🇻🇳 Vietnam
Fast-growing Southeast Asian economy with very low living costs and rising expat interest
Visa Options
- DT Investor Visa (1–5 years depending on capital) — Capital contribution to a Vietnamese company (tiered by investment size)
- Work Permit + Temporary Residence Card (TRC) (Up to 2 years (TRC), renewable) — Employer sponsorship, work permit approval
- LD Labor Visa (Up to 2 years) — Valid work permit or exemption
- E-Visa (short stay) (90 days, single/multiple entry) — Online application, no local sponsor needed
Tax Overview
- Personal Income Tax: 5% – 35% (progressive, 7 brackets); tax residents pay on worldwide income (183+ days/yr)
- Corporate Tax: 20% (standard rate)
- VAT: 10% standard (reduced to 8% on many goods/services, extended into 2026)
- Non-Resident Tax: Flat 20% on Vietnam-source employment income (under 183 days)
Cost of Living
- Comfortable living (single, typical): $600 – $1,000/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Ho Chi Minh City): $350 – $650/mo
- 1BR Apartment (Da Nang/Hanoi outskirts): $250 – $450/mo
- Groceries: $120 – $220/mo
- Utilities: $40 – $80/mo
- Dining out (local/street food): $1.50 – $6/meal
- Scooter rental: $40 – $70/mo
- Private health insurance: $50 – $120/mo
Relocation Checklist
- Determine visa route (investor, work permit, or extended e-visa/border runs)
- Get documents legalized/apostilled and translated into Vietnamese
- Secure work permit exemption or approval (if employed locally)
- Apply for Temporary Residence Card (TRC) at local immigration office
- Open a Vietnamese bank account
- Register temporary residence with local police (required for all foreign residents)
- Obtain a tax code if earning Vietnam-source income
- Arrange private international health insurance