Moving to Vietnam

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process for Vietnam can seem complex, but understanding the general routes will help. Your specific requirements will largely depend on your nationality, as agreements vary between Vietnam and other countries (e.g., EU citizens often have different entry requirements than non-EU citizens).

Typical routes for long-term stays include:

• Work Permit/Business Visa: If you're moving for employment, your employer will usually sponsor your work permit and associated visa. This is the most common path for expatriates.
• Family Visa: If you are joining a spouse or other immediate family member already residing in Vietnam, you may be eligible for a family-sponsored visa.
• Study Visa: For those enrolling in educational institutions in Vietnam.
• Investment/Business Visa: For individuals looking to invest or establish a business in Vietnam.
• Residence Permit: After a period of legal stay on a specific visa, you may be eligible to apply for a residence permit, which allows for longer, continuous stays.

It is crucial to verify the most up-to-date information directly with the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in your home country, or with the Vietnam Immigration Department. Visa regulations can change, and official sources will provide the most accurate guidance for your individual circumstances.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Vietnam, especially in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, offers a range of options from modern apartments to traditional houses. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• How to Find Housing:
  • Real Estate Agents: This is often the most efficient way, especially for expatriates. Agents have extensive listings and can help navigate the local market and language barriers.
  • Online Portals: Websites specializing in rental properties are common, though some may be in Vietnamese.
  • Expat Forums & Social Media Groups: These can be excellent resources for recommendations and direct listings from other expats.
  • Word of Mouth: Networking once you arrive can also lead to opportunities.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Viewing Properties: Schedule multiple viewings to compare options.
  • Negotiation: Rent prices are often negotiable, especially for longer lease terms.
  • Lease Agreement: Ensure the contract is in both English and Vietnamese, and that all terms (rent, utilities, maintenance responsibilities) are clearly understood.
  • Deposit: A security deposit, typically 1-3 months' rent, is standard. This is refundable at the end of the lease, assuming no damages beyond normal wear and tear.
  • First Month's Rent: Usually paid upfront along with the deposit.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term:
  • Temporary Housing: Many new arrivals opt for a short-term serviced apartment or hotel for the first few weeks or months. This allows time to settle in, explore different neighborhoods, and find a long-term rental without pressure.
  • Long-Term Rentals: Lease agreements are typically for 6 months to 1 year, with options to renew. Unfurnished or partially furnished options are available, though fully furnished apartments are common in expat-friendly areas.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Vietnam is influenced by several key factors. Understanding these will help you budget effectively, though exact figures will always come from a personalized assessment.

• Volume of Goods: This is the most significant factor. More items mean more packing materials, more space in shipping containers, and higher transport costs. Decluttering extensively before your move can lead to substantial savings.
• Distance of the Move: The further you are moving from, the higher the shipping costs will generally be due to longer transit times and fuel expenses.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons (often summer months in many Western countries) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• Accessibility: The ease of access at both your origin and destination properties can impact costs. Difficult access (e.g., narrow streets, no elevator, long carries) may require additional labor or specialized equipment.
• Mode of Transport: Air freight is significantly faster but also considerably more expensive than sea freight. A combination of both (e.g., essentials by air, main household goods by sea) is a common strategy.
• Extra Services: Additional services like professional packing and unpacking, specialized crating for fragile items, storage solutions, or customs clearance assistance will add to the overall cost.

For a precise estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always recommended to request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation service.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation to Vietnam. Aim to start preparations 4-8 weeks before your planned move date.

