Verified facts on residence in Vietnam for non-residents — community reports fill in as members share their experience. Reviewed for 2026.
Vietnam: residence options for digital nomads and remote workers. It is outside the EU and a residence destination for remote workers, freelancers and financially independent expats, offering a progressive personal income tax, with a comparatively low cost of living. Its overall suitability as a base is rated low.
Investor Visa (DT) + Temporary Residence Card — an investor / golden visa. It requires an investment from 106,000 (Registered charter/investment capital in a Vietnamese company (tiered): DT3 >= VND 3bn (~EUR 106k) = 3-year TRC; DT2 >= VND 50bn = 5-year; DT1 >= VND 100bn = up to 10-year. Real estate does NOT qualify.). 3-year validity, renewable. ~5 days processing, counts toward permanent residence after 3 years. Family: Spouse and children under 18 eligible for dependent (TT) visa + TRC on DT1-DT3 (not DT4)..
Work Permit + LD Visa + Temporary Residence Card — an employment-based permit. 2-year validity, renewable. ~10 days processing, counts toward permanent residence after 3 years. Family: Spouse/children may apply for TT (dependent) visa + TRC; employer sponsors..
Path to permanent residence and tax. Most routes count toward permanent residence after about 3 years of legal residence, after which citizenship can usually be pursued. On tax, Vietnam offers a progressive personal income tax; eligibility for any preferential regime should be confirmed case by case.
What applicants report. There are no first-hand community reports yet for Vietnam — this section fills in as members share their experience.
Bottom line. Choose the route that matches your income type. Weigh visa renewals and banking access alongside the tax picture before committing.
Each residence route with its requirements. Set your situation to see which routes fit you.
Investment€106,000 · Registered charter/investment capital in a Vietnamese company (tiered): DT3 >= VND 3bn (~EUR 106k) = 3-year TRC; DT2 >= VND 50bn = 5-year; DT1 >= VND 100bn = up to 10-year. Real estate does NOT qualify.
Validity36 mo · renewable
Path to PR~3 yrs
FamilySpouse and children under 18 eligible for dependent (TT) visa + TRC on DT1-DT3 (not DT4).
Processing~5 days
Health insurancenot required
LanguageNone for the visa; Vietnamese proficiency required for naturalisation.
Government fee€140
TaxTax residents (183+ days) are taxed on worldwide income at progressive 5-35%; non-residents pay 20% flat on Vietnam-source income only. Investors are exempt from the work permit.
