Main Takeaways
- No official “retirement visa” exists in Vietnam (as of 2025), but alternative visa pathways such as investor (DT), business (DN), and extended tourist visas can support long-term retirement stays.
- Vietnam is one of Asia’s most affordable and culturally rich countries, with a strong expat scene in places like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Nha Trang.
- Monthly living costs range between $800 and $1,800 USD depending on location and lifestyle.
- Healthcare is high-quality in major cities, and international health insurance is strongly recommended.
- Retirees must plan legal residence, visa renewals, investment structure, and medical coverage proactively to ensure peace of mind while living in Vietnam.
🇻🇳 Introduction: Why Retire in Vietnam?
The allure of Vietnam is strong: lush green mountains, palm-lined beaches, charming historical towns, and some of the most flavorful cuisine in the world. More retirees from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, and neighboring Asian countries are moving to Vietnam each year, drawn by the low cost of living, vibrant expat communities, and welcoming locals.
Unlike Thailand or the Philippines, Vietnam does not offer a designated retirement visa. But this hasn’t stopped thousands of retirees from successfully settling in the country using alternative visa strategies and financial planning.
This article explores all current options available in 2025 for those considering retirement in Vietnam or working remotely from Vietnam — with deep dives into visa options, cost of living, healthcare, legal considerations, and much more.
🛂 Chapter 1: Understanding Vietnam’s Visa Landscape for Retirees
1.1: Does Vietnam Offer a Retirement Visa?
As of 2025, Vietnam does not have an official retirement visa program. This may surprise many considering retirement in Southeast Asia. However, Vietnam provides flexible alternative long-stay options, such as:
- Tourist Visas (for temporary stays)
- Business Visas (DN) — for those registered with or sponsored by a Vietnamese business
- Investor Visas (DT) — for retirees who invest in or start a business in Vietnam
These options require careful planning and often periodic renewals, but they provide a feasible path for long-term stay.
📘 Chapter 2: Vietnam Visa Options Explained
2.1: Tourist Visa
Best For: New arrivals or short-stay retirees exploring options
- Duration: 30 days to 90 days
- Extensions: Often limited, may require exit and re-entry (visa run)
- E-visa available: Yes, for over 80 nationalities
- Multiple-entry: Limited
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Quick approval (3–7 days)
- No sponsorship required
Cons:
- Not designed for long-term stay
- Can’t legally convert to business or investor visa within Vietnam
2.2: Business Visa (DN)
Best For: Long-term stayers willing to be affiliated with a business
- Duration: 3 to 12 months
- Sponsorship Required: Yes (must be linked to a registered Vietnamese company)
There are two types of DN Visas:
- DN1: For foreign nationals working with businesses legally licensed in Vietnam
- DN2: For those offering services to Vietnamese companies
Pros:
- Allows up to 12 months stay
- Renewable if sponsorship continues
Cons:
- Requires a formal business sponsor
- No work permit means no employment unless separately authorized
- Legal gray zones if not tied to real business activity
2.3: Investor Visa (DT)
Best For: Retirees with capital who wish to invest or start a business
DT Visas are divided into 4 categories based on investment level:
| Type | Investment Required | Duration |
| DT1 | VND 100 billion+ (~$4.3M) | 5 years |
| DT2 | VND 50–100 billion (~$2.2M–$4.3M) | 5 years |
| DT3 | VND 3–50 billion (~$130k–$2.2M) | 3 years |
| DT4 | Below VND 3 billion (~$130k) | 1 year |
Pros:
- Longer validity
- Multiple-entry and renewable
- Legitimizes long-term stay
Cons:
- Requires legal incorporation and reporting
- High upfront capital investment
💼 Chapter 3: How Retirees Actually Live in Vietnam Long-Term
Despite the lack of a formal retirement visa, many retirees stay long-term in Vietnam using creative, legal approaches:
- Investor Route: Set up a small business such as consulting or property rental
- Business Affiliation: Partner with a local agency to obtain a DN Visa
- “Visa Run” Cycle: Leave and return every 1–3 months (common but exhausting long-term)
- Spouse Visa: If married to a Vietnamese national, apply for family reunification status
- Long-Term Lease Strategy: Some landlords help retirees with local registration and stay permits
📑 Chapter 4: How to Apply for a Vietnam Visa
Basic Requirements (for all visa types)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Passport-size photos (4cm x 6cm)
- Proof of health insurance (recommended)
- Completed visa application form
- Payment of applicable visa fee
For Investor Visas (DT):
- Business registration certificate
- Investment license
- Bank proof of capital
For Business Visa (DN):
- Letter of invitation from sponsor company
- Company’s business license
- Employment contract or consultancy agreement
Processing Time: 5–15 working days
💰 Chapter 5: Cost of Living for Retirees in Vietnam (2025)
Vietnam remains one of the most affordable retirement destinations in Asia.
