How do I move to Vietnam?

What are the formalities involved in moving to Vietnam?

Which visa should I choose?

There are several visas you need to enter Vietnam.

• Tourist visa: for a stay of less than 15 days in the country, you can visit Vietnam without needing a specific visa if you are a French national. For stays longer than 15 days, you’ll need to apply for a visa valid from 30 to 90 days. Prices range from €25 to €130.
• Business visa: you can obtain this from the Vietnamese embassy in France or in e-visa format. However, an e-visa cannot be extended unless you are leaving the country. To benefit from an e-visa, you must present a letter of invitation from the company inviting or recruiting you.
• to obtain a long-stay visa in vietnam, you need to sign a work contract with a company, make an investment or set up your own business.

How to work in Vietnam

Once you’ve got your visa, whether temporary or permanent, you’ll be wondering how to work in this country, and how to find a job if you haven’t set up your own business.

Speak English well

Despite strict and complex regulations, as a foreigner it’s relatively easy to find a job in Vietnam, as the country is undergoing rapid development. However, it’s vital that you acquire a solid grounding in English before you leave. For several years now, Vietnam has been experiencing considerable growth, with the opening up of international trade, investment, improved education and development of the domestic market. Numerous foreign companies have set up here in recent years, creating a wealth of opportunities for French people wishing to spend time abroad

Sectors that recruit

Job opportunities in Vietnam are plentiful, with some sectors recruiting more than others.

• Manufacturing: with the development of the manufacturing and export sectors, the country is constantly on the lookout for qualified engineers in the industrial sector.
• Education: foreign language teachers are also in high demand, thanks to the opening of a large number of higher education establishments in the country. A true commitment to internationalization.
• Major corporations: many multinationals have set up operations in Vietnam, offering expatriates the chance to take up positions of responsibility.
• VIE: If you’re aged between 18 and 28, you can take part in a VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise) program. The VIE can enable you to discover Vietnam while gaining international professional experience.

Which city should I choose to live in Vietnam?

If you decide to move to Vietnam, you’ll have several cities to choose from. Big cities or smaller ones, it all depends on what you’re looking for and certainly on your job. Expatriates feel safer here than in their home country. You need to be vigilant, but robberies are rare and people are very welcoming.

Hô Chi Minh (Saigon)

Close to the Mekong Delta, this is the country’s economic capital. Here you’ll find many multinational companies. The city offers a contrast between modernity and tradition. All in all, it’s a very dynamic city where you’ll easily find expatriates if you wish. However, it is important to note that it is a particularly polluted city.

Hanoi

The country’s capital, this dynamic villa will appeal to those wishing to live in a traditional city. It offers traditional Vietnamese culture and architecture. Its rivers and lakes make for a gentle atmosphere. As the country’s capital, you’ll have no trouble settling in and meeting other expatriates.

Nha Trang

If you want to live by the sea, this is the city for you. It’s a tourist town offering a wide range of activities and several hotels. Situated between the sea and the mountains, it offers a mild climate. We recommend this city for digital nomads wishing to live in the country for part of the year to enjoy the climate and scenery. Connections for work are good and many co-living facilities are emerging.

Danang

More centrally located is Danang. The city’s economic growth has been impressive in recent years, so you may be able to seize a professional opportunity, particularly in tourism. You’ll also find an airport in the city, which can come in handy if you want to get around easily.

What you need to know about living in Vietnam

Before leaving to live abroad, it’s important to pay attention to the country’s living conditions. Whether you’re leaving for a year or five, there are a number of issues to consider: the language barrier, cultural aspects and the cost of living.

Is living in Vietnam synonymous with happiness?

It all starts with the country’s motto: “Independence, freedom and happiness” – words that seem to resonate with its inhabitants. Indeed, the population is particularly welcoming and smiling. You’ll always find someone ready to help you if you’re lost or in need of assistance. Foreigners are very welcome, whether on vacation or for long-term expatriation. Everyone will find some comfort in this country, whether it’s the warm welcome of the locals, the delicious food, the cultural aspect with its temples or the diversity of the landscapes.

Is language a hindrance?

Foreign languages are not Vietnamese people’s forte. It’s always possible to get by with gestures and a few phrases of English, but if you decide to settle there for several years, we advise you to take an interest in the local culture and also in learning the language. More and more Vietnamese are learning foreign languages, so you can learn from each other.

What’s the budget for living in Vietnam?

Vietnam is a very attractive destination in terms of cost of living. First of all, it’s important to note that Vietnamese salaries are low, with most people living on €200/month. If you eat locally, you can get a full meal for just a few euros. On the other hand, if you decide to buy imported products, your budget will increase considerably. On an expatriate’s salary, you’ll be able to live comfortably. In your budget, in addition to accommodation, daily shopping and extras, we advise you to include the cost of your health insurance as well as the potential cost of your children’s schooling. Indeed, if you decide to enroll your child in an international school, the cost can be significant. Expect to pay between €3,000 and €7,000 for one year, depending on your child’s academic level.

Do you want to travel?

If you like to travel, the country offers many possibilities. Whether it’s to discover the culture and diversity of the landscape, or the surrounding countries. Indeed, Vietnam borders on a large number of nations to discover. For example, you can travel to Cambodia or Thailand by overnight bus for just a few euros. You can also discover Burma or Laos. Whether it’s hotels, food or various activities, the cost remains reasonable or even low in these countries. The travel possibilities are endless.

The health system

As in most countries, the healthcare system is divided between public and private hospitals. The public sector is faced with hospital overcrowding. Despite the resources made available by the government, public services are sometimes difficult to access, or even non-existent. It is therefore essential to be properly insured in order to access the country’s private healthcare system. The private system, on the other hand, is of good quality, and you’ll find English-speaking staff. What’s more, the private healthcare system can provide you with access to Western medicine. Indeed, in Asian countries, a large number of pathologies are treated using alternative and/or oriental medicines. Before you leave, we advise you to have a full health check-up with your doctor. There are no compulsory vaccinations for entering the country.

Health insurance for expatriates

When you leave, we advise you to take out private health insurance, which will give you access to the country’s private healthcare system. You can take out health insurance at the first euro or in addition to the CFE. It’s important to study your various options in the light of your profile and family situation. Santexpat.fr has created an exclusive insurance offer for people under 65 wishing to expatriate to Vietnam. This offer provides optimum coverage at a very competitive price. Our international health experts are at your disposal to study all the health insurance possibilities for your new life