Moving to Vietnam Checklist: 47 Essential Steps (2026)

You've made the decision to move to Vietnam, and now you're wondering where to start? Between paperwork, banking, vaccines, canceling your French contracts and the logistics, the list can feel endless.

This complete checklist walks you through it step by step, from 6 months before you leave to your first weeks on the ground. Each step comes with precise timelines, real costs and insider tips to avoid the classic mistakes that cost time and money.

Whether you're moving alone, as a couple or as a family, this checklist adapts to your situation. Download it, print it, and check off each step as you go. Your move to Vietnam deserves careful preparation so you can start your new life with peace of mind.

016 Months Before Departure: Administrative Foundations

Six months before you leave, you need to lay the administrative foundations of your move. This is the time to clarify your professional, tax and family situation.

Documents and paperwork:

• ☐ Check your passport's validity (at least 6 months after your planned arrival date)
• ☐ Order certified copies of your birth certificate (at least 5 copies, issued less than 3 months ago)
• ☐ Get a criminal record extract (bulletin n°3) if you plan to work
• ☐ Have your diplomas translated and legalized by a sworn translator (cost: €40-80 per document)
• ☐ Gather your pay slips from the last 12 months
• ☐ Get a statement of your pension entitlements if this applies to you

Tip: Order at least 10 ID photos that meet international standards. You'll need them for many procedures in Vietnam (driver's license, residence card, opening a bank account).

Professional situation:

• ☐ Define your professional status in Vietnam (employee, entrepreneur, digital nomad, retiree)
• ☐ If you're an employee: negotiate your expatriation or secondment contract
• ☐ If you're an entrepreneur: consult an accountant who specializes in international matters
• ☐ If you're a digital nomad: check that your client contracts allow remote work
• ☐ Notify your current employer in line with the legal notice period

Taxes for expats in Vietnam are a complex subject that deserves close attention from this stage on. Poor planning can cost you thousands of euros in double taxation.

Family situation:

• ☐ Tell your spouse and children in an appropriate way
• ☐ Research international schools if you have children (enrollment is often 6-12 months ahead)
• ☐ Check the visa requirements for your family members
• ☐ Plan a scouting trip to Vietnam if possible (1-2 weeks)

Projected budget:

• ☐ Draw up a detailed budget for the first 6 months (setup + day-to-day living)
• ☐ Set aside an emergency fund of €5,000-10,000
• ☐ Compare the cost of living in Vietnam with your current situation
• ☐ Identify your income sources during the transition

A couple without children should budget around €15,000-20,000 for a comfortable move (plane tickets, rental deposit, basic furniture, first months of living expenses). A family with children should count on €25,000-35,000 depending on the level of comfort they want.

023-4 Months Before: Visa and Health

At this stage, you need to secure your right to stay in Vietnam and prepare your health for the transition.

Visa steps:

• ☐ Determine the visa type that fits your situation (DL, LD, DN, DT...)
• ☐ Gather the documents required for your visa type
• ☐ Apply for your visa at the Vietnamese embassy in France or through an approved agency
• ☐ If it's a work visa: get your work permit through your Vietnamese employer
• ☐ Budget for the cost: 90-day tourist visa (€95), 1-year business visa (€200-300)

Our complete guide to Vietnam visas for French citizens details the 7 types of visas available and their requirements. Choosing the right visa from the start will save you costly back-and-forth trips.

Tip: Even if you start with a tourist visa, prepare the documents for a long-term visa right now. Converting on site is possible but requires a complete file.

Health and vaccinations:

• ☐ Book an appointment at an international vaccination center (lead time: 1-2 months)
• ☐ Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Japanese encephalitis (rural areas), Rabies (if in contact with animals)
• ☐ Update your routine vaccines (DTP, MMR)
• ☐ Get a full health checkup (dentist, eye doctor, general practitioner)
• ☐ Get prescriptions for your usual treatments (6-12 months)
• ☐ Put together a basic first-aid kit

Vaccination costs (not reimbursed by French Social Security):

International health insurance:

• ☐ Compare health insurance plans for expats (Allianz, April, Cigna, AXA)
• ☐ Check reimbursement caps and exclusions
• ☐ Favor a plan that includes repatriation assistance
• ☐ Budget: €100-300/month depending on age and coverage
• ☐ Keep the CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger) if you want to maintain your French entitlements

Our detailed guide to health insurance in Vietnam compares the 8 best options for French expats, with their pros and cons.

