Can an Employee Work for Two Companies at the Same Time in Vietnam?

Short answer: Yes. Article 19 of the Labor Code 2019 permits an employee to enter into multiple labor contracts with multiple employers, on the condition that the employee fully performs all agreed contents of each contract. Important notes: social insurance and unemployment insurance are paid under the first labor contract concluded; the employee must keep the information of each workplace confidential and must not affect the work committed.

Legal basis

• Labor Code 2019 — Article 19 (concluding multiple labor contracts), Article 17 (prohibited acts), Article 21 (contents of labor contracts);
• Law on Social Insurance 2024 — principles of insurance payment when concluding multiple contracts.

Employees may work for multiple employers at the same time

The law does not prohibit an employee from working for two or more companies at the same time. The only principled condition: the employee must fully perform all agreed contents of each labor contract — regarding working hours, workload and work quality.

In practice, this model is common for part-time work, remote work, collaborators under labor contracts, or employees working flexible shifts.

Obligations to observe when working for two companies

1. Performance of contracts

Working at one place must not cause breach of obligations at the other (lateness, absenteeism, incomplete work). Violations may result in disciplinary action, even unilateral termination of the contract.

2. Information confidentiality

Business secrets and technological secrets of one company must not be disclosed to the other, especially when the two companies are competitors. Breach of confidentiality obligations may result in compensation for damages.

3. Non-competition (if agreed)

If the labor contract or a separate agreement contains a non-competition clause (not working for competitors for a certain period), the employee must comply.

4. Insurance obligations

• Social insurance and unemployment insurance: paid under the first labor contract concluded;
• Health insurance: paid under the contract with the highest salary;
• Occupational accident and disease insurance: paid under each labor contract.

5. Personal income tax obligations

Income from multiple sources is consolidated in personal income tax finalization; employees should note dependent deduction registration and proper authorization for tax finalization.

Cases where working for two employers is NOT allowed

• Cadres, civil servants and public employees prohibited from holding concurrent positions under the law on cadres, civil servants and public employees;
• Managers of state-owned enterprises in cases where the law prohibits;
• Labor contracts containing lawful exclusive employment agreements (which the employee voluntarily committed to);
• Work requiring full-time hours making it impossible to fully perform both contracts.

Frequently asked questions

Can a company prohibit employees from working elsewhere?

The law does not grant an absolute right to prohibit; but the company may agree with the employee on confidentiality and non-competition obligations. If the employee’s other work affects performance, the company handles it under internal regulations and the contract.

How are annual leave and public holidays calculated when working two jobs?

Each labor relationship is independent: the employee enjoys annual leave and public holiday regimes under each labor contract.

Is probation at the second company allowed?

Yes, provided the employee still fully performs the existing contract at the first company.

Notes on applying current legislation

Before taking on additional work, employees should carefully read their current labor contract regarding confidentiality, non-competition and working hours; employers should design tight confidentiality clauses from the recruitment stage. Contact ANT Legal lawyers at 0966.475.966 for advice.

Common risks to note

• Failing to guarantee work at one of the two places, facing disciplinary action;
• Disclosing business secrets between two competing companies;
• Underpaying insurance under the second contract (occupational accidents and diseases);
• Violating signed non-competition agreements.

How can ANT Legal help?

ANT Legal advises on labor law for employees and enterprises: labor contracts, confidentiality clauses, non-competition, insurance and dispute resolution. For prompt advice, please contact our lawyers at 0966.475.966.

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