Vietnam draws a growing number of long-stay foreigners through its comparatively low cost of living, improving city infrastructure, and expanding visa options.
Getting established — through a work permit, business visa, marriage sponsorship, or investor pathway — takes preparation, but the day-to-day realities become more manageable with the right groundwork.
Mar 17, 2026
How Foreign Workers in Vietnam Convert to an LD2 Visa and Labour TRCMar 17, 2026
How Foreigners With a TRC Can Get a Criminal Record Certificate in VietnamMar 17, 2026
How to Drive Legally in Vietnam as a Foreigner: IDP, License Conversion, and What Actually WorksMar 17, 2026
Your Work Permit Has Expired but Your TRC Is Still Valid: What It Means and What to Do in VietnamMar 17, 2026
Long-Term Stay Options in Vietnam for Foreigners: Visas and Residency PathsMar 16, 2026
Practical cost-of-living guides for Vietnam, based on typical expat spending. Figures vary by district, housing standard, and lifestyle choices. One-off setup costs, visa/admin fees, and international travel are not included.
Budget
~$900 to $1,300
Local food, outer districts, motorbike-first transport
Comfortable
~$1,400 to $2,200
Central apartment options, mixed dining, practical convenience
High comfort
~$2,500+
Imported goods, premium housing, broader private-care expectations
Mar 14, 2026
The real extra costs foreigners discover after moving to Vietnam — from building fees and electricity billing to rental tax pass-through and international school fees.
Mar 14, 2026
A practical monthly budget breakdown for expats living in Vietnam in 2026, covering rent, food, visas, banking, tax, and healthcare across three lifestyle levels.
Mar 14, 2026
Practical rent figures for expat apartments across HCMC, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Hoi An — broken down by neighbourhood and apartment type for 2026.
What it really takes for a foreigner to buy an apartment in Vietnam — ownership rules, the two-track system for foreign spouses, costs, and common pitfalls.Mar 17, 2026
Cash, cards, QR codes, or Wise? A practical guide to how foreigners really pay for daily life in Vietnam — and what trips people up.Mar 14, 2026
International, bilingual, or local? A practical guide to schooling options for expat families in Vietnam — costs, timelines, and what parents learn too late.Mar 14, 2026
Vietnam Updates
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