Retiring in Vietnam: Visas, Cost of Living and Best Cities

Vietnam attracts retirees for reasons that are easy to understand: low cost of living, warm climate, excellent food, and a culture that is genuinely welcoming to older foreign residents. The country is not set up with a dedicated retirement visa, which is the main practical challenge, but tens of thousands of expat retirees manage it successfully through visa arrangements that, while imperfect, work in practice.

This guide covers the visa landscape, realistic monthly budgets for the cities most popular with retirees, healthcare, banking, and the honest tradeoffs between the main destinations.

Visa options for long-term retirees

Vietnam does not offer a retirement visa. This is the first thing to understand, and it shapes every other decision about long-term residence.

90-day e-visa

The most common starting point. Vietnam’s e-visa is available to most nationalities, costs approximately USD 25, and is valid for 90 days with multiple-entry options. You can renew it by leaving the country briefly — a short trip to Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos resets the clock. Many retirees use this approach for the first year or two before pursuing more stable arrangements.

The e-visa is issued online via the official Vietnam Immigration portal. Processing takes around three working days. Be cautious of third-party visa agents online — the official portal charges USD 25; agents charge more and add no value for this visa type.

DT visa (investor or specialist category)

The DT visa is technically for foreign investors and specialists working in Vietnam. In practice, some retirees obtain it by making a qualifying investment, typically in a company or fund. The DT visa can lead to a temporary residence card (TRC), which allows multi-year stays without repeated border runs. It requires navigating Vietnamese bureaucracy and usually requires a local lawyer or registered agent — budget approximately USD 500–1,500 in professional fees.

Temporary residence card (TRC)

A TRC is the closest thing to a long-term residency permit for foreigners in Vietnam. It is sponsored by a Vietnamese company, a Vietnamese spouse, or certain institutional relationships. TRCs are issued for 1–5 years and are renewable. Marrying a Vietnamese national provides a straightforward path to a TRC. Without a local sponsor, obtaining a TRC as a pure retiree is difficult.

Practical reality

Most expat retirees in Vietnam manage visa status through a combination of the e-visa and periodic border trips, at least for the first few years. The system is imperfect but works. Immigration rules in Vietnam change more frequently than in many countries — always verify current requirements with a licensed immigration specialist rather than relying on online forums.

Monthly cost of living by city

These figures are approximate as of 2025 and reflect a comfortable (not luxury) lifestyle: a decent one-bedroom apartment in an expat-friendly neighbourhood, a mix of local and Western food, local transport, utilities, and health insurance. USD amounts use an approximate exchange rate of 25,000 VND to USD 1.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Vietnam’s largest city is the most expensive for retirees. Rents in expat neighbourhoods (District 2, District 7, Binh Thanh) run from approximately USD 600–1,200 per month for a furnished one-bedroom apartment. A two-bedroom apartment suitable for a couple in a well-managed building runs USD 900–1,600.

Category	Monthly cost (approx.)
Rent (1BR, expat area)	USD 650–1,200
Groceries (mix local/imported)	USD 200–350
Eating out (30 meals, varied)	USD 180–300
Utilities (electricity, water, internet)	USD 80–120
Local transport (Grab + occasional taxi)	USD 60–100
Health insurance (international)	USD 150–300
Total comfortable budget	USD 1,800–2,500

HCMC offers the best international food scene, the most developed private healthcare, and the widest range of cultural and social activities. The tradeoff is heat (consistently 30–35°C), traffic congestion, and higher prices across the board.

Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital is slightly cheaper than HCMC and has a distinct character: more seasonal (genuine winters from November to February), more historically layered, and slower-paced in its older neighbourhoods. Tay Ho (West Lake) is the primary expat district, offering lake views, a large Western cafe and restaurant scene, and easy access to international schools and healthcare facilities.

Category	Monthly cost (approx.)
Rent (1BR, Tay Ho area)	USD 550–1,000
Groceries (mix local/imported)	USD 180–300
Eating out (30 meals, varied)	USD 150–260
Utilities (electricity, water, internet)	USD 70–110
Local transport	USD 50–90
Health insurance (international)	USD 150–300
Total comfortable budget	USD 1,500–2,200

Hanoi winters are genuinely cold by Vietnamese standards — temperatures regularly drop to 10–15°C in January, sometimes lower. This suits retirees who find the tropical south too relentless, but is worth factoring into the decision. See our Hanoi vs Ho Chi Minh City comparison for a fuller breakdown.

Da Nang

Da Nang is the most popular city among expat retirees seeking a beach lifestyle. It sits on the central coast, backed by the Marble Mountains and a long arc of sandy beach, with easy access to Hoi An (30 minutes by road). The cost of living is meaningfully lower than HCMC, the expat community is large and well-established, and the city has grown significantly in infrastructure over the past decade.

