Paperwork for Moving to Vietnam: The 2026 Guide

Thinking about moving to Vietnam and feeling buried under the mountain of paperwork ahead of you? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of French people choose to settle in Vietnam, and administrative procedures consistently come up as one of the biggest obstacles to their plans.

The good news? Contrary to popular belief, the paperwork for moving to Vietnam is perfectly manageable if you follow the right method. Between the steps to complete in France before you leave and the ones to handle once you're there, this guide walks you through the process step by step, so the administrative side becomes a mere formality.

In this comprehensive article, I lay out all the essential paperwork for moving to Vietnam in 2026, with detailed procedures, precise timelines and up-to-date costs. Whether you're going as an employee, an entrepreneur, a retiree or a digital nomad, you'll find all the answers to your questions here.

01Paperwork in France Before You Leave

Before you even set foot in Vietnam, several crucial administrative steps need to be taken care of in France. Preparing ahead will save you a lot of trouble once you're there.

Declaring Your Move Abroad

The first administrative step is notifying the French authorities of your departure. Contrary to a common misconception, there is no mandatory "removal from the electoral rolls," but you do need to inform several agencies:

Taxes: You must declare your change of tax residence to the Service des Impôts des Particuliers Non-Résidents (SIPNR, the French tax office for non-residents) no later than your last income tax return in France. This step is crucial for your expat taxes in Vietnam. Plan to do it 2-3 months before you leave.

Health Insurance Fund: Inform your CPAM (local French health insurance office) of your departure. You will no longer be covered by the French system, unless you opt for the Caisse des Français de l'Étranger (CFE). Recommended timing: 1 month before departure.

Pension Fund: If you're retired, notify your pension fund so it keeps paying your pension into an account you can access from Vietnam. Some funds require an annual certificate of life.

Tip: Keep a mailing address in France (family, a trusted friend, or a mail forwarding service) to receive important administrative mail. Some banks and government agencies require one.

Official Documents to Prepare

Several French documents will be essential in Vietnam, especially for local administrative procedures:

Passport: Make sure it's valid for at least 6 months after your planned arrival date. If you need to renew it, allow 4 to 6 weeks in normal periods, and up to 12 weeks in peak season.

Multilingual birth certificate: Request 3 to 5 copies from the town hall of your place of birth. You'll need them to get married in Vietnam, open a bank account, or start a business. Cost: free. Processing time: 10-15 days.

Criminal record (Bulletin No. 3): Required for some work permits. Apply online at casier-judiciaire.justice.gouv.fr. Free, received within 10 days.

Diplomas and professional certificates: Have your diplomas translated and apostilled if you plan to work in a regulated field. The apostille is issued by the Court of Appeal for your region (cost: about €5 per document).

International driving permit: Valid for 3 years, it lets you drive legally in Vietnam during your first months (although local driving habits are... unique). Free application at the préfecture, processing time 2-4 weeks.

Tip: Scan ALL your important documents and store them in a secure cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox). You'll thank me when you need a copy of your birth certificate on a Sunday night in Da Nang.

Cancelling Contracts and Subscriptions

Don't forget to cancel your commitments in France so you don't keep paying for services you'll no longer use:

• Lease: Respect your notice period (1 to 3 months depending on your situation)
• Phone plans: Most accept cancellation for a move abroad at no charge
• Insurance: Home, car, supplemental health insurance (unless you keep the CFE)
• Other subscriptions: Internet, electricity, gas, streaming, gym

Keep proof of cancellation for at least 2 years.

02The Vietnam Visa: Your First Administrative Key

The visa is THE unavoidable piece of paperwork for moving to Vietnam. Without it, you can't legally stay in the country beyond 45 days. Here I explain the options available to you in 2026.

Visa Types for Expats

Vietnam offers several visa categories suited to different expat profiles. Here are the most relevant ones:

DL Visa (Tourist): Valid for up to 90 days, multiple entries possible. It's the easiest visa to get, but it does NOT allow you to work legally. Cost: €50-80 depending on the provider. Ideal for a first exploratory stay before committing.

