Moving to Vietnam
Moving to Vietnam is more than finding a place to live. Whether you are relocating for work, starting a new chapter with your family, studying, running a business or looking for a new place to call home, the move involves a range of practical decisions.
From immigration and housing to healthcare, education, transportation and everyday living, understanding what to expect before you arrive can make the transition easier.
This guide brings together practical information for individuals and families preparing to move to Vietnam.
Before Moving to Vietnam
A clear plan helps you understand what needs to be arranged before you arrive and what can be handled after you have settled in.
Before moving, it is useful to consider the main aspects of your relocation:
- Your reason for moving
- Expected length of stay
- Visa and immigration requirements
- Work permit requirements, if applicable
- Where you want to live
- Housing budget
- School requirements
- Healthcare arrangements
- Transportation
- Banking and everyday payments
- Personal and household belongings
Your priorities will depend on your circumstances. A professional moving to Vietnam for work will have different requirements from a family planning a long-term move.
Choosing Where to Live
Vietnam offers a wide range of living environments, from major cities and established residential areas to coastal destinations and smaller cities.
For international residents, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang are among the most popular choices. Each city offers a different combination of work opportunities, housing, lifestyle and everyday convenience.
The right location should work for your daily routine, not simply look attractive on a map.
When choosing where to live, consider the factors that will shape your everyday experience:
- Distance to work
- Access to schools
- Housing options
- Local amenities
- Transportation
- Neighbourhood environment
- Rental budget
- Access to healthcare
- Lifestyle preferences
Finding a Home
Finding suitable accommodation is often one of the first priorities after deciding to move.
Vietnam offers a wide range of residential options, including apartments, serviced apartments, houses and villas.
For international residents, choosing a home involves more than comparing size and appearance. Location, building facilities, furnishing, lease terms, accessibility and the surrounding neighbourhood can all affect daily life.
Before signing a lease, take time to understand the local rental process and the terms that apply to your tenancy.
The main points to review include:
- Rental price and payment schedule
- Security deposit
- Lease duration
- Contract terms
- Furnishing and equipment
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Early termination conditions
Immigration and Visa
Immigration requirements depend on your nationality, purpose of stay and intended length of residence.
Before making travel or employment arrangements, check which requirements apply to your specific situation.
Depending on your circumstances, you may need to consider:
- Visa requirements
- Work permits
- Temporary residence cards
- Visa extensions
- Entry and exit requirements
- Supporting documents
Immigration regulations can change, so current requirements should always be checked before relying on previous experience or information found online.
Working in Vietnam
For professionals relocating to Vietnam, employment and immigration requirements are closely connected.
Depending on your position, qualifications, employer and period of employment, you may need a work permit or may qualify for an exemption.
Employers planning to relocate international employees should consider immigration requirements as part of the wider relocation process.
This may involve:
- Work permit eligibility
- Immigration documentation
- Employee arrival arrangements
- Temporary accommodation
- Long-term housing
- Settling-in support
Schools and Family Life
For families, education can be one of the most important factors when choosing where to live.
International and bilingual schools are concentrated in particular areas, so school location can influence both the choice of neighbourhood and the family's daily routine.
Families should also consider other aspects of everyday life before choosing a home.
These may include:
- Schools and education
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Parks and recreational facilities
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Transportation
- Family-friendly activities
Healthcare and Everyday Life
Vietnam has a growing network of public and private healthcare providers, particularly in major cities.
International residents may prefer private hospitals and clinics where English-speaking services and international-standard facilities are available.
Before moving, it is useful to identify healthcare providers that suit your location and personal circumstances.
This is particularly important for families, people with ongoing healthcare needs and anyone planning to stay in Vietnam for an extended period.
Transportation
Getting around Vietnam is an important part of choosing where to live and work.
Major cities offer taxis, ride-hailing services, buses, private vehicles and, in some areas, metro services.
Traffic conditions and commuting times can vary significantly between neighbourhoods. A home that appears convenient on a map may feel very different when you make the journey every day.
When comparing locations, consider the following practical factors:
- Daily commuting time
- Distance to schools
- Access to public transportation
- Availability of taxis and ride-hailing services
- Parking
- Access to major roads
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Vietnam varies according to location, housing choices and lifestyle.
Housing is often one of the largest monthly expenses for international residents, particularly those choosing apartments, villas or homes in established expatriate areas.
Your overall budget may also include:
- Food and dining
- Transportation
- Education
- Healthcare
- Utilities
- Internet and mobile services
- Entertainment
- Domestic travel
Rather than relying on a single average figure, build a personal budget around your expected lifestyle, location and household needs.
Settling Into Life in Vietnam
Moving to Vietnam does not end when you arrive.
After moving in, you may still need to arrange utilities, banking, mobile services, transportation, schools and other practical matters.
A good understanding of your local area can make these early stages easier and help you establish a comfortable daily routine.
The experience will also differ depending on whether you move alone, with a partner, with children or as part of a corporate relocation.
Moving to Vietnam With Greater Confidence
Vietnam offers career opportunities, diverse lifestyles, relatively affordable living costs and an increasingly international environment.
At the same time, moving to a new country involves decisions that can affect your work, family and everyday life for years to come.
Understanding your options before you arrive gives you a stronger foundation for making those decisions.
Jardeon Group brings together Global Mobility, Corporate & Compliance and Real Estate Consultancy to support individuals, businesses and property owners in Vietnam.
For individuals and families moving to Vietnam, our support can include immigration, home search, settling-in and other practical requirements connected with relocation.
Planning your move to Vietnam? Explore the guides below or contact Jardeon Group to discuss your requirements