Vietnam offers an unbeatable combination of ultra-low cost of living, delicious cuisine, dynamic cities and stunning natural scenery. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have thriving expat communities, with fast internet and a growing remote worker scene.
Last updated: March 2026 — Editorial Team, eVisa-Card.com
| Capital | Hanoi |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Language | Vietnamese |
| Monthly cost | ~$700–1,400/month |
| Visa Type | Details |
|---|---|
| E-Visa (90 days) | Available online for citizens of 80+ countries. Single or multiple entry. Maximum 90 days, not renewable without leaving. Cost: $25. |
| Temporary Residence Card (TRC) | For longer stays. Requires a sponsor (employer, Vietnamese spouse or an approved organisation). 1–2 year TRC, renewable. No specific income threshold. |
| Business Visa (DN) | For business activities. 3–12 months, multiple entry. Requires invitation from a Vietnamese company. |
| Investor / Company Director | Foreigners who invest in or direct a Vietnamese company can obtain a TRC through the company. Minimum investment ~$130,000. |
| Retirement / Long-Term Stay | Vietnam has no formal retirement visa. Most long-term expats use repeated e-visas, business visas or obtain a TRC through employment/marriage. |
Public hospitals in Vietnam are overcrowded and language-challenged. Expats generally avoid them for all but emergencies. Foreigners registered with a Vietnamese employer can access the public health insurance system (BHYT).
International private hospitals serve the expat community well in Hanoi and HCMC: Family Medical Practice, Vinmec International, Columbia Asia, FV Hospital (HCMC). Quality is good; costs are moderate.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| GP consultation (private expat clinic) | $40–80 |
| Specialist consultation | $60–150 |
| Emergency room | $100–300 |
| Hospitalisation (international hospital, per night) | $300–800 |
| Dental cleaning | $20–50 |
| Prescription medicines | Very cheap — 30–80% cheaper than Western prices |
Health insurance is not legally required for most expat visa categories in Vietnam, but it is essential. Medical evacuation from Vietnam to Singapore or Thailand for serious cases can cost $20,000–50,000 without coverage.
A Vietnamese bank account simplifies daily life — cheaper rent payments, utility bills, local transfers and receiving salary. The process has become easier for foreigners holding TRCs.
Foreigners can buy property in Vietnam under the 2014 Housing Law, but with significant restrictions: maximum 30% of apartments in a building, no more than 250 houses in a ward, and ownership is limited to 50 years (renewable). Foreigners cannot own land — they lease it from the state.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration tax | 0.5% of property value |
| Notarisation fees | 0.06–0.3% of transaction value |
| Lawyer fees | $1,000–3,000 |
| Agent commission | 1–3% (sometimes paid by developer) |
| Annual land use fee | Very low — typically $50–200/year |
This guide is researched and maintained by the editorial team at eVisa-Card.com. Last updated: March 2026. We strive to keep all information current but visa rules, healthcare costs and property regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult a licensed professional before making major decisions.