Vietnam has a politically stable and openly pro-business atmosphere. The Vietnamese government has made digital transformation a top national priority, enacting a number of progressive measures to aggressively attract and ease international investment in the country’s technology industry.
Notable and impactful initiatives include:
National Digital Transformation Program until 2025, with a vision towards 2030: A comprehensive framework for encouraging digital firms, improving e-government services, and building a digital society.
The Law on Digital Technology Industry (effective January 1, 2026): A historic piece of legislation that offers extraordinary advantages to both digital startups and existing businesses, including considerable tax benefits, faster visa facilitation for foreign specialists and their families, and significant government assistance for innovation clusters.
The government has also encouraged growth through initiatives such as the “Make in Vietnam” initiative, which promotes innovation, attracts international investment, and helps local startups. Business-friendly conditions, such as tax breaks and 100% foreign ownership for outsourcing firms, have accelerated technological progress.
On the transnational front, global heavyweights like as Samsung, Intel, Nvidia, and Microsoft have developed large presences in Vietnam, establishing R&D centres and innovation laboratories. Furthermore, Vietnam’s tech ecosystem is supported by a network of accelerators, incubators, and venture capital companies that foster innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a healthy environment for technology businesses.
Vietnam’s rise as a top global talent destination may be attributed to the country’s unique combination of economic resiliency, a favourable business climate, strategic position, and vibrant workforce. The country’s competitive advantages and commitment to fostering a supportive environment for businesses and professionals make it an excellent choice for those seeking growth and innovation.
As Vietnam continues to integrate into the global economy, its status as a centre for foreign talent will grow. Companies and professionals seeking to tap into a large talent pool and capitalize on Vietnam’s strategic advantages will find several opportunities to prosper in this lively and continuously evolving country. Businesses that capitalize on Vietnam’s potential can drive their own success while also contributing to the country’s ongoing journey to become a global talent hub.