| Expense | Hanoi | Da Nang | Ho Chi Minh City |
| 1BR Apartment | $350–$600 | $400–$700 | $500–$850 |
| Utilities & Internet | $60 | $60 | $80 |
| Groceries | $150–$250 | $150–$200 | $200–$300 |
| Healthcare | $50–$120 | $40–$100 | $80–$200 |
| Transportation | $30–$60 | $20–$40 | $40–$80 |
| Eating Out & Entertainment | $100–$200 | $100–$180 | $150–$300 |
Monthly Total: $800–$1,800 depending on lifestyle and city
🏥 Chapter 6: Healthcare in Vietnam
Public vs Private Hospitals
- Public Hospitals: Low cost but crowded and limited English
- Private Clinics: Modern, English-speaking doctors, international standards
Health Insurance Options
- Pacific Cross Vietnam
- Luma Health
- Cigna Global
- Bao Viet (local)
Typical annual premiums range from $800–$2,000 USD depending on age and coverage.
🏡 Chapter 7: Best Places to Retire in Vietnam
7.1 Da Nang
- Fast-growing, beachside city with great infrastructure
- Affordable cost of living
- International airport
7.2 Hoi An
- UNESCO heritage town
- Slower pace, excellent for writers, artists, and peaceful living
7.3 Nha Trang
- Long sandy beaches, vibrant Russian and Korean expat communities
- Lots of condominiums with sea views
7.4 Ho Chi Minh City
- Urban energy, top-tier hospitals, international schools
- Ideal for active retirees who want a cosmopolitan feel
7.5 Hanoi
- Colonial architecture, cultural depth, four-season climate
- Cheaper than HCMC for rentals and services
📘 Chapter 8: Legal and Tax Implications
Can You Work?
- Not on a DN or DT visa without a work permit
- Many retirees consult or freelance online without formally declaring income
Tax Residency
- Vietnam may consider you a tax resident if you stay over 183 days in a year
- Foreign-sourced pensions not taxed unless remitted into Vietnam in some cases
- You may be taxed on Vietnam-based income (e.g., rent, dividends, profits)
Pro Tip: Work with a bilingual accountant to stay compliant with evolving rules
🔄 Chapter 9: Visa Renewals & Long-Term Stay Management
Tourist Visa:
- Renew up to twice, then leave the country
- Visa runs to Cambodia or Thailand still possible (but tiring)
Business/Investor Visas:
- Renew annually or per category
- Must show active business or valid investment status
Overstays:
- Fines from 500,000 VND (~$20 USD) per day
- May result in blacklist or denial of future visas
🧠 Chapter 10: Common Mistakes & Smart Tips
Mistakes to Avoid:
- Overstaying visa accidentally
- Trusting unofficial agents or “fixers”
- Setting up shell companies without real operations
- Forgetting to register temporary residence with local police
- Assuming your tourist visa guarantees long-term stay
Smart Tips:
- Partner with a relocation or legal services firm
- Join expat communities (on Facebook or InterNations)
- Visit multiple cities before choosing where to retire
- Keep hard copies and digital backups of all documents
🎙 Real-Life Stories
Mark, 62, from Canada – Living in Da Nang:
“I started on a tourist visa and ended up starting a coffee shop with a local friend. The investor visa made it all possible, and the cost of living here is half what it was back home.”
Linda, 58, from Australia – Retired in Hoi An:
“I didn’t come here to work, just to paint and relax. I use the tourist visa and leave every 3 months. It’s not perfect, but the lifestyle makes up for it.”
✅ Final Checklist for Retiring in Vietnam
✔ Choose your preferred visa path
✔ Secure international health insurance
✔ Set up your bank account and financial documentation
✔ Find a reputable visa agent or legal advisor
✔ Visit Vietnam short-term before committing
✔ Budget at least $1,200/month for comfortable living
✔ Learn some basic Vietnamese for daily interactions
✔ Register with local police for residence
✔ Ensure all documents are translated and legalized
📚 Official Resources Used for This Article
- Vietnam Immigration Department (https://immigration.gov.vn/)
- Vietnam E-Visa Portal (https://evisa.gov.vn/)
- Vietnamese Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners (Law No. 47/2014/QH13)
- Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA — guiding procedures for visa applications
- Circular No. 31/2015/TT-BCA — visa extensions and residence permits
- Practical interviews from relocation firms in HCMC and Da Nang
🏁 Conclusion: Is Vietnam Right for Your Retirement?
Retiring in Vietnam isn’t as plug-and-play as in Thailand or the Philippines, but it can be a deeply rewarding and cost-effective choice if you’re ready for adventure and flexibility.
From the buzzing streets of Saigon to the lantern-lit nights in Hoi An, Vietnam offers a lifestyle that is equal parts exciting, serene, and affordable. With the right preparation and understanding of visa routes, it’s absolutely possible to call Vietnam home in your golden years.
