Moving to Vietnam - How to Immigrate to Vietnam? (2024)

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Vietnam, officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV), is a country located in Southeast Asia and home to almost 100 million people. This Asian country has made remarkable progress in its development journey over the last three decades, enhancing the living standards for its citizens and attracting foreigners to settle permanently.

The country has everything you could ask for, from beautiful beaches and mountains, a great expat community, and friendly locals, to affordable living costs and delicious food. This is why Vietnam is one of the top choices for expats looking for a new permanent home.

Do I Need to Obtain a Visa to Move to Vietnam?

Nationals of most countries need to get a Vietnam visa if they want to enter the country, especially if they plan on staying in Vietnam for a more extended period of time. Citizens of specific countries can enter Vietnam for a limited period of time without a visa but would still need a Vietnamese visa to stay longer than 30 days.

Do US Citizens Need a Visa to Move to Vietnam?

All US citizens wishing to move to Vietnam will need to obtain a Vietnamese visa to be allowed entry into the country. You can apply for a Vietnam visa at the Vietnamese diplomatic missions in your home country, on arrival, or online.

The type of visa you apply for depends on the reason why you are moving to Vietnam.

How Do I Move to Vietnam?

Here is how you can move to Vietnam for a period extending three months:

Moving to Vietnam to work.
Moving to Vietnam for business.
Moving to Vietnam to invest.
Moving to Vietnam to study.

Whatever the reason for your move to Vietnam is, you will need a visa to be allowed entry into the country.

You can apply for a Vietnamese visa in one of the following ways:

At an Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam abroad (in person).
Online (if eligible).
On Arrival, after getting an Approval Letter online before your travel to Vietnam.

Moving to Vietnam for Work

Non-Vietnamese citizens who want to move to Vietnam to work legally and have a work contract with an employer in Vietnam need to apply for and obtain a Vietnamese work visa (LD) and work permit. Vietnam issues work visas with a maximum validity of 12 months which can be renewed before it expires.

The company you will be working for must advertise the position to show that there was no Vietnamese national available to fill in the vacancy before you begin the application process.

To be eligible for a work visa in Vietnam, you must first meet the criteria:

You must be an adult (18+).
You are in good health condition.
You do not have any criminal charges.
You are qualified for the job position in Vietnam and have a working experience of at least 3 years.
You will be working as a highly-skilled employee.

Applications for a work visa are submitted to the nearest Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate, or you can get the visa on arrival. However, before applying for a work visa, you will need to obtain a work permit, which will allow you to work legally in Vietnam for longer than 90 days.

Moving to Vietnam for Business

Foreign nationals traveling to Vietnam for business purposes need to apply for a Vietnam business visa (DN Visa). Vietnam issues business visas to individuals who enter Vietnam with the purpose of working with Vietnamese enterprises or conducting business activities. This type of visa allows you to work in Vietnam for a period not exceeding 90 days (three months) and is issued for a maximum period of 12 months, with the possibility of extending it.

There are two types of business visas that you can apply for:

DN1: if you enter Vietnam to work with a company or an organization with legal status in Vietnam.
DN2: if you are offering services or goods in Vietnam with your own commercial presence.

Please note that a business visa is not issued to holders of a work permit.

Moving to Vietnam to Invest

Vietnam issues investment visas for foreign nationals that have the necessary financial means to make investments in Vietnam and meet the financial requirements set by the Government of Vietnam. The financial criteria change depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

The Vietnamese investor visa is divided into the following categories:

ĐT1– for foreign investors with total investment capital over VND100 billion (approx. USD4,264,760) or investing in business fields and investment areas decided by the Vietnamese government. Valid for up to 5 years.
ĐT2– for foreign investors with capital contributions of VND50 (approx. USD2,132,380) under VND100 billion (approx. USD4,264,760). Valid for up to 5 years.
ĐT3– for foreign investors with capital contributions of VND3 billion (approx. USD127,942)– under VND50 billion (approx. USD2,132,380).Valid for up to 3 years.
ĐT4– for foreign investors with capital contributions of less than VND3 billion (approx. USD127,942). Valid for up to 12 months (one year).

