Moving to Vietnam — Relocation Guide

Bustling energy, incredible landscapes, and a rapidly growing economy.

Vietnam at a Glance

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic and rapidly transforming countries, a place where ancient temples stand in the shadow of new skyscrapers and where street food vendors operate alongside gleaming shopping malls. The country stretches over 1,600 kilometers from north to south, creating dramatic climatic and cultural variation: Hanoi in the north is cooler, more formal, and steeped in thousand-year-old history; Ho Chi Minh City (still called Saigon by locals) in the south is tropical, entrepreneurial, and fast-paced. Da Nang in the center has emerged as a livable coastal city with modern infrastructure. The energy on the streets is infectious: millions of motorbikes flow through cities in a seemingly chaotic but remarkably functional river of traffic. Street food is a way of life, not just a meal, and Vietnam consistently ranks among the world's greatest food destinations. The cost of living is very low by Western standards, making it a magnet for digital nomads, English teachers, and entrepreneurs. Vietnamese bureaucracy is complex and changing rapidly, with visa rules that shift frequently and a regulatory environment that can be opaque to outsiders. The language barrier is real: Vietnamese is tonal and difficult for most foreigners, and English proficiency outside business and tourism circles is limited. For those willing to embrace the intensity, Vietnam offers an unmatched combination of energy, affordability, culinary brilliance, and natural beauty.

Relocation Realities

Life & Economics

Very low cost of living. Comfortable lifestyle on modest foreign income.

Housing

Modern apartments available in major cities. Informal contracts common.

Work & Income

Teaching and remote work dominate expat income.

Healthcare

Private clinics good in cities. Public healthcare is basic.

Taxes & Social System

Low taxes. Limited public welfare.

Climate & Seasons

Hot, humid climate. Regional variation north vs south.

Who Is Vietnam For?

For adventurous budget-conscious expats who want incredible food, chaotic energy, and rock-bottom living costs — and do not need polished infrastructure or Western comforts.

Visa Options for Vietnam

E-Visa — Applied online through the official Immigration Department portal. Available to citizens of all countries. Single or multiple entry options. The 90-day e-visa replaced the previous 30-day version in 2023. Processing takes approximately 3 working days. No invitation letter or sponsor required. Can be used at all international airports and major land borders.
Work Permit — Required for all foreigners working for a Vietnamese employer. The employer applies to the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA) in their province. Requirements include a criminal background check, health certificate from a Vietnamese hospital, degree attestation, and at least 2 years of relevant work experience or a relevant degree. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) — Issued to foreigners who hold a valid work permit, investment certificate, or are married to a Vietnamese citizen. Replaces the need for a visa during its validity. Applied for through the Immigration Department after obtaining your work permit or qualifying status. Grants multiple entry and exit without needing a separate visa.
Investor Visa / Investment Certificate — For foreign nationals investing in or establishing a business in Vietnam. Requires an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) from the Department of Planning and Investment (DPI) and an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC). Minimum capital requirements vary by industry. The investor visa leads to a Temporary Residence Card.
Visa on Arrival (Sponsored) — An alternative to the e-visa that requires a pre-approved invitation letter from a Vietnamese sponsor (employer, travel agency, or business partner). The letter is submitted to the Immigration Department, and a visa approval is issued. The actual visa is stamped at the airport upon arrival. Less commonly used since the e-visa expansion in 2023.

Key Requirements for Moving to Vietnam

Temporary Residence Registration (Dang Ky Tam Tru)

All foreigners must be registered at their place of stay with the local ward police within 24 hours of arrival or moving to a new address. Hotels do this automatically. For private rentals, the landlord is legally responsible for registering you.

Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption Certificate

All foreigners working in Vietnam need either a work permit or an official exemption certificate. Even categories that are exempt from work permits (investors, internal company transfers, short-term consultants under 30 days) must obtain a formal exemption document.

Tax Code (Ma So Thue)

A personal tax code issued by the General Department of Taxation. Your employer typically registers this on your behalf when processing your work permit and employment contract.

Driving License (IDP or Vietnamese Conversion)

Most foreign driving licenses are not valid in Vietnam. To drive legally, you need either an International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1968 Vienna Convention (accepted for cars and motorcycles up to 50cc) or a converted Vietnamese driving license from the Department of Transport.

