Retirement in Vietnam as a French citizen

With its tropical climate, affordable cost of living and warm welcome, every year Vietnam attracts more and more French retirees looking for a new way of life. This Southeast Asian country offers an excellent compromise between quality of life and accessibility. It allows you to enjoy a gentler pace, discover a rich culture and optimize your budget. But expatriating for retirement is not something you can improvise: administrative procedures, taxation, the health system and health insurance are all points to anticipate if you want to settle in with peace of mind. In this article, we take a look at everything you need to know about retiring in Vietnam as a French citizen, with a particular focus on health and health insurance, essential elements for living this new stage of life to the full.

Why choose Vietnam for your retirement?

With a cost of living significantly lower than in France, a pleasant tropical climate and a rich cultural scene, Vietnam is attracting more and more French retirees. Whether you’re looking for a quiet life between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, or in the more peaceful coastal areas such as Da Nang, the choice is economical, attractive and a change of scenery.

Administrative and tax framework

• Long-term resident visa: there are several options for staying in the country permanently (permanent resident visa, extended business visa, or via retirement programs for foreigners).
• Tax: in the absence of a specific tax treaty with France, you need to check the double taxation rules, depending on whether you keep your income in France or transfer it to Vietnam.

Cost of living in Vietnam

One of the main attractions of Vietnam for foreign retirees is that the cost of living is significantly lower than in France. On average, living in Vietnam is around 50-60% cheaper, making it possible to live comfortably even on a modest pension.

• A single retiree can live comfortably on €500 to €800 a month, depending on lifestyle, housing and city.
• Furnished accommodation in the city center costs between €200 and €400 a month, with air-conditioning, internet and sometimes cleaning included.
• Restaurant meals cost between €1.50 and €5, and local markets are full of fresh produce at unbeatable prices.

This daily saving enables retirees to enjoy greater purchasing power and a higher quality of life than they could have in France on the same income.

Adapting to the local language and culture

One of the challenges of expatriating to Vietnam is the language barrier. Vietnamese, a complex tonal language, can be difficult for French speakers to learn. However, it is quite possible to live in Vietnam without speaking it fluently, especially in the major urban centers where English is increasingly used, particularly in the service sector, international clinics and retail outlets.

There are also many low-cost language schools where you can learn the basics needed to communicate better in everyday life. Even the slightest effort is often well received by the Vietnamese, who are generally patient and benevolent towards foreigners.

Settling in permanently also means understanding certain cultural norms. Discretion and politeness are central values in Vietnamese society. It is frowned upon, for example, to raise one’s voice in public or to display gestures of affection. It is also important to respect dress codes, especially in religious places, and to carry cash at all times, as card payments are not yet widespread.

These cultural differences may come as a surprise at first, but they greatly enrich the living experience. Adaptability and open-mindedness help you quickly find your bearings.

Where to settle in Vietnam for a peaceful retirement?

The choice of where to retire depends above all on the lifestyle you’re looking for. Some prefer the hustle and bustle of large metropolises, others the tranquility of coastal areas.

Hanoi, the capital, offers a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Its unique atmosphere, lively street markets, rich cultural scene and gastronomic delights are sure to win you over. In contrast, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a dynamic city, the economic heart of the country, attracting many expatriates thanks to its constant bustle and international services.

For those who prefer a quieter pace of life, Da Nang represents a good compromise. Modern and well served, located between the sea and the mountains, it offers an appreciable quality of life and easy access to healthcare. Even more peaceful, Hoi An charms with its preserved heritage and romantic atmosphere, while Nha Trang, with its long beaches and mild climate, is ideal for those seeking a seaside retreat.

How do I set up home in Vietnam when I retire?

Retirement in Vietnam as a French citizen requires a number of essential administrative formalities, particularly in terms of visas and health insurance. Anticipating these aspects will enable you to make the most of your stay, legally and safely.

Getting the right visa to live in Vietnam

As of August 15, 2023, French nationals benefit from visa exemption for tourist stays of up to 45 days. This measure facilitates short-term travel, but is not sufficient for a long-term retirement project.

Vietnam does not offer specific visas for foreign retirees, unlike some neighboring countries such as Thailand. As a result, the solution most commonly used by retired expatriates remains the tourist visa.

• The electronic visa (e-visa) is applied for directly online via the official Vietnamese immigration portal.
• It is issued for a maximum of 90 days, with multiple entries possible.
• The cost is USD 50 per request.
• Please note: this visa is neither renewable nor extendable on the spot. You will therefore have to leave the country (for example in Cambodia, Thailand or Laos) to make a new application, a process colloquially known as “visa run”.

Although this process involves regular return trips, it remains the simplest and most affordable way to legally retire in Vietnam.

Health and health insurance

If you’re thinking of retiring to Vietnam, you’ll need to think about your health. As France does not have a social security agreement with Vietnam, the Assurance Maladie limits its coverage to 90 days. After that, it will no longer pay for long-term care. Once this period has elapsed, you will no longer be covered, unless you have taken out international health insurance or are covered by the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE).

Faced with the reality of the Vietnamese healthcare system, we strongly advise you not to expatriate without serious medical cover. Whether it’s CFE, 1st euro insurance or a combined contract, the most important thing is to have sufficient protection to access the best care, without risking high costs in the event of hospitalization or heavy treatment.

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A two-speed healthcare system

Vietnam’s healthcare system is highly dualized:

• Public hospitals: inexpensive (€2 to €11 for a consultation), but often overcrowded, poorly equipped and with few English- or French-speaking staff. This recourse is rarely appropriate for a senior expatriate.
• Private & international clinics: offering standards close to those of the West. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll find establishments like Hôpital Français, FV Hospital or Vinmec, with foreign-trained staff who speak English or French. However, costs are considerably higher: consultations between €40 and €120, hospitalization from €90 to €230 per night, major surgery from €1,840 to €9,200.

The importance of good health insurance

France and Vietnam have signed no social security agreement. French coverage limits your protection to a maximum of 90 days, which is not enough for a long-term stay. It is therefore essential to take out appropriate health insurance:

• Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE ): allows you to keep your French health coverage. It reimburses on the basis of French rates, but as Vietnamese costs are lower, there is often a significant out-of-pocket expense. It also includes retirement benefits for contributors.
• International health insurance from the 1st euro: reimburses from the first expense, without the need for a CFE top-up, covers standard medicine, hospitalization, repatriation, teleconsultation (often in French), dental care, optical care, etc. Indicative rates for 2025: from €150/month at age 30, up to €439/month at age 60.
• Complément CFE + mutuelle: intermediate version, less expensive than single coverage from the 1st euro, but with limitations.

Example of 2025 rates:

Health tips for a worry-free retirement

Before you leave, have a complete check-up in France, including vaccinations and essential check-ups. Don’t rely solely on Vietnamese social security, which covers only part of your medical expenses. It’s crucial to compare health insurance offers, as some combine CFE with international coverage, while others may exclude important benefits such as repatriation or dental care. Be vigilant about the quality of local medicines, preferring pharmacies in major cities to imported products. Finally, remember to plan for any consultations or specialized interventions in regional medical centers such as Bangkok or Singapore, ensuring that your insurance contract covers them.

Advantages and disadvantages of retirement in Vietnam

Vietnam, an accessible and rewarding retreat

Retiring to Vietnam as a French citizen means opting for a gentler way of life, an exotic culture and an affordable lifestyle. Whether you prefer the beaches of Da Nang, the historic charm of Hoi An or the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam offers a wide variety of landscapes. It adapts its lifestyles to suit all profiles of retirees.

But this adventure can’t be improvised. The absence of a dedicated visa, cultural differences, language barriers and, above all, the uneven quality of medical care, all require serious preparation. Reliable international health insurance is essential if you are to take this next step with peace of mind. It guarantees rapid access to quality care and protects you from the unexpected in places where the public system remains limited.

With the right planning and the right partners, retirement in Vietnam can become an exciting, secure and sustainable project. It’s up to you to turn this expatriation dream into reality.