Vietnam’s labor laws are designed to ensure a healthy work-life balance, recognizing the importance of rest, cultural traditions, and personal circumstances. Understanding public holidays and different leave types is essential for both employees and employers to maintain compliance and foster a supportive work environment.
Whether you're an employee planning your time off or an employer structuring leave policies, this guide will walk you through the key public holidays and types of leaves available in Vietnam.
Public Holidays in Vietnam
Public holidays in Vietnam are set by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MOLISA) and apply to employees across both the public and private sectors. If a holiday falls on a weekend, employees are entitled to a substitute day off on the next working day.
Vietnam’s Official Public Holidays (2025)
- New Year’s Day – January 1 (Wednesday)
- Lunar New Year (Tết Nguyên Đán) – January 25 – February 2 (Saturday to Sunday)
- The most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam, marking the start of the lunar calendar year.
- Hung Kings Commemoration Day – April 7 (Monday)
- Honors Vietnam’s legendary founders, the Hùng Kings.
- Reunification Day (Liberation Day) – April 30 (Wednesday)
- Marks the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1975.
- International Labor Day – May 1 (Thursday)
- Recognizes the contributions of workers and labor movements.
- National Day – September 1-2 (Monday & Tuesday)
- Commemorates Vietnam’s declaration of independence from France in 1945.
Important Notes:
- Expatriate employees in Vietnam are entitled to two additional paid holidays—one for their home country’s New Year and another for their National Day.
- Government employees generally receive longer Tet breaks, with an official 9-day Tet holiday in 2025.
Types of Leave in Vietnam
Vietnam’s labor laws provide several types of paid and unpaid leave to protect workers' rights and well-being.
1. Annual Leave (Paid Vacation)
Vietnamese employees are entitled to a minimum of 12 days of annual leave per year if they work under normal conditions. The entitlement increases based on the nature of the work and years of service:
Employee Type | Annual Leave Days |
Regular employees | 12 days |
Minors, employees with disabilities, or those in hazardous jobs | 14 days |
Employees in extremely hazardous conditions | 16 days |
Additional leave for every 5 years of service | +1 day |
- Employees who work less than 12 months are entitled to pro-rated annual leave.
- Whether unused vacation can be carried over depends on company policy.
- Employers must ensure employees are paid their regular salary during their annual leave.
2. Sick Leave
Employees in Vietnam are eligible for 30 to 60 days of paid sick leave per year, depending on their years of contributions to social insurance:
Social Insurance Contribution | Sick Leave Days |
Less than 15 years | 30 days |
15-30 years | 40 days |
More than 30 years | 60 days |
Long-term illness (e.g., cancer) | Up to 180 days/year |
- Sick leave payments are covered by Social Insurance, not the employer.
- Employees receive 75% of their previous month's salary while on sick leave.
- A doctor’s certificate must be submitted within 48 hours of the first day of absence.
3. Maternity Leave
Vietnamese labor laws ensure comprehensive maternity leave benefits:
- Duration: 6 months (with at least two months before birth)
- Additional Leave: +30 days per extra child in cases of multiple births
- Payment: 100% of the average salary over the last six months (capped at 20 times the minimum wage)
- Miscarriage or pregnancy termination:
- Up to 50 days of paid leave, depending on the stage of pregnancy.
4. Paternity Leave
Fathers who are paying social insurance are entitled to paid paternity leave:
Childbirth Type | Leave Entitlement |
Normal delivery | 5 days |
Cesarean section | 7 days |
Twin birth | 10 days |
Twin birth via C-section | 14 days |
For each additional child beyond twins | +3 days |
- Paternity leave must be taken within 30 days of childbirth.
- Fathers receive 100% of their previous month's salary, paid by Social Insurance.
5. Parental Leave
Employees caring for young children are entitled to:
Child’s Age | Parental Leave Days per Year |
Under 3 years old | 20 days |
3-7 years old | 15 days |
- Employees receive 75% of their salary, paid by Social Insurance.
6. Bereavement & Personal Leave
Vietnam’s labor laws provide paid leave for significant life events:
Event | Paid Leave Days |
Employee’s wedding | 3 days |
Child’s wedding | 1 day |
Death of spouse, parent, or child | 3 days |
Death of a grandparent or sibling | 1 unpaid day |
Employees must notify their employer in advance for personal leave.
Other Leave Considerations
- Overtime Compensation: Employees working on a public holiday are entitled to at least 300% of their regular salary.
- Leave for Independent Contractors: Freelancers and independent contractors do not receive statutory leave benefits.
- Voting, Military, or Jury Duty Leave: These leave types are not specified under Vietnamese labor laws.
Final Thoughts
Vietnam’s approach to public holidays and leave entitlements reflects a balance between cultural traditions, economic needs, and worker protections. Understanding these regulations ensures that both employees and employers navigate work arrangements efficiently while staying compliant with labor laws.