Culture in Vietnam

Vietnamese culture is shaped by Confucian values of respect for elders, family loyalty, education, and social harmony, overlaid with a distinctly Vietnamese resilience and entrepreneurial spirit forged through centuries of conflict and rebuilding. Family (gia dinh) is the fundamental unit of society; multi-generational households are common, and major decisions involve family consensus. The concept of 'face' (the mat) governs social interactions: public criticism, displays of anger, or causing embarrassment are serious social transgressions. Vietnamese communication is often indirect, and 'yes' may mean 'I hear you' rather than 'I agree.' Food is central to social life and identity; meals are communal, shared from common dishes, and the question 'An com chua?' (Have you eaten rice yet?) is a standard greeting equivalent to 'How are you?' The Vietnamese are pragmatic, industrious, and possess a dry, self-deprecating humor. Haggling is expected in markets but not in shops with fixed prices. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. The lunar calendar governs the most important holiday, Tet (Lunar New Year), which effectively shuts the country down for 1-2 weeks.

Tet (Lunar New Year, usually late January to mid-February) is the most important holiday. The entire country pauses for 1-2 weeks. Flights, trains, and buses sell out months in advance. Many businesses close, and workers return to their hometowns.
Always remove your shoes before entering Vietnamese homes and some businesses. Look for a pile of shoes at the entrance as your cue.
When handing or receiving anything important (business cards, gifts, money), use both hands. This shows respect.
Avoid pointing with your finger or the soles of your feet at people or sacred objects. Use an open hand to gesture instead.
Vietnamese names are written with family name first (e.g., Nguyen Van An). Address people by their given name (the last word) with an appropriate title (Anh for older brother, Chi for older sister, Em for younger person).

Common Mistakes When Moving to Vietnam

Calling Ho Chi Minh City 'Saigon' on official forms and documents. While locals universally use 'Saigon' in casual conversation, the official name is Ho Chi Minh City (Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh). Use the official name on paperwork.
Buying items at tourist markets (Ben Thanh, Dong Xuan) without bargaining. Initial prices at these markets are typically 3-5x the intended sale price. Haggle respectfully but firmly. Walk away and see if they call you back.
Drinking tap water. Vietnamese tap water is not potable. Never drink it directly. Ice in restaurants is generally safe (it is manufactured industrially in cylindrical tubes), but ice from unknown sources should be avoided.
Underestimating the wet season. Vietnam's rainy season varies by region (south: May-November, central: September-December, north: May-September), and heavy rains can cause urban flooding, particularly in HCMC, turning streets into rivers within minutes.
Assuming everything operates like neighboring Thailand. Vietnam is more bureaucratic, less tourist-polished, and more linguistically challenging than Thailand. The reward is a more authentic, less commercialized experience, but it requires more effort and adaptability.

Things to Know About Vietnam

Traffic Safety: Motorbike accidents are the single biggest risk for foreigners in Vietnam. If you are not an experienced rider, do not rent a motorbike. Use Grab for transport. If you do ride, always wear a helmet, drive defensively, and never drink and ride.
Visa Rule Changes: Vietnamese visa regulations change frequently and sometimes without advance notice. The 2023 e-visa expansion was a major positive change, but rules on extensions, work permits, and stay durations can shift. Always verify current requirements shortly before travel.
Air Pollution: Hanoi regularly ranks among the most polluted cities in Southeast Asia, particularly from November through March. HCMC is better but still has poor air quality days. An air purifier for your apartment and a quality mask for outdoor use are worthwhile investments.
Cash and Currency: While cashless payments are expanding rapidly, cash (Vietnamese Dong, VND) is still needed for many street vendors, markets, and smaller establishments. ATM withdrawal limits are typically VND 2-5 million per transaction ($80-200), and fees apply.
Scams and Tourist Pricing: In tourist-heavy areas, expect inflated prices for taxis, street food, and services. Use Grab instead of street taxis. Check prices before ordering at restaurants. Bargain at markets (aim for 50-70% of the initial asking price). In shops with marked prices, do not haggle.