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Hiring E-commerce Operations Talent in Vietnam: A Guide for International Teams

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As global retail continues to shift online, companies are seeking efficient, tech-savvy teams to manage backend operations, logistics, inventory, and customer service. Vietnam has become a rising star in this space—thanks to its digitally literate workforce, growing internet economy, and favorable labor costs. For international brands expanding their digital footprint in Southeast Asia, hiring e-commerce operations talent in Vietnam offers a smart and scalable solution.

But hiring locally in Vietnam isn’t as simple as posting a job ad and wiring a salary. Foreign companies must navigate local labor laws, taxes, and compliance requirements. Without a legal entity in Vietnam, this can become complex and risky.

This is where a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) and international payroll services come into play. These global employment solutions allow foreign companies to hire remote employees in Vietnam—legally and efficiently—without setting up a local subsidiary.

In this article, we’ll explore how international teams can successfully hire and onboard e-commerce operations talent in Vietnam through a reliable EOR company.

Why Vietnam Is a Hub for E-commerce Operations Talent

Vietnam is experiencing one of the fastest-growing e-commerce sectors in Asia. With over 70% internet penetration, a thriving startup ecosystem, and a tech-literate youth population, the country is home to a large pool of skilled professionals in e-commerce operations.

Key benefits of hiring e-commerce operations professionals in Vietnam include:

  • Skilled Workforce: Familiarity with platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Lazada, Shopee, and Amazon.
  • Cost-Effective Talent: Salaries are significantly lower than in the U.S., Europe, or even Singapore.
  • Time Zone Advantage: Convenient for companies operating in APAC or collaborating with global teams.
  • English Proficiency: Growing number of professionals fluent in English, especially in business and IT fields.

Roles Commonly Hired in E-commerce Operations

International companies can easily build out their e-commerce back-office team in Vietnam using an EOR company, hiring for roles such as:

  • Order Fulfillment Specialists
  • Marketplace Account Managers
  • Inventory and Supply Chain Coordinators
  • Customer Service Representatives
  • E-commerce Data Analysts
  • Product Listing & Merchandising Managers
  • Returns and Logistics Coordinators

These professionals can be hired remotely and onboarded with full legal compliance using international payroll services.

What Is an Employer of Record (EOR)?

An Employer of Record acts as the legal employer for your workers in Vietnam. While your company directs the employee’s day-to-day activities, the EOR company takes care of all the backend HR and legal tasks, including:

  • Drafting compliant employment contracts
  • Managing international payroll services
  • Handling statutory contributions and taxes
  • Administering benefits and insurance
  • Ensuring compliance with Vietnamese labor laws

This allows you to focus on operations while the EOR ensures legal and financial safety.

Benefits of Hiring Through an EOR in Vietnam

1. No Need for a Local Entity

Setting up a legal entity in Vietnam is time-consuming and expensive. With an EOR company, you can hire in days—not months.

2. 100% Compliance

Vietnam has strict labor laws around contracts, social insurance, and termination procedures. An EOR ensures compliance and avoids penalties.

3. Streamlined Payroll

Using international payroll services, your remote employees in Vietnam are paid accurately, on time, and in local currency (VND).

4. Faster Onboarding

You can onboard e-commerce operations talent quickly, keeping pace with your business growth and peak retail seasons.

5. Reduced Risk

A professional EOR company mitigates risks around misclassification, tax liabilities, and employment disputes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hiring E-commerce Talent with an EOR

Step 1: Choose the Right EOR Partner

Look for one of the top EOR providers with experience in Vietnam’s labor laws and e-commerce sector.

Step 2: Recruit the Talent

You can source candidates independently or work with the EOR company for local recruiting support.

Step 3: Draft a Local Contract

The Employer of Record prepares a compliant contract with salary details, benefits, work hours, and IP protection clauses.

Step 4: Onboard and Enroll

The EOR handles all employment registrations, tax documents, social insurance, and health coverage for your new hire.

Step 5: Payroll and Ongoing Support

Your EOR manages monthly international payroll services, benefits, and HR support, while you oversee the work.

Key Employment Laws to Be Aware Of

When you hire remote employees in Vietnam—even through an EOR—local labor laws still apply. Here are some important regulations:

  • Working Hours: Limited to 48 hours per week, with mandatory rest days.
  • Probation Periods: Typically 1–2 months, depending on the job.
  • Social Insurance: Employers must contribute to social, health, and unemployment insurance schemes.
  • Leave: Includes annual leave (12+ days), public holidays, and sick leave.
  • Termination: Requires proper cause and notice; severance may be required.

An experienced EOR company helps you navigate these rules while ensuring a smooth employment relationship.

EOR vs. Local Entity in Vietnam

CriteriaEORLocal Entity
Setup Time1–2 weeks3–6 months
CostLow (per employee)High (legal, tax, compliance)
ComplianceHandled by EORYour responsibility
Best ForPilot teams, fast growthLong-term large-scale operations


For most international teams, starting with the best Employer of Record services makes strategic and financial sense.

Building a Productive Remote E-commerce Team

To make the most of your remote Vietnam-based team, follow these best practices:

  • Standardized Tools: Use platforms like Slack, Trello, Notion, or Monday.com for project and order management.
  • Clear SOPs: Document processes for returns, order processing, and customer service escalation.
  • Regular Training: Upskill your team on the latest e-commerce tools and platform updates.
  • Performance Metrics: Track KPIs like order accuracy, response times, and fulfillment rates.
  • Team Integration: Include your Vietnam team in global stand-ups, newsletters, and company events to boost engagement.

Why Choose Team Apac as Your EOR in Vietnam

At Team Apac, we specialize in helping global companies hire remote employees across Asia without setting up local subsidiaries. If you’re looking to expand your e-commerce operations in Vietnam, we offer trusted Employer of Record services and international payroll services tailored to your needs.

As one of the top EOR providers in APAC, we help you:

  • Onboard Vietnamese e-commerce talent fast
  • Stay compliant with local labor and tax laws
  • Outsource payroll and benefits management
  • Minimize your legal and operational risks

With our expertise in global employment solutions, Team Apac empowers your business to grow in Vietnam with speed, compliance, and confidence.

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