Living in Vietnam as a Couple: Complete 2026 Guide

Dreaming of an adventure for two in the tropics? Every year, Vietnam attracts hundreds of French couples looking for a gentler, cheaper and sunnier life. Whether you're young professionals working remotely, retirees or entrepreneurs, moving to Vietnam as a couple offers an exceptional quality of life.

This complete guide covers everything you need to know to make your move as a couple a success: paperwork, a realistic budget, finding housing, social life and the challenges specific to couples.

Get ready to discover how to turn your dream of moving abroad into a concrete reality, with practical advice.

01Visas for Living in Vietnam as a Couple: Which Option to Choose?

The visa question is the first one to settle when you're considering living in Vietnam as a couple. Unlike some countries, Vietnam doesn't offer an automatic "spouse visa". Each partner must get their own visa, but several options are available depending on your situation.

The 90-Day E-Visa: A Temporary Solution

Since 2023, Vietnam has offered a renewable 90-day e-visa, ideal for trying out the country before committing. Cost: around 25 USD per person. For a couple, that's 50 USD every 3 months, or 200 USD a year (about 185 €). This solution is perfect for a first experience or if you plan regular trips back to France.

Tip: Plan your renewals together to line up your expiry dates. It simplifies the paperwork and lets you travel around the region without any mismatch.

The TRC (Temporary Residence Card): The Long-Term Solution

For a lasting move, the 1- to 5-year TRC visa remains the best option. There are two main routes:

Through a local employment contract: If one of you finds a job in Vietnam, the employer sponsors their visa. The spouse can then get a TT (family member) visa valid for the same period. Total cost: 200-400 USD depending on the length.

Through setting up a company: By setting up your own company in Vietnam, each investing partner can get an investor visa (DT); a spouse who isn't a shareholder falls under the TT (family member) visa. This route is particularly well suited to entrepreneur or freelancer couples. Initial investment: 1,000-2,000 USD in administrative fees. See our complete guide to setting up a business abroad for more details.

A Special Case: Marriage to a Vietnamese Citizen

If one of you is Vietnamese, the foreign spouse can get a TT (family member) visa and then a temporary residence card for up to 3 years, or a visa exemption certificate valid for up to 5 years (Decree 82/2015/NĐ-CP, 10 USD under Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC). The procedure is simplified with a legalized marriage file: it's the cheapest solution.

To dig deeper into visa options, read our detailed article on the Vietnam visa for French citizens.

02A Realistic Budget for a Couple in Vietnam in 2026

One of Vietnam's main attractions is still its very affordable cost of living. As a couple, you can live comfortably on a monthly budget of 1,200 to 2,500 € depending on your lifestyle and the city you live in.

Breakdown of Monthly Expenses

Here's a detailed budget for a couple living in Da Nang (a mid-sized city, not too expensive like Saigon, not too isolated):

Tip: Couples save about 30% compared with two single people living separately, thanks to sharing housing, subscriptions and groceries.

Cost Differences Between Cities

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): +30% on housing and restaurants Hanoi: +20% on housing, comparable social life Da Nang: the baseline (the ideal balance) Hoi An / Nha Trang: -10 to -15% on housing, but fewer professional opportunities

For a complete analysis of prices by category, see our guide to the cost of living in Vietnam.

Income Needed: How Much Should You Earn?

To live comfortably as a couple without financial stress, aim for a combined net income of at least 2,000 € a month. With 3,000 €, you can make the most of the country with regional trips, restaurants and leisure activities. Above 4,000 €, you have access to a premium lifestyle (apartment with a pool, high-end restaurants, international travel).

03Finding a Place for Two in Vietnam

Finding housing is a crucial step that directly shapes your quality of life. The good news: the Vietnamese rental market is very flexible and offers excellent value for money for couples.

Recommended Neighborhoods for Expat Couples

In Da Nang:

• My An / An Thuong: A beachside neighborhood popular with expats, lots of Western restaurants, an active French community. Rent for 2 bedrooms: 400-700 €.
• Phuoc My: More residential, quiet, close to the beach. Perfect for couples looking for peace and quiet. Rent: 350-550 €.
• City center (Hai Chau): Lively, close to shops and services. Ideal if you work locally. Rent: 300-500 €.

