Job Discussion Forums

Bethan1 · Joined: 05 Apr 2011 Posts: 2

Hi,

Just applying for a job at a school and they have a quoted a gross salary of between $1,400 and $2000 per month. Does anyone know what the salary would be after tax?
Secondly, I believe you need a medical examination in order to get a work permit. I've just gone through the rigmarole of applying for a job in Korea only to be turned down because I'm epileptic (I can only assume they think I'm possessed by the devil or something!). Any idea whether I'd experience the same issues in Vietnam?

The Mad Hatter · Joined: 16 May 2010 Posts: 165

What's it like when you have a seizure? What happens? Can you tell what's going on around you ? How often do you get them?

London Bridge · Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 34

JHat · Joined: 29 Sep 2010 Posts: 10 Location: HCMC, Vietnam

Hi Bethan,

How long of a contract are you going to sign? If the contract is for less than 3 months, you don't have to contribute taxes to Social Insurance, Health Insurance or Unemployment Insurance (a total of 8.5% of your gross salary). If you have a contract over 3 months, you'll have have this 8.5% deducted from each paycheque.

The other tax you have to pay is Personal Income Tax. If you've been in Vietnam for less than half a year (183 days) then you pay a flat rate of 20% deducted from each paycheque (assuming your employer will hold it in fund for you and pay it on your behalf at the end of the fiscal year). If you've been in Vietnam for longer than 183 days you get taxed based on a progressive rate.

Assuming the exchange rate is 20,800 VND = $1USD, you'll get taxed either 20% or 25%, depending on whether your gross salary is closer to $1400 or $2000 USD per month. You can see the progressive tax rate here, near the bottom of the page: http://www.itpc.gov.vn/investors/how_to_invest/law/2009-02-24.117347/mldocument_view/?set_language=en

spycatcher reincarnated · Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 236

http://www.pwc.com/en_VN/vn/publications/2011/assets/PwC-Vietnam-2011-Pocket-Tax-Book.pdf

Ball park figure I would say your deductions will be about 10% of your earnings, if you are taxed as a resident (simple explanation for being taxed as a resident is that you will be in country for more than 183 days).

Bethan1 · Joined: 05 Apr 2011 Posts: 2

Hi All,

London Bridge, I think I'm going to follow your advice and come over to Vietnam to find a job. With that in mind what should I do about a visa? Get a tourist one initially and then apply for a work permit once I've found a job?
Mad Hatter, I never have them any more - I'm completely controlled by medication. When I did have them, they weren't seizures as such and didn't physically manifest themselves. More like a momentary absence that lasted a couple of seconds at the most.

mushroom_season · Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Posts: 42

What medications are you on? How do you intend on maintaining your medicine stocks? How do you intend on visiting specialists here? There is a stigma against epileptics here. The literal translation for epilpsy is "moving prayer". (động kinh)

Now are you scared of riding on motorbikes with your epilepsy. Can you manage with a motorbike taxi driver. If you cannot bring yourself to riding on a motorbike even as a passenger. You should not come to Vietnam to teach English.

mushroom_season · Joined: 11 Apr 2011 Posts: 42

By the way the medical exam for your workpermit does not ask about epilepsy. So don't mention it unless you have to.

toiyeuthitmeo · Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 213

It's a rough deal, but most schools would fire you for having a seizure in front of a class. So hopefully you've got it managed well or don't get them, and echoing the advice previous, you might want to consider keeping your condition private (unless of course that would be dangerous for you).

As for medications, some people say you can get whatever you need here, but that is NOT the case. You can get a great deal of medications here, and sometimes you'll be given an "alternate" which may not even be indicated for the same use of your preferred meds. Further, Vietnamese pharmacists are in general unreliable and of erratic merits. For nearly any malady, they'll give you Panadol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, and effervescent vitamins. Not what you need for a serious or non-bacterial illness!

Most definitely get actual confirmation from a foreign clinic (FV Hospital, SOS, Medicoast) that your medication will be readily available, or come to VN with sufficient supplies.

Best of luck