Teach English in Vietnam
The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Work Permits, Legalized TEFLs, and the Hybrid Internship.
Vietnam is the roaring tiger of the TEFL world. With a rapidly expanding middle class and a young population hungry for global connection, the demand for English teachers in 2026 is virtually limitless.
The market here is fast and lucrative. Unlike the rigid systems of East Asia, Vietnam offers a "work hard, play hard" culture where teachers can earn high hourly rates while enjoying one of the lowest costs of living on the planet. However, the days of the "backpacker teacher" are over.
The government now strictly enforces Work Permits. To teach legally, you must arrive with your **Degree, Background Check, and TEFL Certificate already legalized** by the Vietnamese consulate in your home country. For new teachers, navigating this red tape can be daunting. That’s why many choose our Vietnam Internship—a hybrid program that guides you through the legalization maze and places you in a verified school.
Quick Facts
What’s in this guide?
Your roadmap to the land of motorbikes and pho. From understanding the strict legalization process to choosing between Hanoi and HCMC.
The TEFL jobs market in Vietnam
Vietnam is currently a candidate's market. Major chains (like ILA, VUS, Apollo) are expanding aggressively into Tier 2 cities, and public schools are increasingly outsourcing their English programs to private agencies.
The biggest shift in 2026 is the strict document legalization. Schools can no longer hire you on a tourist visa while you "figure it out." You must have your documents authenticated by the Vietnamese embassy in your home country before arrival. This includes your Degree, Background Check, and crucially, your TEFL Certificate.
While full-time contracts exist, many teachers in Vietnam work on an hourly basis. This gives you incredible freedom: you can stack hours to make $2,000+ a month, or work 15 hours a week and simply enjoy life by the beach in Da Nang.
- Population: 100 million
- Language(s): Vietnamese
- Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
- Capital city: Hanoi
- Estimated salary: 35m - 45m VND (Net)
- Public Holidays: ~11 days (Tet is huge)
- Climate: Tropical Monsoon
- Main Transport: Motorbike / Grab
- Internet: Fast & Cheap
Types of English teaching jobs in Vietnam
From the high-energy evening classes of Language Centers to the structured days of Public Schools.
Language Centers
The biggest employers (ILA, VUS, Apollo). You teach kids and teens in the evenings and weekends. Modern facilities and great resources.
Public Schools
Daytime jobs with large class sizes (40+ students). You usually work for an agency that places you in multiple schools. Weekends off.
Kindergartens
Very popular in wealthy areas like Thao Dien (HCMC). High energy play-based learning. Often includes lunch duty and nap time supervision.
IELTS Prep
Teaching academic English to university students and adults planning to study abroad. Requires high grammar knowledge but pays the best rates.
TEFL teacher salary in Vietnam
Vietnam is unique because many schools quote salaries in NET (after tax) USD or VND. A typical full-time teacher earns between $1,200 and $1,800 USD (30 - 45 million VND) net per month.
While housing is rarely free, it is exceptionally cheap. A fully furnished, modern studio apartment with cleaning service and gym access in HCMC or Hanoi costs just $350 - $500 USD a month.
Because local food ($2/meal) and transport ($0.50 Grab bike) are so affordable, a teacher earning $1,500 can easily save $600-$800 a month while eating out every single day and traveling on weekends.
Monthly Salary Range (USD)
| Language Center (Hourly) | $18 - $23 / hr |
| Public School (Monthly) | $1,200 - $1,600 |
| International School | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| Rent (Serviced Apt) | $350 - $550 |
| Completion Bonus | ~ $500 - $1,000 |
Work Permits & Legalization
Gone are the days of working on tourist visas. In 2026, you need a Work Permit (WP) to be legal. This WP is then used to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which acts as your long-term visa (valid for 2 years) and replaces the need for visa runs.
The Legalization Hurdle: Before you leave home, you must have your documents authenticated by the Vietnamese embassy in your country. This is a multi-step process (Notary -> Government Authentication -> Vietnamese Embassy Legalization) and applies to:
- Bachelor's Degree
- Criminal Background Check
- TEFL Certificate (Yes, this must also be legalized!)
