Living in Vietnam: The Complete Expat Guide for 2026
Vietnam has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most compelling destinations for internationally mobile professionals and retirees alike. A rapidly growing economy, low cost of living, superb food culture, and a dynamic expat scene make it attractive to a broad range of UK nationals — from digital nomads and corporate assignees to those seeking an affordable retirement in a warm climate.
This guide covers everything you need to know before relocating: which city to choose, how to secure a long-term visa, recent changes to foreign income taxation, healthcare options, and the practicalities of daily life.
Choosing Your City: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang
Vietnam's three principal expat hubs each offer a distinct character.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the commercial engine of Vietnam — fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and cosmopolitan. The expat population here is among the largest in Southeast Asia, concentrated in Districts 1, 2 (Thao Dien), 3, 7 (Phu My Hung), and Binh Thanh. It suits business-focused expats, those in finance, tech, and education, and younger professionals who want an active social life. The city's scale means healthcare, international schools, and professional services are readily available.
Hanoi is the political capital and has a more measured, traditional feel. The Old Quarter retains considerable charm, and neighbourhoods such as Tay Ho (West Lake) are the heartland of the capital's expat community. Hanoi attracts those working in diplomacy, development organisations, and education. It is generally slightly cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City and perceived as safer, though its winters are noticeably cooler and greyer.
Da Nang has grown rapidly in the past decade into a genuine alternative for lifestyle-driven expats and remote workers. With beaches, mountains, and a manageable city size, it draws people who want quality of life over career opportunity. Property is cheaper, traffic is lighter, and the pace is slower. It connects easily to Hoi An, one of Vietnam's most beautiful towns, which itself has a small but committed expat presence.
Visas and Long-Term Residency
Vietnam does not offer a traditional permanent residency programme on the same terms as European destinations, but there are practical routes to long-term stays.
The E-Visa allows stays of up to 90 days (single or multiple entry) for UK passport holders. It is straightforward to obtain online and has been a popular option for testing the country.
The Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR equivalent — DV Visa or Temporary Residence Card): Most expats who settle long-term do so either on a business visa (DN/DN1 for those employed by or running a Vietnamese entity) or a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which is issued for one to three years at a time. The TRC is linked to employment contracts, business investment, or sponsorship by a Vietnamese national (typically a spouse). It is the closest Vietnam currently has to a multi-year residency document.
Investor routes: Foreigners who invest a minimum of VND 3 billion (approximately £95,000 as of early 2026) in a Vietnamese business may be eligible for a TRC on investment grounds, though the process requires legal support.
DV Visa (Digital Nomad/Remote Worker context): As of 2026, Vietnam has been considering but not yet fully implemented a formalised digital nomad visa. Remote workers often rely on tourist e-visas with periodic renewals, though enforcement of overstay and working conditions can vary. Seek up-to-date legal advice before relying on any informal arrangement.
Taxation: Key Changes Since 2024
This is an area where UK expats must take particular care.
Vietnam taxes residents on their worldwide income if they spend 183 days or more per calendar year in the country, or if they have a habitual place of abode in Vietnam. Non-residents are taxed only on Vietnamese-source income.
Progressive tax rates for residents range from 5% on income up to VND 5 million per month to 35% on income above VND 80 million per month (approximately £2,550/month). UK expats on moderate salaries will typically fall into the 20–30% bands.
Foreign income: From 2024, the Vietnamese tax authorities intensified scrutiny of foreign-source income received by tax residents. Individuals receiving overseas salary, rental income, dividends, or investment returns must now report these in their annual personal income tax return. The UK-Vietnam Double Taxation Agreement provides relief against double taxation, but it is essential to declare correctly in both jurisdictions. Failure to report foreign income carries penalties.
Capital gains on Vietnamese real estate are taxed at a flat 2% of the sale price (not profit), regardless of residency status. Note that foreigners may only purchase certain categories of property (apartments in approved projects, not freehold land), and ownership is capped at 50 years with one renewal.
Engage a Vietnamese tax adviser and notify HMRC of your change of residence using a P85 form.
Cost of Living
Vietnam remains one of the most affordable countries in Southeast Asia for expats choosing to live at a comfortable standard.
A single professional in Ho Chi Minh City can live well — including a modern one-bedroom serviced apartment in District 2, dining out regularly, gym membership, and private health insurance — for £1,200 to £1,800 per month. A couple with a family, renting a larger property in a gated compound and using an international school, would budget more in the region of £3,500 to £5,000 per month all-in.
Hanoi is typically 10–15% cheaper than Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang is cheaper still — a comfortable expat lifestyle there can be achieved for under £1,200 per month for a single person.
Utilities, domestic help, and eating at local restaurants are exceptionally inexpensive. The main cost drivers are international school fees (USD 12,000–25,000 per year per child is typical) and private health insurance.
Healthcare
Healthcare in Vietnam varies significantly between the public system and private international hospitals.
For expats, private facilities are the standard choice. The leading options are:
- FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City): French-Vietnamese joint venture, widely regarded as the best hospital in the country for international patients. French-trained surgeons, modern equipment, English-speaking staff, and facilities comparable to Western standards. Costs are a fraction of equivalent UK private care.
- Vinmec International General Hospital: Part of Vingroup, with locations in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other cities. Strong reputation for diagnostics, oncology, and paediatrics.
- Family Medical Practice: Clinics in major cities, popular with expats for GP-level care and referrals.
Comprehensive private health insurance is essential. Major international providers including Cigna, Aetna, and AXA have Vietnamese networks. Annual premiums for a healthy adult typically range from £800 to £2,000 depending on age and coverage scope.
Expat Community and Daily Life
Vietnam's expat communities are well-established and welcoming. Facebook groups such as "Expats in Ho Chi Minh City" and the Internations network provide active social connections and practical advice. The food culture is world-class and varied; safety in cities is generally good by regional standards; and the Vietnamese people are known for warmth and entrepreneurial energy.
The country's infrastructure is improving rapidly. Ride-hailing apps (Grab, Be) work seamlessly. Internet speeds in cities are fast. The national airline, Vietnam Airlines, connects to major hubs, and budget carriers serve the region extensively.
Learning basic Vietnamese is not a prerequisite but will significantly enrich your experience and is deeply appreciated locally.
How Global Investments Can Help
Relocating to Vietnam involves navigating visa categories, tax residency rules in two jurisdictions, currency planning, and potentially property investment decisions in an unfamiliar legal environment. Global Investments works with internationally mobile UK nationals to structure their financial affairs in a way that is compliant, tax-efficient, and aligned with their broader wealth objectives.
Whether you are assessing whether Vietnam is the right base, reviewing your UK tax position on departure, or exploring property investment opportunities in the region, our advisers can provide clear, professional guidance.
Contact Global Investments for an initial consultation — we work with clients across all major expat destinations and understand the specific needs of UK nationals living abroad.
This guide is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Rules, fees and regulations change frequently; verify current requirements with a qualified adviser before acting.