Retiring in Vietnam: Complete 2026 Guide and Budget

Dreaming of spending your retirement under the Asian sun, in a country where your purchasing power will triple? Every year, Vietnam attracts hundreds of French retirees looking for an exceptional quality of life at an affordable price. A pleasant climate, an attractive cost of living, a modern healthcare system and a welcoming population: all the ingredients are there for a golden retirement.

Still, retiring in Vietnam isn't something you can improvise. Between the paperwork, choosing the right visa, managing your taxes and organizing your health coverage, there are plenty of questions. In this complete guide, written from Da Nang, I help you prepare your Vietnamese retirement plan with peace of mind. You'll discover real budgets, the best cities to settle in, and all the practical advice you need to make this new adventure a success.

01Why Choose Vietnam for Your Retirement?

Vietnam has become a destination of choice for French retirees, and it's no coincidence. Here are the concrete advantages of the country, and its constraints.

Considerably greater purchasing power. With an average French pension (1,400€), you'll live here like a senior executive. A restaurant meal costs between 2 and 5€, a modern apartment with a pool rents for 400-600€/month, and a medical consultation at an international hospital costs 30-50€. According to the French Embassy in Vietnam, the cost of living is 50 to 60% lower than in mainland France.

A favorable climate all year round. Unlike harsh French winters, Vietnam offers mild temperatures. In Da Nang, the thermometer ranges from 20°C in winter to 35°C in summer. Hanoi has a cooler winter (15-20°C), while Saigon stays tropical all year round (25-35°C). This climate makes it possible to stay physically active on a regular basis, which is essential for seniors' health.

Modern medical infrastructure. Vietnam's big cities have international hospitals (Vinmec, FV Hospital, Family Medical Practice) where the staff speak English and French. The equipment meets Western standards, and there are no waiting times. Surgery costs 3 to 4 times less than in France, with the same quality of care.

Tip: Da Nang and Hoi An offer the best balance for retirees: a pleasant climate, modern infrastructure, an established French-speaking community, and beautiful beaches 10 minutes away.

Reassuring safety. Vietnam has a very low crime rate. You can walk around alone at midnight without fear. Tourist scams exist, but physical violence is exceptional. Respect for elders is rooted in Vietnamese culture, and you'll receive particular consideration.

To dig deeper into the pros and cons of life in Vietnam, see our complete guide to the pros and cons of living in Vietnam.

02What Budget Do You Need to Retire in Vietnam?

The budget question is central to your plans. Here's a detailed analysis based on the real expenses of French retirees living in Vietnam.

Comfortable Budget: 800-1,200€/month

This budget allows a very comfortable life for a couple:

On this budget, you live in a modern apartment, eat out 3-4 times a week, enjoy regular massages (10€/hour), and travel around the region from time to time.

Premium Budget: 1,500-2,500€/month

This budget offers a "high-end expat" lifestyle:

• Sea-view apartment with concierge services: 800-1,200€
• International restaurants on a regular basis: 400-600€
• Comprehensive international health insurance: 200-400€
• Housekeeper 3x/week: 150€
• Frequent trips around Southeast Asia: 300-500€
• Golf lessons, spa, premium activities: 200-300€

Tip: If your pension is under 1,000€, Vietnam is still within reach on a budget of 600-800€/month by adopting a more local lifestyle (markets, home cooking, Vietnamese neighborhoods). See our article on the cheapest countries to move abroad to optimize your spending.

One-Off Costs to Plan For

• Initial setup: 2,000-3,500€ (housing deposit, furniture, visa, plane tickets)
• Annual visa: 300-800€ depending on the type
• Medical repatriation (insurance): 400-800€/year
• Trips back to France: 600-1,200€/ticket depending on the season

For an even more detailed analysis of expenses, I recommend our complete guide to the cost of living in Vietnam.

03Visa Solutions for Retirees in Vietnam

Vietnam doesn't offer a specific "retirement" visa, unlike Thailand or the Philippines. Here are the realistic options for a long stay.

Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (90 Days)

How it works: This visa lets you stay 90 consecutive days in Vietnam, with the possibility of renewal.

Pros:

• Easy to get (online application via e-visa or on arrival)
• Moderate cost: 50-80€ per quarter
• Flexibility to try out the country before a long-term commitment

Cons:

• You have to leave the country every 90 days (visa run)
• Tax residence isn't possible
• Uncertainty over successive renewals

Tip: Visa runs to Cambodia (Phnom Penh) or Thailand (Bangkok) cost 100-200€ and can turn into pleasant mini-vacations. Many retirees follow this rhythm for 1-2 years before switching to a more stable solution.

