Vietnam is genuinely cheap. A couple can live very comfortably in Da Nang or Hoi An for Rs 70,000–90,000 per month, including nice accommodation, good food, and healthcare. It is one of the best value-for-money retirement destinations in Asia.
The Indian expat community in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi has grown significantly. Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and social networks are developing. The community is smaller than Thailand or Malaysia but growing quickly.
Vietnam's combination of ancient culture, French colonial architecture, spectacular coastline, mountain regions, and street food is genuinely hard to match. Life here is interesting in a way that few countries deliver.
Ho Chi Minh City has international-standard private hospitals - FV Hospital and Vinmec are both well-equipped and English-speaking. Costs are very low compared to India's premium private hospitals.
Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Close enough for family visits to be genuinely practical.
Monthly estimates for a couple living comfortably in Vietnam.
| Category | Normal | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR) | Rs 20,000 | Rs 55,000+ |
| Food & Dining | Rs 12,000 | Rs 28,000+ |
| Healthcare | Rs 6,000 | Rs 15,000+ |
| Transport | Rs 4,000 | Rs 8,000+ |
| Utilities | Rs 4,000 | Rs 8,000+ |
| Entertainment | Rs 8,000 | Rs 18,000+ |
| Monthly Total | Rs 60K–1.2L | Higher |
The main long-stay pathways available to Indian retirees.
Indians can get a Vietnam e-visa valid for 90 days, single or multiple entry. This is the standard starting point. Extendable through Vietnam Immigration Department.
If you have any business interests or consulting work, a business visa gives longer stay rights. Requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese company - there are registered agencies that provide this.
Some long-term expats register a small company in Vietnam, which gives a valid basis for a long-stay work permit. Not ideal for pure retirees but used by those with ongoing remote or consulting income.
After multiple visa extensions, it is possible to obtain a temporary residence card valid for 1–2 years. Requires sponsorship. This is the most stable long-stay option currently available.
FV Hospital and Vinmec in Ho Chi Minh City are genuinely excellent - internationally accredited, English-speaking, and priced at a fraction of equivalent care in Singapore or Bangkok. Da Nang has good but less comprehensive facilities. Hanoi has adequate private options. Most Indian retirees in Vietnam use the private system and find it more than satisfactory for routine and moderate care.
The Indian community in Vietnam is growing fast, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. Indian restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural events are becoming established. The community is predominantly working professionals but the retiree segment is growing. English is widely spoken in expat areas.
Vietnam taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates. However, the definition of tax residency is specific - 183 days or more in Vietnam in a calendar year. Many long-stay expats structure their time to avoid this threshold. India and Vietnam have a DTAA. Get specific advice from a Vietnam-based tax advisor.
Note: Tax situations vary based on your income structure and residency pattern. Work with a qualified tax advisor who understands both Indian and Vietnam tax law before making decisions.
Get our complete guide including visa requirements, cost breakdown, and curated list of professionals who have helped Indians make the move to Vietnam.