There are no policies about Vietnam retirement visa for foreigners. Therefore, if you plan to settle down after retiring in Vietnam, you may need to apply for other types of visas. Each of them provides different requirements as well as exemption time. To learn more, let’s continue reading the article below.
See now: Vietnam visa: Types, Requirements, Fees & How to get it? [2023]
1. Getting a retirement visa in Vietnam
If you are planning to retire in Vietnam, unfortunately, there is no legal Vietnam retirement visa as the government’s top priority for long-term foreign residents is to attract investors and skilled workers. If you want to stay in Vietnam for a long time but the validity of a tourist visa is not enough, you must apply for a business or investment visa, according to the latest updates of migration law.
Vietnam doesn’t offer retirement visa for foreigners but you can apply through other ways
2. How to retire and stay in Vietnam
2.1 The investor visa as a Vietnam retirement visa
Although there are no regulations for a retirement visa in Vietnam, you can apply for a Vietnam investor visa. Currently, the demand for investor visas is increasing rapidly in Vietnam. This type of visa is issued to foreigners who are financially independent and have enough financial instruments to invest in Vietnam. An investor visa, also known as a DT visa, is a great option for those who plan to choose Vietnam as their place to retire. However, if you apply for an investor visa, you have to become an investor, which means you have to establish a company in the country such as opening a small restaurant or consulting business. There is no minimum investment requirement; however, it is better to have at least $10,000 for your application to be accepted.
An investor visa is a great option for those who wish to retire in Vietnam
However, setting up a company in Vietnam is somewhat challenging due to complex procedures, time-consuming and expensive processes. You must hire a visa advisor to ensure compliance with the immigration process and avoid any long-term visa misunderstandings. The Vietnam Investor Visa (DT Visa) is categorized as follows.
| Visa Type | Description |
| DT1 | This type of visa is for those who want to invest in Vietnam with a capital contribution of at least VND 100 billion or in preferred fields. |
| DT2 | Foreigners who wish to invest in Vietnam with a capital contribution from VND 50 billion to less than VND 100 billion or in encouraged investment fields can apply for a DT2 visa. |
| DT3 | With a capital contribution from VND3 billion to less than VND 50 billion, foreigners who want to invest in Vietnam will be suitable for DT3. |
| DT4 | If foreigners invest in Vietnam with a capital contribution of less than VND 3 billion, they can apply for a DT4 visa |
A DT visa is usually only valid for three months, although you can extend its validity for another three to five years. Additionally, you can use your visa to apply for a temporary residence card (TRC). The length of the investor visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. DT1 and DR2 are typically issued for 5 years, DT3 for up to 3 years, and DT4 for 12 months (one year).
2.2 The business visa as a Vietnam retirement visa
If you cannot apply for a DT visa, a Vietnam business visa or a DN visa can allow you to reside working as a Vietnam retirement visa. If you plan to retire in Vietnam by applying for a DN visa, it is essential that you get through an established company in Vietnam. In this case, you should set up a business with a Vietnamese partner who you trust and who can put you on the payroll and help you to enter Vietnam. Once you are sure that you meet the visa requirements, you can apply for a business visa at the Embassy/Consulate or upon arrival.
You have to get through an established company in Vietnam to apply for a DN visa
Similar to the DT visa, the DN visa is only issued for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or up to 12 months (one year) and allows you to work for a period of 90 days per year. To renew it, you will need to apply for a work permit and then you will be able to obtain a temporary residence card (TRC).
Note: Your business visa needs to be renewed every year.
2.3 Exemption visa via a Vietnamese spouse
You are entitled to a 5-year Vietnam exemption visa if you are a retired foreigner married to a Vietnamese citizen. To be granted this benefit, please prepare and submit all the necessary papers: marriage certificate, valid passports and Vietnamese identity cards of both spouses, household registration book, and any other relevant documents.
You will be entitled to a 5-year exemption visa in Vietnam if you marry a Vietnamese person
Learn more about: Vietnam spouse visa | How to get a Vietnam Dependent TT visa?