Category	Monthly cost (approx.)
Rent (1BR, beachside or near river)	USD 400–800
Groceries (mix local/imported)	USD 160–280
Eating out (30 meals, varied)	USD 130–240
Utilities	USD 65–100
Local transport	USD 40–80
Health insurance (international)	USD 150–300
Total comfortable budget	USD 1,200–1,800

Hoi An

Hoi An is the most picturesque option and the smallest city on this list. Its UNESCO-listed ancient town, lantern-lit streets, and tailoring shops make it a genuine destination in itself. Retirees who want a quieter, more community-oriented setting often prefer it to the busier coastal cities.

Category	Monthly cost (approx.)
Rent (1BR, close to old town)	USD 350–700
Groceries	USD 150–260
Eating out	USD 120–220
Utilities	USD 60–95
Local transport	USD 35–70
Health insurance	USD 150–300
Total comfortable budget	USD 1,200–1,700

The main limitation of Hoi An is healthcare: serious medical needs require travelling to Da Nang. The city also floods periodically in October and November, which can disrupt daily life significantly. Many retirees split their time between Hoi An and Da Nang rather than committing to Hoi An full-time.

Healthcare

Healthcare quality in Vietnam is uneven and depends heavily on where you are and where you go.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have international-standard private hospitals that handle most routine and specialist care competently. The main facilities used by expats include:

• FV Hospital (HCMC) — French-Vietnamese, strong across most specialties
• Vinmec International (Hanoi and HCMC) — large private network, modern equipment
• Family Medical Practice (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang) — GP-level care with good English
• HCMC International Medical Center

Costs at private international facilities are substantially lower than in Europe, Australia, or the US but are not trivial. A GP consultation runs approximately USD 40–80. Specialist consultations run USD 80–150+. Surgical procedures are priced at roughly 20–40% of US costs at comparable facilities.

Da Nang has several private clinics and a growing hospital infrastructure, adequate for most routine needs. For complex procedures, Hanoi or HCMC is the practical option.

Health insurance is not optional. The cost of a serious illness or accident without coverage can be significant. Good international health insurance plans for retirees aged 60–70 cost approximately USD 150–350 per month depending on age, coverage level, and pre-existing conditions. See our Vietnam travel insurance guide and consider EKTA travel insurance which covers Vietnam-based expats.

Pre-existing conditions require careful attention when choosing a policy — declare everything accurately, as non-disclosure voids claims.

Banking

Vietnam operates largely on cash in most daily transactions, but the infrastructure for foreign bank account holders is adequate. ATMs are everywhere in cities; most major networks (Visa, Mastercard, Plus) work reliably. International ATM fees vary by your home bank — typically USD 3–6 per withdrawal plus any foreign exchange spread.

Opening a Vietnamese bank account as a foreigner is possible but requires a valid long-term visa (not a tourist e-visa). Vietcombank and Techcombank are the most commonly used by expats. With a TRC or DT visa, the process is straightforward. Without one, you will rely on your home country account and ATM withdrawals.

Monthly bank transfer costs from abroad depend on your home bank and the transfer service used. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers competitive rates for regular transfers and is widely used by expats in Vietnam.

Buying vs renting property

Most expat retirees in Vietnam rent rather than buy, for good reasons.

Foreign nationals can legally own condominium apartments on 50-year renewable leases under the 2014 Housing Law. In practice, the process involves considerable bureaucracy, and the resale market for foreign-owned units is less liquid than in markets like Thailand or Malaysia. The 50-year lease term also raises questions for retirees concerned about long-term asset value and estate planning.

Rental is generally the better financial decision for retirees who are uncertain about committing long-term, or who want flexibility to relocate between cities or return home. Monthly rents for a well-furnished, serviced one-bedroom apartment in expat neighbourhoods start around USD 400 (Da Nang) and USD 550 (Hanoi). Longer lease terms (12 months or more) typically yield 10–15% discounts over monthly rates.

If you are seriously considering purchasing property, engage a reputable Vietnamese lawyer and do not rely on the developer’s legal team alone.

Best cities for retirees: a summary

Da Nang is the strongest all-round option for most retirees. The combination of beach lifestyle, growing expat community, reasonable cost of living, warm year-round climate (with a cooler October–January period), and practical transport links makes it consistently the top choice. Our Da Nang retirement guide covers it in depth.

Hoi An suits retirees who prioritise aesthetics and community over infrastructure and healthcare access. It works well as a primary base for couples or single retirees who are in good health and enjoy a slower pace.

Hanoi suits retirees who want genuine seasonal variety, a deep cultural environment, and the resources of a major capital. The Tay Ho expat community is large and well-organised. Healthcare options are excellent by Vietnamese standards. Our Hanoi retirement guide covers what to expect.

Ho Chi Minh City suits retirees who want the most urban, connected environment with the widest range of services, international food, and social life. The higher cost and urban intensity are the tradeoffs.

Getting connected

A local SIM card is essential from day one. Vietnamese carriers (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone) offer competitive prepaid plans at very low cost. Alternatively, Airalo’s Vietnam eSIM works on most unlocked smartphones before you land and avoids the hassle of finding a physical SIM on arrival.

Find accommodation in Vietnam to plan a scouting trip before committing to a base.

Our Vietnam budget and costs guide provides a broader spending breakdown if you want to cross-reference these figures.