How to Retire in Vietnam: Costs, Visas and More

As a retirement destination, Vietnam is a country rich in culture and natural beauty, offering a blend of tranquility and affordability. With its 2,000-mile coastline, charming fishing villages and ancient Buddhist temples, Vietnam offers retirees a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle. However, spending your golden years in Vietnam requires careful retirement planning and consideration.

Engaging with a financial advisor can help you ensure your finances are well-prepared for this chapter.

Cost of Living in Vietnam

Vietnam can offer retirees a relatively low cost of living, although expenses vary by city, housing choice and lifestyle. According to Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment averages about 10.6 million Vietnamese dong per month in a city center, or roughly $407 at current exchange rates, while a similar apartment outside the center averages about 7 million dong, or approximately $270.

Everyday expenses can also be relatively affordable. Numbeo ¹ reports that a meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages about 50,000 dong, or roughly $2, while a monthly public transportation pass averages about 216,000 dong, or around $8. Basic utilities for an 85-square-meter apartment average approximately 1.9 million dong, or about $74 per month, and broadband internet averages around 239,000 dong, or roughly $9.

Where you settle can make a noticeable difference. Numbeo’s September 2026 data gives Ho Chi Minh City a cost-of-living index of 30.05, compared with 28.53 for Hanoi and 28.04 for Da Nang, suggesting that Ho Chi Minh City is somewhat more expensive overall. Housing, neighborhood and whether you rely on local or imported goods can widen those differences further.

Retirees should also budget for expenses that may not be reflected fully in everyday consumer prices, including private healthcare, health insurance, visa costs and travel back to the U.S. Building room for these costs, along with unexpected medical or housing expenses, can help create a more realistic retirement budget.

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 return as 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

Housing in Vietnam can be relatively affordable for retirees, but costs vary widely depending on the city, neighborhood and type of property. According to Numbeo’s September 2026 data, a one-bedroom apartment averages about 10.6 million Vietnamese dong per month in a city center and roughly 7 million dong outside the center. A three-bedroom apartment averages about 22 million dong in a city center and 14.3 million dong outside it.

Retirees who want to buy instead of rent should expect substantial differences between central and suburban locations. Numbeo reports an average apartment purchase price of about 92.5 million dong per square meter in city centers, compared with about 48.2 million dong outside city centers. Prices can also differ considerably among markets such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang.

Foreign retirees should also understand Vietnam’s property ownership rules before purchasing. Under current housing law, eligible foreign individuals can generally own qualifying housing for up to 50 years from the date the ownership certificate is issued, with the possibility of one extension of up to another 50 years. Foreign ownership is also subject to restrictions, including limits on the share of units foreigners may own in certain residential developments.

Since ownership rules and transaction requirements can be more complicated for foreigners, many retirees may prefer to rent, particularly when first moving to Vietnam. Renting can provide more flexibility to explore different cities and neighborhoods before committing to a long-term housing arrangement.

Home Buying Process in Vietnam

Buying a home in Vietnam as a foreign retiree starts with confirming that you are legally eligible to own the property. Foreign individuals who are permitted to enter Vietnam can generally buy qualifying apartments and certain houses in commercial housing developments, provided the property is not in an area restricted for national defense or security purposes. Foreign ownership is also capped at 30% of the units in a condominium building and, for certain houses, 250 homes within an area comparable in population to a ward.

Once you find an eligible property, it is important to verify the seller’s ownership documents, the development’s legal status and whether the foreign-ownership quota has already been reached. Buyers typically enter into a written purchase agreement and arrange payment according to the contract. Because property rules can be complex, a local attorney or other qualified real estate professional can help review the contract and confirm that the transaction complies with Vietnamese law.

After the transaction is completed, the purchase must be registered so the buyer can receive a Certificate of Land Use Rights and Ownership of Assets Attached to Land, often informally referred to as a “pink book.” Vietnamese law provides for foreign individuals who legally own housing to receive this certificate when they have the required housing transaction documents.

Foreign buyers should also understand that buying a home does not generally give them the same land rights as Vietnamese citizens. For most foreign individuals, housing ownership is limited to a term of up to 50 years from the date the ownership certificate is issued, although a one-time extension of up to another 50 years may be available. Because ownership eligibility, taxes, fees and documentation can vary by property and transaction, getting legal advice before committing funds can help avoid costly complications.

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.

Bottom Line

Vietnam offers a captivating blend of dreamy landscapes, welcoming locals and an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for many. Its low crime rate further enhances its appeal, providing a sense of security for those considering a move. However, potential retirees should be aware that Vietnam currently lacks a dedicated retirement visa scheme, which can complicate long-term residency plans. Additionally, while the country’s healthcare system is steadily improving, it may not yet meet the standards found in Western countries.

Tips for Retiring Overseas

• Consider talking to a financial advisor about making a plan for retiring overseas. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel 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 for retirement is making sure the money you save remains untouched. Dipping into your savings may seem tempting if you’re low on cash, but you’ll pay for it down the line. Consider creating an emergency fund so you can deal with life’s little challenges without raiding your nest egg.

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