Moving to Vietnam: An Expat’s Guide

Published on May 4, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Discover the cultural riches, exquisite cuisine, and economic appeal of Vietnam that attract a growing number of expatriates each year.

Moving to Vietnam, whether for professional or personal reasons, can be a rewarding experience, provided you are well-prepared.

This article will guide you through the essential steps for successful integration, providing practical advice on administrative procedures, housing, cultural adaptation, and professional opportunities.

Whether you’re drawn to the dynamism of Ho Chi Minh City or the quiet charm of Hanoi, you’ll find essential information here to make this adventure a success.

Preparing Your Move to Vietnam: Essential Steps

Key steps to prepare for a successful move to Vietnam as an expatriate:

• Verification and update of passport (valid for at least 6 months after entry date)
• Selection and acquisition of appropriate visa based on duration and purpose of stay
• Obtaining work permit if necessary
• Temporary residence declaration upon arrival
• Subscription to international health insurance
• Verification of recommended vaccines
• Financial preparation: opening bank account, understanding Vietnamese tax system
• Logistical organization: booking flights and temporary accommodation
• Cultural and linguistic preparation

Main Administrative Procedures Table

List of Additional Procedures to Plan Before Departure

• International health insurance: compare policies (hospitalization, maternity, repatriation) and choose coverage suitable for the family.
• Recommended vaccines: hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, DTP, Japanese encephalitis depending on region and duration of stay.
• Financial preparation:
  • Open a suitable bank account (international or Vietnamese banks)
  • Learn about fund transfers and local taxation (income taxes, tax treaties between France and Vietnam)
• Logistical organization:
  • Book flights well in advance to get the best rates
  • Arrange temporary accommodation (hotel, apartment, Airbnb) for the first weeks, while finding long-term rental
• Cultural and linguistic preparation:
  • Learn basic Vietnamese (greetings, common expressions)
  • Learn about local customs (hierarchical relationships, politeness, eating habits)
  • Inform yourself about professional and social practices to facilitate integration

Key Points to Remember:

• Valid passport and appropriate visa required
• International health insurance and essential vaccines
• Local bank account and understanding of tax system
• Advance booking of flights and temporary accommodation
• Introduction to Vietnamese language and culture

Practical Integration Tips:

• Participate in expatriate events and local networks
• Enroll in Vietnamese language classes upon arrival
• Respect local rules (dress code, public behavior)
• Take time to observe and understand cultural differences before judging or imposing yourself

Good to Know:

Make sure to obtain the appropriate visa among available options, and don’t forget to subscribe to international health insurance to avoid unexpected medical expenses once on site. Learn about local customs and consider taking Vietnamese language classes to facilitate your social and professional integration.

Essential Procedures Upon Arrival in Vietnam

Immigration Procedures and Visa/Residence Permit Acquisition

To stay in Vietnam, you must have a passport valid for at least six months after the planned exit date from the territory.

Visa conditions vary depending on the duration and purpose of stay:

For expatriates wishing to stay longer, it is necessary to obtain a temporary residence card, often conditional on prior work permit acquisition or specific professional status.

On-site Administrative Procedures

• Temporary residence declaration: Obligation to register with local police within 15 days of arrival.
• Vietnamese ID card for foreigners: Obtaining a temporary resident card serves as an ID card for foreigners. It facilitates many procedures (rental, account opening, etc.).

Opening a Local Bank Account

• Present a valid passport and visa or temporary resident card.
• Provide proof of local address (rental contract or accommodation certificate).
• Some banks may require proof of employment or income.

Subscribing to Local Health Insurance

• Local health insurance is highly recommended, as it facilitates access to quality care and coverage of medical expenses.
• Several international and local companies offer specific contracts for expatriates.
• Some companies require proof of insurance for work permit issuance.

First Steps for Integration

• Housing search: Prioritize neighborhoods popular with expatriates (District 1 and 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ho in Hanoi). Use specialized agencies or expatriate groups on social networks.
• Tax aspects to understand:
  • Expatriates are taxable on their worldwide income if they reside more than 183 days per year in Vietnam.
  • It is advisable to learn about the tax treaty between France and Vietnam to avoid double taxation.
• Support and available resources:
  • Expatriate associations (UFE, Français du monde, etc.)
  • Chambers of commerce (CCIFV)
  • Relocation assistance services: specialized agencies, online platforms, Facebook support groups.

Checklist of Essential Procedures:

• Check passport validity.
• Choose and obtain appropriate visa or residence permit.
• Complete residence declaration with local police.
• Apply for temporary resident card if extended stay.
• Open a local bank account.
• Subscribe to suitable local health insurance.
• Search for housing and familiarize yourself with neighborhoods.
• Understand local and international taxation.
• Contact expatriate associations and networks to facilitate integration.

Key Takeaway:

The success of settling in Vietnam depends on rigorous preparation of administrative procedures, good anticipation of practical aspects (housing, health, banking), and proactive integration within the local and expatriate community.

