The Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed that foreign experts be given priority to obtain Vietnamese citizenship if they wish, after completing their assignments in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Justice is currently appraising a draft decree on policies and incentives to attract experts in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Vietnam has yet to establish specific criteria, recruitment processes, or policies to attract and retain leading experts in these fields. Such experts are considered crucial for implementing major projects in smart cities, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and other strategic initiatives.

This gap has made it difficult to identify and recruit top-tier talent. Many skilled experts, both domestic and international, have been reluctant to join due to the lack of legal safeguards and inadequate working conditions.

The government’s target is to attract, recruit, and employ at least 100 leading experts by 2030 for high-priority programs, strategic projects, and breakthrough initiatives in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, especially in strategic technological sectors.

All recruited experts will be assigned specific tasks with measurable outputs tied to projects and programs, backed by transparent incentives and evaluations.

From 2030 onward, Vietnam aims to retain the initial 100 top experts while continuously expanding the pool to include unlimited numbers of leading overseas Vietnamese and foreign experts.

The draft decree proposes competitive salaries based on prior compensation and labor market benchmarks both domestically and internationally. Annual bonuses would be decided by project-managing agencies, up to four months’ salary, depending on performance.

Experts would also receive at least 30% of profits from the transfer, leasing, or commercialization of their project results, and at least 30% of the assessed value when such results are contributed as capital in joint ventures or enterprises.

Additional incentives include one month’s salary to help with housing and relocation, tax exemptions, multiple-entry visas or temporary residence cards, housing and transport support, and funding for research trips abroad. Health insurance packages worth up to 1% of annual salary would be provided, along with seven days of domestic vacation each year for experts and their families, plus one annual round-trip air ticket for family members.

Experts will be formally recognized for their contributions at the start and end of assignments, with opportunities to meet national leaders, receive commendations, and participate in forums on science, innovation, and digital transformation.

Appointment and long-term opportunities

The draft decree also proposes that foreign experts completing their assignments be given priority for Vietnamese citizenship if desired.

Overseas Vietnamese experts would be eligible for civil service or public employment without examination if they meet the legal requirements. They could also be considered for leadership and management positions without meeting standard service duration or planning requirements if the host agency has demand.

Other benefits include assistance in finding schools and tuition support for children under 18, voluntary health care packages for family members, job opportunities for spouses, and multiple-entry visas matching the expert’s assignment period.

If experts meet performance requirements within 12 months, nominating organizations will receive a bonus equivalent to one month’s salary, encouraging agencies to proactively recruit talent.

Tran Thuong