The Vietnam Digital Nomad & Expat Guide: 90-Day e-Visa, Border Runs & Living Costs
Vietnam is one of the world's most popular and exciting destinations for remote workers, tech bootstrappers, and online entrepreneurs. Offering high-speed fiber internet, incredible street cuisine, low monthly burn rates, and a welcoming culture, it lets you live comfortably for under $1,200 a month. But navigating visas and staying legal requires a clear plan. Here is your comprehensive, plain-English roadmap to living and working in Vietnam.
⚡ Vietnam Living & Visas at a Glance
- The 90-Day e-Visa: Available to all nationalities online. Costs USD for single-entry or USD for multiple-entry. No sponsor or flight booking required.
- No In-Country Extensions: You cannot extend a tourist e-Visa inside Vietnam. To stay longer than 90 days, you must do a quick "border run" to a neighboring country (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand) and re-enter on a fresh 90-day e-Visa.
- Long-Term Alternative (ĐT3 Investor Visa): If you invest at least 3 Billion VND (~$120,000 USD) to establish a 100% foreign-owned company, you qualify for a 3-year Temporary Residence Card (TRC), eliminating visa runs entirely.
- Mandatory SIM Registration: Under government regulations, all physical SIM cards must be registered in person with your passport at an official corporate branch of Viettel or Vinaphone to prevent your phone from being disconnected after 30 days.
- Exceptional Value: A modern furnished 1-bedroom apartment near the beach in Da Nang costs to USD/month, and daily dining at authentic local restaurants costs to USD per meal.
1. The 90-Day Multiple-Entry e-Visa Explained
Under Vietnam's immigration laws (Law No. 23/2023/QH15), citizens of all countries can apply online for an electronic visa (e-Visa) valid for up to 90 days.
There are two types:
- Single-Entry e-Visa ( USD): Allows you to stay for up to 90 continuous days. However, the moment you step outside Vietnam (even for a weekend trip to Bangkok or Singapore), your visa immediately expires.
- Multiple-Entry e-Visa ( USD): Allows you to enter and leave Vietnam as many times as you like within the 90-day window without re-applying. Always choose this option if you plan to travel around Southeast Asia.
⚠️ Beware of Scam Visa Websites
There is ONLY ONE official government portal for Vietnam e-Visas: evisa.gov.vn. Hundreds of copycat commercial agency websites charge to USD for the same – visa. Make sure the website URL strictly ends in .gov.vn.
2. Step-by-Step Action Plan: How to Apply & What to Do Meanwhile
Here is your step-by-step roadmap from submitting your e-Visa to setting up your new life in Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh City:
Phase 1: File Online on the Official Portal
Day 1Visit evisa.gov.vn and select "For Foreign Individuals".
- Upload a clear photo of your passport bio-page and a straight-on portrait photo without glasses.
- CRITICAL RULE ON YOUR NAME: Enter your full legal name EXACTLY as printed in the 2-line Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of your passport. If your passport says "SMITH, JOHN MICHAEL", enter First Name: JOHN MICHAEL, Last Name: SMITH. Omitting your middle name is the #1 reason airlines deny boarding!
- Select your entry checkpoint (e.g., Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCMC, Noi Bai in Hanoi, or Da Nang Airport).
- Pay the non-refundable government fee: USD (Single Entry) or USD (Multiple Entry) via credit card.
Phase 2: Processing & What to Do Meanwhile
Wait Time: 3 to 5 Business DaysImmigration officers process the application within 3 to 5 working days (excluding weekends and Vietnamese national holidays). Always apply 10 to 14 days before your flight to account for potential public holidays.
- Download the Grab app: Grab is the essential superapp for getting taxis, scooter rides, and food delivery across Vietnam. Bind your credit card before arriving.
- Order a multi-currency card: Get a Wise or Revolut card so you can withdraw Vietnamese Dong (VND) at VPBank, TPBank, or MB Bank ATMs without paying exorbitant foreign transaction fees.
- Research base neighborhoods: In Da Nang, look at My An (An Thuong) for beachside nomad cafes and coworking. In Ho Chi Minh City, look at Thao Dien (District 2) for Western amenities and international dining, or District 1/3 for central city energy.