Temporary Residence Visa (1-3 Years)

How it works: Obtained through sponsorship by a Vietnamese company or by setting up your own structure.

Pros:

• Valid for 1 to 3 years with no mandatory exit
• Lets you obtain a temporary residence card (TRC)
• A basis for tax residence if you wish

Cons:

• Requires sponsorship (cost: 500-1,000€/year through an agency)
• A more complex administrative procedure
• Renewal to be planned 2 months before expiry

Practical solution: there is no retirement visa in Vietnam. Some agencies offer sponsorship by a local company; before paying, check that this arrangement matches your real situation, because a sponsorship of convenience exposes you to a refusal or the cancellation of your visa.

5-Year Visa for Spouses of Vietnamese Citizens

If you're married to a Vietnamese citizen, you can obtain a renewable 5-year visa exemption. It's the most stable solution, but it obviously requires a legal marriage recognized in Vietnam.

Permanent Residence Card

After 3 years of continuous temporary residence with a significant contribution to the country (investment, marriage, etc.), you can apply for a permanent residence card. It's rare for retirees, but possible for those who invest in real estate or set up a company.

To understand everything about Vietnamese visas, see our complete guide to Vietnam visas for French citizens.

04Taxes: Optimizing Your Retirement in Vietnam

Taxes are a crucial subject that can save you (or cost you) several thousand euros a year. Here's what you absolutely need to know.

Tax Residence: France or Vietnam?

You're considered a Vietnamese tax resident if you spend more than 183 days a year in the country. However, the 1993 France-Vietnam tax treaty protects against double taxation.

Scenario 1: Remaining a French tax resident

• You spend less than 183 days in Vietnam (or keep a permanent home in France)
• Your pensions are taxed in France only
• Tax rate according to your French marginal bracket (0-45%)
• You pay CSG/CRDS (French social levies, 9.1%) on your pensions

Scenario 2: Becoming a Vietnamese tax resident

• You spend more than 183 days in Vietnam
• Your pensions remain taxable in France (Article 18 of the treaty)
• You are exempt from CSG/CRDS (a 9.1% saving)
• You must declare your worldwide income in Vietnam, but French pensions are not taxed again

Tip: For most retirees, becoming a Vietnamese tax resident saves 9.1% of CSG/CRDS on pensions. On a pension of 2,000€/month, that's an annual saving of 2,184€! The procedure goes through the Non-Residents Tax Office in France.

Steps to Leave the French Tax System

1. Prove your departure: Vietnamese lease, electricity bills, local bank statements
2. Declare your change of residence: Form 2042-NR with the Non-Residents Tax Office (10 rue du Centre, 93465 Noisy-le-Grand Cedex)
3. Obtain a Vietnamese tax residence certificate: Requested from the local Tax Department with your TRC
4. Close your accounts and ties in France: Or convert them into non-resident accounts

Watch out: if you keep a main residence in France, major economic interests there, or if your close family lives there, the French tax authorities can challenge your change of residence.

For an in-depth analysis of all the tax aspects, see our complete guide to expat taxes in Vietnam.

Local Taxes in Vietnam

As a Vietnamese tax resident, you must declare your worldwide income, but:

• French pensions are NOT taxed in Vietnam (tax treaty)
• Local income (rent, Vietnamese dividends) is taxed at 5% to 35%
• No housing tax or wealth tax
• 10% VAT on most goods and services

05Health and Medical Coverage for Retirees

Health is the number one concern of expat retirees. Here's how to organize optimal coverage in Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Healthcare System

Vietnam has a two-tier healthcare system:

Public hospitals: Overcrowded, a language barrier, aging equipment. Very low costs but uneven quality. Best avoided except for minor emergencies.

Private international hospitals: Western standards, English/French-speaking staff, modern equipment. Present in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Main recommended facilities:

• Vinmec International Hospital (Hanoi, Da Nang, Saigon): The largest private network, JCI-accredited
• FV Hospital (Saigon): Partnerships with French hospitals, French-speaking doctors
• Family Medical Practice (Hanoi, Da Nang, Saigon): Clinics for routine consultations
• Hoan My Hospital (Da Nang): Good value for money, 24/7 emergency room

Tip: In Da Nang, Vinmec International Hospital has a telemedicine service in French. Ideal for follow-up consultations with your Vietnamese doctors from France when you go back.

