Despite a turbulent 2025 marked by market fluctuations, rising costs, and relentless natural disasters, many businesses managed only modest profits. However, as the Lunar New Year 2026 approaches, companies are striving to secure year-end bonuses for their employees. These bonuses are seen not just as a commitment to employee welfare but also as a key strategy to retain talent.
A representative from TK Hanam Co., Ltd. (Ho Chi Minh City) revealed that the leadership is urgently formulating a bonus policy for employees with at least six months of service. The bonuses are expected to range from 5 to 30 million VND, depending on tenure, position, and performance.
Mr. Tran Trung Kien, CEO of the company, shared: “The 2026 bonus plan, proposed by the labor union, reflects individual capabilities, roles, and contributions. While the amounts are not extravagant, they signify the company’s appreciation for its workforce. This effort is particularly significant given the challenges faced throughout the year.”
Companies are working diligently to ensure year-end bonuses for their employees. (Illustrative image)
Similarly, Fujiwa Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Ho Chi Minh City) has finalized its bonus plan. Employees with one year of service or more will receive a 13th-month salary and a bonus. The highest bonus is expected to reach 100 million VND, primarily for business managers and factory directors. In addition to cash, the company plans to gift products and Tet packages to employees.
A company representative noted that in a fiercely competitive job market, salaries and bonuses are crucial for employee retention, motivation, and long-term commitment, reducing post-Tet turnover.
For coffee processing and exporting companies, 2025 was a year of success. Mr. Nguyen Nam Hai, Chairman of the Vietnam Coffee Association, announced that Vietnam’s coffee exports hit a record 1.5 million tons, generating nearly 9 billion USD—an 18% increase in volume and a 58.8% rise in value. This places coffee among the top three agricultural exports, each exceeding 8 billion USD.
The coffee sector’s bumper harvest, high prices, and smooth exports have yielded substantial profits for farmers and businesses. While specific bonus details remain undisclosed, predictions suggest a 30-50% increase over last year.
“In 2025, the highest bonus in the coffee industry was 65 million VND, with the lowest at 8 million VND, averaging 15 million VND. This year, the highest bonus could reach 100 million VND, with the lowest around 10 million VND,” Mr. Hai stated.
At Garment Corporation No. 10, CEO Than Duc Viet reported record-breaking 2025 figures: 5.136 trillion VND in revenue and 212 billion VND in profit. Export-import turnover reached 328 million USD, despite global economic pressures and supply chain disruptions.
Notably, the average monthly income of over 12,000 workers exceeded 11 million VND, with an average bonus of 1.4 months’ salary (approximately 15 million VND). This is a remarkable achievement, given the challenges faced by many garment companies.
In Central Vietnam, businesses are under immense pressure due to recent devastating floods. “We will do our utmost to provide bonuses, no matter how small, to support our workers, who have suffered greatly from the disasters,” affirmed a leader at Phu Tai Industrial Zone (Gia Lai).
Post-disaster, companies are not only focusing on recovery but also securing funds to maintain bonuses, ensuring worker loyalty.
The CEO of Thong Nhat Swimwear Company (Khanh Hoa) emphasized: “We are intensifying overtime to meet year-end orders, aiming for a prosperous Tet for our workers. Vietnamese workers cherish Tet bonuses, and we are committed to retaining our workforce. With current efforts, we are optimistic about providing well for our employees as Tet approaches.”
FIDT CEO: 2026 Isn’t Bad, But It’s a Tougher Year for Investors
In the current landscape, as Mr. Huấn observes, there is a notable lack of cohesion among major economies, leaving a void where a leading force should be driving synchronized growth.
Vietnam’s Economic Highlights in the Global Landscape of 2026
Building on the remarkable growth of 8.3% – 8.5% in 2025, Vietnam’s economy is poised for robust expansion in 2026, fueled by a strong domestic foundation and its position as the fastest-growing economy in the region. Hong Leong Bank Vietnam (“HLB” or “the Bank”) forecasts a GDP growth rate of approximately 6.6% for 2026.
New Year’s Holiday: 4-Day Break with a $6,000 Bonus per Person
In Da Nang, the highest Tet (Lunar New Year) bonus for the Solar New Year reaches an impressive 140 million VND per person, awarded by a foreign-invested enterprise. Conversely, the lowest bonus stands at a modest 50,000 VND per person.
North Ninh: Top Salaries Reach Nearly Half a Billion VND/Month, with Lunar New Year Bonuses Up to 400 Million VND/Person
According to the Department of Home Affairs of Bac Ninh Province, foreign-invested enterprises continue to lead in salary and bonus levels. The average monthly salary reaches nearly 10 million VND per person, with the highest salary exceeding 460 million VND per person per month, also within the foreign-invested enterprise sector. Meanwhile, the highest Tet bonus stands at 400 million VND per person.
Is Lunar New Year Bonus Subject to Personal Income Tax?
Holiday bonuses provided by employers are subject to personal income tax, with the exception of certain state-awarded prizes and competitive titles, which are exempt.