- Check your passport: Ensure it has at least 6 months of validity beyond your planned departure date and at least two completely blank pages.
Phase 3: Arrival & Airport Immigration Protocol
Arrival DayPrint out two physical color copies of your approved e-Visa PDF document before boarding.
- Walk directly to the regular Passport Control lanes. (You do NOT need to wait at the "Visa on Arrival" counter—that is only for old paper approval letters).
- Present your original passport and your printed e-Visa paper. The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day stay date.
- Double-check your stamp date immediately: Before walking away from the counter, look at the stamped date in your passport and verify that it matches the 90-day validity on your e-Visa. Correct any clerical errors on the spot.
Phase 4: First 30 Days: SIM Registration & Police Stay Check
First MonthSetting up local utilities and legal registration prevents unexpected headaches:
- Mandatory In-Person SIM Registration: Avoid roadside convenience stall SIM cards. Walk into an official corporate store of Viettel or Vinaphone with your original physical passport. Staff will scan your passport photo and link your identity to your phone number under government telecom decrees. Unlimited monthly 4G/5G data packages cost roughly 150,000 to 250,000 VND (~$6 to $10 USD).
- Police Temporary Residence Registration: Vietnamese law requires all foreign visitors to be registered with the local ward police within 24 hours of moving into an apartment. Your hotel, Airbnb host, or landlord handles this online via the provincial immigration portal. Always ask your landlord: "Have you registered my temporary residence online? Please send me a screenshot of the confirmation."
3. The Visa Run Reality: How to Extend Your Stay
Because in-country extensions for tourist visas do not exist, expats who fall in love with Vietnam and want to stay for 6 months, a year, or longer perform visa runs every 90 days.
Here is how to do it smoothly and legally:
Option A: Land Border Runs (Budget Friendly)
- From Ho Chi Minh City to Moc Bai (Cambodia): Take a shared VIP minivan or bus from District 1 to the Moc Bai border checkpoint (~2.5 hours). Walk across to the Cambodian border gate (Bavet), purchase a Cambodian tourist visa (– USD), stamp into Cambodia, turn around, stamp out, and present your new approved 90-day Vietnamese e-Visa to re-enter Vietnam. The entire trip takes about 6 to 8 hours.
- From Da Nang to Lao Bao (Laos): Take a morning bus or private car to the Lao Bao border crossing with Laos (~4 to 5 hours). Stamp out of Vietnam, complete Laos visa procedures, stamp out of Laos, and re-enter Vietnam on your new e-Visa.
Option B: Flight Visa Runs (Comfortable & Relaxed)
- Fly from Da Nang, Hanoi, or Saigon to Bangkok (BKK/DMK) or Kuala Lumpur (KUL) on AirAsia, VietJet, or Scoot.
- Spend 2 to 3 days enjoying shopping, coworking, and street food.
- Apply for your new Vietnam e-Visa 10 days before your flight, receive the approval PDF, print it out, and fly back into Vietnam with a fresh 90-day stamp.
4. The Permanent Alternative: The ĐT3 Investor Visa & TRC
If you run an established online business, SaaS company, or consulting agency and want to avoid visa runs entirely, you can establish a 100% Foreign-Owned Enterprise (FOE) in Vietnam.
🏢 How the ĐT3 Investor Visa Works
Under Vietnamese immigration law, foreign investors who contribute at least 3 Billion VND (~$120,000 USD) in chartered capital to an active Vietnamese company qualify for the ĐT3 Investor Visa.
• Zero Visa Runs: You can enter and exit Vietnam freely as a recognized legal resident.
• Full Local Banking: Open corporate and personal bank accounts with VPBank, Techcombank, or HSBC Vietnam with full international wire transfer privileges.
• Family Sponsorship: Sponsor your spouse and dependent children for accompanying TT residence cards.
