Vietnam's Da Nang offers nearly $6,000 monthly salary to lure global talents

By Nguyen Dong October 15, 2025 | 08:01 pm PT

Students at the Center for Nanotechnology and Energy at Hanoi University of Science. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy

Da Nang is rolling out one of Vietnam's most ambitious talent-attraction programs, offering up to VND150 million ($5,900) a month to draw experts, scientists and senior managers into the public sector.

The policy, announced on Oct. 15, aims to draw high-level professionals to help transform Da Nang into a leading economic and technology hub in central Vietnam. It follows a June resolution by the municipal People's Council on developing high-quality human resources.

The new scheme targets a broad range of candidates: from civil servants and young scientists to top domestic and international experts and individuals gifted in culture, arts or sports. They can be hired under either fixed-term contracts or project-based agreements.

Under the plan, the highest pay bracket, VND150 million per month, applies to senior specialists, scientists, and corporate executives. Agencies can propose appropriate rates within three tiers: VND50 million, 100 million or 150 million.

For project work, payments will depend on scope, experience and results, with travel and accommodation possibly included in contracts.

Talented individuals in the arts and sports will receive a one-time support payment of VND100 million, with maximum monthly salaries of VND25 million for coaches and specialists, and VND20 million for artists and athletes. The city will also subsidize up to half of accommodation costs (up to VND20 million per month) and ensure proper working conditions, equipment and recognition.

Researchers, inventors or creators of valuable works will receive at least 30% of profits from commercialization or a bonus of up to VND500 million per project, plus VND100 million for major awards.

High-quality recruits joining the public sector will also receive one-time bonuses depending on their qualifications: VND200 million for a bachelor's degree, VND300 million for a master's, VND500 million for a doctorate, VND600 million for an associate professor, and 700 million for a full professor.

According to the city, candidates must be approved by the chairman of the People's Committee and can only receive the highest support level once. Da Nang also plans to expand short-term training programs at home and abroad, lasting up to six months, with full pay, allowances and tuition coverage.

The move aligns with the central government's broader efforts to attract top scientists and experts into public service. Earlier this year, Vietnam introduced special incentives such as visa exemptions and flexible contracts for foreign and domestic specialists, alongside housing and research bonuses for chief engineers and scientific leaders.