Contraception and reproductive health (women):

• ☐ Bring a sufficient supply of contraceptives (not always available in Vietnam)
• ☐ Discuss long-term options with your gynecologist (IUD, implant)
• ☐ Bring pregnancy tests and period products (Western brands are expensive in Vietnam)

032 Months Before: Finances and Logistics

Two months before departure, you enter the operational phase: finances, housing, transportation.

Finances and banking:

• ☐ Tell your French bank about your move abroad
• ☐ Check your bank's fees abroad (withdrawals, international transfers)
• ☐ Open an account with an international online bank (Wise, Revolut, N26)
• ☐ Order a fee-free international bank card (Wise, Revolut)
• ☐ Transfer part of your savings to the international account (3-6 months of expenses)
• ☐ Keep an active French account for French direct debits (taxes, supplemental health insurance...)

Tip: Do NOT open a Vietnamese bank account before you arrive. You'll need your temporary residence card (TRC) and a local address. Wise or Revolut are more than enough for the first 3 months.

The complete guide to opening a bank account in Vietnam explains the exact procedure and the documents required for Vietcombank, Techcombank and BIDV.

Finding housing:

• ☐ Decide on your priority area (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An...)
• ☐ Join Facebook groups for French expats in Vietnam
• ☐ Contact local real estate agencies
• ☐ Plan temporary accommodation for the first 2-4 weeks (hotel, Airbnb)
• ☐ Monthly rent budget in Da Nang: studio €300-500, one-bedroom €500-800, villa €800-1,500
• ☐ Prepare the documents for renting (passport, proof of income, deposit = 2 months' rent)

If you choose Da Nang, check out our complete city guide to identify the neighborhoods that match your lifestyle.

Transportation and moving:

• ☐ Book your plane tickets (6-8 weeks ahead for the best prices)
• ☐ Compare direct flights (Paris-Hanoi: 11 hours, €600-1,200) vs. flights with layovers (€500-900)
• ☐ Decide what to bring: 2 checked bags of 23 kg + a carry-on is recommended
• ☐ Sell, give away or store your furniture and bulky items
• ☐ If shipping a container: get 3 quotes (cost: €2,000-5,000 for 20 m³)
• ☐ Take out baggage insurance for valuables

Tip: Go minimalist. You can buy everything in Vietnam, often for less than in France. A container costs as much as 6-12 months of furnished rent in Da Nang.

041 Month Before: Cancellations and Final Paperwork

The last month is crucial for closing out your administrative life in France without leaving debts or obligations behind.

Cancellations and closures:

• ☐ Terminate your lease (1-3 months' notice depending on the type of rental)
• ☐ Cancel your internet/phone plan (10 days to 1 month's notice)
• ☐ Cancel your home insurance (after handing back the keys)
• ☐ Cancel your French supplemental health insurance if you no longer need it
• ☐ Cancel your various subscriptions (gym, Netflix, magazines...)
• ☐ Close or suspend your car/motorcycle insurance contracts
• ☐ Transfer your savings and life insurance contracts (or keep them)

Taxes:

• ☐ Report your change of address to the tax office (form 2042-M)
• ☐ Give your departure date and your new address abroad
• ☐ Request a tax residence certificate if needed
• ☐ Check your situation regarding the housing tax (taxe d'habitation, prorated)
• ☐ Set up withholding at source if you keep French income
• ☐ Read the France-Vietnam tax treaty to avoid double taxation

Taxes for expats in Vietnam are a technical subject that often requires help from a specialized accountant, especially if you're an entrepreneur or have multiple sources of income.

