Earnings for scientists and top-tier talents in Hanoi go up 1,000 times
Hanoi has introduced a comprehensive package of incentives aimed at attracting and retaining talented professionals, as part of its long-term strategy to build a high-quality workforce for sustainable development.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has approved an aggressive talent recruitment policy, offering pay packages worth up to 1,000 times the statutory minimum wage applied in Region I, Vietnam's top-tier urban areas.
The policy is part of a resolution on talent attraction approved by the Hanoi People’s Council on January 27, aiming to attract and retain high-level professionals in strategic fields.
The minimum wage for contract workers in Region I stands at VND5.3 million (US$203), according to Decree No. 293, effective January 1, 2026.
Based on this rate, Hanoi will provide one-time payments of VND5.3 billion ($203,000) to professors, VND4.2 billion ($161,000) to associate professors and more than VND2.6 billion ($99,640) to doctoral degree holders or Level II specialist doctors.
Hanoi authorities honor 95 valedictorians with best results in university graduation exam in November 2025. Photo: The Hanoi Times
The scheme also targets experienced managers and business executives, outstanding graduates, promising young scientists and individuals with exceptional ability in culture, arts, sports and physical education.
Under the resolution, professors will receive support equal to 1,000 times the statutory minimum wage, while associate professors will receive 800 times.
Holders of doctoral degrees, Level II specialist doctor qualifications, or equivalent credentials will qualify for support equal to 500 times the base salary.
If a doctoral degree comes from one of the world’s top 200 universities, the support level rises to 600 times.
Master’s degree holders and Level I specialist doctors will receive support equal to 300 times the statutory minimum wage, while university graduates will qualify for 150 times.
As the regional minimum wage rises annually, support levels will adjust accordingly. Beyond upfront payments, the policy introduces performance-based incentives tied to measurable contributions.
Talented individuals may receive additional rewards for scientific research projects, innovative initiatives or achievements in culture, arts and sports.
For projects with proven practical value at the city level or higher, beneficiaries may receive up to 30% of the profits or value generated through commercialization.
When profits cannot be clearly measured, incentives may reach up to 250 times the Region I statutory minimum wage per project.
Recipients of national or international awards may also qualify for bonuses of up to 50 times the Region I statutory minimum wage per award.
Housing support forms another key pillar of the policy.
The city will provide official housing for eligible recruits. Those who do not use official housing may receive rental support equal to up to 10 times the Region I statutory minimum wage per month for a maximum of 24 months. The policy also gives priority access to social housing purchases.
According to the Hanoi People’s Committee, other major cities, including Danang, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong and Cantho, are also rolling out policies to attract high-level professionals.
The new policy proves Hanoi’s determination to adopt more competitive and practical incentives that reflect expertise, intellectual contribution and value creation, with the goal of securing long-term commitment to the capital’s development.
