A foreigner needs only a valid visa to rent an apartment or have their children attend school.

In the major cities (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh), there are many international schools to choose from (local schooling is not an option). The international schools offer world-class education and modern facilities. In general, there are not too many challenges with admissions or waiting lists; however, it does depend on grade level, admission time of year, etc. Therefore, we recommend starting the research/application process as soon as you have committed to coming to Vietnam to ensure your child has a seat at your chosen school.

The major cities (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City) have a wide variety of options that range from new, high-end luxury to lower-budget, basic properties. Villas are also available but note that concerns are more significant in this property type with regard to maintenance, security, and flooding (when compared with apartments). Our relocation team can help guide you through the sometimes frustrating real estate market and work on your behalf with landlords and agents to ensure you have the most suitable property possible.

A word of caution when searching online real estate websites in Vietnam, the market itself is highly unregulated, so much of what you can find online is either not available, not the actual price, or not an accurate representation of the property’s condition. We recommend that if you find a property on a website, send us the link to verify. Resident Vietnam only works with a select group of reliable agents to help avoid many of the pitfalls of searching on your own.

The tenant is not responsible for paying any fees/commissions to the agent (the landlord pays any commissions). Initial payments that will need to be made once the lease is signed are typically the first month’s rental and two months’ security deposit (how many months depends on the landlord and property itself).

Both furnished and unfurnished properties are widely available in the market. Note that even unfurnished properties will always include the major appliances such as refrigerator, stovetop (sometimes oven), clothes washing machine (and sometimes dryer).

It not common, especially for those relocating to Vietnam for just a few years, to drive or purchase their own car. Buying a car here is very expensive and complicated for foreigners. Further, driving yourself in Vietnam’s famously chaotic traffic is not recommended for a variety of reasons. Most expats will either lease a car and driver from a reliable vendor or take taxis or Grab (Uber-like service here). Taxis are, in general safe, easy to get, and relatively inexpensive. Grab is the same.

You should not have any issues finding quality medical and dental care during your stay. International standards of care are available at the international clinics, which have modern facilities, in-house pharmacies, and a wide range of services with foreign doctors.  Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City also have large, modern, full service hospitals that can cater to a variety of medical needs.

Making your way through the day without knowing the local language is perhaps easier here than in some other countries (such as China for example). Many people in the major cities here understand at least a little English. However, we recommend that you take some time to learn the basics of Vietnamese. It will go a long way into making connections with staff and people on the street. There are good Vietnamese language schools and tutors here who can assist.