DN Visa (Business): Valid for 1 to 12 months, multiple entries. Lets you scout opportunities and meet partners, but not work officially. Cost: €150-300 depending on duration. Requires an invitation letter from a Vietnamese company.

LD Visa (Work): The holy grail for salaried expats. Valid for up to 2 years, renewable. Lets you work legally and obtain the Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Cost: €200-400. Requires a work permit first.

No "digital nomad" visa: as of September 23, 2026, Vietnam offers no visa dedicated to digital nomads. The DL visa is the tourist visa, which doesn't allow you to work. See our guide for digital nomads in Vietnam.

Tip: For your first exploratory trip, go with a 90-day tourist visa.

How to Get Your Visa

There are two main ways to obtain your Vietnamese visa:

1. E-visa (online): Available for stays of up to 90 days. A 100% online process at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn. Processing time: 3 business days. Cost: 25 USD. Quick and simple, but limited to 90 days maximum.

2. Visa at the embassy/consulate: For long-term visas (DN, LD). You must go in person to the Vietnamese embassy in Paris or the consulate in Marseille. Processing time: 5-7 business days (2-day express available for an extra fee). Required file: application form, 2 photos, passport, invitation letter.

3. Visa on Arrival (VOA): A controversial method that requires a prior approval letter. I no longer recommend it in 2026, because the e-visa is more reliable and cheaper.

For an in-depth guide covering every procedure, see our dedicated article: Vietnam Visa for French Citizens.

Visa Extensions and Renewals

Once in Vietnam, you can have your visa extended without leaving the country. Local agencies charge between 50 and 150 USD depending on the visa type and length of the extension. Processing time: 5-7 business days.

Watch out: every extension has its limits. A tourist visa can generally be extended 2 times at most. Beyond that, you'll have to either leave the country (a "visa run" to Thailand or Cambodia) or switch to a long-term visa.

03The Work Permit: Working Legally in Vietnam

If you plan to work for a Vietnamese company or set up your own business locally, the work permit is mandatory paperwork. Here's everything you need to know.

Who Needs a Work Permit?

Any foreigner doing paid work in Vietnam must obtain a work permit, with a few exceptions:

• Business trips totaling less than 30 days per year
• Members of the board of directors (under certain conditions)
• Some technical experts on short assignments

Digital nomads working exclusively for foreign clients operate in a gray area.

Documents Required for the Work Permit

The Vietnamese work permit process has a reputation for being complex. Here is the complete list of required documents in 2026:

Personal documents:

• Valid passport (certified copy)
• 6 ID photos, 4x6 cm, white background
• French criminal record (Bulletin No. 3) less than 6 months old, apostilled and translated into Vietnamese
• Vietnamese medical certificate (done locally, cost: 500,000-1,000,000 VND / €18-37)

Professional documents:

• Detailed résumé in Vietnamese
• Diplomas apostilled and translated into Vietnamese by a sworn translator
• Employment certificates for the last 5 years, translated
• Commitment letter from the Vietnamese employer

Employer's company documents:

• Business registration certificate
• Business license
• Justification for hiring a foreigner (the company must prove that no qualified Vietnamese candidate is available)

Tip: Translating and apostilling documents costs between €50 and €100 per document in France. In Vietnam, expect 500,000 to 1,000,000 VND (€18-37) per document for a certified translation. Have it done locally; it's cheaper.

Process and Timelines

The work permit application follows a 3-step process:

Step 1: Approval to hire a foreigner (by the employer) The Vietnamese company must first obtain approval to hire a foreigner from the local Department of Labor. Processing time: 5-7 business days.

Step 2: Work permit application Once approval is granted, the complete file is submitted. Processing time: 5-15 business days depending on the province. Da Nang is generally faster than Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Step 3: Getting the work visa (LD) With the work permit in hand, you apply for the LD visa. Processing time: 5-7 days.

Total processing time: 3 to 5 weeks on average. Overall cost: 2,000,000-5,000,000 VND (€74-185) in official fees, plus agency fees (100-300 USD) if you use an intermediary.

