Vietnam Implements New Policies on July 1 Affecting Salaries, Pensions, and E-commerce

Vietnam is set to implement a significant package of new regulations starting July 1, 2026, affecting various aspects of daily life for citizens and the operations of businesses. The changes encompass 29 new laws, 50 decrees, and 72 circulars, introducing adjustments to salaries, pensions, and online commerce practices.

A notable change is the increase in the base salary for civil servants, public employees, and armed forces personnel. The base salary will rise by approximately 8% from 2.34 million VND to 2.53 million VND per month. This adjustment is accompanied by provisions for annual bonuses, with 10% of the total salary fund allocated for exceptional performance and regular rewards based on evaluations.

Beneficiaries of pensions and social insurance will also see an increase. Starting July 1, 2026, monthly pensions and social insurance benefits will be raised by 8% from their June 2026 levels. Additionally, a supplementary support of 300,000 VND per month will be provided to individuals whose pensions, after the 8% increase, remain at or below 3.5 million VND. Those receiving between 3.5 million and 3.8 million VND will have their benefits adjusted to exactly 3.8 million VND.

In the realm of e-commerce, new regulations under the E-commerce Law 2025 will introduce stricter verification processes. Platform operators must now verify the identity of sellers before allowing them to open shops or offer goods and services. This measure aims to combat fraudulent listings, counterfeit goods, and products of unknown origin, thereby enhancing consumer trust in online shopping.

Furthermore, online sellers are required to provide comprehensive information about their business entities and products before engaging in transactions. This includes disclosing details about product quality and characteristics as mandated by specialized laws. The E-commerce Law 2025 also shifts the focus from encouraging a two-child policy to upholding individuals' and couples' rights to decide on the timing, number, and spacing of their children, reflecting a move towards reproductive autonomy.