As a retirement destination, Vietnam is a country rich in culture and natural beauty, offering a blend of tranquility and affordability. With its 2,000-mile coastline, charming fishing villages and ancient Buddhist temples, Vietnam offers retirees a peaceful yet vibrant lifestyle. However, spending your golden years in Vietnam requires careful retirement planning and consideration. Engaging with a financial advisor can help you ensure your finances are well-prepared for this chapter.
Cost of Living in Vietnam
Before you sell your home and buy a one-way ticket to Vietnam, you should compare the cost of living. As many financial advisors would tell you, you’ll want to assess the total cost of living in another country versus the cost of living in the United States. According to Numbeo, a website that collects pricing data from citizens, the average cost of living in New York City is 248% higher than in Ho Chi Minh City, not including rent. Including rent, it’s 370% higher.
While your cost of living and rent will depend on your lifestyle as well as the city you live in, your dollar will go much further in Vietnam than in most U.S. cities. A three-course dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant is about $23. Gasoline runs approximately $3.50 per gallon, and a bottle of medium-quality wine will set you back some $12.
Getting a Visa in Vietnam
While Vietnam does not have a retirement visa, there are several options for individuals who want to retire in Vietnam. Americans can apply for a visa to Vietnam through any Vietnamese embassy and will be approved for either six months or one year but can only stay in the country for three months at a time.
If you plan to live in Vietnam, you then have two options: make “visa runs” every three months or get an extension on your visa. Getting a visa extension incurs high costs, so most people make a visa run. This means that they leave the country for periods of a few hours to a few days. Then, they can return to Vietnam and their three-month “visit” can begin again. Unlike many destinations around the world these days, Vietnam has not yet adopted a visa specifically for remote workers.
Taxes in Vietnam
If you become a resident of Vietnam, you will be subject to taxes on any income you earn regardless if it was earned in Vietnam or not. These tax rates do not exceed 5% unless it comes from an inheritance or gift, which is taxed at 10%. Non-residents are taxed on income earned inside Vietnam at a rate of 20%. They are not taxed on income earned outside the country.
Keep in mind, that even if you live outside the U.S., you’ll still need to file a U.S. tax return as an expatriate. You’ll also have to file even if you don’t end up having to pay any U.S. taxes. If you’d like to forecast your tax burden more specifically, you may want to consult with a tax expert who is familiar with both U.S. and Vietnam tax laws.
Healthcare in Vietnam
Healthcare in Vietnam does not enjoy a great reputation. The World Health Organization ranks the nation’s healthcare system as 160th out of 189 countries. Vietnam has a universal healthcare system that combines Eastern and Western medicine.
Everyone in Vietnam has access to basic medical care and the cost and access to healthcare can range quite a bit between rural areas and cities. In urban areas, both public and private hospitals exist. Expats tend to favor private hospitals because they more closely match the standards of care that they are used to in their home countries.
Most expats will get private health coverage while living in Vietnam. Most experts will advise that you get a plan that will reimburse you for any costs while in Vietnam so that when you pay for coverage, you can get your money back. Health insurance typically costs about $60 per month in Vietnam. Public hospitals typically only charge a few dollars for services, but private institutions do not charge much more. A consultation at a private hospital typically starts at about $30.
Vietnam Housing
Many retirees choose to live in beach towns such as Nha Trang or Da Nang. It’s important to note that whether you choose to live in one of these cities or a larger city like Hanoi, your cost of living and housing costs will vary. However, these costs are likely going to be much less than they would be if you were living in the states.
The average home cost in Nha Trang is about $429 per square foot in the city center. When comparing Ho Chi Minh City to New York City, NYC boasts home costs that are 220% higher. Overall, the cost of housing in Vietnam is significantly lower than in the United States.
Home Buying Process in Vietnam
In Vietnam, only Vietnamese people can purchase a property. This is because Vietnam is a communist country and the land is all owned by the state. However, foreign residents can purchase homes, they just can’t own the land that it sits on.
A foreigner can buy a 50-year lease on an apartment or home. With this lease, the buyer gets all rights to the apartment and can renew it after 50 years. If the building that the apartment is in has to be sold, the buyer will get a portion of the proceeds. It’s important to note that foreigners can not sublet these homes.
Safety in Vietnam
While the United States government does not have any restrictions on visiting Vietnam, there are a few things that you may want to consider before moving there. These items related to safety include:
- The large cities in Vietnam such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh often have smog advisories that can be irritating to some people’s health.
- Driving is very different from at home, so most people struggle to learn customary driving skills.
- The crime rate is very low in Vietnam, but access to Western healthcare is limited, so personal safety may also be of issue for some foreigners.
Overall it can be a very safe and enjoyable place to live but you may need to prepare accordingly if you’re concerned about one of the above items.
Bottom Line
Vietnam offers a captivating blend of dreamy landscapes, welcoming locals and an affordable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for many. Its low crime rate further enhances its appeal, providing a sense of security for those considering a move. However, potential retirees should be aware that Vietnam currently lacks a dedicated retirement visa scheme, which can complicate long-term residency plans. Additionally, while the country’s healthcare system is steadily improving, it may not yet meet the standards found in Western countries.
Tips for Retiring Overseas
- Consider talking to a financial advisor about making a plan for retiring overseas. Finding the right financial advisor who fits your needs doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- An essential part of saving for retirement is making sure the money you save remains untouched. Dipping into your savings may seem tempting if you’re low on cash, but you’ll pay for it down the line. Consider creating an emergency fund so you can deal with life’s little challenges without raiding your nest egg.
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