Renewing the Work Permit

The Vietnamese work permit is valid for 2 years maximum. Renewal must be requested 45 days before expiration. The process is similar to the initial application, but slightly simplified (no need to resubmit your diplomas if you stay with the same employer).

04The Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

Once you have your long-term visa and work permit, you need to apply for the Temporary Residence Card (TRC), the Vietnamese equivalent of the French residence permit (carte de séjour).

What Is the TRC and Why Does It Matter?

The TRC is a Vietnamese ID card for foreigners that proves your legal residence. It offers several practical benefits:

• Makes it easier to open bank accounts
• Makes it easier to sign up for services (phone, internet)
• Simplifies renting an apartment
• Saves you from constantly showing your passport
• Lets you leave and re-enter Vietnam without an additional visa while it's valid

Documents and Process for Getting the TRC

Required documents:

• Application form (provided by the immigration office)
• Original passport + copy
• Valid LD visa
• Work permit
• 6 photos, 4x6 cm
• Temporary residence certificate (issued by your neighborhood police station)
• Vietnamese medical certificate

Process:

1. Get the residence certificate from the local police (processing time: 3-5 days)
2. Take the medical exam at an approved hospital (1 day, results within 3-5 days)
3. Submit the complete file to the Immigration Department
4. Pick up your TRC

Total processing time: 15-20 business days Cost: 1,000,000-2,000,000 VND (€37-74)

The TRC is valid for the duration of your work visa (up to 2 years). It must be renewed at the same time as your visa and work permit.

Tip: As soon as you receive your TRC, get 5 certified color copies. You'll need them for many procedures (bank, rental, etc.), and Vietnamese agencies often keep the originals.

05Residence Declaration and Temporary Registration

In Vietnam, every foreigner staying more than 30 days must be registered with the local authorities. This piece of paperwork is often overlooked, but it's mandatory.

Temporary Residence Registration

When you rent an apartment in Vietnam, your landlord must register you with the local police station within 7 days of moving in. The procedure is free and quick (1-2 days).

Required documents:

• Copy of your passport and visa
• Lease agreement
• Landlord's ID
• Property ownership certificate ("Red Book")

You'll receive a temporary registration certificate (giấy chứng nhận đăng ký tạm trú), which is essential for your TRC application.

Tip: Some landlords are reluctant to do this (for tax reasons). Insist, or find another place. Without this certificate, you won't be able to get your TRC or easily open a bank account in Vietnam.

Declaring Short Stays

If you're staying at a hotel or with a friend, the establishment or your host must also declare you to the local police within 24 hours. Hotels do it automatically, but if you're staying with a local, your host must go to the police station with:

• Your passport
• Their Vietnamese household registration book
• The declaration form (provided by the police)

This requirement is rarely enforced for short tourist stays, but it is still a legal obligation.

06Paperwork Specific to Your Situation

Depending on your situation, additional administrative steps may apply. Here's an overview of the special cases.

For Entrepreneurs and Business Founders

If you plan to start a business in Vietnam, the paperwork gets more complex:

Legal structure to choose:

• Wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE): Minimum capital 50,000 USD, 2-3 month process
• Joint venture: Partnership with a Vietnamese national, faster but shared control
• Representative office: No direct commercial activity, ideal for scouting the market

Required administrative documents:

• Investment Registration Certificate
• Business Registration Certificate
• Company seal (mandatory in Vietnam)
• Tax registration
• Business bank account opening

Timelines and costs:

• WFOE: 2-3 months, cost 3,000-8,000 USD (lawyers + official fees)
• Joint venture: 1-2 months, cost 2,000-5,000 USD
• Representative office: 3-4 weeks, cost 1,500-3,000 USD

Tip: Business sectors are regulated. Some are off-limits to foreigners (media, security), others are subject to conditions (education, healthcare). Check Vietnam's "Negative List" before you start.

For Retirees

French retirees can retire in Vietnam on a renewable tourist visa (DL), but there is still no dedicated retirement visa in 2026 (unlike Thailand).