2.4 Active retirement
It refers to your business with an investor account and handling monthly transactions. You must comply with the basic regulations, such as applying for a Business Registration Certificate, paying taxes, and completing business tax finalizations every year. You should hire a reliable local manager to run your business and a local accountant to ensure you comply with the law. Popular small businesses run by retired foreigners in Vietnam are restaurants, business consulting, bars, coffee shops, or English schools.
You can own your business or buy an existing company in Vietnam to be eligible for active retirement
In addition to setting up your own business, you can get an active retirement by buying an existing company in Vietnam and becoming an investor. You will be able to apply for an investor visa and get the same benefits of starting your own business.
3. Vietnam retirement visa requirements
As aforementioned, there is no Vietnam retirement visa, but you still have to follow the following requirements if you wish to stay and retire in Vietnam:
- You have officially retired in your home country.
- You have valid health insurance.
- You are financially independent and able to support yourself and your family during your stay in Vietnam.
- You do not have any criminal charges or have not been convicted of a serious crime.
4. How much to retire in Vietnam
Vietnam is classified as one of the most affordable countries for travelling and living, where most items are half the price of what you would pay in other countries. On a typical day in Vietnam, you only need to spend about 50 dollars. If you want a more luxurious experience, you can spend 60 to 100 dollars daily.
Vietnam is classified as an affordable cost-living country
On average, each month, you will need an amount of $450 for daily living expenses and $175 – $1710 for rent, depending on where you live. If you live with family, your estimated monthly expenses are expected to be higher, about $1610 excluding rent. The tables below provide details about the average cost of living in Vietnam:
| Accommodation (rent) | Monthly cost |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Center | $375 |
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Center | $240 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Center | $885 |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Center | $475 |
| Accommodation (purchasing) | Price per m2 |
| An apartment in City Centre | $2815 |
| An apartment Outside of Centre | $1400 |
| Food | Costs |
| Milk | $1.46 |
| Rice | $0.95 |
| Eggs | $1.47 |
| Tomato | $0.8 |
| Potato | $1.2 |
| Apple (kg) | $2.9 |
| Utilities | Monthly costs (85m2) |
| Electricity, Water, Heating, Cooling, Garbage | $70 |
5. Healthcare in Vietnam
Vietnam’s healthcare system consists of the public and private sectors. Public healthcare sector is operated according to an administrative hierarchy, and over 80% of Vietnamese people have access to public healthcare services. The public system focuses on four service levels: central, provincial, district and commune. In both public and private hospitals, Vietnamese citizens have to pay for medical services by themselves. Private healthcare in Vietnam has more benefits than public ones, such as:
- Do not wait long for a medical appointment or service.
- Modern facilities.
Retirees have the opportunity to access healthcare systems in Vietnam
| Note: To get the above benefits, you can buy private health insurance with international coverage. |
6. Why should you retire in Vietnam?
If you are still considering whether or not to come to Vietnam, here are a few reasons why Vietnam is an excellent destination to retire.
- Low cost of living: This is one of the reasons why foreign retirees choose Vietnam as their retirement destination. Prices in Vietnam are lower than in neighbouring countries and you can only spend about $700 per month to cover your living expenses.
- Real estate: Housing prices in Vietnam are very affordable compared to other countries like China or Thailand. The price of an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1712 to $6420 per square meter, while in the suburbs you can find apartments for as low as $645 per square meter.
- Security and safety in Vietnam: Vietnam ranks 57th in terms of safety and has a low crime rate. Violence, terrorism as well as conflicts in Vietnam are rare.
- Health care: Vietnam provides high-quality healthcare and affordable dental care to all legal residents. Unfortunately, healthcare service in Vietnam is not free; you have to pay for treatments. However, prices are still reasonable for everyone in general.
7. Best places for Vietnam retirement
7.1 Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh is one of the largest cities and also a key economic centre of Vietnam. This place still retains outstanding historical imprints with many great museums and old temples, and pagodas. In addition, Ho Chi Minh is also known as the city of nightlife as it has many skyscrapers and dynamic entertainment areas, which are suitable for those who offer new things. In addition, the infrastructure, roads, and automobiles, as well as the medical system, are extremely modern, guaranteeing that this is the right area for you to retire.