Holders of an investment visa can apply for a temporary residence card.

Moving to Vietnam to Study

Foreign students moving to Vietnam to pursue their studies need a student visa, also known as a DH Visa. However, to be eligible for a student visa in Vietnam, you must be admitted to a Vietnamese educational institution beforehand. Therefore, you will need your letter of acceptance from the Vietnamese University when applying for the student visa.

The educational institution you are enrolled in must submit the necessary documents to the Vietnam Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City (VID-HCMC) for them to be approved.

Once the documents have been approved, the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate will receive a copy of the visa pre-approval. You can then continue with the application process in your home country at one of the Vietnamese diplomatic missions.

This type of visa is issued for 6 months and can be renewed.

Can My Dependents Come to Live With Me in Vietnam?

Your family members can join you in Vietnam by obtaining a Vietnam dependent visa (TT Visa). This type of visa is issued to:

Parents.
Spouses.
Children.
Family members of LV1-2, DT1-3, NN1-2, DH, PV1, LD1-2, LS holders.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Vietnam?

Here are the pros and cons of moving to Vietnam:

Pros	Cons
Low living costs— the low cost of living is one of the biggest factors that makes Vietnam so popular among foreigners. The monthly expenses for a single person living in Vietnam are from €600 to €2000, including rent.	Real estate— foreign citizens are not permitted to purchase land in Vietnam. However, you are allowed to purchase other landed properties, but the leasing rates might be higher than for locals.
High-standard private healthcare— the private healthcare sector in Vietnam offers superior facilities compared to the public system, with highly qualified medical staff from the USA, South Korea, Japan, and France	Language barrier— newcomers to Vietnam may face integration challenges without understanding the official language, Vietnamese. While English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas, fluency in Vietnamese is essential for those considering long-term residency.
Work opportunities— jobs, especially in teaching, are abundant in Vietnam for foreigners, with great benefits such as a 13th-month salary, social insurance, paid leave, and maternity leave	Overpopulation— due to the high number of inhabitants, Vietnam can get crowded, especially in densely populated urban areas. So, you must be prepared to encounter many people on every corner.
Transport options—Transportation in Vietnam is cheap, especially if you travel by bus or train.The most common mode of transport is the motorbike, which is also the most convenient way to travel short distances.	Difficult work visa process— foreigners moving to Vietnam for employment might find the work visa process difficult. This is because of the difficult bureaucratic process, and there is no guarantee that your application will be approved.
Paradise for food lovers— there is a reason why Vietnamese food is so famous and among the best in the world. Vietnamese cuisine uses healthy ingredients and unique flavors. It is a combination of typical Asian flavors and French cuisine.	Pollution— is a problem in Vietnam, and one of the main causes of that is the transportation system.The country is suffering from the worst air pollution recorded, and this has created major health implications.
People— Vietnamese people are known for being easy-going, humble, and very friendly. The first thing foreigners notice about Vietnamese people is their hospitality.	Chaotic driving— traffic in Vietnam is chaotic and is nothing like you are used to. Driving rules are rarely respected in Vietnam, and you will encounter motorbikes whizzing in traffic, which also causes most traffic accidents in Vietnam.
Landscapes— the breathtaking natural beauty of Vietnam includes magical waterfalls, misty mountains, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and glistening rice fields, which give the country a scenic view you could only dream of.	Mosquito diseases— due to the tropical climate in Vietnam, you will encounter different types of mosquitoes. Some of them can be dangerous.The biggest problem with mosquitos in Vietnam is Dengue fever.
Safety— living in Vietnam is safe. The country has a low crime rate, and it is unlikely to run into problems. Violent crimes are extremely rare, and the most common crimes are pickpocketing and tourist scams.

How Long Do I Need to Live in Vietnam to Win Citizenship?

