Home to around 100 million people, Vietnam is attracting expatriates like never before thanks to one of the fastest growing economies in the world. As the country emerges on the world stage, numerous Vietnamese businesses are desperately seeking foreign workers and investors to help run their small and medium-sized businesses. There has never been a better time to consider a move to Vietnam. But what should you know before you go? In this post, you’ll get a wealth of information about what life is like as an expat in Vietnam. We’ll also give you practical information that expats should consider before moving to Vietnam
What is life like after moving to Vietnam?
Vietnam’s rise has been breathtaking and owes much to the Doi Moi reforms enforced in the 1980s, which took the country from a traditional to an ultra-modern economy.
Many expats are attracted to Vietnam’s fast-growing tourism sector, but telecommunications, exports and finance are also among the many emerging industries.
Is Vietnam a safe country?
Life in Vietnam is quite safe for expatriates. The country is rarely hit by terrible natural disasters such as earthquakes and surges. Safety, primarily in the major metropolitan areas, is respectable.
The first thing you need to know about Vietnam is that it is a one-party communist country that is generally very thrifty with agricultural products. Vietnam has a socialist democratic form of government. So if you’re coming from an urban, Western country, you’re bound to experience a bit of culture shock.
Certain freedoms that you may have taken for granted may be oppressively limited in Vietnam. The country ranks 175th out of 180 countries for freedom of the press. Vietnam also ranks last in freedom of religion. Religious acts are suppressed by the government if they violate the so-called “public interest” and “public order.”
What language do people speak in Vietnam?
The main official language in Vietnam is Vietnamese. The Vietnamese language uses the Latin alphabet, which can make it easier to read on signs and in primers.
Since Vietnam was a French colony, French is the common alternative language. Mandarin is also widely spoken in metropolitan areas. In the major cities, many Vietnamese also speak English, but English speakers often have a hard time in more rural areas.
Where should you live after your move to Vietnam?
If you are coming to Vietnam for the first time, you will probably want to live near the two largest metropolitan areas – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh. Living in the major metropolises is similar to living in major Western metropolises and offers you a wealth of options. Two of the most popular neighborhoods among English-speaking expats are Tay Ho in Hanoi and Binh Thanh in Ho Chi Minh.
Once you’ve settled in a bit, you might find life in other metropolises appealing, primarily the cities on Vietnam’s beautiful seacoast. Da Nang and Nha Trang are popular places for expats seeking a quieter life.
How expats find a job after their move to Vietnam
One of the most popular jobs for expats living in Vietnam is language teaching. Many English language seminars offer on-the-job training, and good teachers can find a good job.
After moving to Vietnam, if you want to continue a career you started in your home country in a sector such as business, finance or marketing, you should do so.
Real estate in particular is an emerging sector in Vietnam. Vietnamese real estate demand has seen exponential growth recently. Services have also seen amazing growth in value, which means that there is now a huge demand for jobs similar to sales agents and property managers.
How to get a Vietnamese residence permit
Vietnamese immigration laws are relatively strict. There are a number of hurdles that you will need to overcome after moving to Vietnam before you can apply for a residence permit.
To obtain a work visa, you must first prove that you are over 18 years old, have a job offer in Vietnam, are in good health, and have no criminal record. You must also be able to demonstrate the required work experience.
A work permit is usually valid up to two times and must be applied for at least two weeks before you expect to start working.
Next comes the temporary residence permit. To obtain one, you must have a permit to work in any business or be the owner of your own business. There is a lot of paperwork to do, so we recommend working with a lawyer to make sure you have everything you need to do your job.
The permanent residence permit is for foreigners who previously had a temporary residence permit and can prove that they had a stable income during their time in Vietnam. The permanent residence permit must be renewed every 10 years.
After this article, you will be well prepared to make your move to Vietnam. Of course, we wish you every success in building a new life in this Far East country.
If you still have questions about your move to Vietnam, we are always at your disposal. All you have to do is send us a message describing everything that is bothering you. We will reply to you in a timely manner.