Accordingly, the level of living allowance is calculated to ensure food, basic necessities and certain cultural and spiritual needs for staff members of Vietnamese agencies abroad suitable with Vietnam’s economic conditions and the specific situation in the host country. The basic living allowance applied to all Vietnamese agencies abroad is 650 USD per person per month and will be considered for adjustment when the consumer price index in the host country rises by 10 percent or more, or depending on Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

Regarding allowances, ambassadors or heads of Vietnamese agencies abroad who are assigned to concurrently hold office in another country or international organisation overseas, are entitled to multi position-based allowances. Specifically, an ambassador who holds office concurrently in one or two countries or at one or two international organisations in other countries, shall enjoy an additional 15 percent of the basic living allowance multiplied by the regional coefficient. One that holds office for three or more countries or international organisations in other countries shall enjoy an additional 20 percent of basic living allowance multiplied by regional coefficient.

In case a Vietnamese agency abroad does not have enough personnel on approved payroll, so its staff members have to do double work, the staff members will be entitled to an additional 15 percent of basic living allowance multiplied by regional coefficient. In addition, female staff members of Vietnamese agencies abroad are also entitled to a monthly allowance equivalent to 5 percent of the basic living allowance multiplied by regional coefficient.

Staff members of Vietnamese agencies overseas in areas where there are life-threatening armed conflicts, natural disasters and serious epidemics or areas in especially difficult working conditions shall enjoy a monthly allowance equal to 30 percent of the basic living allowance multiplied by the regional coefficient.

On social insurance, medical care, and other benefits, staff members of overseas Vietnamese agencies will receive support to buy health insurance in the host country. The Minister of Finance shall provide guidance on specific support based on Vietnam's socio-economic development conditions.

Additionally, staff members of overseas Vietnamese agencies are also entitled to a number of other benefits. The Government will pay for their housing, electricity and water bills, fuel costs; television cable, telephone and internet subscriptions. They enjoy a 40 percent of the salary plus position and seniority allowances that they receive in Vietnam, while continuing to pay social insurance like when working at home. They also receive a lump sum for the whole tenure to buy clothing and basic necessities for use during the tenure; refund for air tickets and luggage charges when travelling for work, expense payment for business trips in the host country or in other countries. They are entitled to maternity leave in accordance with the law on social insurance; and time-off in lieu or overtime payment if they have to work at night or work overtime./.