Guide to Hiring a Maid in Vietnam: Salaries & Tet (2026)

One of the greatest lifestyle advantages for expats moving to Vietnam is the affordability of domestic help. Hiring a maid, nanny, or full-time housekeeper is highly common and can dramatically improve your quality of life.

However, because the domestic worker industry operates largely through informal networks and word-of-mouth, many expats find themselves confused about fair market salaries, legal contracts, and the expectations surrounding the annual “Tet Bonus.”

[!WARNING] Legal Disclaimer: While hiring domestic help is straightforward, it is still governed by the 2019 Vietnam Labor Code. Failing to provide a clear, written agreement can lead to wage disputes. This guide is for informational purposes only.

1. How Much Does a Maid Cost in Vietnam? (2026 Benchmarks)

Here is a quick overview of how much does a maid cost in vietnam? (2026 benchmarks):

Answer-first: In 2026, a full-time, live-in domestic helper in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi costs between $300 and $550 USD per month. For part-time help, the standard hourly rate is approximately 100,000 VND ($4 to $5 USD) per hour.

Your actual costs will vary based on several key factors:

Language Skills: Helpers who speak conversational English will command a premium, often pushing their salary toward the higher end of the spectrum ($450 - $550+).
Specialized Duties: If you require specialized childcare (nanny duties), elderly care, or advanced cooking of Western cuisine, expect to pay more than standard cleaning rates.
Location: Salaries in expat enclaves like Thao Dien (HCMC) or Tay Ho (Hanoi) are generally 15-20% higher than in local districts.

[!TIP] Currency Pro-Tip: Always agree upon and pay the salary in Vietnamese Dong (VND). Pegging the salary to USD can cause friction due to exchange rate fluctuations.

The most common friction point between expats and local helpers isn't salary—it's communication style. Vietnamese culture highly values 'saving face.' Blunt, direct criticism will often lead to a helper simply not showing up the next day without a word.

Sarah Jenkins

Expat Relocation Specialist, LeaseInVietnam

2. Is the “Tet Bonus” Legally Mandatory?

Here is a quick overview of is the “tet bonus” legally mandatory?:

Answer-first: No. Despite popular belief within the expat community, paying a 13th-month salary or a “Tet Bonus” (Lunar New Year bonus) to a private domestic helper is not a statutory requirement under the 2019 Vietnam Labor Code.

However, there is a catch: It is a massive cultural expectation.

If you do not pay a Tet bonus (which is traditionally equal to one month’s salary, paid pro-rata based on the months worked that year), your helper is highly likely to quit immediately after the holiday.

Furthermore, if you formally write a Tet bonus into your employment contract, it transitions from a cultural expectation into a binding legal obligation. Once committed to in writing, the employer cannot unilaterally withdraw this benefit.

3. Live-in vs. Live-out: Logistics and Hidden Costs

Here is a quick overview of live-in vs. live-out: logistics and hidden costs:

Answer-first: Deciding between a live-in helper (who stays in your home 24/6) and a live-out helper (who commutes daily) drastically changes your budget and privacy.

Live-in Helpers

For large families or expats with newborns, live-in help is common.

Housing: You must provide a dedicated, furnished “maid’s room” (often built into luxury villas or large condos specifically for this purpose).
Food Allowances: You are expected to either provide all their meals or pay a monthly food allowance (typically 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 VND).
Toiletries: Employers often supply basic toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste).
The Trade-off: You get maximum flexibility for evening babysitting, but sacrifice a degree of family privacy.

Live-out Helpers

A live-out helper arrives in the morning and leaves in the evening, treating the role like a standard 8-to-5 job.

Transport Allowances: Depending on the commute, it is customary (though not legally required) to offer a small monthly petrol allowance or a 13th-month travel bonus to help them visit their hometown for Tet.

4. The Cultural nuances: “Saving Face” and Setting Boundaries

Here is a quick overview of the cultural nuances: “saving face” and setting boundaries:

Answer-first: Successfully managing a domestic helper in Vietnam requires understanding the concept of “Saving Face” (Thể diện). Direct, aggressive confrontation will almost always backfire.

