Vietnam relocation checklist (printable)

This is a master timeline checklist for anyone planning a long-term move to Vietnam. Work through it in order and tick items off as you go. For the full narrative behind many of these tasks, see the moving to Vietnam checklist.

12 months out

• Decide on your primary city — Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Đà Nẵng, and Hội An each have different costs, climates, and expat infrastructure.
• Research visa options for your nationality. Most long-term residents use either a business visa (DN), an investor visa (DT), or a spousal visa. E-visas are single-entry and capped at 90 days; they are not a relocation visa.
• If you have school-age children, start researching international schools now. Popular schools fill spots 12+ months ahead and charge enrolment deposits of $1,000–$5,000 USD.
• Check whether your employer can sponsor a work permit. Without a valid work permit, working legally in Vietnam is not possible regardless of visa type.
• Start a dedicated savings buffer. Most expats recommend three months of local living costs on arrival before salary or freelance income stabilises.
• Review your home country tax obligations for overseas residents. Most cases require a formal tax residency change, not just a change of address.

6-9 months out

• Begin passport validity check — Vietnamese immigration requires at least six months of remaining validity. Renew now if needed.
• Get an international driving permit (IDP) if you plan to drive a car. IDPs are not accepted for motorbikes; a Vietnamese licence is required for motorbikes.
• Contact your bank about international account access. Many Western banks freeze accounts or charge heavy fees on overseas ATM use. Research alternatives such as Wise or a bank with low overseas withdrawal fees.
• Inventory your belongings and decide what to ship versus what to sell or store. Sea freight from Europe or North America takes 6–10 weeks and costs roughly $1,500–$4,000 USD for a shared container load.
• Check pet import rules early. Vietnam allows cats and dogs but requires a rabies vaccination certificate, a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, and an import permit from the Department of Animal Health. The process typically takes 8–12 weeks.
• Research health insurance options. Local Vietnamese health insurance is inexpensive but has significant gaps. Most long-term expats use an international health policy; expect $800–$2,500 USD per year for a basic plan depending on age and coverage.

3-6 months out

• Confirm your visa pathway and begin the application or sponsorship process. Do not book flights until you have confirmed visa eligibility.
• Research neighbourhoods in your target city. Rental prices, noise levels, flood risk, and proximity to international schools vary significantly by district.
• Contact at least two international removal companies for quotes if you are shipping goods.
• Arrange storage in your home country for items you are not shipping but may want later.
• Begin learning basic Vietnamese. You will not need fluency, but learning numbers, greetings, and directions makes daily life significantly easier.
• Notify your home country government of your intended overseas residency if required (many EU countries and Australia require this).

1-2 months out

• Book short-term accommodation for your first month. Do not sign a long-term lease before visiting the property and the neighbourhood in person.
• Confirm pet travel bookings if applicable — airlines have strict limits on pet travel, and slots fill quickly.
• Prepare a folder of certified document copies: birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), degree certificates, employment references. These are required for visa renewals, work permit applications, and school enrolments.
• Research local SIM card options. Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone all offer affordable prepaid plans. A SIM with data costs roughly 100,000–200,000 VND per month.
• Transfer sufficient funds to a Wise or accessible account to cover your first month without relying on local banking.
• Confirm your shipping container or freight booking and get a tracking reference.

Final 30 days

• Cancel or redirect home country subscriptions and direct debits.
• Notify your home country bank of your travel dates to avoid card blocks on arrival.
• Book airport transfer for arrival day — do not rely on finding a taxi at major airports when arriving with heavy luggage.
• Download offline maps for your arrival city (Google Maps offline or Maps.me).
• Print or save copies of all booking confirmations, visa documents, and insurance policies.
• Confirm your temporary accommodation booking once more and get the host or agent phone number saved to your phone.

Arrival week

The arrival week checklist covers this phase in full detail. Key priorities are:

• Buy a local SIM card at the airport or a telco store — do this before leaving the arrivals hall if possible.
• Withdraw local cash (VND) from an ATM. Most daily transactions in markets and small shops are cash-only.
• Register your address with the local police within the required window. Your landlord is legally required to assist with this; if they refuse, that is a warning sign.
• Inspect your accommodation thoroughly and photograph any existing damage before signing off.
• Locate the nearest international-standard clinic or hospital to your address.

First 30 days

• Open a local bank account. Vietcombank and BIDV are the most commonly used by expats. Expect to need your passport and a temporary residence card or visa.
• Begin your motorbike licence process if you plan to ride. Most expat riders use a foreign licence converted to a Vietnamese licence; the process takes several weeks.
• Visit shortlisted rental properties in person before committing to a long-term lease.
• Enrol children in school if applicable and confirm uniform and supply requirements.
• Register with a local GP or international clinic for routine healthcare.

First 90 days

For the full breakdown of this phase, see the first 90 days checklist.

• Secure a long-term lease (typically 12 months) once you are confident in your chosen neighbourhood.
• Complete your visa renewal or extension process well before your current visa expires.
• Sort out a motorbike purchase or long-term rental if you need independent transport.
• File any required tax notifications in your home country confirming overseas residency status.
• Build a small emergency fund in VND for local expenses — ATM access can be unreliable during public holidays.
• Review your health insurance coverage once you understand local healthcare costs.

Related

• Moving to Vietnam checklist
• Arrival week checklist
• First 90 days checklist