In Ho Chi Minh City:

• District 2 (Thao Dien): The expat neighborhood par excellence, leafy, with lots of cafes and international restaurants. Rent: 600-1,200 €.
• District 7 (Phu My Hung): Modern, secure, lots of shopping malls. Rent: 500-900 €.
• District 1 (Center): Very central but noisy. Rent: 500-1,000 €.

In Hanoi:

• Tay Ho (West Lake): The historic expat neighborhood, lakeside, with a village feel. Rent: 500-900 €.
• Cau Giay: Modern, well connected, more affordable. Rent: 400-700 €.

The Rental Process: Step by Step

1. Search online: Use Facebook Marketplace (groups like "Expats in Da Nang", "Saigon Housing"), or sites like Batdongsan.com.vn. Allow 2-3 weeks of active searching.

2. Viewings: Schedule at least 5-10 viewings. Check the water pressure, the air conditioning, the soundproofing and the condition of the furniture. Test the Wi-Fi (essential for remote workers).

3. Negotiation: Prices are negotiable, especially for long leases. Ask for a 10-15% discount for a 12-month lease paid in advance.

4. Contract: Leases are generally 6 or 12 months. Deposit: 1 to 2 months' rent. Read the clauses on repairs and maintenance carefully.

5. Included services: Check whether water, electricity, internet and cleaning are included. Often, only the furniture is included.

Tip: Favor apartments with two air conditioners (bedroom + living room) and an equipped kitchen. That saves you 500-1,000 € in equipment.

Find out more about settling in Da Nang, an ideal city for expat couples.

04Social Life and Community: Building Your Circle as a Couple

Fitting in socially is crucial to your well-being. Vietnam has a lively, welcoming expat community, and it's particularly welcoming to couples.

Joining the French-Speaking Community

Vietnam's big cities are home to several hundred French people. Here's how to meet them:

Facebook groups:

• "Français à Da Nang" (800+ members)
• "Français au Vietnam - Saigon" (3,000+ members)
• "Francophones à Hanoï" (2,500+ members)

Regular events:

• Monthly French-speaking happy hours (free or 5-10 €)
• Sunday brunch at French restaurants
• Board game nights organized by expats
• Sports clubs (running, yoga, soccer)

Associations:

• Alliance Française (Vietnamese classes, cultural events)
• French-Vietnamese Chambers of Commerce (professional networking)
• French-speaking parents' clubs (if you have children)

Activities for Couples

Vietnam offers a wealth of activities to share:

Sports and well-being:

• Couples yoga classes: 150,000-250,000 VND/session (5-9 €)
• Hiking in the northern mountains (Sa Pa, Ha Giang)
• Scuba diving in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc: 1,000,000-1,500,000 VND/trip (37-55 €)
• Traditional massage for two: 300,000-500,000 VND (11-18 €)

Culture and discovery:

• Vietnamese cooking classes: 600,000-1,000,000 VND (22-37 €)
• Guided tours of historic sites
• Local markets and street food tours
• Traditional festivals (Tet, Mid-Autumn Festival)

Regional travel: Vietnam is ideally located for exploring Southeast Asia on a budget. Weekends in:

• Siem Reap (Cambodia): 100-150 € round-trip flight
• Bangkok (Thailand): 80-120 € round trip
• Luang Prabang (Laos): 120-180 € round trip

Tip: Book your domestic and regional flights 2-3 months in advance with VietJet or Bamboo Airways to get fares of 30-50 € one way.

05Working in Vietnam as a Couple: Options and Strategies

Earning an income in Vietnam is essential for your financial stability. Several models are available to expat couples.

Remote Work for French Companies

The most common solution for French couples: keeping their job in France and working fully remotely. Advantages: a French salary (purchasing power multiplied by 2-3 in Vietnam), social security maintained, no work visa required (an e-visa is enough).

Suitable profiles:

• Web developers, designers, writers
• Consultants, coaches, trainers
• Digital marketing managers
• Accountants, lawyers (depending on specialization)

Constraints:

• Time difference with France: +5 hours in summer, +6 hours in winter (manageable with flexibility)
• A reliable internet connection is essential (fiber optic available in all major cities)
• Tax status to be clarified (see the next section)

See our complete guide to being a digital nomad in Vietnam to explore this option further.