Social security and retirement:

• ☐ Notify your CPAM (local health insurance office) of your departure (form S1 if you remain an employee in France)
• ☐ Get your career statement and your validated quarters
• ☐ Decide whether to sign up for the CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger)
• ☐ CFE contribution in 2026: about €200-400/quarter depending on your age
• ☐ Notify your pension fund if you're retired

Mail and admin:

• ☐ Set up mail forwarding (La Poste: €30-60 for 6-12 months)
• ☐ Or appoint someone you trust to handle your mail
• ☐ Switch all your accounts to paperless (bank, taxes, bills)
• ☐ Create an email address dedicated to your move
• ☐ Scan all your important documents (secure cloud)

Vehicle:

• ☐ Sell your car or leave it with a relative
• ☐ Cancel your car insurance after the sale
• ☐ Deregister the vehicle's registration certificate if you sell it
• ☐ Return your registration certificate to the prefecture

Tip: Keep a mailing address in France (parents, friends, a commercial mail-domiciliation service). Some French administrations require a French address, even for expats.

052 Weeks Before: Practical Preparation

The last two weeks are for the practical preparation of your departure and for planning your first weeks in Vietnam.

Luggage and gear:

• ☐ Pack your bags within the weight limits (check with your airline)
• ☐ Bring light, breathable clothing (tropical climate)
• ☐ Pack 1-2 professional outfits if needed
• ☐ Bring your usual medications (3-6 months)
• ☐ Bring a universal adapter (type A, C and G outlets in Vietnam)
• ☐ Bring an external hard drive with your photos and important documents
• ☐ Download useful apps: Google Maps offline, Google Translate, Grab (ride-hailing), Zalo (local messaging)

What you absolutely must bring:

• Passport + copies
• ID documents + copies
• Translated and legalized diplomas
• Medical prescriptions
• International bank card + cash (€500-1,000 or dollars)
• Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
• Chargers and power banks
• ID photos (x10)

What NOT to bring:

• Furniture and large appliances (cheaper to buy locally)
• Paper books (heavy, available as e-books)
• Winter clothes (useless in Vietnam, except in the northern mountains)
• Perishable food (banned at customs)

Phone and communication:

• ☐ Make sure your phone is unlocked for all carriers
• ☐ Download WhatsApp, Zalo and Messenger to stay in touch
• ☐ Give your loved ones your new Vietnamese number (to get on arrival)
• ☐ Plan a temporary international plan (€20-30 for 2 weeks)
• ☐ Buy a Vietnamese SIM card right at the airport (Viettel, Mobifone: €5-10 for 30 days)

Health and well-being:

• ☐ Get enough sleep before the flight (time difference of +5 or +6 hours depending on the season)
• ☐ Pack healthy snacks for the long-haul flight
• ☐ Bring a sleep mask and earplugs
• ☐ Download movies, shows and books for the flight
• ☐ Plan a jet lag remedy (melatonin)

Exit formalities:

• ☐ Check your passport and visa validity one last time
• ☐ Print your plane tickets and hotel bookings
• ☐ Take out travel insurance if your bank card's coverage isn't enough
• ☐ Save the emergency numbers: French Embassy in Vietnam (+84 24 3944 5700)
• ☐ Register on Ariane (the French Foreign Ministry's registry of French citizens traveling abroad)

Tip: Photograph all your important documents (passport, visa, driver's license, diplomas) and email them to yourself. If you lose them, you'll have a copy you can access anywhere.

06Arriving in Vietnam: The First 48 Hours

Your first hours in Vietnam are crucial to getting your move off to a good start. Here are the steps to follow as soon as you land.

At the airport:

• ☐ Go through customs (declaration required if you're carrying more than 5,000 USD)
• ☐ Collect your luggage and check that nothing is missing
• ☐ Buy a Vietnamese SIM card (counter in the arrivals hall)
• ☐ Withdraw VND from an ATM (limit: 2-5 million VND per withdrawal, or €75-185)
• ☐ Order a Grab to your temporary accommodation (or negotiate a taxi: 300-500k VND to the city center)

Tip: Avoid airport taxi drivers who approach you directly. Use the Grab app (the local equivalent of Uber) for a fixed, transparent price. Download it before you leave.

