Living in Vietnam: the ultimate expat guide

Relocating to Vietnam requires careful preparation of entry and residence formalities. Requirements vary depending on your nationality and purpose of stay (employment, studies, retirement, or business).

Key information

For short stays, a tourist visa is typically sufficient and can sometimes be extended locally.

To work in Vietnam, you'll need a work visa. This requires a local employment contract, with procedures usually handled by your employer.

Business visas are designed for short to medium-term professional assignments.

A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is often granted after obtaining a work visa, allowing you to stay for several years.

Various other visa types exist, including student, investor, and family reunification visas, depending on your circumstances.

Regulations change regularly. It's recommended to verify the latest requirements with the Vietnamese embassy before departure.

Useful resources

Vietnam attracts many expats thanks to its dynamic job market and rapidly growing economy. Finding employment or starting your own business requires proper preparation.

Growing sectors: numerous opportunities exist in language teaching (particularly English), information technology, tourism, logistics, finance, and construction. English proficiency is a significant advantage.

If you're considering starting your own business, foreign investment is encouraged in services, e-commerce, industrial production, and hospitality. Procedures have been simplified but still require legal guidance.

Salaries are generally lower than in Western countries but offset by a lower cost of living. Qualified expats often receive additional benefits such as housing allowances or health insurance.

Key employment figures for Vietnam

1. The unemployment rate stands at approximately 2.2% in 2024, one of the lowest in Southeast Asia.
2. The workforce comprises around 52 million people.
3. Key sectors: services (38% of workforce), manufacturing (35%), agriculture (27%).
4. Over USD 36 billion in foreign investment was recorded in 2023, primarily in industry and high-tech sectors.

Further reading

Vietnam is rapidly developing its university offerings to attract both local and international students. The country combines recognized public universities, modern private institutions, and partnerships with foreign schools.

What to know

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City host the most reputable universities, such as Vietnam National University. Fees are affordable, with instruction primarily in Vietnamese.

An increasing number of universities offer English-language programs, particularly in business, technology, engineering, and medicine.

Foreign schools (British, Australian, American) have campuses in Vietnam, with higher fees than public universities.

Vietnam offers accessible banking solutions for foreigners, though certain procedures are essential.

To open a bank account, you'll need a valid visa and a local address. Major Vietnamese banks and some international banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered) welcome foreign residents.

Payments are primarily made in cash or by card.

Access to mortgages or personal loans remains limited for foreigners unless you have solid guarantees or work through a local company.

Tax considerations for expats

A tax resident is defined as someone spending more than 183 days per year in Vietnam.

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income.

Non-residents only pay taxes on Vietnam-sourced income.

Income tax is often withheld at source by employers, with annual reconciliation.

Before relocating, check tax treaties between Vietnam and your home country to avoid double taxation.

Vietnam's healthcare system is improving but remains uneven across regions.

The public system is accessible but often limited in resources, especially outside major cities.

Major cities have well-equipped private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking doctors and higher quality care. Costs can be substantial, making comprehensive health insurance essential.

Exercise caution with tap water (bottled water recommended), tropical diseases (dengue, malaria in rural areas), and basic food safety precautions.

Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and Japanese encephalitis.

Further information

You have several options for your children's education. Your choice will depend on your child's age, your budget, and preferred language of instruction.

Vietnamese public schools are accessible to foreigners but instruction is in Vietnamese. Academic standards are good, but integration can be challenging for children.

Local private schools often offer classes in English or bilingual Vietnamese-English programs, with moderate fees compared to international schools.

International schools, mainly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, follow British, American, Australian curricula, or the International Baccalaureate (IB). Tuition fees are high but educational quality and facilities are recognized.

Important notes

Private and international schools generally offer better conditions for expat children.

The school year runs from September to May-June, with a significant break for Tet (Lunar New Year), typically in January or February.

Major international schools

In Hanoi

1. United Nations International School of Hanoi (IB programme).
2. British International School Hanoi.
3. Hanoi International School.

In Ho Chi Minh City

1. British International School HCMC (British curriculum and IB).
2. American International School Vietnam (American curriculum).
3. International School Ho Chi Minh City (IB programme).
4. Australian International School.

These institutions are in high demand. Starting the enrollment process several months in advance is advisable.

Finding housing in Vietnam is generally straightforward, especially in major cities and tourist areas. Rental costs vary significantly by city and neighborhood. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are the most expensive, while Da Nang or Nha Trang offer more affordable options.

What you should know

Urban expats typically choose apartments in modern serviced residences with amenities like security, swimming pools, and gyms.

Families often rent standalone houses in residential neighborhoods or suburbs.

Shared housing is popular among young expats and students to reduce costs.

Upon arrival, consider short-term rentals through agencies or specialized platforms.

More details

Find all the essential information and practical advice for organizing your move to Vietnam: selecting a moving service, tips for preparing your relocation, sorting and packing belongings, and handling customs procedures.

Vietnam offers a wide variety of activities for expats, from cultural discoveries to nature experiences and urban life. The country combines traditions, modernity, and unique landscapes.

Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the numerous museums and pagodas, as well as traditional performances and festivals held throughout the year.

For nature and outdoor lovers, we recommend the beaches of Nha Trang or Phu Quoc, the rice terraces of Sapa, cruises in Ha Long Bay, and trekking in the northern mountains.

Whether you're interested in culture, cuisine, or sports activities, Vietnam offers countless possibilities to fill your free time!

Must-see festivals and events

Explore more

Daily life in Vietnam combines modernity and traditions, offering expats a rich cultural immersion and often appreciated quality of life.

Key points to remember

Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City buzz with activity day and night. Street markets, local cuisine, and cafes are at the heart of social life.

The country is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, watch for pickpockets in tourist areas and be cautious of traffic.

Motorbikes are the most common means of transportation.

The importance of family, respect for elders, and Buddhist traditions strongly influence daily life.

Life remains affordable, with many accessible services (delivery, domestic help, healthcare).

The tropical climate, varying by region, shapes the organization of daily routines.

Learn more

For a single expat in a major city

On average, a single expat spends between USD 800 and 1,200 per month for a comfortable lifestyle in a major city.

For a family of 4

A family of 4 expats should budget between USD 2,500 and 4,500 per month, depending on housing type and children's schooling.

Sources: Numbeo (August 2025) for base costs excluding rent; Livingcost.org for total estimates in Hanoi; Asia Expat Hub for comfortable family budget.