Ho Chi Minh city is a paradise of new things, active life, and modern facilities
7.2 Ha Noi
Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, which has hundreds of years of architecture and rich culture with diverse cuisine. This place is ideal for those who love peace and lightness with a slow life. You will enjoy the fresh air while walking along the streets or small canals in the city’s centre. Hanoi is also famous for traditional Vietnamese dishes such as pho, bun cha, banh cuon,… It is also a paradise of handicrafts passed down from generation to generation such as pottery, conical hats, and forging,…
Ha Noi is attractive for its peaceful life, delicious food, and traditionally rich culture
7.3 Da Nang
In 2018, Live and Invest Overseas (LIO) magazine ranked Da Nang among the top 10 most livable cities in the world. It is not surprising for Da Nang to receive such a distinction, as the city is well-known for its wild and amazing natural beauty, including towering mountains, sandy beaches, a clean environment with a good level of life, and excellent infrastructure.
Da Nang represents dynamic and modern life along with magnificent beauty
With an average yearly temperature of 26°C (79°F), Da Nang’s tropical environment makes it ideal for spending the day on one of the city’s lovely beaches. Besides, wide road systems with three lanes facilitate commuting by foot or vehicles to discover the beauty of the city. The Han River flowing through the city’s core produces wonderful landscapes, all of which contribute to Da Nang’s appeal.
7.4 Hoi An
Hoi An is the center of ancient houses with designs that combine Chinese, Vietnamese and Japanese cultures. Coming here, you will be overwhelmed by colorful lanterns and meticulously sewn “ao dai”. Hoi An has a quite pleasant climate, a light life with no hustle and bustle, suitable for old people who want to find a place to rest their spirit and health.
Hoi An is the center of old houses with a combination of modern and traditional lifestyles
7.5 Nha Trang
Nha Trang is known as the beach city of Vietnam with beautiful, poetic and fresh beaches. Therefore, this is an ideal place for the elderly to enjoy life after retiring. Here, you will have the opportunity to taste delicious and unique dishes. Nha Trang also has other destinations such as Ponagar Tower, Mineral Spring, Institute of Oceanography, Long Son Pagoda, Bao Dai Palace,…
Nha Trang – the city of the beaches, impresses with white sand, a rich culinary world, and a pleasant climate
7.6 Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc is one of the famous islands of Vietnam with a quiet space, beautiful beaches such as Sao beach, Ganh Dau beach, Dai beach, Ong Lang beach, Thom beach… which are ideal for the retirees to lie down and relax on the sand. Fresh seafood and a rich culinary culture will make dishes attractive to tourists. Besides, visiting Ham Ninh fishing village or going to the wildlife park will make life more interesting.
Phu Quoc – the island of great natural beauty, modern lifestyle, and friendly people
7.7 Hue
Hue is another great destination for those who love gentle and slow life with numerous tombs, temples as well as ancient houses and full-tree streets. All of which create a sense of relaxing and healing for retirees. You will be overwhelmed by the melodious sound of the Thien Mu bell, the appealing smell of fragrant tea, and the traditional looks of citizens’ lifestyles. Besides, Hue cuisine is somehow unique with the combination of various flavors and ingredients.
Hue is characterized by a slow lifestyle next to the Huong River
This article has provided all the necessary information about Vietnam retirement visa. Although you cannot directly apply for a retirement visa in Vietnam, you can apply through the other ways mentioned above. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for timely support.
Contact information:
Wolo International Travel Service and Commercial Investment Joint Stock Company
- Headquater: 2nd floor – No 02, Alley 232, Yen Hoa street, Cau Giay district, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Website: https://vietnamvisatourist.com/
- Hotline: (+84) 918 21 2468
- Email: support@vietnamvisatourist.com.
Discover useful information about living and working in Vietnam:
