Table of Contents
- Why Retire in Vietnam?
- Key Considerations
- Retiring in Ho Chi Minh City: Why VHGP Is a Top Pick
- Healthcare and Assisted Living in HCMC
- Cost Breakdown (per month) for HCMC & VHGP
- Pros and Cons
- Practical Tips
- Safety Warnings for Service Providers
- Retirement Checklist for Older Adults
- Is it for you?
Why Retire in Vietnam?
- Low Cost of Living: Most retirees can live comfortably in Vietnam on $1,000–$2,000 USD (approx. 25,000,000–50,000,000 VND) per month—even in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
- Great Lifestyle: Vietnam offers great street food, vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and a warm climate year-round.
- Healthcare: Quality private healthcare is available in major cities. A basic consultation is often $30–$60 USD (750,000–1,500,000 VND). Always get international health insurance.
Key Considerations
Visas and Long-Term Stay
There is no official retirement visa yet, forcing retirees to use other categories. However, new rules in 2025 have improved long-stay options:
Current Long-Term Visa Options for Retirees
- E-Visa (90 Days): Citizens of all countries can now apply for a multiple-entry e-Visa valid for 90 days. This requires a “visa run” (leaving the country) every three months to renew, which is common but can be a hassle.
- Investor Visa (ĐT): Requires investment into a local Vietnamese company. Offers the longest and most stable stay, up to 5 years (depending on the investment amount).
- Spouse Visa (TT): If married to a Vietnamese citizen, you can apply for a Residence Card valid for up to 3 years.
Future Long-Term Options (Proposed for 2025)
The Vietnamese government is actively discussing a Golden Visa program, which would grant high-value investors, skilled professionals, and potentially financially secure retirees, a stable long-term residence card (up to 10 years). While not law yet, this would be a significant game-changer.
Advice: Visa rules are complex and can change—always consult a reputable agent or lawyer for up-to-date, personalized advice.
Viet Kieu Returnee Advantages
For Overseas Vietnamese (Viet Kieu), the process of returning to retire is significantly easier and more appealing due to specific government policies:
- 5-Year Visa Exemption: Viet Kieu often qualify for a 5-year visa exemption certificate, the most stable long-term residency option available.
- Property Rights: They have greater rights to own and purchase residential housing in Vietnam.
- Cultural Integration: The familiarity with the language and culture makes the transition much smoother.
Finding a Place to Live
- Rent is very affordable—modern, fully-furnished apartments in cities start at $400–$600 USD (10,000,000–15,000,000 VND) a month.
- Smaller towns and rural areas offer even better deals, though English may be less common.
- Most foreigners rent, as buying property can be challenging without a local partner.
Retiring in Ho Chi Minh City: Why VHGP Is a Top Pick
Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city. It’s an ideal base for anyone who enjoys city living with a Southeast Asian twist.
Why retire in HCMC?
- Private hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff.
- Excellent international restaurants, shopping, and entertainment.
- Active expat community.
VHGP: A Smart Retirement Choice
Vinhomes Grand Park (VHGP), located in District 9, is quickly growing as one of the best places to retire in HCMC. Here’s why:
- Affordable, modern housing: VHGP offers new, fully furnished apartments at lower prices than central districts.
- Peaceful & green environment: Unlike downtown, VHGP is quieter, with large parks and walking paths.
- Convenience: Onsite supermarkets, clinics, cafés, and restaurants mean daily errands are easy.
- Community: VHGP attracts retirees and expats looking for comfort and stability.
- Transport: Public shuttles and ride-hailing apps make it simple to visit District 1.
Summary: For retirees who want modern amenities, community, and low stress in Ho Chi Minh City, VHGP delivers affordable living without the chaos of the city center. It’s perfect for peaceful walks, easy healthcare, and a vibrant but manageable retirement experience.
For a deeper dive into this community, read our guides on Exploring Vinhomes Grand Park, Why Live at Vinhomes Grand Park and our Apt rental page:
Healthcare and Assisted Living in HCMC
Private Hospitals and Clinics: Contact, Costs, and Reviews
Best Private Hospitals and Clinics:
| Facility (English Support) | Location & Contact | Typical GP Fee (USD) | Expat Review Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| FV Hospital (Excellent) | District 7 | Tel: (028) 35 11 33 33 | fvhospital.com | $80–$110 (2.0M–2.8M VND) | Gold Standard. Praised for high quality, professional, English-speaking staff, and excellent emergency care. JCI Gold Seal approved. |
| Vinmec Central Park (Very Good) | Binh Thanh District | Tel: (028) 3622 1166 | vinmec.com | $60–$90 (1.5M–2.2M VND) | Modern & Efficient. Known for state-of-the-art equipment, quick service, and professional doctors. |
| Family Medical Practice (FMP) (Excellent) | District 1 & 2 | Tel/Emergency: (028) 3822 7848 | vietnammedicalpractice.com | $80–$100 (2.0M–2.5M VND) | Trusted Clinic. Go-to for routine care, travel medicine, and non-major emergencies. Offers reliable direct billing for insurance. |
| Tam Anh General Hospital (Good) | Tan Binh District | Tel: (028) 7102 6789 | tamanhhospital.vn | Similar private hospital pricing. | Specialty Focus. Recommended for advanced diagnostics and orthopedic care. Increasingly popular for quality specialist services. |
Note: Consultation fees listed are estimates for a standard GP visit and do not include medication, lab tests, or X-rays.
Insurance and Direct Billing
- International Insurance: This is a must for surgical needs, complex care, and medical evacuation. Most major international hospitals (FV, Vinmec) partner with providers to offer direct billing—minimizing your upfront cost.
- Local Insurance: Local Vietnamese plans are very affordable but generally only cover public hospitals. Best used as a supplement for routine care.
- Action Tip: Always confirm with your insurer that your chosen hospital is on their Direct Billing list before booking an appointment.
Public Health Initiatives: Free Check-ups (applies for Viet Kieu)
- Free Annual Check-ups: HCMC allocates over $6 million annually for free annual health screenings for all residents aged 60 and above (regardless of permanent or temporary status).
- Registration (Viet Kieu/Residents): Viet Kieu with a Residence Card should register at their local Phường (Ward) People’s Committee Health Station.
- Language Barrier: The public service is primarily in Vietnamese. Bring a Vietnamese-speaking friend for translation.
Assistance Options: Cooking, Cleaning, Home Care
High-quality, affordable assistance is readily available via agencies or private arrangements. For general household tasks, **on-demand apps** offer immense convenience and flexibility.
Key On-Demand App Provider
- Btaskee (App-Based, Wide Range):Btaskee is the most popular on-demand service app in HCMC and is essential for easy daily living. It connects users with background-checked “Taskers” for:
- Hourly House Cleaning (Quick and simple booking for regular maintenance).
- Home Cooking & Grocery Assistant.
- Air Conditioner & Washing Machine Cleaning (Crucial for maintenance in the tropical climate).
- Elderly Care & Patient Care (Increasingly a focus for the service).
Booking is fast, transparent, and can be done entirely through the English-language app.
Professional Elderly Home Care Agencies:
- Vina Healthcare: (vina.care | Tel: 028.3636.0115) Focuses on comprehensive home care, nursing, and physician services.
- Giúp Việc Nhà Tâm Đức: (giupviecnhatamduc.com | Tel: (028).6277.3751) Provides live-in, part-time, and shift-based staff for general housekeeping and patient/elderly care.
- Diem Khanh Minh Trading & Service: (Primarily a labor/recruitment agency). Head Office: 70/30 Nguyễn Duy Trinh, Q2.
Services these agencies and apps offer:
- Daily cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a tidy home environment.
- Cooking and preparing meals, shopping for groceries.
- Assisting with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene.
- Medication reminders and health monitoring.
- Companionship, reading, and recreational activities.
In-Home Staffing Costs (Per Month):
- App-Based Hourly Service (Btaskee/JupViec): Starts around **70,000–90,000 VND per hour** ($2.80–$3.60 USD). Prices increase slightly on weekends or peak hours.
- Part-time Housekeeper (Private/Agency): $160–$240 (4M–6M VND) for 2–3 visits/week.
- Full-time Live-in Maid/Cook: $350–$500 (8.7M–12.5M VND). Cost increases for English-speaking staff.
- Live-in Elderly Carer/Nurse: $600–$1,000+ (15M–25M+ VND) depending on medical expertise.
Other Assistance Options:
- Grocery and meal delivery apps (Grab, Now, Baemin) for food convenience.
- Many building management companies (like at VHGP) provide **vetted in-house cleaning** services, often accessible via the residential app.
Cost Breakdown (per month) for HCMC & VHGP
| Expense Type | VHGP (Modest) | VHGP (Comfortable) | VHGP (Luxury) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (furnished) | $350 (8.75m VND) | $500 (12.5m VND) | $850+ (21.25m+ VND) |
| Food | $200 (5m VND) | $350 (8.75m VND) | $700+ (17.5m+ VND) |
| Health Insurance | $70 (1.75m VND) | $130 (3.25m VND) | $250+ (6.25m+ VND) |
| Utilities | $40 (1m VND) | $80 (2m VND) | $120 (3m VND) |
| Leisure/Travel | $100 (2.5m VND) | $250 (6.25m VND) | $500+ (12.5m+ VND) |
| Total | $760 (19m VND) | $1,310 (32.75m VND) | $2,420+ (60.5m+ VND) |
VHGP’s affordable rent includes amenities such as gym, pool, and security. Conversions use the benchmark rate of $1 USD = 25,000 VND.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | No dedicated retirement visa (requires frequent renewal, though a Golden Visa is proposed) |
| Pleasant climate, culture, and scenery | Bureaucracy can be slow and confusing |
| Excellent cuisine and fresh food | Healthcare quality varies outside big cities |
| Strong expat networks in major cities | Language barrier in rural areas |
| Good private healthcare options | You can’t own land—property rights limited for foreigners |
Practical Tips
- Visit Vietnam first: Try out a few cities and neighborhoods before committing.
- Set up a local bank account: Makes paying rent and utilities easier.
- Insurance: Get international or regional health insurance.
- Learn basic Vietnamese: Daily tasks become much easier.
- Stay up-to-date: Visa and residency rules can change—join expat groups online for current info.
⚠️ Safety Warnings for Service Providers (Quick Tips)
- Red Flag: No VAT Invoice: For any medical service (private hospitals or clinics), always request an official, itemized VAT invoice. If a provider offers only a handwritten receipt, you cannot submit it for insurance reimbursement, and the quality is questionable.
- Vet Home Care Staff: For live-in or regular care, use a reputable agency that provides **background checks** and formal training. Never hire a live-in carer without a formal agency contract.
- Review Contracts: Ensure home care contracts clearly define duties, working hours, and an **escalation path** (supervisor contact) for issues.
- Confirm Language: For critical services, ensure the staff member assisting you has **reliable English** proficiency, especially for reviewing complex medical reports.
Retirement Checklist for Older Adults
Before You Move:
- Visit first (if possible) to tour neighborhoods and check medical facilities.
- Research the most suitable visa options for your nationality and situation.
- Obtain and scan all vital documents (passport, marriage/birth certificates, medical history, prescriptions).
- Arrange for international health insurance that covers Vietnam.
- Notify your home country’s embassy in Vietnam of your move.
- Consider talking to a financial planner about pensions, taxes, and currency transfers.
Health & Accessibility:
- Bring an extra supply of prescription medications and a list of generic names.
- Get a summary of your medical history from your doctor, translated to English or Vietnamese if needed.
- Check that your chosen apartment or residence is accessible (elevators, no steep stairs, close to clinics).
- Research private hospitals/clinics near your home.
- Bring spare glasses, hearing aids, or mobility equipment if applicable.
Before Departure:
- Cancel unnecessary subscriptions and services in your home country.
- Set up online banking and local bank account if possible.
- Arrange for mail forwarding or a digital mailbox.
- Make digital copies of important legal and medical documents.
- Inform family of your new contact details and keep emergency contacts on hand.
Packing & Arrival:
- Pack lightweight, breathable clothing; HCMC is hot and humid.
- Bring electrical adapters for Vietnamese outlets (Type A, C, D, G).
- Pack sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.
- Have 1-2 weeks’ worth of local cash for immediate expenses.
- Download essential apps: Grab, Zalo, Google Translate, and weather apps.
- Keep printed copies of your address and emergency contacts.
Settling In:
- Register your address with local authorities when required.
- Visit your nearest hospital/clinic to understand emergency procedures.
- Join local expat or retiree communities for support and social connection.
- Hire help for moving, cleaning, or errands if needed—affordable and widely available.
Tip: Keep an up-to-date list of medications and emergency contacts in your wallet or phone. Review your insurance coverage once a year.
Is it for you?
A look at popular YouTube videos discussing the realities of retiring in Vietnam.
If you’re seeking an affordable, culturally rich, and adventure-filled retirement—Vietnam is hard to beat. The lack of a retirement visa is a hassle, but most retirees find ways to stay long-term via business, investment, or family connections. VHGP in Ho Chi Minh City gives you access to modern comforts and a community vibe, making retirement easy and enjoyable.