Health Insurance Options

Option 1: Comprehensive international health insurance

Recommended insurers: April International, Allianz Care, Cigna Global, AXA Global Healthcare.

• Worldwide coverage including repatriation
• Direct billing at partner hospitals
• Cost: 200-600€/month depending on age and coverage
• Annual ceilings: 500,000€ to unlimited

Pros: Complete peace of mind, coverage in France included for your trips back, 24/7 assistance.

Cons: High cost, large deductibles, exclusions for pre-existing conditions after age 65.

Option 2: Local Vietnamese insurance + CFE

Local insurers: Bao Viet, Bao Minh, PVI.

• Coverage in Vietnam only
• Cost: 80-150€/month
• Ceilings: 50,000-100,000€/year
• • CFE (Caisse des Français de l'Étranger) for France: 150-200€/month

Pros: Controlled cost, good local coverage, French social security maintained.

Cons: Dealing with two insurers, sometimes limited ceilings.

Option 3: Paying directly (self-insurance)

Some retirees with comfortable assets choose to pay for their care directly and only keep repatriation insurance (400-800€/year).

Examples of real costs in Vietnam:

• GP consultation: 30-50€
• Specialist consultation: 50-80€
• MRI: 200-300€
• Appendectomy: 2,000-3,000€
• Hip replacement: 8,000-12,000€
• Chemotherapy (per cycle): 1,500-3,000€

Tip: For healthy retirees aged 60-70, the combination of local insurance (100€/month) + a 10,000€ emergency fund + repatriation insurance offers the best balance of peace of mind and cost. Over 70, or with chronic conditions, favor comprehensive international insurance.

Medication and Pharmacies

Vietnamese pharmacies are very well stocked and sell many medications without a prescription. Prices are 50-70% lower than in France.

Watch out: If you're on long-term treatment, build up a 3-month supply when you go back to France, or ask your Vietnamese doctor to prescribe the local equivalent. Indian generics are widely available and reliable.

06The Best Cities for Retirees in Vietnam

The city you choose to live in will have a considerable impact on your quality of life. Here's my analysis.

Da Nang: The Optimal Choice

Why it's my number one recommendation:

• Ideal climate: 300 days of sunshine, temperatures of 20-35°C
• Beautiful beaches 10 minutes from the center (My Khe, Non Nuoc)
• Modern infrastructure: international airport, quality hospitals
• Cost of living 15% lower than Saigon
• Low pollution compared with Hanoi or Saigon
• An established French-speaking community (150+ families)
• Close to Hoi An (30 min), a beautiful UNESCO-listed town

Typical budget in Da Nang: 800-1,200€/month for a couple

Tip: The An Thuong neighborhood (near My Khe Beach) is the favorite of expat retirees: quiet, Western cafes, supermarkets, and 5 minutes from the beach by bike. A 2-bedroom apartment with a pool rents there for 450-650€/month.

Find out why Da Nang is the ideal destination in our complete guide to Da Nang, Vietnam.

Hoi An: Charm and Tranquility

Pros:

• A UNESCO-listed town with its charm preserved
• A village atmosphere, a slow pace of life
• Excellent restaurants and cafes
• The very pleasant An Bang Beach
• A strong community of expat retirees

Cons:

• Mass tourism in high season
• Limited medical infrastructure (hospital in Da Nang)
• Fewer cultural activities
• Slightly higher cost than Da Nang

Typical budget: 900-1,400€/month

Nha Trang: The Vietnamese Riviera

Pros:

• A beautiful bay, white sand beaches
• Lots of water sports
• Good tourist infrastructure
• Large Russian and Korean communities

Cons:

• Very touristy, sometimes noisy
• Intense heat in summer (35-40°C)
• Less authentic than Da Nang
• Limited international hospitals

Typical budget: 750-1,100€/month

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The Urban Option

Pros:

• A dynamic city with a rich cultural offering
• The best hospitals in the country (FV Hospital, Vinmec)
• Many direct international flights
• A large French community (consulate, French lycée)

Cons:

• Heavy pollution and noise
• Chaotic traffic
• Cost of living 30% higher than Da Nang
• Constant heat and humidity (28-35°C all year round)
• No beach (1h30 from Vung Tau)

Typical budget: 1,100-1,800€/month

Best avoided for retirees: Hanoi (pollution, cold and damp winter), isolated rural areas (limited access to care).

07Social Life and Integration for Retirees

A successful move abroad also means building social ties and avoiding isolation.

The French-Speaking Community

Vietnam has around 6,000 French permanent residents (source: French Embassy). Retirees make up about 20% of this population.

Associations and clubs:

• Alliance Française (Hanoi, Da Nang, Saigon): Vietnamese classes, cultural events, library
• Accueil des Français au Vietnam: A mutual support network, organized outings, practical advice
• Sports clubs: Golf (Da Nang Golf Club, BRG Da Nang), tennis, hiking
• Facebook groups: "Français à Da Nang", "Expats Francophones Vietnam", "Retraités au Vietnam"

Tip: Join the "Français à Da Nang" Facebook group even before you arrive. You'll find housing listings and doctor recommendations there, and you can ask experienced residents all your questions.

Learning Vietnamese

While English is enough in tourist areas, learning Vietnamese greatly enriches your experience:

• Private lessons: 8-15€/hour
• Group classes (Alliance Française): 150-250€/quarter
• Apps: Duolingo, Ling, Vietnamese Pod 101

Realistic goal: Reach a basic conversational level (markets, restaurants, taxis) in 6-12 months with 2-3 hours of practice a week.

Activities and Leisure

Sports and well-being:

• Yoga: 5-8€/class, many studios
• Swimming: public pools 1-2€/entry
• Golf: green fee 40-80€, annual memberships 1,500-3,000€
• Hiking: the Marble Mountains, Ba Na Hills, the Hai Van Pass
• Traditional massage: 10-15€/hour

Culture and discovery:

• Vietnamese cooking classes: 20-40€
• Guided tours of UNESCO sites (Hoi An, Hue, My Son)
• Ha Long Bay cruises: 150-300€ for 2-3 days
• Local festivals: Tet (New Year), the Mid-Autumn Festival

Volunteering:

Many retirees get involved in local associations:

• Teaching French/English in schools
• Supporting orphanages
• Protecting the environment (beach cleanups)

08Housing: Renting and Buying for Retirees

Renting: The Recommended Solution

For 95% of expat retirees, renting is the best option.

Price ranges (Da Nang):

• Modern studio: 250-400€/month
• 2-bedroom apartment: 400-700€/month
• 3-bedroom house with garden: 600-1,000€/month
• Sea-view penthouse: 1,000-2,000€/month

What's usually included:

• Full furnishings
• Air conditioning
• Access to a pool and gym (in residences)
• Water (sometimes)

What you pay for:

• Electricity (40-80€/month depending on AC use)
• Internet (10-20€/month)
• Maintenance and minor repairs

The rental process:

1. Viewing (in person or virtually through an agency)
2. Rent negotiation (10-15% of leeway possible)
3. Signing the contract (6 or 12 months minimum)
4. Payment: 1 month's deposit + 1-2 months in advance
5. Move-in inspection with photos

Tip: Always negotiate a contract of at least 6 months with an early termination clause (1-2 months' notice). Ask the landlord to pay the property tax (normally their responsibility) and to provide an official receipt for your residence file.

Buying Property: Possible but Complicated

Foreigners can buy an apartment in Vietnam (2015 law), but with restrictions:

Legal conditions:

• Condominiums only (no land)
• A maximum of 30% of a building's units for foreigners
• Ownership period: 50 years, renewable
• A temporary residence visa is mandatory

Average prices (Da Nang, 2026):

• 2-bedroom apartment in the city center: 80,000-150,000€
• 3-bedroom sea-view apartment: 150,000-300,000€
• Luxury penthouse: 300,000-600,000€

Additional costs:

• Notary fees: 2-3% of the price
• Registration tax: 0.5%
• Condominium fees: 1-2€/m²/month
• Property tax: 0.03-0.15% of the value/year

Advantages of buying:

• Stability and independence
• Possibility of renting it out (5-7% gross yield/year)
• No monthly rent

Disadvantages:

• Capital tied up
• Reselling can be complicated
• Uncertainty over renewal after 50 years
• Inheritance isn't straightforward

My advice: Rent for 1-2 years to try out different neighborhoods and confirm your choice before considering a purchase.

09Preparing Your Departure: Complete Checklist

Here's a complete checklist, organized by timing.