Specific paperwork:

• Annual certificate of life to send to your French pension fund (available from the French consulate in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City)
• Keep filing French income tax returns (you remain a French tax resident if you have no tax residence elsewhere)
• International health insurance is mandatory (CFE + supplemental coverage is recommended)

For Families with Children

If you're going to live in Vietnam with children, additional paperwork comes into play:

Visas for children: Children of a work visa holder can get a TT visa (family member), requested by the same sponsor, generally for the same duration as the parent's visa. For a child under 14, the official fee is 25 USD regardless of duration (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC).

Schooling:

• International school: enroll 3-6 months in advance, fees 10,000-25,000 USD/year
• Required documents: translated school reports, vaccination certificate, medical certificate
• The CNED (French distance learning) is an alternative, cost €1,000-2,000/year

Vaccinations: Although not legally required, some vaccinations are strongly recommended: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies (if in contact with animals). Total cost: €300-500 in France.

For Married Couples or Civil Partners (PACS)

If you're going to live in Vietnam as a couple, your spouse can get a dependent visa (TT) tied to your work visa.

Required documents:

• French marriage or PACS certificate, apostilled and translated
• Spouse's passport
• Proof of the relationship (photos, joint documents)

The spouse visa has the same duration as the main visa and allows your spouse to reside legally, but not to work. To work, they will need to obtain their own work permit.

Tip: Getting married in Vietnam is possible and relatively simple (1 month, cost 500,000 VND / €18), but recognition in France requires a transcription at the consulate (3-6 months). It's better to get married in France before you leave.

07Banking and Financial Paperwork in Vietnam

Managing your money in Vietnam involves a few specific administrative steps, especially when opening a bank account.

Opening a Vietnamese Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Vietnam is a near-mandatory step for any expat, especially to receive your salary or pay local bills.

Required documents (non-resident account):

• Original passport
• Visa valid for more than 3 months
• Vietnamese phone number
• Initial deposit: 500,000-1,000,000 VND (€18-37) depending on the bank

Required documents (resident account):

• Passport + visa
• TRC (Temporary Residence Card)
• Temporary registration certificate
• Work permit (if employed)

Recommended banks for expats: Vietcombank, BIDV, Techcombank, VPBank. Opening takes 30-60 minutes, and you'll receive your bank card within 5-7 days.

Tip: Open a non-resident account as soon as you arrive (it's simpler), then convert it to a resident account once you have your TRC. This gives you access to more services (credit, simpler international transfers).

International Money Transfers

To transfer your French savings to Vietnam, you have several options:

Recommended services:

• Wise (formerly TransferWise): Real exchange rate, 0.5-1% fees, 1-2 days
• Revolut: Free up to €1,000/month, then 0.5%
• Western Union: Fast (a few hours) but expensive (3-5%)
• SWIFT transfer: Through your bank, slow (3-5 days) and costly (€25-40 in fees)

Legal limit: you can transfer up to 50,000 USD per year to Vietnam without any specific supporting documents. Above that, you'll need to prove the source of the funds.

Taxes and Tax Returns

Even as an expat, you still have tax obligations in France for at least the year you leave. See our complete guide to expat taxes in Vietnam to understand everything.

Key points:

• French income tax return for the year of departure (French income + any foreign income)
• After 183 days in Vietnam, you become a Vietnamese tax resident
• The France-Vietnam tax treaty prevents double taxation
• Vietnamese income tax: 5-35% depending on the bracket

08Health Paperwork for Expats in Vietnam

Health is a crucial topic that requires some paperwork before and after you arrive in Vietnam.

International Health Insurance

Taking out health insurance for expats in Vietnam is an essential step. Vietnam's public healthcare system is uneven in quality, and international hospitals (essential for serious care) are very expensive.

Insurance options:

Tip: For your first year, choose comprehensive international insurance. Once you're familiar with the local healthcare system, you can adjust your coverage. A GP visit costs 500,000-1,000,000 VND (€18-37) at international clinics.

