TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. DOES VIETNAM HAVE RETIREMENT VISA?
A retirement visa is a type of visa issued for individuals above 50 years of age to travel or reside for a certain duration, for them to enjoy the last years of their lives.
Different from Cambodia, Thailand, etc… Vietnam isn’t in the list of countries that issue retirement visas, which means THERE IS NO RETIREMENT VISA in Vietnam. However, foreigners looking to stay for a long duration still have other options.
With recent updates in Immigration regulations, there are 3 ways for foreigners to retire in Vietnam through Tourist visa, Investor Visa or Business visa.
2. CAN FOREIGNERS APPLY FOR A RETIREMENT VISA IN VIETNAM?
The answer is NO, as stated above, there are 3 ways to stay for a long duration in Vietnam:
Tourist Visa:
Tourist Visas offer different lengths of stay depending on which type of tourist visa applied. It ranges from: 01 month one entry, 01 month multi entry, 03 months one and multi entry. Each entry into Vietnam, foreigners are not allowed to stay for more than 90 days. In the cases where the visas expire, it can be extended but also no more than 90 days.
Business Visa:
Duration can be 30 days, 90 days or 1 year with single entry or multiples.
Investor Visa:
Investor Visa has a maximum duration of 1 year (12 months) for each issue. Length of stay can be extended from 1 to 5 years depending on the scale and business activities as well as total capital invested into Vietnam.
Apply for Vietnam visa:
3 main ways to apply:
- E-Visa Vietnam: Go to https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn, choose e-Visa, fill out the information, get a certification code, pay the fees and wait 6-10 working days. After that, log back in, insert the certified code and download your e-Visa. When you get to the customs checkpoint at the airport, show your e-Visa to complete the entry process.
- Apply for visa on arrival (VOA): Foreigners apply for an approval letter with online visa included and pay the fees. Then wait for the approval process, receive the papers through email and give them to the customs officers when entering Vietnam.
- Apply directly at an Embassy or a Consulate or at Vietnam’s Immigration Department.
You can also choose TrustVisa to save time, cut cost and a success rate of 99% services, limit errors in information input and be informed when errors occurred leading to delays or denial in visa application.
3. WHY CHOOSE VIETNAM FOR RETIREMENT?
There are many reasons for Vietnam to be an ideal place for foreigners to enjoy their retirement:
Low cost of living:
Vietnam is in the top 10 in the world in terms of low cost living. With all the money saved for retirement, you can enjoy all the best meals, long trips and comfortable residences at cheap prices.
Most items cost about half as much in Vietnam as other countries. On an average day, you would spend only around $50, and for a luxury experience, the cost can go up to $60-$100. Each month, you will need around $450 for daily spending and $175 to $1710 for rent, depending on where you stay.
If you live with your family, the monthly budget would be higher, around $1610 without rent.
According to the International Living ranking, most foreigners can live comfortably with only $800 to $1200 a month. With a savings of $200.000, you can live comfortably for 21 years.
Abundant, diverse cuisine:
Vietnam cuisine is one of many diverse, attractive cultural heritages with fans all around the world. Similar to other traditional Asian food, Vietnamese cuisine ensures a healthy diet. Each dish brings a combination of 5 different flavors: salty, sweet, sour, spicy and bitter. This combination brings a lively and unforgettable experience to foreigners.
Vietnamese cuisine is also very healthy, you won’t have to worry about blood fat, blood sugar indexes or heart problems.
Beautiful natural sceneries:
With an area of 331.000 km² from North to South, Vietnam is blessed with diverse natural sceneries, a rare and beautiful country. From majestic landscapes to unique wildlands, you can always find fantastic scenes everywhere you go in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a safe and friendly nation:
Vietnam is ranked 7th in Global Law and Order Index according to Gallup and 41st in Global Peace Index in 2023. Vietnam has a low crime rate and is committed to providing a peaceful environment for its citizens, where they can work and live peacefully. These factors make Vietnam an attractive destination for retirees where they can feel safe when in the country and consider it their second homeland.
English speaking citizen:
In Vietnam, English speaking citizens increase by the day. English is now a mandatory subject in schools, this will allow foreigners to easily adapt to new language and new culture.
4. TOP DESTINATIONS FOR RETIREMENT IN VIETNAM
Below are 5 destinations suitable for retirees and families to enjoy life:
Ha Noi:
- Capital of Vietnam for over 1000 years, famous for historical buildings and diverse, friendly people.
- Diverse cuisine with many traditional dishes and active nightlife.
Ho Chi Minh:
- Biggest city in Vietnam with a rich history and many places to visit and discover.
- Diverse options for entertainment for all budgets.
Hoi An:
- Suitable for shopping and fashion.
- Combine natural scenery with a mix of traditional and modern look.
Da Nang:
- Coastal city with clean, low pollution and the best infrastructure in Vietnam.
- Many entertainment places, diverse cuisine with affordable prices.
- Temperate climate, beautiful beach and many utilities for retirees.
Nha Trang:
- Famous seaside resorts with beautiful beaches and diverse entertainment.
- Combine diverse historical, cultural heritages with beautiful natural sceneries.
Phu Quoc:
- Famous for being like a pearl in the middle of the sea. Quiet spaces and beautiful beaches is an ideal place for retirees to relax on the sands.
- Multiple options for seafood and original cuisines.
Hue:
- With many temples, tombs and old houses, it also has streets shaded by rows and rows of trees, creating a dreamlike landscape. Hue is an ideal destination for retirees.
- Enjoy the Thien Mu bell ring everyday, a walk among old relics, monuments or sit down and enjoy stories of historical events.
- Hue’s food is diverse and suitable for retirees.
5. FREQUENT QUESTIONS
❓Options for a retiree with a Vietnamese spouse?
✅Answer: In this situation, apply for visa exemption for 5 years or a 5 years visa.
❓Any preferential treatments for retirees with Vietnamese children?
✅Answer: Foreigners with Vietnamese children get special treatment when applying for a Vietnam Visa. However rules and conditions can change depending on current immigration regulations.
❓Can foreign retirees in Vietnam work in the country?
✅Answer: Foreigners can apply for a business visa or investor visa.
❓What to do when your visa expires?
✅Answer: Apply for an extension with the duration no longer than 90 days. For a detailed process please contact TrustVisa.
❓Any option for foreigners not investing in Vietnam nor have any Vietnamese spouses or children?
✅Answer: Please apply for a tourist visa to discover the land and people of Vietnam.