In all cases, must workers in Vietnam directly enter into labor contracts?

Pursuant to Clause 1, Clause 2 Article 18 of the Labor Code 2019 stipulates competence to conclude employment contracts as follows:

1. Employees may directly conclude their employment contracts, except for the cases specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

2. In respect of seasonal works or certain jobs which have a duration of less than 12 months, a group of employees aged 18 or older may authorized the representative of the group to conclude the employment contract, in which case such employment contract shall be effective as if it was separately concluded by each of the employees.

The employment contract concluded by the said representative must be enclosed with a list clearly stating the full names, ages, genders, residences and signatures of all employees concerned.

Thus, not every case where the employee directly enters into the labor contract but when applying to seasonal work or certain work with a term of less than 12 months, a group of employees aged 18 or older may authorized the representative of the group to conclude the employment contract in Vietnam.

Best Regards!