5. Monthly Living Budget: Da Nang vs. Saigon vs. Hanoi
Vietnam offers some of the highest purchasing power in the world. Here is what a comfortable expat lifestyle costs per month:
| Expense Category | Da Nang (My An / Beachside 1BR) | Ho Chi Minh City (Thao Dien / D2 1BR) | Hanoi (Tay Ho / West Lake 1BR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furnished 1BR Modern Apartment | 12,000,000 VND (~$480 USD) | 18,000,000 VND (~$720 USD) | 15,000,000 VND (~$600 USD) |
| Dining Out & Cafes | 7,500,000 VND (~$300 USD) | 10,000,000 VND (~$400 USD) | 8,500,000 VND (~$340 USD) |
| Electricity (AC), Water & 300Mbps Fiber | 2,000,000 VND (~$80 USD) | 2,500,000 VND (~$100 USD) | 2,200,000 VND (~$88 USD) |
| Unlimited 4G/5G Data Plan | 200,000 VND (~$8 USD) | 200,000 VND (~$8 USD) | 200,000 VND (~$8 USD) |
| Transport (Scooter Rental / Grab) | 1,800,000 VND (~$72 USD) | 2,500,000 VND (~$100 USD) | 2,000,000 VND (~$80 USD) |
| Coworking Space (Enouvo / The Hive) | 2,200,000 VND (~$88 USD) | 3,200,000 VND (~$128 USD) | 2,800,000 VND (~$112 USD) |
| ESTIMATED TOTAL / MONTH | 25,700,000 VND (~$1,028 USD) | 36,400,000 VND (~$1,456 USD) | 30,700,000 VND (~$1,228 USD) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many consecutive e-Visas can I do in Vietnam?
There is currently no official statutory maximum number of consecutive 90-day e-Visas. Thousands of digital nomads live in Vietnam by doing 2 to 4 border runs per year. However, immigration officers have full discretionary authority. To minimize scrutiny, keep digital proof of remote client work, show ongoing funds, and consider taking a 2–3 day weekend trip to Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur between visas rather than an immediate same-hour land turn.
Can I work for Vietnamese clients on an e-Visa?
No. The e-Visa is strictly for tourism and business exploration. You cannot receive employment compensation from a Vietnamese registered entity or invoice domestic Vietnamese clients without a formal Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động) or an established foreign-owned business.
Can I open a Vietnamese bank account on an e-Visa?
Under State Bank of Vietnam regulations (Circular 16/2021/TT-NHNN), traditional domestic banks generally require a residence visa of at least 12 months (such as a Work Permit or TRC) to open a full checking account. However, digital banks like Timo (in partnership with BVBank) and foreign institutions like Shinhan Bank or Woori Bank often allow foreigners on 90-day visas to open basic spending accounts. Most nomads use Wise or Revolut for international ATM withdrawals and card payments.
How is private healthcare in Vietnam?
Private international hospitals in major cities are modern, clean, and staffed by English- and French-speaking doctors. Top facilities include FV Hospital and Vinmec Central Park in Ho Chi Minh City, Family Medical Practice in Da Nang and Hanoi, and Vinmec Da Nang. Routine consultations cost to USD, and private emergency rooms accept direct billing from international insurers like Cigna, Allianz, and SafetyWing.
🛡️ Verified Primary Sources & Official Repositories
🇻🇳 Official Vietnamese AuthoritiesAll e-Visa procedures, immigration laws, temporary stay rules, and investor thresholds are verified against official Vietnamese government repositories:
The sole official government website for 90-day single and multiple-entry e-Visa applications, status tracking, and fee payments.
Visit Official e-Visa Portal ↗Statutory governing body overseeing Law No. 23/2023/QH15 entry/exit regulations, foreign resident registration, and checkpoint enforcement.
Visit Ministry of Public Security ↗Statutory tax authority regulating the 183-day personal tax residency rules and corporate tax requirements for foreign-invested enterprises.
Visit General Dept of Taxation ↗Glossary & Terminology Index
An electronic entry visa issued online by the Vietnam Immigration Department, allowing stays of up to 90 days with single or multiple-entry privileges.
A long-term multi-year identity card and resident visa issued to foreign investors (ĐT visas) or work permit holders, exempting them from visa renewals and border runs.
A 3-year resident investor visa granted to foreigners who invest between 3 Billion and 50 Billion VND (~$120,000 to $2,000,000 USD) in a registered Vietnamese enterprise.
The two lines of letters, numbers, and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of your passport photo page. Your name on the Vietnam e-Visa must match this line exactly.
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