Salary Increase Effective from the Start of the Year Instead of Mid-Year
Decree No. 293/2025/NĐ-CP stipulates the minimum wage for employees working under labor contracts, effective from January 1, 2026.
The minimum wage increases by 250,000-350,000 VND compared to the current rate.
The decree outlines the monthly and hourly minimum wages for employees by region as follows: Region I (5,310,000 VND/month, 25,500 VND/hour); Region II (4,730,000 VND/month, 22,700 VND/hour); Region III (4,140,000 VND/month, 20,000 VND/hour); Region IV (3,700,000 VND/month, 17,800 VND/hour).
Thus, the minimum wage increases by 250,000-350,000 VND, depending on the location.
This wage increase is implemented six months earlier than usual. The new wage rates will take effect from January 1, 2016, instead of mid-year.
The early adjustment is expected to help businesses proactively plan their production and operations while improving income for employees.
Two Groups Eligible for the Minimum Wage Increase
The wage increase applies to two groups. The first group includes employees working under labor contracts as defined by the Labor Code.
The second group comprises employers as defined by the Labor Code, including: Enterprises as per the Enterprise Law; agencies, organizations, cooperatives, households, and individuals hiring or employing workers under agreements. Other agencies, organizations, and individuals related to the implementation of the minimum wage as stipulated in this Decree.
Two groups eligible for the minimum wage increase.
Employers operating in a specific region will apply the minimum wage stipulated for that region.
Businesses with units or branches operating in regions with different minimum wages will apply the wage rate corresponding to the region where the unit or branch is located.
Employers operating in industrial zones or export processing zones spanning multiple regions will apply the highest minimum wage rate among those regions.
Additionally, employers operating in areas with name changes or divisions will temporarily apply the minimum wage rate of the area before the change or division until the Government issues new regulations.
Furthermore, employers operating in newly established areas formed from one or more regions with different minimum wages will apply the highest minimum wage rate among those regions.
Implementing Regional Minimum Wage Increases Effective January 1, 2026
The government has outlined specific criteria for those eligible for regional minimum wage increases in Decree No. 293/2025/NĐ-CP, effective January 1, 2026.
When Can Workers Receive Up to 318 Million VND in Unemployment Benefits by 2026?
Article 1, Section 39 of the 2025 Employment Law (effective January 1, 2026) outlines the entitlement, duration, timing, and application process for unemployment benefits as follows.
No Cuts, No Compromises: Preserving Wages and Benefits in Minimum Wage Adjustments
The grassroots trade union meticulously reviews collective labor agreements, regulations, and policies to strategize and propose adjustments to the minimum wage within the organization.
Multiregional Business Branches: How to Apply Minimum Wage Standards?
The application of regional minimum wage rates is determined by the location where the employer operates.
Which Wards and Communes in Ho Chi Minh City Will See a Minimum Wage Increase to 870,000 VND/Month Starting 2026?
In addition to the 7.2% minimum wage increase, workers in certain areas of Ho Chi Minh City will also benefit from a salary adjustment, moving from Region II to Region III.
