What you need to live, work and open a business in HCMC, checked against official sources.
Ho Chi Minh City living & business guides
What you need to live, work and open a business in HCMC, checked against official sources.
Living Long-Term in Vietnam 2026: Residence Registration, E-visa, Retirement & Fines Vietnam has no retirement visa. For short stays you use a 45-day visa exemption (eligible countries) or an e-visa of up to 90 days; to live here long-term you need a reason such as work, investment, family or study to get a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Since 15 December 2025, fines for missed residence registration and overstays have gone up sharply.
Opening a Shop or Restaurant in HCMC 2026: Company or Lease First? Pre-Signing Checklist When opening a restaurant or shop in Ho Chi Minh City, the order that loses the least money is: prepare the company, then sign the full lease, then fit out, then get permits. Before signing, check the building papers, permitted use, fire safety, food safety and signage, and make sure the lease covers deposit, rent increases, termination and tax. Since July 2026, holding company shares in someone else's name is explicitly banned.
Ho Chi Minh City cost of living 2026 — budgets for singles and families Your monthly cost in Ho Chi Minh City depends mostly on where you rent and whether your children attend an international school. A single person spends roughly 13 million VND (frugal) to over 60 million VND (high-end) a month; a family of four, excluding international school fees, roughly 35 million to over 150 million VND. These are approximate ranges built from official tariffs and rent data our site checked in October 2026.