Foreign nationals residing in Vietnam who want to win Vietnamese citizenship must have lived in the country for at least 5 years. You can only apply for citizenship by naturalization after fulfilling the residence period of five years. However, there are other criteria you must meet to be allowed to apply for Vietnamese citizenship.

Other criteria you must meet to be eligible for Vietnamese citizenship include the following:

You agree to abide by the Vietnamese Constitution and laws.
You have sufficient knowledge of the Vietnamese language to integrate into the Vietnamese community.
You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself.

Other ways you can win Vietnamese citizenship are:

Citizenship by birth- if one or both of the parents is a Vietnamese citizen, the child holds Vietnamese citizenship regardless of their place of birth.
Citizenship by restoration- if you have lost your Vietnamese citizenship and want to restore it. This includes investors and individuals who have renounced their Vietnamese citizenship to acquire foreign citizenship but have failed to do that.

Does Vietnam Allow Dual Citizenship?

Vietnam does not recognize dual citizenship. This means that if you want to become a citizen of Vietnam, you need to renounce your other citizenship.

You can always choose which citizenship you want to keep and which one you want to renounce.

Can I Lose My Vietnam Citizenship?

Vietnamese citizens can lose their citizenship in certain circ*mstances:

You are permitted to relinquish your Vietnamese citizenship.
You are deprived of your Vietnamese citizenship.
You lose your Vietnamese citizenship under international treaties which Vietnam has signed or agreed to.

Once you lose your Vietnamese citizenship, you will not be allowed to use the Vietnamese passport anymore.

Can I Bring My Personal Belongings to Vietnam?

Anyone moving to Vietnam to become a permanent resident can bring their personal belongings to the country— you are allowed to bring the following items:

Clothes.
Furniture.
Household electronics.
Personal computers.
Stereo.
Household linen and bedding (sheets, pillowcases, blankets, and quilts).
TV.
Other.

Your personal belongings can be imported by air or sea, and you are allowed to import only one air and one surface shipment. In addition, you can only import items that you have used in your home country.You must be in Vietnam for customs clearance when your belongings arrive in the country and prepare a number of documents such as an original passport, inventory (two copies, legible in English and detailed), etc. Make sure to check with the customs office.

Items listed below are prohibited from entering Vietnam and will be confiscated by the Vietnamese Government if imported.

Firearms and ammunition.
Narcotics.
p*rnographic, cultural, or politically sensitive material.
Radio transmitters.
Satellite dishes.
Political or historical books about Vietnam.

For importing a vehicle/car:

Motor vehicles are subject to 150% customs duty unless for diplomatic/international organizations and under terms of certain foreign investment licenses.
You must have an Import Permit.
You must have a certificate of registration.
You must present car papers.

How Can I Move to Vietnam With Pets?

To bring your pets (cats and dogs) to Vietnam, you must meet the requirements set by the state of Vietnam:

Your pets must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days to 12 months before their arrival in Vietnam.
Your pets must be accompanied by a health certificate completed by an accredited veterinarian. The health certificate must not be older than 7 seven days.
You must inject the “Pet’s Inoculation Record” into the pet, including information about the name, manufacturer, batch number of the vaccine, etc.
Your pets must have proof that they are treated against the following diseases:
- Cats: Feline panleukopenia (Distemper), Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Leukemia.
- Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Para Influenza.
Your pets must have an import permit (required only if you are importing more than 2 pets).
Your pets must be treated against ticks and tapeworms 5 to 7 days before their arrival in Vietnam.

Once you arrive in Vietnam, you will need to present the veterinary certificate and Pet’s Inoculation Record to the immigration officer.

Most Popular Areas in Vietnam for Expats

Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Vietnam:

Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh City.
Da Nang.
Hoi An.
Nha Trang.

Hanoi

The capital city of Vietnam is an ideal place for expats moving to the country for the long term. Hanoi is known for its stunning architecture, many cultural and historical sites, and delicious street food. In addition, it is a perfect place for people that want to know more about Vietnamese history and culture.