Good to Know:

Upon arrival in Vietnam, registration with local police is crucial and must be done within 24 hours. To open a local bank account, prepare your passport, visa, and proof of residence.

Integrating into the Vietnamese Community: Tips and Tricks

Learning the Vietnamese language is an essential step to facilitate daily communication and gain the trust of residents. Enrolling in Vietnamese classes or participating in language workshops not only helps overcome the language barrier but also better understand the country’s cultural subtleties. Many expatriates testify that even partial mastery of Vietnamese accelerates integration, particularly in professional settings or during informal exchanges.

Main Cultural Values to Respect:

• Respect for elders: Greeting, listening, and using polite language are expected marks of respect towards older people.
• Family attachment: Family holds a central place in Vietnamese society. Family events are important, and it is well-regarded to show interest or participate if invited.
• Hospitality and community spirit: Vietnamese people are friendly and attentive, but their initial reserve should be respected.

Preferred Meeting Places Among Locals:

• Traditional markets: Daily life hubs, ideal for practicing the language and discovering local culture.
• Vietnamese cafes: Cafes are essential social spaces, conducive to informal discussions.
• Community events: Festivals, celebrations (like Tet), and night markets allow immersion in the local atmosphere.

Positive Impact of Participating in Traditional and Festive Activities:

• Taking part in festivals like Tet, Mid-Autumn Festival, or local events helps create shared memories and gain residents’ esteem.
• Culinary workshops, practicing traditional sports, or participating in ceremonies are opportunities to open up to Vietnamese culture.

Establishing Friendly Connections with Residents:

Joining clubs, associations, or community groups (sports, cultural, reading) facilitates creating authentic bonds. Getting involved in volunteering or local projects promotes integration and gives meaning to expatriation.

Practical Tips for Making Vietnamese Friends:

• Show openness and curiosity towards cultural differences.
• Observe codes of politeness, avoid sensitive topics, and adopt a respectful attitude.
• Regularly participate in meetings or outings organized by expatriate and local groups.
• Be patient: trust builds gradually, but the welcome is generally warm.

Expatriate Anecdotes and Testimonials:

• A French expatriate in Ho Chi Minh City recounts finding his first Vietnamese friends through a Facebook expat group that organized weekly outings.
• An Italian professional shares that Vietnamese language classes gave her the confidence to interact with local colleagues, thus accelerating her workplace integration.
• An Australian couple explains that volunteering with an association gave them “a second family” and a better understanding of Vietnamese society.

Key Takeaway:

Integration into the Vietnamese community involves learning the language, respecting local values, and active participation in social life. Associative networks, cultural events, and volunteer initiatives are valuable bridges for creating lasting bonds and enriching the expatriation experience.

Good to Know:

Learning Vietnamese simplifies exchanges, and active participation in traditional festivals will bring you closer to residents; frequent local markets and engage in conversation in cafes for lasting friendships based on respect for Vietnamese values like respect for elders and the importance of family.

Understanding Laws and Regulations for Expatriates in Vietnam

Summary of Immigration and Visa Laws for Expatriates in Vietnam

For nationals of 24 European and Asian countries, a 45-day visa exemption is granted between 2025 and 2028 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, etc.). Beyond 45 days, a visa is mandatory.

• Visa applications are made via the national immigration portal. The e-visa (electronic visa) allows a 90-day stay, with multiple entries, but is not renewable on site.
• Holders of a 5-year visa exemption certificate (overseas Vietnamese, spouses, children) can stay up to 180 consecutive days per entry.
• Special visa exemption cards (max. 5 years) are issued to recognized investors, experts, artists, or scientists, under strict conditions (Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP).
• The passport must always be valid for at least 6 months at the entry date. Any violation of authorized durations exposes to fines and administrative sanctions.

Main Types of Visas and Their Acquisition

Tax Laws Applicable to Expatriates

• Any expatriate residing in Vietnam more than 183 days per year is considered a tax resident and must declare worldwide income.
• The personal income tax rate ranges from 5% to 35% according to brackets, in accordance with the Law on Personal Income Tax (Law No. 04/2007/QH12).
• Non-tax residents (stay less than 183 days) are only taxed on Vietnamese income, with a flat rate of 20%.

Work Regulations for Foreigners

• A work permit is mandatory for any contract over 3 months, issued by the Department of Labor (Decree No. 152/2020/NĐ-CP).
• Exemptions apply to executive managers, technical experts, and teachers at accredited international institutions.
• The permit is valid for 2 years maximum, renewable once, with a processing time of 7 working days.

Property and Investment Rights

• Foreigners can own apartments in residential buildings for 50 years, renewable (Housing Law No. 65/2014/QH13).
• Land acquisition is prohibited, but leasing is possible for 50 years, extendable (Land Law 45/2013/QH13).
• Foreign-invested companies enjoy the same rights as local companies, subject to sectoral restrictions (Investment Law 61/2020/QH14).

Good to Know:

Administrative procedures in Vietnam can be complex. It is recommended to seek assistance from a specialized legal advisor to avoid errors and delays.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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