Expats often struggle with the transition from Western, direct communication to the high-context communication style of Vietnam.

Constructive Criticism: Never scold a helper in front of your children or guests. If a task was done incorrectly (e.g., bleaching colored clothes), pull them aside privately, explain the standard calmly, and demonstrate how you want it done.
“Yes” doesn’t always mean “Yes”: A helper may nod and say “Yes” when given instructions in English, not because they understand, but because they do not want to lose face by admitting they didn’t comprehend. Use translation apps for critical instructions and ask them to demonstrate the task back to you.
Boundary Setting: Because family structures in Vietnam are deeply intertwined, older helpers (often referred to as “Cô” or “Bác”) may feel culturally entitled to offer unsolicited advice on how you raise your children or dress. Set polite but firm boundaries early.

5. The Legal Requirement of a Written Contract

Here is a quick overview of the legal requirement of a written contract:

Answer-first: Yes, by law, employers are required to sign a written employment contract with their domestic workers.

While thousands of expats rely entirely on oral agreements—and local authorities rarely inspect private households—operating without a contract exposes you to unnecessary risks. A written contract protects both parties by clearly defining:

Exact working hours and guaranteed days off (usually Sunday).
Specific duties (e.g., does “cleaning” include ironing, grocery shopping, or walking the dog?).
The exact salary and the date it will be paid.
The terms of the Tet bonus, if agreed upon.
Notice periods for termination (standard is 14 to 30 days).

You do not need a lawyer to draft this. A simple, bilingual (English-Vietnamese) document signed by both parties is legally sufficient and prevents 99% of common disputes.

6. Probation Periods and Trial Runs

Here is a quick overview of probation periods and trial runs:

Answer-first: Under Vietnamese labor law, you can legally implement a probation period of up to 6 days for domestic work, during which you must pay at least 85% of the agreed-upon salary.

However, the practical expat standard is often a one-month trial period paid at 100% of the salary. This allows both parties to assess the fit without long-term commitment. Ensure you explicitly state the terms of the trial period in writing before they begin.

7. How to Find a Reliable Helper

Here is a quick overview of how to find a reliable helper:

Answer-first: Finding a trustworthy helper who fits your household’s dynamic is crucial. Here are the most effective channels:

Word of Mouth: This is the gold standard. Ask outgoing expats who are leaving Vietnam if their helper needs a new employer.
Your Landlord or Building Management: They often have a network of vetted cleaners who already work in your specific building.
Expat Facebook Groups: Groups like “Expats in Ho Chi Minh City” or “Hanoi Massive” are excellent resources. Helpers or their previous employers frequently post availability here.
Professional Agencies: Agencies charge a placement fee (usually equivalent to one month’s salary) but often provide background checks, medical screening, and a “replacement guarantee” if the first helper doesn’t work out within a specific timeframe (e.g., 3 months).

FAQ

Here is a quick overview of faq:

Do I need to provide health insurance for my maid in Vietnam?

Under the Labor Code, if a domestic worker works a full-time schedule, the employer is responsible for contributing to their Social, Health, and Unemployment insurance. In practice, many expats and local workers agree to roll the equivalent cash value of these premiums directly into the monthly salary. For more on standard coverage, see our expat health insurance guide.

Can I hire a foreigner as a domestic helper in Vietnam?

No. Foreigners cannot obtain a work permit to work as domestic helpers or nannies in Vietnam. You must hire a Vietnamese citizen.

Should I keep a copy of my helper’s ID?

Yes. It is standard and highly recommended practice to request a photocopy of your helper’s National ID card (CCCD) for security purposes before they begin working in your home.

Do I have to pay maternity leave if my helper gets pregnant?

If you pay into the state Social Insurance fund on their behalf, the state covers their maternity leave pay (typically 6 months). If you do not pay into the fund (and instead roll the cash value into their salary), you are technically liable under the Labor Code to cover their maternity benefits, which can be a significant unexpected cost.

How do I terminate a maid’s contract legally?

If they are past their probation period, the Labor Code requires employers to give 14 to 30 days’ notice depending on the contract term. Most expats simply pay out the notice period in cash and ask the helper to finish up immediately to avoid an awkward or tense environment in the home.

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