Medical Certificate and Vaccinations

Several medical formalities are required for your move:

Vietnamese medical certificate: Mandatory for the work permit and the TRC. You must get it at an approved hospital in Vietnam (list available from the immigration office). Exams included: blood test, chest X-ray, HIV test, general checkup.

Cost: 500,000-1,500,000 VND (€18-55) depending on the hospital Processing time: results within 3-5 days

Recommended vaccinations: No vaccination is legally required to enter Vietnam, but the following are strongly advised:

• Hepatitis A and B
• Typhoid
• Japanese encephalitis (if staying in rural areas)
• Rabies (if in contact with animals)
• Up-to-date DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio)

Total cost in France: €300-500. In Vietnam: €150-250 (cheaper, but quality varies).

Registering with the Register of French Citizens Abroad

Although it's not mandatory, registering with the consular register is strongly recommended. It makes your administrative procedures easier and allows the consulate to contact you in an emergency.

Benefits:

• Makes it easier to renew your passport and ID card
• Lets you vote in French elections from abroad
• Consular assistance if something goes wrong (lost documents, accident, etc.)
• Receiving important information (safety, health)

Process: Register online on service-public.fr or in person at the French consulate (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City). Required documents: passport, proof of address in Vietnam, birth certificate. Free.

09Complete Paperwork Checklist

To help you see clearly, here is a chronological checklist of all the paperwork for moving to Vietnam. For an even more detailed version with 47 steps, see our complete Vietnam moving checklist.

3-6 Months Before Departure

• Check your passport's validity (at least 6 months after your arrival date)
• Order multilingual birth certificates (3-5 copies)
• Have your diplomas apostilled and translated
• Request your criminal record (Bulletin No. 3)
• Take out international health insurance
• Start the recommended vaccinations
• Notify the tax office of your change of tax residence
• Look for a job or prepare your business project
• Apply for your international driving permit

1-3 Months Before Departure

• Apply for your visa (DT for exploring, or LD if your job is confirmed)
• Cancel your lease, subscriptions and contracts in France
• Notify the CPAM of your departure
• Open a Wise or Revolut account for international transfers
• Scan all your important documents (secure cloud)
• Set up a mailing address in France
• Sell, give away or store your belongings
• Book your flight

On Arrival in Vietnam (Weeks 1-2)

• Buy a Vietnamese SIM card (Viettel, Vinaphone, Mobifone)
• Find temporary accommodation (hotel, Airbnb)
• Register with the French consular register
• Open a non-resident bank account
• Explore neighborhoods and choose where to live
• Meet your employer and finalize your employment contract

Months 1-2 in Vietnam

• Sign the lease and move into your permanent home
• Have your landlord register your temporary residence (within 7 days)
• Get your Vietnamese medical certificate
• Start the work permit process (if employed)
• Apply for the work visa (LD) once the permit is granted
• Convert your bank account to a resident account

Months 2-3 in Vietnam

• Get your TRC (Temporary Residence Card)
• Finalize opening your resident bank account
• Sign up for Vietnamese lessons (strongly recommended)
• Settle into a routine and explore your new city
• Build your social and professional network

Tip: This timeline is a guideline. Every situation is unique. Some people get their TRC in 6 weeks, others in 4 months. Patience is an essential virtue in Vietnam!

10Administrative Mistakes You Must Avoid

Here are the most common and costly administrative mistakes, and how to avoid them.

Mistake No. 1: Neglecting Residence Registration

Many expats forget to have their temporary residence registered with the local police. The result: no way to get a TRC, trouble opening a bank account, and a potential fine of 500,000-2,000,000 VND (€18-74) if you're checked.

Solution: Insist that your landlord handles this within 7 days of your move-in. If they refuse, find another place.

Mistake No. 2: Working on a Tourist Visa

It's very tempting as a way to avoid work permit paperwork, but it's illegal and risky. Inspections are becoming more frequent, especially in coworking spaces in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Penalties: fines, deportation, entry ban.

Solution: Vietnam has no digital nomad visa. If you work there, get a proper work permit and the matching visa.