• 8 Weeks Out: Declutter & Research
  • Begin decluttering your home. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This directly impacts your moving cost.
  • Research visa requirements thoroughly and start the application process if you haven't already.
  • Obtain multiple quotes from relocation companies.
  • Start compiling important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, medical records, school records, professional qualifications). Have copies and digital backups.
• 6 Weeks Out: Logistics & Notifications
  • Confirm your chosen relocation service and schedule your packing/shipping dates.
  • Notify your landlord (if renting) or real estate agent of your move-out date.
  • Arrange for school transfers for children.
  • Start notifying utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet) of your move-out date.
  • Arrange for mail forwarding.
• 4 Weeks Out: Packing & Essentials
  • Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.
  • Separate items you'll need immediately upon arrival in Vietnam (e.g., a "first-night" box with toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items).
  • Arrange for pet relocation if applicable (this requires significant lead time and research).
  • Confirm travel arrangements (flights, temporary accommodation in Vietnam).
• 2 Weeks Out: Final Details
  • Confirm all utility disconnections and final readings.
  • Empty and clean out your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Gather all important documents into a secure, easily accessible bag that you will carry with you.
  • Withdraw some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival.
  • Confirm your relocation company's arrival for packing/loading.
• Packing Tips:
  • Inventory Everything: Create a detailed inventory of your packed items.
  • Fragile Items: Use plenty of packing material (bubble wrap, packing paper) and clearly mark "Fragile" on boxes.
  • Valuables: Keep jewelry, important documents, and other high-value items with you during transit.
  • Liquids: Pack liquids in sealed plastic bags to prevent spills.
  • Electronics: Back up all computers and devices. Pack them in their original boxes if possible.

To get started on your stress-free move, request a free quote today on relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Vietnam: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Vietnam can be an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import regulations for your belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know to bring your personal effects into the country.

If you're relocating as a new resident

As a new foreign resident moving to Vietnam, you are generally allowed to import one sea shipment and one air shipment of household goods and personal effects. These shipments are subject to physical inspection and potential duties and taxes, which are calculated based on the tariff provided by the Ministry of Finance. It's essential to have a valid work permit (at least one year duration) and a business visa or temporary residence card.

What you'll need

• AWB/OBL (telex release accepted)
• Legible inventory/packing list (in English)
• Passport copy (full pages) with entry stamp
• Entry Business Visa (valid 3+ months) or Temporary Residence Card copy
• Work Permit (valid at least 1 year)
• Copy of employer’s business license in Vietnam
• Original Vietnam Arrival-Departure Card (completed and stamped upon arrival)
• Application Letter & Power of Attorney (provided by your agent)

Good to know

• All documents require three certified true copies per shipment.
• Your Arrival-Departure Declaration Card must declare either one sea or one air shipment.
• The shipper must have arrived in Vietnam at least once before customs clearance.
• Air shipments must arrive within 30 days of your arrival.
• Sea shipments must arrive within the first six months after your Work Permit issue date.
• Customs clearance typically takes 1-2 working days for air shipments and 5-7 working days for sea shipments in Ho Chi Minh City; 1-3 working days for air and 7-10 working days for sea in Hanoi.
• Duties are commonly applied to electrical appliances (40-60%), furniture (10%), bicycles (100%), and computer software/media (40%). Clothes and personal belongings are usually duty-free in reasonable quantities.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomatic shipments are generally exempt from duties and taxes. The Embassy, Consulate, or Diplomatic Organization will manage the necessary import documents. Allow 1-3 working days for air shipment clearance and 5-7 working days for sea shipment clearance in Hanoi; 1-2 days for air and 2-3 days for sea in Ho Chi Minh City.

What you'll need

• Diplomatic ID Card
• Inventory/packing list
• AWB/OBL (original not required)
• Passport copy (identification pages only)
• Application Letter & Power of Attorney (provided by your Embassy/Consulate)

Good to know

• Different diplomatic statuses may have varying allowances for duty-free imports.
• Full diplomats can import one vehicle duty-free, subject to confirmation by your employing entity.
• The quantity of duty-free liquor allowed also varies by diplomatic status.
• Provide all required documents to your agent at least one week before sea shipment arrival, and as soon as possible (latest one day before) for air shipments.

Returning nationals

If you are a returning Vietnamese national, the specific requirements for importing your goods may vary depending on your individual situation. It is highly recommended to contact your destination agent for the most current and personalized information.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Non-diplomats and Vietnamese citizens are generally not permitted to import vehicles for personal use, even if they are willing to pay duties and taxes. This applies to both used (less than 5 years old) and new vehicles. Only full diplomats may import one vehicle duty-free, subject to an allocated import quota by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The vehicle must arrive within 30 days of the diplomat's arrival.

