Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Visa Requirements

• Tourist Visa

Vietnam offers a Tourist Visa for most foreign nationals. It allows stays of up to 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days. You can apply for a tourist visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or use an e-Visa service available for citizens of many countries.

• Visa on Arrival (VOA)

Vietnam offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for those arriving by air. The VOA requires pre-approval from a travel agency or an online visa application system. It is valid for stays of 30 days, and extensions are possible for up to 60 days.

• Digital Nomad Visa

Currently, Vietnam does not offer a specific Digital Nomad Visa. Many remote workers and entrepreneurs opt for a Tourist Visa and extend it as needed, especially in cities like Ho Chi Minh City, where coworking spaces and digital nomad-friendly environments thrive.

For visa information, visit the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cost of Living

Accommodation

• Budget: You can find basic accommodations in guesthouses or hostels starting from $12–$25 per night.
• Mid-Range: Private rooms in guesthouses or serviced apartments range from $40–$140 per month.
• Luxury: Luxury hotels or upscale serviced apartments can cost $280–$600 per month.

Food

• Street Food: Vietnam is renowned for its affordable and delicious street food. A meal from a street vendor typically costs $0.80–$2. Popular dishes include pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and goi cuon (spring rolls).
• Restaurants: A meal at a mid-range restaurant generally costs around $4–$10 per person, while upscale restaurants may charge $20–$40.

Transportation

• Motorbike Rental: Renting a motorbike costs approximately $4–$10 per day, or $60–$160 per month.
• Taxis: A taxi ride within the city can cost around $2–$8, depending on the distance.
• Public Transport: The newly established metro system in HCMC offers affordable fares, typically costing around $0.30–$0.60 for short trips.

Healthcare
Ho Chi Minh City offers good healthcare, with several international hospitals and medical clinics available. A doctor’s consultation generally costs $12–$25, while a basic medical check-up can range from $40–$120. Many expats use international health insurance to cover more complex needs.

Climate & Weather

• Dry Season (December–April): This is the best time to visit, with warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F – 95°F) and minimal rainfall.
• Rainy Season (May–November): The rainy season brings higher humidity and short, intense rainfall in the afternoons. Temperatures range from 24°C to 32°C (75°F – 90°F). While it’s a bit more humid, this season offers lush landscapes and fewer tourists.

Landscape

Ho Chi Minh City is an urban landscape, but it still offers pockets of natural beauty:

• Saigon River: The river runs through the heart of the city, offering scenic views and opportunities for boat tours.
• Parks and Green Spaces: While not abundant, green spaces like Tao Dan Park and Le Van Tam Park provide a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle.
• Cafes with Views: Many rooftop cafes and restaurants offer stunning views of the city skyline.

Things to Do

Heritage Sites

• War Remnants Museum: This museum offers a sobering look at the Vietnam War and its aftermath, showcasing the country’s history and resilience.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: Built during the French colonial period, this beautiful cathedral is an iconic symbol of the city.
• Ben Thanh Market: A bustling market where you can shop for local goods, souvenirs, textiles, and more.

Adventure Activities

• Cu Chi Tunnels: A short trip from the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels provide a historical glimpse into the underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
• Saigon River Cruises: Enjoy the river on a relaxing cruise while taking in the city’s vibrant skyline.

Nightlife

Ho Chi Minh City has a lively nightlife scene:

• Bui Vien Street: Known as the city’s backpacker district, it is packed with bars, clubs, and street food vendors.
• Rooftop Bars: For a more sophisticated vibe, check out rooftop bars like The Chill Skybar or Glow Skybar offering panoramic views of the city.

Wellness Retreats

HCMC is home to numerous wellness retreats and spas, with options for yoga, meditation, and spa treatments, such as:

• The Yoga Studio
• The Spa at Caravelle Hotel

Shopping

HCMC offers a mix of modern malls and traditional markets:

• Vincom Center and Saigon Square are popular malls with international brands.
• Ben Thanh Market and Cholon (the Chinatown district) are great for locally made goods and unique items.

Lifestyle

Ho Chi Minh City’s daily life is fast-paced, with an entrepreneurial spirit that drives the local and expat communities. Motorbikes are the most common form of transportation, and life revolves around the energy of the streets. From early morning markets to late-night eateries, the city’s vibe is vibrant and non-stop.

Ho Chi Minh City has a diverse expat community, with many people from across the globe calling it home. The social life is very active, with plenty of networking opportunities, cultural festivals, and communal events. The locals are warm and welcoming, and there are many places to meet people—whether it’s a cooking class, a language exchange, or a community event.