Settling into your temporary accommodation:

• ☐ Check the condition of the place and take photos
• ☐ Test the air conditioning, hot water and Wi-Fi
• ☐ Locate nearby shops (supermarket, pharmacy)
• ☐ Buy bottled water (NEVER drink tap water)
• ☐ Sleep to recover from jet lag

The first 48 hours:

• ☐ Register with the French Consulate (online on the consulate's website)
• ☐ Explore your neighborhood and public transportation
• ☐ Open a Vietnamese bank account if you already have your TRC (residence card)
• ☐ Buy a vehicle (scooter: 15-50 million VND, or €550-1,850) or rent one (2-3 million VND/month)
• ☐ Start looking for permanent housing
• ☐ Meet the local French community (Facebook groups, events)

Safety and adjustment:

• ☐ Memorize your address in Vietnamese (for taxis)
• ☐ Learn basic Vietnamese (hello: "xin chào", thank you: "cảm ơn", how much: "bao nhiêu")
• ☐ Download Google Maps and save your favorite places
• ☐ Find the nearest international hospital
• ☐ Respect local cultural norms (take your shoes off before entering, use polite forms with elders)

To deepen your understanding of Vietnamese culture, read our guide to the 15 essential things to know before moving.

07First Month: Settling In for the Long Term

The first month is devoted to settling in for the long term: permanent housing, driver's license, social network, daily routine.

Permanent housing:

• ☐ Visit 5-10 places before choosing
• ☐ Negotiate the rent and terms (length, notice, what's included)
• ☐ Sign the lease in English AND Vietnamese (certified translation)
• ☐ Pay the deposit (2 months' rent) + the first month
• ☐ Do the move-in inspection with photos
• ☐ Take out home insurance (optional but recommended)
• ☐ Set up internet (Viettel, FPT, VNPT: 200-400k VND/month, or €7-15)

Recommended neighborhoods in Da Nang:

Vietnamese driver's license:

• ☐ Gather the documents: passport, visa, medical certificate, French license, photos
• ☐ Have your French license translated by a sworn translator (€30-50)
• ☐ Get the medical checkup (50-100k VND, or €2-4)
• ☐ Submit your file to your province's transportation department
• ☐ Take the written test (can be done in English) if your license is more than 3 months old
• ☐ Get your Vietnamese license (1-4 weeks, total cost: €100-200)

Tip: Driving without a Vietnamese license voids your insurance in case of an accident. Make it a priority if you plan to ride a scooter every day.

Social network and integration:

• ☐ Join Facebook groups for French expats in Vietnam
• ☐ Attend French community events (Alliance Française, expat drinks)
• ☐ Sign up for Vietnamese lessons (200-400k VND/hour, or €7-15)
• ☐ Find a language exchange partner to practice Vietnamese
• ☐ Explore the cafés, restaurants and gyms in your neighborhood
• ☐ Find coworking spaces if you're a digital nomad

If you're a digital nomad in Vietnam, our dedicated guide will help you find the best coworking spaces and boost your productivity.

Daily routine:

• ☐ Set a sleep schedule suited to the climate (an afternoon nap is an option)
• ☐ Find your go-to shops (supermarket, local market, bakery)
• ☐ Find a French- or English-speaking general practitioner
• ☐ Join a gym or find physical activities
• ☐ Discover the local cuisine gradually (watch out for stomach upsets)

Finances and budget:

• ☐ Track your daily spending for 30 days
• ☐ Adjust your projected budget to reality
• ☐ Identify the expense categories to optimize
• ☐ Set up automatic transfers to savings
• ☐ Compare your actual cost of living with your projections

Tracking your finances rigorously for the first 3 months lets you adjust your lifestyle and avoid unpleasant surprises. Most expats underestimate their expenses by 20-30% in the first year.

083-6 Months: Consolidation and Optimization

After 3 months, you enter a consolidation phase. Your move abroad is no longer an adventure; it's your new life.

Administrative status:

• ☐ Renew your visa if needed (3 months before it expires)
• ☐ Apply for a temporary residence card (TRC) if you meet the requirements
• ☐ Update your address with the French Consulate
• ☐ Review your health coverage and adjust it if needed

Financial optimization:

• ☐ Review your tax situation with an accountant
• ☐ Optimize your France-Vietnam money transfers (Wise, Western Union)
• ☐ Renegotiate your insurance contracts if possible
• ☐ Set up a savings strategy suited to life abroad
• ☐ See an international wealth management advisor if your assets exceed €100k

Professional development:

• ☐ Assess your professional situation after 3 months
• ☐ Build your local professional network
• ☐ Attend networking events (French Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam)
• ☐ Consider local training or certifications
• ☐ If you're an entrepreneur: consider setting up a local entity

If you're thinking about starting a business abroad, our complete guide walks you through every step, from choosing a legal structure to tax optimization.

