Regional minimum wage may increase by 7.2% from 2026
VGP - The National Wage Council has put foward a proposal to the Government to raise the regional minimum wage by 7.2 percent, applicable from January 1, 2026.
If approved by the Government, the regional minimum wage shall increase by VND350,000-500,000 (US$15.5-22.2) per month from the current ones, depending on each zone.
Specifically, the monthly minimum wage for Zones 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be VND4.96 million (US$219), VND4.41 million (US$194), VND2.6 million (US$114) and VND2.5 million (US$109), respectively.
The minimum wage, the lowest amount an employer is legally required to pay workers for simple jobs under normal working conditions, targeting to ensure that workers can meet their most basic needs.
Based on these minimum rates, employers can negotiate with their employees over actual monthly salaries.
As of July 1, 2025, Viet Nam's regional minimum wage has been applied in 34 provinces and centrally run cities following the merger of localities.
Viet Nam's monthly minimum wages vary across four different regions, each based on the living standards in those areas. The new organization of local administrative units has significantly changed how regions are categorized, such as:
Region 1: This region encompasses the most economically developed and urbanized areas of Viet Nam, including its key industrial and business hubs, such as Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and Da Nang.
Region 2: This region encompasses areas with substantial industrial and economic development, albeit at a lower intensity than Region I. Most areas of Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Can Tho belong to this region.
Region 3: Comprising areas with moderate economic development, this region features emerging industrial and agricultural areas, some of which belong to Hai Duong, Khanh Hoa, and Long An.
Region 4: This region encompasses the least economically developed areas, often characterized as rural or less industrialized, with a primary focus on agriculture and small-scale industries./.