Other Important Locations in Vietnam

• Hanoi: Vietnam’s capital, with a rich history, vibrant street culture, and a more relaxed vibe compared to HCMC.
• Phan Thiet: A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, perfect for those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle.

Rental Accommodations

• Budget: Rooms in guesthouses or simple apartments can range from $200 – $400 per month.
• Mid-Range: Decent 1-2 bedroom apartments or serviced apartments cost $480 – $1000 per month.
• Luxury: High-end apartments or luxury condos can cost $1200 – $3200 per month.

Co-Working Facilities and Costs

There is a growing co-working scene in Ho Chi Minh City, with options like Toong, The Hive, and Dreamplex. Monthly memberships for hot desks range from $80 – $280 depending on the location and facilities.

Connectivity

• WiFi: Ho Chi Minh City offers fast and reliable WiFi, particularly in coworking spaces, cafes, and hotels, making it popular for digital nomads. Free public WiFi is also available in certain areas of the city.
• SIM: Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone are the main providers, offering affordable prepaid SIM cards with good data packages. SIM cards are easy to purchase with ID verification.

Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering is a popular activity in Ho Chi Minh City, with many NGOs working in education, healthcare, and social development. Popular organizations include:

• Saigon Children’s Charity
• VinaCapital Foundation
• Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation

Explore more opportunities at www.volunteerhq.org or local organizations. 

Local Employment Options

• Teaching English in schools or language centers.
• Jobs in IT, software, or engineering fields.
• Hospitality roles in hotels or cafes.

Real Estate Investment Options

T Real Estate Investment Options for Expats in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

1. Apartments in High-Rise Developments
   • Expats can legally buy apartments in designated foreign ownership quota areas (up to 30% of units in a building).
2. Serviced Apartments for Rental Income
   • Buying and renting out serviced apartments is a profitable investment, especially in expat-friendly areas like Thao Dien (District 2) and District 7.
   • Target market includes digital nomads, business travelers, and long-term expats.
3. Luxury Condominiums & Penthouses
4. Commercial Real Estate (Shophouses & Office Spaces)
5. Buy-to-Let Properties (Short-Term Rentals)
6. Land Investments (Restricted for Foreigners)
   • Expats cannot own land directly but can invest through joint ventures with local partners.
   • Land in developing districts (District 9, Thu Duc City, and Binh Chanh) offers high growth potential.

Start-Up Ecosystem

Ho Chi Minh City’s start-up ecosystem is fast-growing, particularly in sectors like tech, fintech, and e-commerce. Several accelerators and incubators, such as Saigon Innovation Hub (SIHUB), offer mentorship and funding for entrepreneurs. The city has also seen an increase in coworking spaces, making it an attractive location for digital nomads and tech founders.

Business Setup Process for Expats

Business Setup Process for Expats in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

1. Choose a Business Structure:

• Common options include a Limited Liability Company (LLC) (most popular for foreign investors), Joint Stock Company (JSC), or Representative Office (for foreign businesses expanding into Vietnam).
• 100% foreign ownership is allowed in most sectors, but some industries require a local partner.

1. Obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC):

• Required for businesses with foreign ownership.
• Processing time: 15–30 days.

1. Apply for an Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC):

• After obtaining the IRC, register the company with the Vietnamese Business Registration Office.

1. Register for Taxes and Obtain a Tax Code:

• Businesses must register with the General Department of Taxation for VAT, corporate income tax, and employee-related taxes.

1. Open a Corporate Bank Account:

• Required for all business transactions, including capital deposits and tax payments.
• Popular banks for business accounts: Vietcombank, Techcombank, and HSBC Vietnam.

1. Obtain Necessary Business Licenses & Permits:

• Depending on the business type, additional licenses may be required.

1. Hire Employees and Comply with Labor Laws:

• Employment contracts must be in Vietnamese and English.
• Expats need a Work Permit, which requires proof of qualifications and a health check.
• Social insurance contributions apply to local employees.

1. Comply with Reporting and Tax Filing Requirements:

• Businesses must submit monthly, quarterly, and annual tax reports.
• Audited financial statements are required for foreign-invested companies.

Business Opportunities in Ho Chi Minh City

• Technology Startups: The city is rapidly becoming a hub for tech entrepreneurs, especially in fintech and e-commerce.
• Tourism & Hospitality: With a growing number of international tourists, opportunities in travel agencies, hotels, and tourism services are abundant.
• Food and Beverage: The food scene in Ho Chi Minh City is booming, offering opportunities in cafes, restaurants, and catering businesses.