Vietnam 2026 New Year Holiday: 4-Day Break Payroll Guide

Dec 26, 2025

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Vietnam Approves 4-Day Break for 2026 New Year Holiday

As we look forward to a brand new year, there is exciting news for employees and businesses across Vietnam. Following a proposal by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Government has officially approved a four-day consecutive break for the 2026 New Year holiday.

According to Official Dispatch No. 12729/VPCP-KGVX issued on December 25, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra has signaled the green light for an optimized holiday schedule that balances rest for workers with economic stimulation.

Table of Contents

The Official Schedule

The 2026 New Year holiday for civil servants and public employees will officially span from Thursday, January 1, 2026, to the end of Sunday, January 4, 2026.

This four-day stretch is made possible by a strategic swap:

January 1 (Thursday): Official public holiday.
January 2 (Friday): Work day swapped.
January 3-4 (Saturday & Sunday): Standard weekly rest days.
January 10 (Saturday): Make-up work day.

By moving the work day from Friday to the following Saturday, the government has created a seamless long weekend, allowing families more time to travel, recharge, and celebrate without interrupting the total required working hours.

The 4-day schedule is officially mandated for state administrative agencies, political organizations, and socio-political organizations.

For the private sector (domestic and foreign-owned businesses), the government strongly encourages employers to apply the same schedule. However, employers have the right to choose their own holiday plan based on business needs.

Payroll Implications: Overtime & Holiday Pay

If your business operations require employees to work during this 4-day window, the financial obligations change significantly based on the specific day:

January 1, 2026 (Statutory Holiday): Employees working on this day are entitled to a minimum of 300% of their daily wage, excluding the salary paid for the holiday itself. In total, the worker receives 400% pay.
January 2, 2026 (The “Bridge” Day): Since this is a swapped workday, if an employee works on Jan 2 and takes the makeup day (e.g., Jan 10) off, it is treated as a normal workday pay. However, if they work both days, the second day is treated as overtime (OT) on a rest day (minimum 200%).
Night Shift Premiums: For manufacturing or IT support firms operating 24/7, remember that holiday night shifts require an additional 30% premium on top of the holiday OT rate.

Operational Compliance Checklist

To stay ahead of the 2026 New Year surge, Netviet HRS recommends the following steps:

Written Notice: Issue a formal announcement to all staff regarding the 4-day break in advance.
Makeup Day Clause: Clearly define when the “makeup” workday will occur to avoid disputes regarding rest day compensation.
Annual Leave Management: Many employees will seek to extend this break into the following week. Ensure your leave approval policy is consistent to maintain operational continuity.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Smooth 2026

The 4-day New Year break is a great opportunity for your team to recharge, but it requires careful payroll planning. By confirming your holiday schedule and overtime rates now, you can ensure full legal compliance while keeping your employees happy.

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NetViet offers comprehensive HR solutions for businesses entering or expanding in the Vietnamese market. Established in 2000, NetViet provides expert, seamless, and compliant HR solutions.

Legal Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice on compliance in Vietnam, schedule a consultation with NetViet or consult legal counsel.

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