In 2026, the top emigration destinations for Vietnamese workers are Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, and Australia. Vietnam's Department of Overseas Labour (DOLAB) manages the labour export programme, deploying approximately 150,000 workers annually. Japan is the largest destination (60,000+/year) through the Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) and Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) sends 10,000+ Vietnamese workers annually. Remittances reached $19 billion in 2025 (4.5% of GDP). Key pathways include Japan SSW, Korea EPS, Taiwan FLMA, and Germany's Skilled Worker visa.
Vietnam's Labour Export System (DOLAB)
Vietnam operates a structured labour export programme managed by the Department of Overseas Labour (DOLAB) under the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA). Licensed service enterprises handle recruitment and deployment. Law 69/2020/QH14 on Vietnamese Workers Working Abroad governs the system.
In 2025, Vietnam deployed approximately 150,000 workers abroad, generating $19 billion in remittances (4.5% of GDP). Japan accounted for 40% of deployments, followed by Taiwan (25%), South Korea (8%), and others.
DOLAB Registration Process
- Licensed enterprises : Only DOLAB-licensed companies can send workers abroad. Currently 500+ licensed enterprises
- Deposit system : Workers deposit funds (varying by destination) as a compliance bond, returned upon contract completion
- Pre-departure training : Mandatory language and cultural orientation (40–480 hours depending on destination)
- Service fee cap : Maximum fee is one month's salary per year of contract (e.g., 3-year contract = 3 months' salary max)
Top Destinations for Vietnamese Workers in 2026
1. Japan
Japan is Vietnam's largest labour migration destination, with over 500,000 Vietnamese residents in 2025. The Technical Intern Training Programme (TITP) has been the primary pathway, but it is being reformed into the "Ikusei Shuro" (Development Employment) system. The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa, introduced in 2019, is rapidly growing.
- TITP: 3–5 year internships in manufacturing, agriculture, construction, food processing
- SSW Type 1: 14 sectors, 5-year maximum, pass skills and Japanese language exam (JLPT N4)
- SSW Type 2: Construction and shipbuilding, renewable, family allowed, PR pathway
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities: For university graduates, renewable, family allowed
- Average salary: ¥170,000–280,000/month ($1,130–$1,870)
2. South Korea
South Korea's Employment Permit System (EPS) is the primary legal pathway for Vietnamese workers, managed jointly by DOLAB and Korea's Human Resource Development Service (HRD Korea). Vietnam consistently ranks as the top EPS source country.
- E-9 visa: Manufacturing, construction, agriculture, fisheries, and service sectors
- Annual quota: 10,000–15,000 Vietnamese workers
- EPS-TOPIK Korean language test required (score 80+)
- Average salary: KRW 2,500,000–3,500,000/month ($1,800–$2,500)
- Contract: 3 years, extendable to 4 years 10 months
3. Taiwan
Taiwan employs approximately 250,000 Vietnamese workers, the largest migrant worker group. Key sectors are manufacturing (electronics, textiles) and caregiving. Taiwan is phasing out broker fees and moving to direct government-to-government recruitment.
- Blue-collar work permit: Employer-sponsored, manufacturing/caregiving/construction
- Average salary: TWD 27,470/month minimum wage ($870) + overtime
- Migration cost: VND 60–120 million through licensed brokers (being reduced)
- Contract: 3 years, renewable up to 12 years total
4. Germany
Germany has become an increasingly important destination for Vietnamese workers, especially in nursing, IT, and hospitality. A bilateral "Triple Win" nursing programme places Vietnamese nurses in German hospitals. The Vietnamese community in Germany numbers approximately 190,000.
- Skilled Worker visa: For qualified professionals with recognised qualifications
- Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte): Points-based for job seekers
- Triple Win nursing programme: Government-managed placement (GIZ)
- Ausbildung (vocational training): 2–3 year training programmes with salary
- B1–B2 German language required for most pathways
5. Australia
Australia has a growing Vietnamese diaspora of 330,000+, one of the largest Asian communities. Skilled migration is the primary pathway, with IT, engineering, and healthcare professionals in demand. The PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme and agriculture visas are also relevant.
