Vietnam confirms average 7.8% minimum wage rise from January 2027
On November 2 the Vietnamese government issued Decree 399, which sets the 2027 minimum wage. Regional monthly minimum wages will rise by 7.8% on average from January 1, 2027, by 310,000–390,000 dong a month (about ¥1,900–2,400). JETRO notes it may push up labour costs for companies whose pay scales sit near the minimum.
Key points
- Monthly minimum wages rise 7.8% on average from January 1, 2027, the first rise in a year (since January 2026)
- Region 1 (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, etc.): +7.3% to 5.7m dong; Region 2: +7.4% to 5.08m; Region 3: +7.5% to 4.45m; Region 4: +9.2% to 4.04m
- Hourly minimums also rise (Region 1: 27,400 dong, etc.); employers already paying at or above the new level need not raise pay further
Background
The revision adopts exactly what the National Wage Council, made up of government, labour and employer representatives, proposed. For weekly, daily, piece-rate and contract pay, wages converted to a monthly or hourly figure must not fall below the regional minimum.
Region classifications can differ within the same province or city, so details need to be checked by location. The yen figures are approximations using the article’s rate of about ¥0.0061 per dong.
What it means for shops
Japanese businesses with factories, contractors or local staff in Vietnam may see labour and processing costs rise. Shops that import food, goods or clothing from Vietnam could also see supplier prices affected, although the impact varies by region and supplier.
What shops should do
- If you have a factory, contractor or local entity in Vietnam, estimate labour-cost changes from January 2027
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Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.