As one of the most welcoming and mysterious countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam has a lot to offer retirees. With over 2,000 miles of coastline, small fishing villages, and ancient Buddhist temples, Vietnam is a popular retirement destination for those seeking tranquility on a budget. But, before you take the leap and retire in Vietnam, it’s important to understand what the move entails so you can properly planan overseas retirement. You may want to consider working with a financial advisor who can make sure your finances are properly put in order to prepare for the adventure.
Cost of Living in Vietnam
Before you sell your home and buy a one-way ticket to Vietnam, you should compare the cost of living. As many financial advisors would tell you, you’ll want to assess the total cost of living in another country versus the cost of living in the United States. According to Numbeo, a website that collects pricing data from citizens, the average cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is 170% lower than in New York City, not including rent.
In Vietnam, rent is on average 538% cheaper than in New York City.While your cost of living and rent will depend on your lifestyle as well as the city you live in, your dollar will go much further in Vietnam than in most U.S. cities.A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is about $25. Gasoline runs approximately $4 per gallon, and a bottle of medium-quality wine will set you back some $9.
Getting a Visa in Vietnam
While Vietnam does not have a retirement visa, there are several options for individuals who want to retire in Vietnam. Americans can apply for a visa to Vietnam through any Vietnamese embassy and will be approved for either six months or one year but can only stay in the country for three months at a time.
If you plan to live in Vietnam, you then have two options: make “visa runs” every three months or get an extension on your visa. Getting a visa extension incurs high costs, so most people make a visa run. This means that they leave the country for periods of a few hours to a few days. Then, they can return to Vietnam and their three-month “visit” can begin again. Unlike many destinations around the world these days, Vietnam has not yet adopted a visa specifically for remote workers.
Taxes in Vietnam
If you become a resident of Vietnam, you will be subject to taxes on any income you earn regardless if it was earned in Vietnam or not. These tax rates do not exceed 5% unless it comes from an inheritance or gift, which is taxed at 10%. Non-residents are taxed on income earned inside Vietnam at a rate of 20%. They are not taxed on income earned outside the country.
Keep in mind, that even if you live outside the U.S., you’ll still need to file a U.S.tax returnas an expatriate. You’ll also have to file even if you don’t end up having to pay any U.S. taxes. If you’d like to forecast your tax burden more specifically, you may want to consult with a tax expert who is familiar with both U.S. and Vietnam tax laws.
Healthcare in Vietnam
Healthcare in Vietnam does not enjoy a great reputation. The World Health Organization ranks the nation’s healthcare system as 160th out of 189 countries. Vietnam has a universal healthcare system that combines Eastern and Western medicine.
Everyone in Vietnam has access to basic medical care and the cost and access to healthcare can range quite a bit between rural areas and cities. In urban areas, both public and private hospitals exist. Expats tend to favor private hospitals because they more closely match the standards of care that they are used to in their home countries.
Most expats will get private health coverage while living in Vietnam. Most experts will advise that you get a plan that will reimburse you for any costs while in Vietnam so that when you pay for coverage, you can get your money back. Health insurance typically costs about $60 per month in Vietnam. Public hospitals typically only charge a few dollars for services, but private institutions do not charge much more. A consultation at a private hospital typically starts at about $30.
Vietnam Housing
Many retirees choose to live in beach towns such as Nha Trang or Da Nang. It’s important to note that whether you choose to live in one of these cities or a larger city like Hanoi, your cost of living and housing costs will vary. However, these costs are likely going to be much less than they would be if you were living in the states.
The average home cost in Nha Trang is about $429 per square foot in the city center. When comparing Ho Chi Minh City to New York City, NYC boasts home costs that are 220% higher. Overall, the cost of housing in Vietnam is significantly lower than in the United States.
Home Buying Process in Vietnam
In Vietnam, only Vietnamese people can purchase a property. This is because Vietnam is a communist country and the land is all owned by the state. However, foreign residents can purchase homes, they just can’t own the land that it sits on.
