Vietnam offers an unbeatable combination of ultra-low cost of living, delicious cuisine, dynamic cities and stunning natural scenery. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have thriving expat communities, with fast internet and a growing remote worker scene.
Updated: 20 May 2026 : Editorial Team, eVisa-Card.com
Vietnam in 2026: 45-day exemption for 24 countries, e-Visa for all nationalities
Citizens of 24 countries, including France, can stay 45 days without a visa from the date of entry (Resolutions 44/NQ-CP and 229/NQ-CP); other durations apply under bilateral agreements. The e-Visa is open to all nationalities on evisa.gov.vn, for a maximum of 90 days, single or multiple entry. Official fees usually displayed: 25 USD for single entry, 50 USD for multiple entry. The pre-arrival declaration (PAI) is optional during the pilot phase and does not replace a visa.
Sources: Official Vietnam e-Visa portal · Government of Vietnam · Ministry of Public Security (PAI) · Verified on 13 October 2026.
Vietnam at a Glance
| Capital | Hanoi |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Language | Vietnamese |
| Monthly cost | ~$700-1,400/month |
Work, study and residence
A tourist exemption or visitor visa does not automatically authorise employment, long-term study or residence. Check the appropriate permission before starting these activities.
Check your own nationality, passport type, residence, route and travel dates with the official authority. The French-passport summary is not an eligibility decision for another nationality.
Use the official checklist for passport validity, permitted entry points, accommodation, funds, onward travel and insurance where required. Requirements for minors, emergency passports and dual nationals can differ.
Choose the category matching the actual purpose of travel. Apply through the government portal or its appointed provider, check the fee before paying, and allow for requests for additional documents. Approval and entry are decided by the competent authorities.
Apply to the competent authority before your current permission expires. An extension, change of status or re-entry is subject to its own conditions; submitting a request does not by itself establish a right to remain.
Vietnam — Visa and entry requirements 2026Healthcare in Vietnam
Public Healthcare
Public hospitals in Vietnam are overcrowded and language-challenged. Expats generally avoid them for all but emergencies. Foreigners registered with a Vietnamese employer can access the public health insurance system (BHYT).
Private Healthcare
International private hospitals serve the expat community well in Hanoi and HCMC: Family Medical Practice, Vinmec International, Columbia Asia, FV Hospital (HCMC). Quality is good; costs are moderate.
Typical Healthcare Costs
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| GP consultation (private expat clinic) | $40-80 |
| Specialist consultation | $60-150 |
| Emergency room | $100-300 |
| Hospitalisation (international hospital, per night) | $300-800 |
| Dental cleaning | $20-50 |
| Prescription medicines | Very cheap : 30-80% cheaper than Western prices |
Supplementary Health Insurance
Health insurance is not legally required for most expat visa categories in Vietnam, but it is essential. Medical evacuation from Vietnam to Singapore or Thailand for serious cases can cost $20,000-50,000 without coverage.
Top Providers for Expats
Vietnam's largest insurer. Affordable local plans from ~$400/year. Limited English support.
Popular among locally employed expats. From ~$500/year.
International plan, widely accepted at expat clinics. From ~$1,000/year.
Comprehensive worldwide coverage. Good for frequent travellers. From ~$1,200/year.
Premium plan, includes medical evacuation and repatriation. From ~$1,500/year.
Opening a Bank Account in Vietnam
A Vietnamese bank account simplifies daily life : cheaper rent payments, utility bills, local transfers and receiving salary. The process has become easier for foreigners holding TRCs.
Recommended Banks
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC) : tourist visa usually not accepted
- Proof of local address (rental contract)
- Vietnamese phone number
Step-by-Step Process
- Obtain a TRC or work permit first
- Visit bank branch with all documents
- Complete KYC form and biometrics
- Account opened same day in most banks
- Receive ATM/debit card within 3-5 business days
Buying Property in Vietnam
Foreigners can buy property in Vietnam under the 2014 Housing Law, but with significant restrictions: maximum 30% of apartments in a building, no more than 250 houses in a ward, and ownership is limited to 50 years (renewable). Foreigners cannot own land : they lease it from the state.
Ownership Options for Foreigners
Foreigners can buy apartments in approved developments. Ownership certificate valid 50 years, renewable once. Most common option.
50-year term on the land, with ownership of the structure. Renewable.
If you own a Vietnamese company with a local partner, the company can hold land long-term. Risky unless you trust your partner.
Purchase Process
- Verify the project is open to foreign ownership (check with developer and local authority)
- Hire a Vietnamese lawyer who speaks English
- Sign a Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA)
- Pay deposits in tranches as specified in the contract
- Receive the Pink Book (ownership certificate) : usually 3-6 months after completion
- Register at the local Land Registration Office
Typical Purchase Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Registration tax | 0.5% of property value |
| Notarisation fees | 0.06-0.3% of transaction value |
| Lawyer fees | $1,000-3,000 |
| Agent commission | 1-3% (sometimes paid by developer) |
| Annual land use fee | Very low : typically $50-200/year |
About This Guide
This guide is researched and maintained by the editorial team at eVisa-Card.com. Last updated: 20 May 2026. We strive to keep all information current but visa rules, healthcare costs and property regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with official government sources and consult a licensed professional before making major decisions.