Moving to Vietnam Checklist: Everything Americans Need to Know

Last Updated: January 8, 2026

Affordability

Healthcare

Taxes

Safety

Stability

Relative Ratings versus the United States

TL;DR

Vietnam is the #1 destination for geographic arbitrage in Asia for 2026, especially Da Nang for tech nomads and FIRE retirees. The 90-day e-visa allows test-driving the country. Business Visa (DT) enables 3-year stays for entrepreneurs. Living costs are 70% lower than the U.S.—luxury sea-view 2-bedroom apartments cost under $800/month. Private international hospital care is extremely affordable, often cheaper than U.S. co-pays.

Why has Vietnam become the top destination for geographic arbitrage in Asia?

Following significant visa reforms in late 2025, Vietnam has surged to become the #1 destination for "Geographic Arbitrage" in Asia for 2026. The move toward a more digital-friendly infrastructure has made Da Nang a world-class hub for tech nomads and "Early Retirees" (FIRE movement). For Americans, the draw is the ability to live a luxury lifestyle—complete with daily dining out and high-end housing—for less than the cost of a basic studio apartment in a U.S. suburb.

Vietnam is a country on the rise, offering an infectious energy and a young, tech-savvy population. It is remarkably safe for foreigners and offers a culture that deeply respects its growing expat community.

What are the visa options for Americans moving to Vietnam?

Vietnam's 2026 visa landscape is more stable than in years past.

E-Visa (Extended): Americans can now easily obtain a 90-day multi-entry e-visa, which many use to "test drive" the country before committing to longer-term options.
Business Visa (DT): For those looking to stay long-term, investing in a small local business or a consultancy is the most common path to a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), which allows for stays of up to 3 years.

Available Visa Pathways:

Education
Work
Entrepreneurship
Study
Other (E-Visa)

How much does it cost to live in Vietnam compared to the United States?

The cost of living in Vietnam is up to 70% lower than in the U.S.; a luxury 2-bedroom apartment with a sea view in Da Nang often costs less than $800 a month, and a high-quality meal rarely exceeds $5.

What is the healthcare system like in Vietnam for Americans?

While public healthcare is still developing, private international hospitals in Da Nang, Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City offer high-quality care at extremely low prices; most Americans pay for medical services out-of-pocket, as the costs are often lower than a typical U.S. insurance co-pay.

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At Bring Me Abroad, we synthesize official government data, local legal requirements, and real expat experiences to create our relocation guides. Our goal is to simplify the complex process of moving abroad for US citizens.

About Aaron

Aaron is a seasoned designer and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience building digital products for the SaaS and hospitality industries. In 2023, he navigated the complex journey of relocating from the U.S. to the Netherlands—a process that revealed a fragmented landscape of outdated visa blogs and "browser tab overload." After successfully launching a design studio in the Netherlands, Aaron co-founded Bring Me Abroad to solve the "Day 1" information gap. His mission is to democratize relocation by replacing expensive consultants with high-utility, data-driven reports that help early-stage explorers get situated quickly. When he isn't decoding immigration logistics, Aaron can be found cycling through the Dutch rain in search of the perfect apple pie or navigating the nuances of the Dutch language.