Mistake No. 3: Letting Your Visa Expire

An overstay costs 500,000 VND (€18) per day, up to a maximum of 25,000,000 VND (€925). Beyond 90 days of overstay: deportation and an entry ban.

Solution: Set a reminder 30 days before your visa expires. Local agencies can handle the extension in 5-7 days.

Mistake No. 4: Not Getting Your Documents Apostilled in France

The apostille (international certification) can only be obtained in France. If you forget, you'll have to either fly back to France or send your documents by courier (expensive and risky).

Solution: Have ALL your official documents apostilled before you leave (diplomas, birth certificate, criminal record, marriage certificate). Cost: €5 per document, processing time: 1-2 weeks.

Mistake No. 5: Underestimating Administrative Delays

Vietnamese government offices work at their own pace. A work permit announced as "10 days" can actually take 4 weeks.

Solution: Multiply every announced timeline by 1.5 or 2. Build in a safety margin, especially if you have commitments (contract start date, apartment rental).

To learn about the 10 fatal mistakes to avoid when moving abroad, see our dedicated guide: 10 Fatal Mistakes to Avoid When Moving to Vietnam.

11Useful Resources and Contacts for Your Paperwork

Here is a list of essential contacts for your administrative procedures in Vietnam.

French Government Offices

French Embassy in Vietnam

• Hanoi: 57 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District
• Phone: +84 24 3944 5700
• Email: contact@ambafrance-vn.org
• Website: https://vn.ambafrance.org

Consulate General of France

• Ho Chi Minh City: 27 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1
• Phone: +84 28 3520 6800

Service des Impôts des Particuliers Non-Résidents (SIPNR, tax office for non-residents)

• Address: 10 rue du Centre, TSA 10010, 93465 Noisy-le-Grand Cedex
• Phone: +33 1 72 95 20 42
• Email: sip.nonresidents@dgfip.finances.gouv.fr

Vietnamese Government Offices

Immigration Department (Da Nang)

• Address: 7 Tran Quy Cap Street, Hai Chau District
• Phone: +84 236 3822 468
• Hours: 7:30-11:30 am and 1:30-5:00 pm (Monday-Friday)

Department of Labor (Da Nang)

• Address: 22 Tran Phu Street, Hai Chau District
• Phone: +84 236 3822 072

Official e-visa

• Website: https://evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
• Cost: 25 USD
• Processing time: 3 business days

Recommended Agencies and Services

Sworn Translators in Da Nang

• Cost: 200,000-300,000 VND (€7-11) per page

International Hospitals for the Medical Certificate

• Family Medical Practice Da Nang: 96-98 Nguyen Van Linh
• Vinmec International Hospital: 290-296 Nguyen Van Linh

Tip: Join French-speaking expat Facebook groups in Vietnam ("Français au Vietnam", "Expats Da Nang"). You'll find valuable first-hand experience and up-to-date recommendations there.

12Vietnam vs Other Expat Destinations

How does Vietnamese paperwork compare with other popular destinations?

Vietnam sits in the middle in terms of administrative complexity. The paperwork is simpler than in Indonesia but more complex than in Portugal. Vietnam's major advantage: the very affordable cost of living more than makes up for the few administrative hassles.

For a detailed comparison with Thailand, see our article: Moving to Vietnam vs Thailand.

13Conclusion: Simplify Your Paperwork

As you can see, the paperwork for moving to Vietnam is extensive, but perfectly manageable with the right method and the right information. From your visa application to getting your Temporary Residence Card, every step follows a clear logic.

Key takeaways:

• Plan ahead: start your paperwork 3-6 months before you leave
• Prepare your documents in France: apostilles, translations, criminal record
• Respect deadlines: Vietnamese authorities are strict about dates
• Don't skip any step: residence registration is just as important as the visa
• Be patient: timelines are often longer than announced

The real question isn't "is it complicated?" but "how can I make the best use of my time and avoid costly mistakes?" With a good method and, for the heaviest procedures, help from a licensed local agent, you'll save time and can focus on what matters: enjoying your new life in Vietnam.

Your new life in Vietnam starts now. Don't let paperwork hold you back!