Article 14 of the current Law on Public Employees 2010 stipulates the rights of public employees to conduct business activities and work overtime as follows:
- To be able to operate a profession outside of the working period prescribed in the working contract, except where otherwise provided by law.
- To sign a case or work contract with another agency, organization or unit that is not prohibited by law but must complete the assigned tasks and have the consent of the head of the public service unit.
- Contributed capital but not participated in managing or operating limited liability companies, joint stock companies, cooperatives, private hospitals, private schools and organizing private scientific research, except where otherwise provided by specialized laws.
On December 10, the National Assembly passed the Law on Civil Servants (amended), effective from July 1, 2026.
According to the new law, civil servants are allowed to sign labor contracts or service contracts with other agencies, organizations and units if the law on sectors and fields does not prohibit or ensure that there are no conflicts of interest as prescribed by the law on corruption prevention and control, is not contrary to the agreement in the work contract and does not violate professional ethics.
In case there is no agreement in the work contract, the civil servant must have the written consent of the head of the public service unit; for the head of the public service unit, the written consent must be from the direct superior.
Officials are also allowed to practice as individuals if the law on sectors and fields is not prohibited; are allowed to contribute capital, participate in the management and operation of enterprises, cooperatives, hospitals, educational institutions, organize scientific research in the non-public sector, except in cases where the law on corruption prevention and control, the law on enterprises or the law on sectors and fields have other provisions.
