One of the guiding viewpoints of the Politburo under Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW is “to develop and improve laws and breakthrough mechanisms and policies to encourage the private economy to grow in priority areas, investment in research and development, application of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation...”.
On this basis, and with the objective of attracting high-quality human resources – as a fundamental prerequisite and driving force for the development of science and technology – on 19 September 2025, the Government promulgated Decree No. 249/2025/ND-CP providing mechanisms and policies for attracting experts in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation (“Decree 249”). Decree 249 applies to the recruitment of experts who are overseas Vietnamese, foreign nationals, and experts of agencies, organizations, and enterprises assigned to preside over the implementation of programs, tasks, and projects in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Science and Technology”). Decree 249 introduces several notable provisions as follows:
1. Conditions for experts to be entitled to incentives
Pursuant to Decree 249, experts must be “individuals possessing knowledge, qualifications, and research experience in one or more fields of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation,” and must satisfy the following criteria:
a) General criteria:
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Having chaired or participated in the performance of Science and Technology tasks with practical contributions to the development of the nation, the region, and internationally;
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Having a clear personal record and good ethics;
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Having the desire to contribute to the development of Science and Technology in Viet Nam.
b) Specific criteria: In addition to the general criteria, experts must meet at least one of the following specific criteria:
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Being the author or co-author of an invention protected by an intellectual property title that has been applied, transferred, and created practical value; or possessing in-depth expertise and extensive experience in a field relevant to the tasks to be performed in Viet Nam and currently working in the research division of a reputable research institute, university, or enterprise abroad;
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Being the author or co-author of an outstanding scientific and technological research work that has received an international award or has been widely applied with practical efficiency and relevance;
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Holding a doctoral degree from a university ranked among the world’s top 200 institutions in prestigious international rankings, and having at least 05 years of teaching, research, or science and technology development experience at a reputable foreign research or training institution;
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Holding a doctoral degree and having at least 05 years of work experience in a scientific research position under an international cooperation program/project on science and technology or in the research division of a reputable foreign enterprise;
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Having published at least 10 international articles in prestigious journals, or serving as a member of the scientific council of a reputable journal, or having successfully supervised at least 02 doctoral candidates.
However, in cases where candidates do not fully meet the above specific criteria, the recruiting agency, organization, or unit shall have discretion to decide on the selection of experts and shall assume responsibility for such decision.
2. A wide range of preferential policies for qualified experts
2.1. Incentives regarding salary, bonuses, working conditions, and welfare regimes
a. Incentives for experts:
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Salary shall be ensured commensurate with the assigned tasks and in line with the salary levels in the Science and Technology labor market;
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Annual bonus: up to 04 months’ salary stated in the labor contract;
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Bonus derived from profits earned from the commercialization (leasing, sale, transfer, licensing, etc.) of results of Science and Technology tasks: minimum 30% of the profits obtained;
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Initial support equivalent to 01 month’s salary for accommodation, relocation, and essential purchases;
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Housing allowance, transportation allowance, or provision of standard accommodation and transportation during the expert’s tenure;
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Coverage of expenses for research trips or scientific exchange abroad when required by the assigned tasks;
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Medical care, vacation, and annual leave:
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Provision of an annual voluntary health care package not exceeding 01% of the expert’s annual salary;
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Annual entitlement to 07 days of domestic vacation, with financial support for vacation expenses up to 01 month’s salary for the expert and family members (spouse and children under 18 years of age);
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Annual leave entitlement under law, including reimbursement of round-trip airfare once per year for the expert and family members (spouse and children under 18 years of age) to return to their home country.
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b. Incentives for family members of experts:
In addition to joint entitlements with experts such as vacation and travel benefits, family members shall also be entitled to:
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Support in finding schools and tuition assistance for children under 18 years of age at public education and training institutions;
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Provision of an annual voluntary health care package for the family not exceeding 01% of the expert’s annual salary stated in the labor contract;
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Support in job introduction and facilitation of access to suitable employment opportunities in accordance with the Labor Code and other relevant laws;
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Issuance of multiple-entry visas and temporary residence cards corresponding to the expert’s period of employment (if applicable).
2.2. Incentives regarding Vietnamese nationality and other entitlements
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Foreign experts who wish to acquire Vietnamese nationality shall be entitled to reduced conditions for naturalization, in accordance with law;
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Vietnamese nationals who wish to serve as civil servants or public employees but do not yet meet the prescribed standards or conditions may be considered for recruitment; appointment to positions without necessarily meeting requirements on age, planning titles, political theory qualifications, or time in consecutive positions;
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Entitlement to commendation, recognition, and awards in accordance with law;
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Preferential visa and residence status as proposed by the Ministry of Public Security.
3. Rewards for successful recommendation of experts
After 12 months from the date of signing the labor contract, if the expert meets the requirements of the assigned program or tasks, the agency, organization, or individual that recommended the expert shall receive a reward equivalent to 01 month’s salary of the expert.
Decree 249 shall take effect from 19 September 2025. Where other existing regulations provide lower incentives, this Decree shall prevail./.
Comment: