Vietnam

Độc lập – Tự do – Hạnh phúc ("Independence – Freedom – Happiness")

overview

Welcome to Vietnam

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic cities. Its economy is driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, making it one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. The country’s iconic sites, such as Ha Long Bay and the ancient town of Hoi An, vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and diverse geography ranging from lush rice paddies to tropical beaches, attract visitors and expatriates seeking a unique blend of tradition, modernity, and natural beauty.

overview

Vietnam Essentials

National Anthem

Tiến Quân Ca

Independence Day

September 2, 1945

Haiko

Rice fields glow at dawn / Lanterns light the moonlit streets / Pho steams through the air

Interesting Tradition

Holds "Mid-Autumn Festival" with lantern parades, mooncakes, and performances celebrating children and the harvest moon.

Weirdest Local Superstition

Don’t cut your hair on the first day of the lunar month, as it is believed to bring bad luck for the rest of the month.

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to write or display anything that could be considered offensive to the government

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the landscapes, stay for the opportunities: Vietnam merges breathtaking natural beauty with dynamic economic growth. Life moves between morning cruises in Ha Long Bay and afternoon meetings in Ho Chi Minh City’s bustling business districts, while evenings are spent enjoying vibrant street food markets. With its growing tech industry and focus on sustainability, Vietnam is drawing entrepreneurs and digital nomads eager to thrive in Southeast Asia.

overview

Hãy đến!

Immerse yourself in a land where every bustling street, peaceful rice field, and breathtaking coastline tells a story. Here, Vietnam invites you to explore its dynamic growth, rich heritage, and the balance of tradition and progress that makes it unforgettable.

overview

"chào mừng đến Việt Nam"

Famous for its lush rice paddies and vibrant street food where every journey is a feast for the senses.

Vietnam isn't just a country—it's a symphony of flavors, landscapes, and traditions. Here, time flows through bustling cities and serene rice paddies, and even a simple bowl of pho tells a story of culture and craft. This is a land where ancient history and modern vitality create an experience as rich as its cuisine.

From the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay to the lush rice terraces of Sapa, Vietnam offers a captivating journey for every traveler. Whether you're drawn to the bustling energy of Ho Chi Minh City, the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, or the culinary delights of Hanoi, you'll find a country that balances ancient traditions with modern vitality. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and welcoming spirit, Vietnam invites you to uncover its treasures and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

Pho (noodle soup with beef or chicken)

Drink

Vietnamese Coffee (strong coffee with condensed milk)

overview

khát?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

42.53

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.11

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

5.77

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

10.20

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Locals are called 'Vietnamese,' and they take pride in their rich history and traditions.
#2
Family is central to Vietnamese culture, and respect for elders is deeply ingrained.
#3
Traditional festivals like Tet (Lunar New Year) are significant celebrations involving family reunions and offerings.
#4
Greetings include a slight bow, and it’s polite to address people using their titles and names.
#5
Modesty in dress and behavior is appreciated, particularly in temples and rural areas.

overview

Vietnam Essentials

Representative Novel

The Sorrow of War by Bảo Ninh (A novel set during the Vietnam War, providing perspective on the war's emotional and psychological toll).

National Animal

Water Buffalo Tiger

National Pasttime

Football (Soccer)

National Souvenir

Silk products

National Dish

Pho

Famous Festival

Hue Festival

Famous Dance

Múa Lân

Famous Music

Ca Trù

overview

Did You Know?

Vietnam is home to the world's largest cave, Son Doong, which is so massive it has its own ecosystem, weather system, and could fit a 40-story skyscraper inside.

The traditional Vietnamese coffee is made with egg yolk whipped into a creamy froth and served on top of strong coffee, creating a dessert-like drink called "ca phe trung".

Vietnam's Mekong Delta is home to floating markets where hundreds of boats gather each morning to trade fresh fruits, vegetables, and goods directly from vessel to vessel.

overview

Vietnam’s Key Historical Events

The Trung Sisters’ Rebellion (40 CE)

April 2014

The Trung Sisters led a rebellion against Chinese rule, symbolizing Vietnam’s long history of resistance to foreign domination.

The Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945)

July 2014

The Nguyen Dynasty unified Vietnam and ruled as the last imperial dynasty, overseeing significant cultural and infrastructural developments.

French Colonization (1887-1954)

February 2015

Vietnam became part of French Indochina, facing economic exploitation and cultural suppression under colonial rule.

Vietnam War (1955-1975)

March 2015

A devastating conflict between North and South Vietnam, with significant international involvement, led to the reunification of Vietnam under communist rule.

Economic Reforms (Đổi Mới, 1986)

October 2016

Vietnam launched Đổi Mới, a series of economic reforms transitioning to a socialist-oriented market economy, spurring growth and modernization.

MOBILITY

Access Vietnam Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

2

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
3 years
DUAL Citizenship
No
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

49

Performance Class

Limited Horizons

Passport Grade

D

Rank

138

Score

30.7

This visa grants access to:

• 14% of the world's population 

• 11% of UNESCO sites 

• 5% of global GDP 

• 13% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Vietnam by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Vietnam
263
585
1,359
1,812
2,625
3,164
3,335

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Vietnam's Global Rankings 

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic cities. Its economy is driven by manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism, making it one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. The country’s iconic sites, such as Ha Long Bay and the ancient town of Hoi An, vibrant cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and diverse geography ranging from lush rice paddies to tropical beaches, attract visitors and expatriates seeking a unique blend of tradition, modernity, and natural beauty.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
113
Cost of Living
2024
Affordable
38
Quality of Life
2024
Standard
41
Safety
2024
Serenity
54
Happiness
2024
High
76
Tax Burden
2024
Light Load
63
English Proficiency
2023
Low Proficiency
87
Rule of Law
2024
Fragile
44
Healthcare System
2024
Standard Access
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

73.7

years

Life Expectancy

32.5

years

Obesity Rate

2.80%

Tobacco Use

48.20%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

4.59%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

2.5

per 1000 people

Doctors

2.1

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

38.10%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare Goals

Vietnam is working towards universal healthcare, providing affordable public services, though quality can vary between urban and rural areas.

Private Healthcare Sector

Private hospitals and clinics in Vietnam offer high-quality services, often preferred by expatriates and those seeking advanced care.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Vietnam typically choose private healthcare facilities and insurance for better and faster services.

Medical Tourism Hub

Vietnam is becoming a hub for medical tourism, especially for affordable cosmetic surgery and dental care.

Pharmaceutical Accessibility

Medications are widely available in Vietnam, with affordable prices for both local and imported drugs.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

Vietnam Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Vietnam offers a low to moderate cost of living, attracting expatriates, retirees, and digital nomads. Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are more expensive than smaller towns and rural areas but remain affordable by global standards. Housing costs vary, with modern apartments in urban areas being more expensive, while traditional homes in smaller towns are highly affordable. Local food and services are inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly destination.

Cost of Gasoline

$0.91

per liter

Cost of Meal

$1.97

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$363.58

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$66.26

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$0.98

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

10.00%

cost of living

Vietnam Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Vietnam Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Vietnam Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before relocating to Vietnam, it's important to understand its tax system. Vietnam taxes residents on worldwide income while non-residents are taxed only on Vietnam-source income. Personal income tax rates are progressive from 5% to 35% for residents, while non-residents pay a flat 20% rate on employment income. VAT is 10%. A tax code is required for tax purposes. Vietnam has extensive double taxation agreements.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

5-35%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

0.1-20%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

20.00%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

20.00%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

0.00%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0.00%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0.00%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0.00%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are tax residents if they stay in Vietnam for 183 days or more in a calendar year or 12-month period, or have a permanent residence in Vietnam

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

110

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

63.0

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

37.6
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

384
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

6

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

49.1
%

taxation

Vietnam Tax Burden Map

taxation

Vietnam Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical; rainy, warm, and humid southwest monsoon (May to September); dry, cool northeast monsoon (November to April); diverse microclimates ranging from temperate in the northern highlands to tropical in the southern lowlands.

Average Temperature

24.8°C

Humidity

80

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1,680 mm

mm

Rainless Days per Year

150

Best Time to Travel

November-April

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Vietnam

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Vietnam.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Vietnam?

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Do I need to speak Vietnamese to apply for Vietnamese Mobility Assets?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Vietnam with me?

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How will GlobalPassport™ help me move to Vietnam?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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