6-12 Months Before Departure

• Define your target monthly budget
• Choose your destination city (a scouting trip is recommended)
• Consult a tax lawyer to optimize your situation
• Compare international health insurance plans
• Check your passport's validity (6 months minimum)
• Inform your pension fund of your plans
• Plan the management of your assets in France (sale, rental, power of attorney)

3-6 Months Before Departure

• Take out your health insurance
• Get your first Vietnam visa (a 90-day e-visa to start)
• Book your plane ticket
• Arrange temporary accommodation (hotel/Airbnb for 1 month)
• Open a Wise or Revolut account for international transfers
• Digitize all your important documents (passport, diplomas, medical certificates)
• Order an international Vietnamese SIM card (Vinaphone, Viettel)
• Learn the basics of Vietnamese

1-3 Months Before Departure

• Get a full health and dental check-up in France
• Build up a supply of medication (3-6 months)
• Get your prescriptions translated into English
• Cancel your French subscriptions (electricity, internet, insurance)
• Set up mail forwarding (family, mail forwarding service)
• Inform your French bank of your move abroad
• Notify the tax office of your change of residence
• Get the recommended vaccines (hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis)

On Arrival in Vietnam

• Buy a local SIM card (10€, at the airport)
• Open a Vietnamese bank account (Vietcombank, Techcombank)
• Look for your permanent housing (2-4 weeks)
• Register in the Register of French Nationals Abroad (Consulate)
• Get your temporary residence card (TRC)
• Identify your main hospital
• Join local expat groups

Tip: Registering in the Register of French Nationals Abroad isn't mandatory, but it's strongly recommended. It makes your administrative procedures easier, lets you vote in elections, and you'll receive security alerts from the Consulate.

10FAQ: Retiring in Vietnam

Can I receive my French pension while living in Vietnam?

Yes, absolutely. Your pensions (general scheme, supplementary schemes, civil service) continue to be paid even if you live abroad. You simply need to:

1. Inform your pension fund of your change of address
2. Provide an annual life certificate (available from the French Consulate or a Vietnamese authority)
3. Keep a French or European bank account for the payments

Payment dates stay the same (beginning of the month). You can then transfer the money to your Vietnamese account via Wise (fees 0.4-0.6%) or a standard SWIFT transfer (fees 15-30€).

Is Vietnam safe for older people?

Yes, Vietnam is one of the safest countries in Asia for retirees. The violent crime rate is very low, and respect for elders is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. The main precautions concern:

• Road traffic (cross carefully, avoid riding a scooter if you're not comfortable)
• Minor tourist scams (unofficial taxis, fake guides)
• Sunburn and dehydration (tropical climate)

Big cities like Da Nang and Saigon have efficient emergency services, and you can get around on your own at any time without fear.

What is the maximum length of stay on a tourist visa?

The electronic tourist visa (e-visa) allows a stay of up to 90 days, with single or multiple entry. You can renew it, but you'll have to leave the country between two visas (visa run). Some retirees use this solution for 1-2 years, combining stays in Vietnam with trips to neighboring countries.

For a longer stay without a mandatory exit, you need a temporary residence visa (1-3 years) through company sponsorship.

Can you be treated for serious illnesses in Vietnam?

Yes, Vietnamese international hospitals (Vinmec, FV Hospital) are equipped to treat most serious conditions: cancers, cardiovascular diseases, complex surgery. The doctors are internationally trained (France, USA, Australia) and the equipment is modern.

Limits: For some highly specialized conditions or those requiring cutting-edge technology (organ transplants, ultra-complex neurosurgery), repatriation to France, Singapore or Bangkok may be necessary. That's why insurance with a repatriation clause is essential.

How much does health insurance cost for a retiree in Vietnam?

Costs vary depending on your age, your health and the level of coverage:

• Basic local insurance (ages 60-70): 80-150€/month
• Standard international insurance (ages 60-70): 200-400€/month
• Premium international insurance (ages 60-70): 400-600€/month
• Over 70: a 30-50% surcharge
• Over 75: some insurers refuse new contracts

Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded or subject to large deductibles. Take out your insurance BEFORE age 65 if possible to get better terms.

11Conclusion: Your Vietnamese Retirement Starts Here

Retiring in Vietnam is no longer an unattainable dream; it's a reality for hundreds of French people who have taken the plunge. On a budget of 800 to 1,500€ a month, you can enjoy an exceptional quality of life: a pleasant climate, an attractive cost of living, quality medical care, and a warm population.

The administrative challenges (visa, taxes, insurance) may seem complex, but with good preparation and the right advice, they're easy to overcome. The key is to plan your project well, visit the country before committing, and surround yourself with local experts who know how the system works.

Da Nang, with its ideal climate, modern infrastructure and established French-speaking community, remains my first choice for retirees. But Hoi An, Nha Trang or even Saigon may suit other profiles depending on your priorities.

The real question isn't "Can I retire in Vietnam?" but "What am I waiting for to start this new adventure?"