Although Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, it is not as populated as other cities such as Ho Chi Minh City. But, since the main source of income is tourism, you will get the chance to meet people from all around the world, especially during the summer months.

Hanoi is a great place for digital nomads and students. The city offers plenty of extracurricular activities, and staff members of its educational institutions are highly qualified.

Hanoi is also a very safe city with a low crime rate, making it a great place for expats moving to Vietnam with children.

Ho Chi Minh City

Home to around 9 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The city is a popular place among foreigners due to its affordable cost of living, delicious cuisine, culture, and vibe. There are 12 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, but most expats moving here choose to make District 7 their new home. So if you want to make foreign friends, this area is a great place to go. The city is an ideal place for history buffs and individuals seeking the thrill of a big urban city that never sleeps.

Ho Chi Minh City is also a great place for expats looking for jobs in Vietnam. You will find it easy to find a job, especially as a teacher of English.

Living costs in Ho Chi Minh City are more expensive than in other cities but still very affordable compared to big cities in other countries. For example, a single person would spend around €700 to €2200 per month to cover expenses (utilities, groceries, transportation, etc.), including rent. However, this also depends on the lifestyle and how much you are willing to spend.

Da Nang

A coastal city known for its sandy beaches and history, Da Nang is one of the most beautiful cities in Vietnam. You will not find another city that describes Vietnam better than De Nang. Da Nang has a great location, wonderful weather, and beautiful nature. The city is home to stunning mountains, a beautiful sea and rivers, and historical sites.

With its charm, Da Nang has become a modern tourist magnet. The city is famous for its national parks, the old town of Hoi An, the ancient capital of Hue and the Cham ruins in My Son, the Golden Bridge, and many more.

Life in Da Nang will never be boring, as there are many activities you can do daily to spice up your monotonous life. If you plan to move to Da Nang for work, you have the chance to find a job in numerous sectors, like education, IT, tech, tourism, and hospitality.

Hoi An

A colorful and stunning city famous for its well-preserved Ancient Town, Hoi An is one of the best cities to live in Vietnam. Especially for people who want to get away from metropolitan life and enjoy a peaceful life among nature. This is one of the reasons why you will meet many retired expats moving to Hoi An to spend the rest of their golden days.

Hoi An is a magnificent city with picturesque canals, pristine beaches, and buildings and streets that reflect the combination of indigenous and foreign cultures. In Hoi An, you will see many tailoring stores with high-quality products. So if you like to shop, this is the place for you. The city also offers delicious food with fresh herbs and intense flavors and affordable prices for a comfortable life.

It is the perfect place for remote workers that want to live in a peaceful Vietnamese coastal town and enjoy the culture and traditions of Vietnam.

Nha Trang

With stunning sandy beaches, diving sites, and offshore islands, Nha Trang will charm you the second you put your foot there. However, the city has so much more to offer, such as beautiful temples, museums, amusem*nt parks, mud baths, and golf sites.

In Nha Trang, you can meet and see different species of exotic animals, especially monkeys. So if you are an animal lover, Nha Trang will make a perfect new home for you.

The city is famous for its impressive architecture that expresses a combination of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam. Nha Trang is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam and offers a wide range of things to do night and day.

It is also very affordable, especially if you plan on renting for a longer period of time. You can get an apartment for as low as €180 to €1200, depending on the location and size.

Fun Facts to Know About Vietnam

Enjoy some interesting facts about Vietnam:

Vietnam is one of the cheapest countries to visit and live in.
Vietnam is shaped like the letter S.
Many words in Vietnamese are borrowed from the Chinese language.
The Vietnamese language has six different tones.
Vietnamese people always put family first.
Vietnam has one of the best cuisines in the world.
The most popular sport in Vietnam is football.
Vietnam is blessed with a wide range of tropical fruits.
Vietnam has a high level of biodiversity.

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