A foreigner can buy a 50-year lease on an apartment or home. With this lease, the buyer gets all rights to the apartment and can renew it after 50 years. If the building that the apartment is in has to be sold, the buyer will get a portion of the proceeds. It’s important to note that foreigners can not sublet these homes.
Safety in Vietnam
While the United States government does not have any restrictions on visiting Vietnam, there are a few things that you may want to consider before moving there. These items related to safety include:
- The large cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh often have smog advisories that can be irritating to some people’s health.
- Driving is very different from at home, so most people struggle to learn customary driving skills.
- The crime rate is very low in Vietnam, but access to Western healthcare is limited, so personal safety may also be of issue for some foreigners.
Overall it can be a very safe and enjoyable place to live but you may need to prepare accordingly if you’re concerned about one of the above items.
The Bottom Line
Vietnam has dreamy landscapes, friendly locals, a low crime rate and inexpensive living. However, it also has no retirement visa scheme. And access to healthcare, while improving, is still not up to Western standards.
Tips for Retiring Overseas
- Consider talking to a financial advisor about making a plan for retiring overseas. Finding the right financial advisor who fits your needs doesn’t have to be hard.SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals,get started now.
- An essential part of saving forretirementis making sure the money you save remains untouched. Dipping into your savingsmay seem tempting if you’re low on cash, but you’ll pay for it down the line. Consider creating anemergency fundso you can deal with life’s little challenges without raiding your nest egg.
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As an expert and enthusiast, I have extensively studied a vast amount of information up until my last update in January 2022, including a wide range of topics, countries, and their cultures, economies, and policies. This comprehensive database allows me to provide in-depth insights and explanations on various subjects, such as Vietnam's culture, economy, and policies, among others.
Now, let's delve into the concepts and information mentioned in the article about retiring in Vietnam:
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Vietnam as a Retirement Destination:
- Vietnam is characterized by its rich cultural heritage, from its ancient Buddhist temples to its vibrant coastal regions. This makes it an attractive destination for retirees seeking both tranquility and affordability.
- The country boasts over 2,000 miles of coastline, offering retirees picturesque views and proximity to the sea.
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Cost of Living:
- Vietnam's cost of living is notably lower than many Western countries, especially cities like New York. For instance, the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City is 170% lower than in New York City.
- Rent in Vietnam is significantly cheaper, averaging 538% less than in New York City.
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Visa Requirements:
- Vietnam does not have a specific retirement visa. However, Americans can obtain visas for durations of six months or one year.
- To extend their stay beyond the initial visa period, retirees typically leave the country and re-enter, a process referred to as "visa runs."
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Taxation:
- Residents of Vietnam are subject to taxes on their worldwide income, though the rates are relatively low, not exceeding 5% for most sources.
- Non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Vietnam at a rate of 20%.
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Healthcare:
- Vietnam's healthcare system is a combination of Eastern and Western practices. While basic healthcare is accessible, the quality varies between urban and rural areas.
- Expats often opt for private healthcare due to higher standards, with monthly health insurance costs averaging around $60.
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Housing:
- Vietnam offers diverse housing options, from bustling cities like Hanoi to serene coastal towns like Nha Trang.
- Foreigners can lease properties for 50 years, after which they can renew the lease or receive a portion of the sale proceeds if the building is sold.
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Safety Considerations:
- While Vietnam is generally safe with a low crime rate, factors such as smog in major cities and differences in driving customs can pose challenges for foreigners.
- It's essential to prepare and be aware of potential safety concerns when considering retiring in Vietnam.
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- Retiring overseas requires careful financial planning. Consulting with a financial advisor familiar with international regulations can help retirees navigate the complexities of relocating and managing finances abroad.
In summary, Vietnam presents a blend of cultural richness, affordability, and natural beauty, making it an appealing option for retirees. However, potential expatriates should consider various factors, including visa requirements, taxation, healthcare, and safety, to ensure a smooth transition and enjoyable retirement experience.
