Vietnam
Southeast Asia's rising star
Vietnam offers what Thailand did a decade ago: incredibly low costs, a booming economy, and a government increasingly interested in attracting remote workers. The 90-day e-visa opened doors, but a proper digital nomad visa remains in development.
Our framework evaluates Vietnam across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
Something off? These scores improve with feedback. Help us get it right
Immigration Overview
Vietnam has quietly become one of Southeast Asia's most compelling destinations for expats. Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with startup energy, Hanoi offers cultural depth and cooler weather, and Da Nang has emerged as a beach-city hybrid that draws remote workers from around the world.
The visa situation is Vietnam's main friction point. The 90-day e-visa (introduced 2023) was a game-changer, but there's no dedicated long-term visa for remote workers yet. Most expats string together e-visas with border runs, work under the radar on tourist visas, or secure employment with a local company for a proper work permit.
We help you understand what's actually possible: visa options, the reality of working without a permit, and whether Vietnam's low costs justify its visa complexity for your situation.
Visa & Residency Pathways
E-Visa (90 Days)
The most common entry point for digital nomads
- 90 days, single or multiple entry
- $25 online application
- Can be renewed via border run
- No legal right to work
- Processing: 3-5 business days
Work Permit
The only fully legal way to work in Vietnam
- Requires Vietnamese employer sponsor
- 2-year duration maximum
- Strict qualification requirements
- Health check and criminal record required
- Process takes 2-3 months
Business Visa (DN)
For those with Vietnamese business activities
- Requires Vietnamese company sponsorship
- Up to 1 year duration
- Multiple entry
- Can lead to work permit
- Doesn't authorize employment directly
Investor Visa
For significant business investment in Vietnam
- Minimum investment varies by sector
- Up to 5-year visa possible
- Path to temporary residence card
- Requires business registration
- Complex documentation
Why Vietnam?
Extremely Affordable
$700-1,300/month for comfortable living. Modern apartments $300-500. $2 bowls of pho that would cost $15 in the West.
Food Paradise
Vietnam's food culture is legendary. Fresh, healthy, flavorful, and absurdly cheap. Street food scene unmatched in Southeast Asia.
Booming Economy
One of Asia's fastest-growing economies. Tech sector exploding. If you're looking to build something, there's energy here.
Geographic Diversity
Bustling HCMC, historic Hanoi, beach life in Da Nang, mountain cool in Da Lat. Different climates and vibes within one country.
Growing Expat Scene
Especially in HCMC and Da Nang. Coworking spaces multiplying. Community forming around tech and remote work.
Adventure Culture
Motorbike trips through the countryside, cave systems, national parks. Vietnam rewards the explorer.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Vietnam visas:
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity
- Passport-size photo
- E-visa application (online)
- For work permits: degree certificates, criminal check, health exam
- Employer sponsorship letter (for business/work visas)
Vietnam's immigration system is evolving. The government has signaled interest in a proper digital nomad visa, but nothing concrete yet. For now, most remote workers use the e-visa system. We track policy changes and help you stay compliant.
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