Local Employment: One Partner Works on Site

If one of you finds a local job, it simplifies the visa process (employer sponsorship). Sectors that hire French speakers:

Teaching:

• French teacher: 20-30 USD/hour (private lessons) or 1,200-2,000 USD/month (school)
• Teacher at a French lycée: 2,000-3,500 € net/month

Hospitality and tourism:

• Guest relations, management: 1,000-2,500 USD/month + benefits
• Spa management: 1,200-2,000 USD/month

Business and trade:

• Export manager: 1,500-3,000 USD/month
• Sales manager for France: 2,000-4,000 USD/month

Tech and digital:

• Senior developer: 2,000-4,000 USD/month
• Product manager: 2,500-5,000 USD/month

Tip: Local salaries are 2-3 times lower than French salaries, but the cost of living more than makes up for it. A salary of 2,000 USD in Vietnam is equivalent to the purchasing power of 4,000-5,000 € in France.

Entrepreneurship: Building Your Business Together

Many couples start businesses in Vietnam. Promising sectors:

Services for expats:

• Specialized real estate agency
• Concierge and relocation services
• Language classes or coaching

Food and cafes:

• French cafe-restaurant (investment: 30,000-80,000 €)
• Food truck or market stall (10,000-20,000 €)
• Artisan pastry shop

E-commerce and digital:

• Dropshipping from Vietnam
• Content creation (blog, YouTube)
• Online consulting

Import-export:

• Vietnamese products to France
• French products to Vietnam

Setting up a company requires an initial investment of 10,000 to 50,000 € depending on the sector, but offers the advantage of an investor visa and complete independence. Explore our guide to setting up a business abroad.

06Taxes and Finances for Couples

Tax management is a crucial point that expat couples often overlook. Poor planning can be costly.

Tax Residence: France or Vietnam?

You become a Vietnamese tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in Vietnam. The consequences:

Advantages:

• Vietnamese taxation is often lower (5-35% depending on income)
• No tax on foreign-source income (under certain conditions)
• No IFI (the French real estate wealth tax)

Disadvantages:

• Mandatory filing in Vietnam for local income
• Administrative complexity (language, a different system)
• Risk of double taxation if poorly managed

Tip: For a couple, one partner can remain a French tax resident (less than 183 days in Vietnam) and the other can become a Vietnamese resident, depending on your sources of income. This kind of optimization requires expert advice.

French Paperwork

Before leaving, complete these steps:

1. Declaration of departure: Inform your tax office of your move abroad (form 2042-NR)
2. Social security: Deregister from the CPAM (French health insurance fund) and sign up with the CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger) - optional but recommended
3. Bank: Inform your bank and keep a French account active (useful for French income)
4. International health insurance: Essential - allow 150-400 € per person/month depending on coverage

Managing a Joint Budget

For a couple, there are several money management strategies:

Vietnamese joint account: Open a joint account at a local bank (Vietcombank, Techcombank). Requires a long-term visa. Use it for day-to-day expenses.

International transfers: Use Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut to convert your euros into VND. Fees: 0.5-1% (much cheaper than traditional banks).

Savings: Keep an emergency fund in France (3-6 months of expenses) and local savings for opportunities (buying property, investing).

For a complete analysis of taxes, see our guide to expat taxes in Vietnam.

07Health and Insurance for Two in Vietnam

Health is a major concern for expat couples. The quality of Vietnam's healthcare system varies from city to city.

The Vietnamese Healthcare System

International hospitals (recommended):

• Ho Chi Minh City: FV Hospital, Columbia Asia
• Hanoi: Vinmec, Hanoi French Hospital
• Da Nang: Hoan My Hospital, Vinmec

Quality: excellent for routine care and emergencies. Prices: GP consultation 500,000-1,000,000 VND (18-37 €), specialist 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND (37-74 €).

Public hospitals: Decent quality, but a language barrier and long waiting times. Very low prices (100,000-300,000 VND), but not recommended for expats.

International Health Insurance: Essential

For a couple, there are three options:

1. CFE + top-up insurance:

• CFE (basic): 150-200 € per person/month
• Private top-up: 50-150 € per person/month
• Total for a couple: 400-700 €/month
• Advantages: you keep your French rights, worldwide coverage

2. Pure international insurance:

• April International, Allianz Care, Cigna Global
• Couple rates: 300-600 €/month depending on the level of coverage
• Advantages: more flexible, better value for money

3. Local insurance + minimal CFE:

• Vietnamese insurance: 100-200 € per person/month
• CFE pension only: 80 €/month
• Total for a couple: 280-480 €/month
• Advantages: cheaper, adapted to the local system

Tip: For a healthy couple under 40, option 2 (pure international insurance) offers the best balance. Over 50, favor the CFE to secure your pension rights.