Quality of life:

• ☐ Take stock of your move: the positives and the challenges
• ☐ Adjust your lifestyle based on what you've observed
• ☐ Explore other regions of Vietnam (weekends, vacations)
• ☐ Take up new local activities and hobbies
• ☐ Stay connected with France (family, friends) without overinvesting emotionally

Tip: The first 3-6 months are often marked by a "honeymoon" phase followed by "culture shock." That's normal. Surround yourself with the expat community, talk about your difficulties, and give yourself time to adjust.

Long-term plans:

• ☐ Set your goals for the next 12-24 months
• ☐ Assess whether buying property is possible (if married to a Vietnamese national)
• ☐ Plan visits from family and friends in France
• ☐ Consider learning Vietnamese in depth (conversational level)
• ☐ Think about your 5-10 year life plan: stay in Vietnam or go back?

This reflection is essential so that you don't just "put up with" your life abroad, but make it a truly fulfilling life project.

09FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Moving Checklist

How long does it take to prepare a move to Vietnam?

A well-prepared move ideally takes 6 months of preparation. That gives you time to handle the paperwork calmly (visa, vaccines, cancellations), secure your financial situation, and visit Vietnam before settling there for good. Some expats leave within 2-3 months, but that increases stress and the risk of costly oversights. If you have children or complex assets, allow 9-12 months. Planning ahead is the key to a successful, stress-free move.

What budget should I plan to settle in Vietnam in 2026?

For a comfortable move, budget €15,000-20,000 for a single person or a couple without children, and €25,000-35,000 for a family. This budget covers: plane tickets (€1,200-2,400), temporary accommodation (€600-1,200 for 3-4 weeks), deposit and first month's rent (€1,500-3,000), buying a scooter or car (€1,000-5,000), furnishing your home (€1,000-2,000), paperwork (€500-1,000), and an emergency fund for the first 3 months (€5,000-10,000). The cost of living in Vietnam is 40-60% lower than in France, but the initial move is a significant investment.

Can you work in Vietnam on a tourist visa?

No, working in Vietnam on a tourist visa is illegal and punishable by a fine of 5-10 million VND (€185-370) and deportation. If you're a digital nomad working for foreign clients, the situation is a gray area: technically illegal, but rarely enforced if you don't work for a Vietnamese company. To work legally, you need to get a work permit (through a Vietnamese employer) or a long-term business visa. Our guide to being a digital nomad in Vietnam details the legal options and the precautions to take to avoid problems.

Do you need to speak Vietnamese to move to Vietnam?

No, speaking Vietnamese isn't required to move there, especially in big cities like Da Nang, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where English is widely spoken in shops, restaurants and tourist services. However, learning basic Vietnamese (greetings, numbers, directions) greatly improves your quality of life and makes it easier to fit in. For complex paperwork, a translator or an approved local agent is strongly recommended. After 6-12 months, most expats speak enough conversational Vietnamese for everyday interactions.

What documents are absolutely essential to bring?

The essential documents are: a passport valid for at least 6 months, a Vietnamese visa, 5-10 certified copies of your birth certificate (less than 3 months old), translated and legalized diplomas, an international + French driver's license, medical prescriptions, an international vaccination card, proof of income (last 3-6 pay slips), a recent bank statement, and 10 ID photos. Scan all these documents and store them in a secure cloud. Also bring paper copies in your carry-on. These documents will be requested for opening a bank account, renting a home, getting a Vietnamese driver's license, and many other administrative procedures.

10Conclusion: Your Move to Vietnam, Step by Step

You now have a complete checklist of 47 essential steps for a successful move to Vietnam. From preparation 6 months before departure to consolidation after 6 months on the ground, each phase has been detailed with precise timelines, real costs and insider tips.

Moving to Vietnam is an extraordinary adventure that transforms lives. But it deserves rigorous preparation to avoid costly mistakes and disappointments. This checklist is your roadmap: print it, check off each step, and move calmly toward your new life.

Remember that every move abroad is unique. Depending on your situation (single, couple, family, retiree, entrepreneur), some steps will be more or less of a priority. What matters is leaving nothing to chance on the fundamentals: visa, health, finances, housing.