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): Points-tested, 65+ points required
- Subclass 482 (TSS): Employer-sponsored, 4-year maximum
- Subclass 500 (Student): Pathway to post-study work (485) and skilled migration
- Average salary: AUD $65,000–95,000/year for skilled workers
Top Visa Pathways for Vietnamese Workers (2026)
| Destination | Visa Type | Processing Time | Cost | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | SSW Type 1 | 3–6 months | ¥40,000 + training | Via SSW Type 2 |
| Japan | TITP (Technical Intern) | 3–6 months | VND 60–150M | Via SSW conversion |
| South Korea | E-9 (EPS) | 3–6 months | VND 20–30M | E-7 conversion |
| Taiwan | Blue-collar Work Permit | 2–4 months | VND 60–120M | No PR path |
| Germany | Skilled Worker Visa | 4–12 weeks | €75 | After 4 years (EU Blue Card) |
| Australia | Subclass 189 | 6–18 months | AUD $4,640 | Direct PR |
| Canada | Express Entry | 6–12 months | CAD $2,150 | Direct PR |
| Romania | Work Permit | 4–8 weeks | €100 | After 5 years |
Cost of Living Comparison: Vietnam vs Top Destinations
| Country | Monthly CoL (single) | Avg Salary (worker) | Vietnam CoL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | €1,350 | $1,500/mo | €500 | +170% |
| South Korea | €1,200 | $2,150/mo | €500 | +140% |
| Taiwan | €900 | $1,100/mo | €500 | +80% |
| Germany | €2,090 | $3,200/mo | €500 | +318% |
| Australia | €2,200 | $4,200/mo | €500 | +340% |
Return and Reintegration Support
Vietnam's Overseas Employment Support Fund provides reintegration assistance for returning workers. The government has programmes to channel remittances into productive investment and job creation.
- Deposit refund : Compliance deposits are returned in full upon successful contract completion
- Reintegration programmes : DOLAB offers job matching and entrepreneurship training for returnees
- Tax exemptions : Returning workers can import personal goods and tools duty-free within set limits
- Vocational support : Free skills upgrading at government training centres
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Get Your Free VerdictFrequently Asked Questions
What is the best country for Vietnamese workers to emigrate to in 2026?
Japan is the top destination, receiving 60,000+ Vietnamese workers annually through TITP and SSW programmes. Japan offers relatively high wages (¥170,000–280,000/month), proximity to Vietnam, and growing demand across 14 sectors under the SSW programme. For permanent settlement, Australia and Canada offer better long-term prospects.
How does DOLAB labour export work?
DOLAB licenses enterprises to recruit and deploy workers abroad. Workers register, undergo medical exams, complete pre-departure training (language and culture), pay regulated fees, and deposit a compliance bond. The entire process takes 3–12 months depending on destination. Maximum fees are capped at one month's salary per year of contract.
What is the difference between TITP and SSW in Japan?
TITP (Technical Intern Training) is a 3–5 year supervised internship with limited job mobility. SSW (Specified Skilled Worker) allows more independence: Type 1 covers 14 sectors for up to 5 years; Type 2 (construction/shipbuilding) is renewable with family reunion and PR pathway. Many TITP interns convert to SSW upon completion.
Can Vietnamese get permanent residency in South Korea?
Not directly through EPS (E-9). However, E-9 workers can convert to E-7 (skilled worker) status if they pass Korean language and skills tests. After extended residency on E-7, permanent residency (F-5) may be possible. Korea also offers F-2 (resident) visas with a points system.
How much does it cost to go to Japan from Vietnam?
Through licensed enterprises: VND 60–150 million ($2,400–$6,000) for TITP, including training, deposit, and fees. SSW costs less (VND 30–80 million) as it mainly requires exam preparation and application fees. The government has been reducing fees through bilateral agreements.
Is Germany a good destination for Vietnamese nurses?
Yes. The Triple Win programme (GIZ) specifically recruits Vietnamese nurses for German hospitals. Requirements include B1–B2 German language, nursing qualification, and willingness to do a recognition period (6–12 months). Germany offers EU Blue Card (PR after 4 years), high salary (€2,800–3,500/month), and strong worker protections.
What documents do Vietnamese need to work abroad?
Essential documents: valid passport (5–10 year), criminal record certificate, health certificate from approved clinic, educational certificates (notarised), pre-departure training certificate, employment contract (DOLAB-verified), deposit receipt. For Japan: JLPT certificate. For Korea: EPS-TOPIK score.
What is the maximum broker fee for Taiwan?
DOLAB has been progressively reducing Taiwan broker fees. The current maximum is approximately VND 60–120 million ($2,400–$4,800) for a 3-year contract, though the goal is to move toward government-to-government recruitment with lower fees. Compare with Japan (VND 60–150M) and Korea (VND 20–30M via EPS).
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified April 2026. Costs and processing times are indicative and should be confirmed with the relevant embassy or immigration authority.