Vietnam — Tax Guide, Residency & Cost of Living for Expats
Asia · Southeast AsiaUpdated 2026
Tax Score
52/100WorldwideTax Data
Residency & Visas
Cost of Living & Quality of Life
Tax Overview
Vietnam applies a worldwide tax system with high progressive rates. Residents are taxed on their global income, which can represent a significant burden for high earners.
Personal Income Tax
Personal income tax in Vietnam ranges from 5% – 35% progressively.
Corporate & Capital Gains
The corporate tax rate is 20%. Capital gains are taxed at 20%.
Indirect Taxes & Wealth
VAT/GST is 10%, low by international standards. There is no wealth tax. There is no inheritance tax.
Crypto & Digital Assets
Vietnam has an unfavorable crypto tax regime (score 2/5). Rates are high and/or regulations are restrictive.
Residency Guide
Relocating to Vietnam is accessible with multiple options. The country offers several residency pathways for foreigners.
Visa Options
Residency by Investment: Available.
Practical Considerations
As a non-LATAM destination, applicants should consider potential language barriers and cultural differences. Working with a local immigration attorney and verifying apostille/legalization requirements for documents is recommended.
Also consider: United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait
Lifestyle
Vietnam offers a low cost of living, enabling a comfortable lifestyle on a moderate budget. It is considered a safe destination with good infrastructure.
Cost of Living
With an index of 32 (reference: 100 = New York City), Vietnam is significantly cheaper than major world cities. An expat can live comfortably at a fraction of what it would cost in the US or Western Europe.
Safety & Infrastructure
A safety score of 7.2/10 indicates a generally safe environment, with normal precautions recommended. Internet speed of 80 Mbps — adequate for remote work.
Healthcare
With a score of 5.8/10, the healthcare system has limitations. International private health insurance is highly recommended for expats.
Quality of Life
Vietnam has a Human Development Index of 0.726 (classification: high). This reflects good overall standards, though with areas for improvement.
Data: 2026 · Source: tax_foundation,pwc,manual
Pros & Cons
Pros
- No wealth tax
- No inheritance tax
- Residency by investment
- Very low cost of living (index 32)
- High safety rating (7.2/10)
- Excellent value: affordable and safe
Cons
- Worldwide tax system — global income taxed
- Unfavorable crypto regime (2/5)
- Private health insurance recommended (5.8/10)
- Physical presence requirement (183+ days/year)
Frequently Asked Questions
Similar Destinations
Compare with other countries in the region.
About this guide
Researched and maintained by the TuLugar team, based in Asunción, Paraguay.
Data sourced from PwC, Numbeo, UNDP, and Ookla.
Compare with Latin America
Looking for alternatives in LATAM? Compare with the best low-tax destinations.
View the full map