- Proficiency Test (IELTS/TOEFL) (For non-native speakers only)
Visa Tip: The Business Visa
Most teachers enter on a 3-month E-Visa or Business Visa (DN) sponsored by their school or internship program, then convert to the Work Permit/TRC after arrival. Do not enter on a generic tourist visa if you plan to work immediately.
Requirements to teach English in Vietnam
Vietnam has tightened its regulations. To secure a Work Permit in 2026, you must meet the following criteria with legalized documents.
- Bachelor’s Degree (Legalized) Mandatory. It can be in any subject, but you must have the physical copy authenticated by the Vietnamese embassy in your home country.
- 120-Hour TEFL Certificate (Legalized) Required. The government requires a certificate of at least 120 hours. Crucially, this document must also be legalized to be accepted for the Work Permit.
- Clean Criminal Record (Legalized) A background check from your home country (less than 6 months old) is required. It must be legalized.
- Native or Proficient (Legalized) Non-native speakers are welcome but must provide a legalized English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 100+) or a degree from an English-speaking university.
Split Shifts & Schedules
Hiring Season: All year round. Vietnam is a massive market with constant turnover. However, the school year starts in August, so public school jobs peak in June/July.
Commuting
Most teachers get around on motorbikes (Grab Bike or driving their own). Traffic in Hanoi and HCMC is chaotic but functional. If you work for a language center, you may travel between different branches.
Language Center Hours: Expect to work evenings (5 PM - 9 PM) on weekdays and full days on weekends. Mondays and Tuesdays are typically your days off.
Public School Hours: Standard M-F, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM.
Cost of living & Savings in Vietnam
Vietnam offers perhaps the best salary-to-cost ratio in the world. You earn a "Western" wage in a country where a beer costs $1.
Rent: You can find a "Serviced Apartment" (studio with cleaning/laundry included) for $350-$500/month in the trendy expat districts (Thao Dien in HCMC or Tay Ho in Hanoi).
Food: Street food is a way of life. Pho, Banh Mi, and Com Tam cost $1-$2. Even a nice sit-down western meal will only set you back $10-$15.
Monthly Budget (Single Teacher)
| Rent (Serviced Apt) | $350 - $500 |
| Utilities & Phone | $50 - $80 |
| Food & Dining | $250 - $400 |
| Transport (Grab) | $40 - $70 |
| Travel/Nightlife | $150 - $250 |
Where to teach English in Vietnam?
Vietnam is long and diverse. The North has seasons and history; the South has perpetual summer and commerce; the Center has beaches and charm.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
The economic engine. Fast, chaotic, modern, and filled with expats. Infinite nightlife and the most job opportunities in the country.
Hanoi (The Capital)
More traditional and cultural. Famous for its Old Quarter, lakes, and distinct four seasons (it gets cold in winter!). A hub for arts and politics.
Da Nang (Beach City)
The perfect balance. Clean beaches, wide roads, and less pollution. It's becoming a digital nomad hub, though job competition is higher here.
Coastal Towns
Smaller cities like Ha Long, Nha Trang, and Vung Tau offer a slower pace of life, cheaper living, and plenty of sea breeze.
How to get a job in Vietnam
Vietnam's visa laws are stricter than ever. You can navigate the market independently with our certification support, or choose our fully supported Internship for a guaranteed soft landing.
The Independent Route
Get your 120-hour myTEFL certificate and apply to schools directly. We can help legalize your TEFL certificate to meet 2026 Work Permit standards.
- Flexibility: Find your own job in any city.
- Legalization Help: We assist with legalizing your TEFL.
- Logistics: You manage the degree authentication solo.
Vietnam TEFL Internship
Online Training + Onsite Orientation. Complete your 120-hour course online, then fly to Vietnam for a 9-day hands-on orientation and social workshop before starting your job.
- Hybrid Model: 120-Hr Online + 9-Day In-Country Orientation.
- Soft Landing: Airport pickup, SIM card & housing support.
- Job Guarantee: Secured, legal placement after orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Crucial data for the 2026 Vietnam teaching landscape.