What you'll need (for diplomats)

• Original Duty Free Book
• Original Diplomatic ID Card
• Proof of Ownership (Certificate of Title for new vehicles)
• Details of vehicle (make, model, etc.)
• History of Vehicle (for used vehicles)
• Invoice (for new vehicles)

Good to know

• Vehicle importation requires a lengthy clearance process, often taking three weeks or longer, as it involves certification from the Ministry of Transport/Vietnam Register.
• All vehicle-related documents must be in the name of the shipper employed by the organization in Vietnam.
• Import duties for non-diplomatic vehicles, if ever allowed, are approximately 170% of the customs-determined value.

Pets

You are allowed to import up to two pets. Quarantine is not required upon arrival. Pets should ideally arrive on a weekday (Monday-Friday) before 3:00 PM to facilitate clearance.

What you'll need

• Copy of owner’s passport (if traveling with pet)
• Pet’s vaccination record with proof of rabies vaccination
• Pet’s origin health certificate/export permit
• Pet’s destination health certificate/import permit
• If traveling as manifest cargo: Owner’s Vietnam entry visa copy (valid 3+ months), pet’s flight details & air waybill number, Power of Attorney & application letter, Owner’s Original Vietnam Arrival-Departure Card, Work Permit (valid at least 1 year).

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are restricted or prohibited from import into Vietnam. It is crucial to be aware of these regulations to avoid confiscation or delays.

• Prohibited: All types of weapons, ammunition, radio transmitters, narcotics, and toy guns.
• Restricted:
  • Books, CDs, audiotapes, computer disks: These items must be inspected by the Ministry of Culture, which can take about one week. Undesirable material or publications referring to Vietnam may be confiscated. If you have more than 20 small boxes of cultural items, an official from the Ministry of Culture must be called, incurring additional fees and time.
  • Laser colour printers and colour copiers: One printer/copier can be imported without a license. Subsequent units require a special license and inspection by the Department of Communication. Clearly mark details on the packing list.
  • Electrical items: Each family is generally allowed one of each type of electrical item. All electronic items must have the brand name, model, and serial number detailed on the packing list.
  • Food: Canned food is allowed in limited quantities for personal use. Consult your agent for specific advice before shipping.
  • Maps: Maps are considered very sensitive and will be inspected by Customs. Inform your agent if you are including maps.

Alcohol & tobacco

Importation of alcohol and tobacco is subject to high taxes and specific limits. For Ho Chi Minh City, duty-free allowances include 2 litres of alcohol (<20% ABV), or 1.5 litres (>20% ABV), or 3 litres of beer. Tobacco allowances are 200 cigarettes, 20 cigars, or 250 grams of shredded tobacco. For Hanoi, all alcohol and tobacco imports are dutiable unless bought at the airport and hand-carried.

What you'll need

• Inventory with exact number, size of bottles, and alcohol percentage.
• AWB or B/L with consignee mentioned as shipper’s company in Vietnam.
• Letter applying for importation with shipper’s company/organization stamp.
• Letter of authorization to your selected movers.

Good to know

• Import tax for alcohol ranges from 125% to 150%.
• Diplomats can import alcohol but are limited to an annual quota.
• Allow 3 days for air shipment clearance and 10 days for sea shipment clearance for these items.
• Always advise your destination agent if your shipment contains alcohol or tobacco and provide full details before packing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a work permit to import my personal belongings?
Yes, a work permit valid for at least one year is required to import personal effects, unless your air shipment weighs less than 150kgs gross.

How long do I have to clear my shipment once it arrives?
All shipments, except diplomatic ones, must be cleared within 30 days of their arrival in Vietnam.

Can I ship multiple containers or air freight shipments?
Generally, you are allowed one sea shipment and one air shipment. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

What kind of duties can I expect to pay?
Duties are calculated based on tariffs from the Ministry of Finance. Common dutiable items include electronics (40-60%), furniture (10%), and bicycles (100%).

Is it true that I must arrive in Vietnam before my shipment clears customs?
Yes, the shipper must have arrived in Vietnam at least once prior to customs clearance to submit their original Arrival-Departure Declaration Card.

What happens if I have more than 20 boxes of books or cultural items?
If you have more than 20 small boxes of cultural items, an official from the Ministry of Culture must be involved in the inspection, which can be time-consuming and costly.

For personalized assistance with your move to Vietnam, please contact relocation123.com. Our experts are ready to help you navigate the customs process smoothly.

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