{"id":22608,"date":"2025-09-22T16:47:38","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T09:47:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/b-company.jp\/?p=22608"},"modified":"2025-09-22T16:47:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T09:47:38","slug":"navigating-vietnams-informal-economy-a-landscape-of-opportunity-and-challenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/b-company.jp\/ja\/navigating-vietnams-informal-economy-a-landscape-of-opportunity-and-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"\u30d9\u30c8\u30ca\u30e0\u306e\u975e\u516c\u5f0f\u7d4c\u6e08\u306e\u8235\u53d6\u308a\uff1a\u6a5f\u4f1a\u3068\u8ab2\u984c\u306e\u98a8\u666f"},"content":{"rendered":"
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B&Company is the first Japanese company specializing in market research and investment consulting in Vietnam since 2008.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this section “Vietnam Briefing”, B&Company will provide timely information of Vietnam’s industrial trends, consumer trends, and social movements.<\/em><\/p>\n

This article is written in English and automatic translation is used for other language versions. Please refer to the English version for accurate content. Although we strive to ensure the accuracy of the original information, please check separately for each information. Interpretations and future prospects are the personal opinions of each researcher. <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t

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Vietnam’s informal economy is a significant and complex component of its economic landscape, contributing substantially to GDP and employment. The scale of Vietnam’s informal economy is immense. Characterized by a high prevalence of unregistered businesses and workers lacking formal contracts and social protections, this sector presents both opportunities and challenges. For businesses and investors, understanding the dynamics of Vietnam’s informal economy is crucial for strategic planning. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the regulatory environment, market size, key segments, and prevailing trends, offering actionable insights for navigating this multifaceted market.<\/p>\n

Regulation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Vietnamese government has historically taken a mixed approach to the informal economy, recognizing its role in job creation while also seeking to formalize the sector to expand the tax base and enhance worker protections. Key regulations and policies influencing Vietnam’s informal economy include:<\/p>\n

– Labor Laws:<\/strong> The 2019 Labor Code, effective from 2021, governs employment relationships. However, its enforcement is largely limited to the formal sector. A significant development is the Vietnam Employment Law 2025<\/strong>, which, for the first time, will allow non-contract workers (freelancers, gig workers) to voluntarily participate in unemployment insurance. This marks a step towards extending social safety nets to the informal workforce.<\/p>\n

– Business Registration:<\/strong> The process for registering a small business or household business is outlined in the Law on Enterprises. While the government has made efforts to streamline procedures through the National Business Registration Portal, many small-scale operations, particularly household businesses, remain unregistered due to a lack of awareness, perceived complexity, or a desire to avoid taxation and regulatory oversight.<\/p>\n

– Formalization Policies:<\/strong> The government has implemented various resolutions and policies aimed at encouraging formalization. For instance, Resolution 68 signals a renewed focus on supporting household businesses and SMEs, aiming to provide better access to finance and digital platforms. The government also encourages the formation of cooperatives as a model for mutual support among household businesses. However, makeshift measures, such as banning street vendors from certain areas in major cities, have also been employed, often with disruptive consequences for those relying on informal activities for their livelihood.<\/p>\n

Market Overview<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Vietnam’s informal economy is a substantial part of the nation’s economic fabric.<\/p>\n

– Size and Scale:<\/strong> In 2021, Vietnam had an estimated 33.6 million informal workers<\/strong>, accounting for approximately 68.5% <\/strong>of the total employed population[1]<\/a>. The majority of these workers, nearly three-quarters, reside in rural areas[2]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Percentage of Formal and Informal Labour in Vietnam (%)<\/strong><\/p>\n

100%= 49.1 million people
\n\"Percentage<\/p>\n

Source: General Statistics Office, 2021<\/p>\n

– Contribution to GDP:<\/strong> While precise figures are difficult to ascertain, estimates suggest the informal economy contributes between 15% and 27% to Vietnam’s GDP[3]<\/a>. This significant contribution highlights the sector’s importance in generating income and supporting livelihoods, particularly for those with limited access to formal employment.<\/p>\n

– Informal Labor by Sector:<\/strong> The vast majority (over 90%) of informal workers are concentrated in three main sectors[4]<\/a>:<\/p>\n