Pharmacies and Medication

Pharmacies are everywhere in Vietnam. Many medications are available without a prescription (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories). Prices: 50-80% cheaper than in France.

Medication to bring from France:

• Specific treatments for chronic conditions (3-6 months' supply)
• Contraceptive pill (specific brand)
• Prescription drugs that are hard to find

08Challenges Specific to Expat Couples

Living in Vietnam as a couple isn't just a romantic adventure. Some challenges are worth anticipating.

Adjusting at Different Speeds

Rarely do both partners adapt at the same pace. One may love it immediately while the other goes through a phase of homesickness. That's normal and temporary.

Strategies:

• Talk openly about how you feel
• Give yourselves "France" moments (French films, cooking, calls with family)
• Set shared goals (learning Vietnamese, visiting 10 cities in 1 year)
• Join social activities together

Balancing Work and Couple Life

When you both work remotely from the same apartment, the line between work and personal life blurs. The risk: tension and a feeling of being cooped up.

Solutions:

• Set up two separate workspaces (even small ones)
• Establish clear working hours
• Go out for lunch separately 2-3 times a week
• Use coworking spaces occasionally (200,000-500,000 VND/day)

Staying Connected to France

Being far from family and friends can weigh on you. Budget to plan for:

Visits to France:

• Round-trip tickets for a couple: 1,000-1,800 € depending on the season
• Recommended frequency: 1-2 times a year

Visits from loved ones to Vietnam:

• Host family and friends (a chance to share your new life)
• Organize discovery tours (showcases your local expertise)

Staying in touch digitally:

• Regular video calls (WhatsApp, Zoom)
• Share your daily life on social media
• Start a blog or a YouTube channel (some couples turn it into a source of income)

Tip: Plan your trips back to France during the Vietnamese summer (June-August), a period of intense heat and rain. You enjoy the French climate and avoid the difficult season in Vietnam.

Planning to Have a Child in Vietnam

Many couples wonder about this. It's entirely possible and even advantageous (cost of living, affordable domestic help). See our complete guide to living in Vietnam with children for all the details: maternity hospitals, schools, daycare, etc.

09Preparing Your Move as a Couple: Complete Checklist

Here's a chronological checklist for organizing your departure together:

6 Months Before Departure

• Define your shared project (goals, length, target city)
• Assess your sources of income in Vietnam
• Calculate your projected budget with our cost of living guide
• Start learning Vietnamese (Duolingo, online classes)
• Join expat Facebook groups
• Consult an international tax expert

3 Months Before Departure

• Book an Airbnb for the first month (flexibility to look for housing)
• Take out international health insurance
• Get a full health check-up (dentist, eye doctor, vaccines)
• Sort out logistics in France: ending/keeping your lease, storing belongings
• Inform employers, clients and government offices of your departure
• Apply for your 90-day e-visas (25 USD per person)

1 Month Before Departure

• Finalize the French paperwork (taxes, social security, bank)
• Open a Wise account for international transfers
• Pack your bags (2 x 23 kg suitcases + carry-on per person)
• Book your plane tickets (compare on Skyscanner)
• Tell family and friends, organize a farewell party
• Download useful apps: Grab (ride-hailing), Google Translate, Maps.me

First Week on the Ground

• Buy a local SIM card (Viettel, Mobifone: 100,000-200,000 VND/month)
• Open a Vietnamese bank account (if you have a long-term visa)
• Buy or rent 2 scooters (rental: 1,000,000-1,500,000 VND/month)
• Locate supermarkets, pharmacies and international hospitals
• Start looking for permanent housing
• Attend an expat event to meet people

Tip: Don't put pressure on yourselves to get everything right immediately. The first 3 months are an adjustment phase. Give yourselves time and be kind to each other.

10Vietnam vs Other Destinations for Couples

Why choose Vietnam over another destination for moving abroad?

