Vietnam
Socialist Republic of Vietnam · Capital: Hanoi
Vietnam offers some of the lowest living costs in Asia alongside one of the region's fastest-growing economies, drawing a swelling community of remote workers, teachers and manufacturing professionals. Foreigners typically enter on an employer-sponsored work permit plus a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), or an investor (DT) visa; there is no dedicated nomad visa yet, so many use business or e-visas. Da Nang leads on lifestyle, Ho Chi Minh City on jobs.
Migration statistics
Who is arriving
Top source countries and the make-up of recent arrivals into Vietnam.
Policy overview
6 visa routes into Vietnam
Eligibility, fees, processing times and whether each route leads to permanent residence.
Work Permit + TRC
The main route: an employer-sponsored work permit paired with a 2-year Temporary Residence Card allowing residence and multiple entries.
Eligibility
- Job offer from a licensed Vietnamese employer
- Degree + 2 years relevant experience (1 year in finance, tech, innovation and other priority fields) under Decree 219/2025
- Health check and criminal-record clearance
- Single provincial application, decided in 10 working days since 7 August 2025
Document checklist (10 items)
Core
Professional
Background
Investor Visa (DT)
InvestorDT Investor
Residence for foreigners investing in a Vietnamese company, with DT1-DT4 tiers by investment size and longer cards at higher tiers.
Eligibility
- Capital contribution to a registered Vietnamese business
- Higher tiers (DT1/DT2) for larger investments
- Business registration certificate
- Clean record
Document checklist (11 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
DN Business
A sponsored business visa for those working with or for Vietnamese companies, often used while a work permit is arranged.
Eligibility
- Sponsorship by a Vietnamese company
- Business purpose of visit
- Valid passport
- Supporting invitation letter
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Background
E-Visa
WorkE-Visa
A single- or multiple-entry electronic visa of up to 90 days, widely used by remote workers and long-stay visitors ahead of a longer permit.
Eligibility
- Apply online via the national portal
- Valid passport
- Entry purpose stated
- Proof of onward plans
Document checklist (8 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Student Visa (DH)
StudentDH Student
Residence to study Vietnamese language or enrol at a Vietnamese institution, sponsored by the school.
Eligibility
- Admission/enrolment at a recognised institution
- School sponsorship
- Proof of funds
- Clean record
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Family / Spouse (TT)
FamilyVN-TT
Join a spouse, partner or close family member who is a citizen or resident.
Eligibility
- Genuine relationship to a citizen/resident
- Sponsor meets income/housing rules
- Relationship evidence
Document checklist (9 items)
Core
Professional
Financial
Background
Economic context
The numbers behind the move
Pay reflects the local market in Vietnam, what you'd typically earn there, not your current salary.
Skill shortages
Sectors actively recruiting from abroad
Where Vietnam needs foreign talent most, and what those roles pay.
Technology
A fast-rising software-outsourcing and product sector hires seniors.
Electronics & manufacturing
Samsung/Intel-led electronics manufacturing drives engineering demand.
Education
Strong demand for qualified English and international-school teachers.
Manufacturing leadership
Supply-chain shift from China needs experienced managers.
Recent changes
What's changed lately
Recent policy changes that affect migrants, newest first.
No policy changes recorded in the last 90 days. The intelligence agent is monitoring.
Quality of life
What living there feels like
Ho Chi Minh City
Economic engineVietnam's commercial powerhouse, the most jobs, startups and the biggest expat scene.
- Cost index
- 42
- 1-bed rent
- $650
- Quality
- 74
Hanoi
Capital & cultureThe atmospheric capital, strong on government, education and culture, with a milder climate.
- Cost index
- 40
- 1-bed rent
- $600
- Quality
- 74
Da Nang
Beach + remote workA clean, modern beach city that has become Vietnam's favourite nomad and family base.
- Cost index
- 38
- 1-bed rent
- $500
- Quality
- 80
Hoi An
Heritage charmA beautiful, tranquil UNESCO town near Da Nang, ideal for a relaxed, affordable base.
- Cost index
- 36
- 1-bed rent
- $450
- Quality
- 80
Nha Trang
Beach resort cityA sunny coastal resort city with beaches and a growing long-stay expat community.
- Cost index
- 38
- 1-bed rent
- $500
- Quality
- 76
Hai Phong
Port & manufacturingA major northern port and manufacturing hub drawing engineers and managers.
- Cost index
- 38
- 1-bed rent
- $450
- Quality
- 72
Living essentials
The practical day-to-day of settling in Vietnam.
Improving; international clinics in HCMC/Hanoi, serious cases often go abroad.
Growing international-school sector in the main cities.
Very low, among the cheapest quality bases in Asia.
Fast and cheap; very nomad-friendly.
Tropical south, cooler four-season north.
Safety & climate
The reception you can expect
How welcoming the public and political mood is, how safe it is, and how geopolitically stable the country is right now.
Anti-migrant sentiment
trendStable one-party state that actively courts foreign business and talent; pragmatic and hospitable to expats.
Higher = more hostile public/political climate.
Geopolitical stability
A composite of governance, security and regional-risk signals. Higher means a more predictable environment for settling long term.
Higher = more stable.
Safety
Very low violent crime; the main risks are bag-snatching from motorbikes and chaotic road traffic.
Higher = safer (crime index 38/100).
Where to live
Which Vietnam city fits you?
Cities matched to who you are, career, family, retirement, study or remote work. We flag the ones to consider and the ones to approach with care.
Da Nang
Clean coastal city
A clean, modern beach city that has become Vietnam's favourite nomad and family base.
Hanoi
Historic and atmospheric
The atmospheric capital, strong on government, education and culture, with a milder climate.
Ho Chi Minh City
Fast and entrepreneurial
Vietnam's commercial powerhouse, the most jobs, startups and the biggest expat scene.
Hoi An
Lantern-lit old town
A beautiful, tranquil UNESCO town near Da Nang, ideal for a relaxed, affordable base.
Nha Trang
Coastal resort
A sunny coastal resort city with beaches and a growing long-stay expat community.
Hai Phong
Industrial port city
A major northern port and manufacturing hub drawing engineers and managers.
Get expert help
Immigration solicitors for Vietnam
Vetted partners who specialise in these routes. Premium partners appear first.
No partner solicitors listed for Vietnam yet. Become a partner →
Keep exploring