Compared with Thailand

Vietnam's advantages:

• Cost of living 20-30% lower
• Less touristy, more authentic
• A closer-knit expat community (fewer people passing through)
• Growing professional opportunities

Thailand's advantages:

• A more accessible retirement visa (O-A)
• More developed tourist infrastructure
• English more widely spoken
• Idyllic beaches (southern islands)

Verdict: Vietnam for active and entrepreneurial couples, Thailand for retirees and beach lovers.

Compared with Portugal

Vietnam's advantages:

• Cost of living 40-50% lower
• Tropical climate (vs oceanic)
• Professional opportunities (a growing market)
• A complete change of scene

Portugal's advantages:

• Close to France (2-hour flight)
• European Union (easier paperwork)
• A Latin language (easier to learn)
• A European healthcare system

Verdict: Vietnam for adventure and purchasing power, Portugal for security and proximity.

To explore other affordable destinations, see our guide to the cheapest countries to move abroad.

11FAQ: Living in Vietnam as a Couple

Is it easy to get a visa for two people in Vietnam?

Yes, each partner must get their own visa, but the process is identical. For a short stay (less than 90 days), the online e-visa is enough (25 USD per person, 3-day processing). For a long-term move, there are several options: a work visa if one of you is employed locally (the other gets a TT family-member visa), an investor visa if you set up a company, or a TRC visa renewable annually. The process is simple with the right support. Budget 200-500 USD in fees per person for a 1-year visa.

What monthly budget do you need to live comfortably as a couple in Vietnam?

To live comfortably as a couple in Vietnam, allow between 1,500 and 2,500 € a month depending on your city and lifestyle. This budget includes: a 2-bedroom apartment (400-700 €), food and restaurants (350-600 €), transport (120-180 €), health insurance (300-500 €), and leisure (200-400 €). In Da Nang, 1,800 € is enough for an excellent standard of living. In Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, plan for 2,200-2,500 €. The advantage of being a couple: you save 30% compared with two single people living separately, thanks to sharing housing and fixed costs.

How can both of you find work in Vietnam?

Couples have several strategies to choose from: remote work for French companies (the most common solution for digital profiles), a local job for one partner with a dependent visa for the other (sectors that are hiring: teaching, hospitality, international trade), or setting up a joint business (cafe-restaurant, service agency, e-commerce). Entrepreneur couples get investor visas for both partners. The Vietnamese market is actively looking for qualified French speakers in teaching (1,500-3,000 USD/month), tourism (1,000-2,500 USD/month) and business (2,000-5,000 USD/month). Networking through expat Facebook groups and LinkedIn Vietnam is essential.

Is Vietnam safe for expat couples?

Yes, Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Southeast Asia. The crime rate is very low, especially against expats. Couples can walk around safely at any time of day in the big cities. The main risks are minor: pickpockets in tourist areas (rare), taxi scams (use Grab), and scooter accidents (wear a helmet). Vietnamese people are generally very welcoming to foreign couples, whether straight or gay. The LGBT community is visible and accepted in the big cities. The only precaution: take out good health insurance and follow the rules of the road.

Can you have children and raise them in Vietnam?

Absolutely, many French couples successfully raise their children in Vietnam. International maternity hospitals (FV Hospital in Saigon, Vinmec in Hanoi and Da Nang) offer Western-standard care. Cost of giving birth: 3,000-6,000 € (covered by good international insurance). For education, you can choose between French-speaking international schools (Lycée Français: 6,000-12,000 €/year), English-speaking international schools (8,000-20,000 €/year), or Vietnamese schools (almost free, but taught in Vietnamese). Childcare is affordable: a live-in nanny 300-500 €/month, private daycare 200-400 €/month. Vietnam offers a healthy environment for children, with a strong family culture. See our complete guide to living in Vietnam with children for all the details.

12Conclusion: Your New Life Together in Vietnam Awaits

Living in Vietnam as a couple is an extraordinary adventure that profoundly transforms your relationship and your outlook on life. The country offers an exceptional setting: an affordable cost of living, a pleasant climate, a fascinating culture, growing professional opportunities and a welcoming expat community.

As we've seen, making your move a success requires serious preparation: choosing the right visa, a realistic budget, finding housing, a professional strategy, and managing taxes and health. But with the right information and expert support, these steps become simple and smooth.

Whether you're young professionals working remotely, entrepreneurs or early retirees, Da Nang and Vietnam have everything it takes to become your new home.

To learn more about moving to Vietnam, read our complete guide to living in Vietnam and discover the pros and cons you should know before you go.