Thanks for the update! I lived in Vietnam for 3 years for business. I like living there. But immigration made it very difficult and charged a lot of money for me to stay there, tea money. Actually, the foreign bank I worked for close all of his branches in Vietnam because of the bureaucracy and constant payment to government officials. Now I work in Thailand which is hassle-free and easy for foreigners to stay long-term. Based on my own personal experience, dealing with a lot of vietnamese there, Vietnamese women prefer white men and Korean men. If you are a black guy or dark-skinned, you will be discriminated against and most Vietnamese women will not be interested in you. The number one category for Vietnamese women wanting men there, are Korean men then white men. Also, I dealt with the healthcare there, but it's below standard compared to Thailand. One of the things I hated the most, was I had to pay to money to government officials to get things done, Vietnamese people call it tea Money. It's just basically payoffs. One evening, we were stopped by the police while we had a driver, the driver had to pay the police money to let us go. That's so ridiculous, but the driver said that's just the way it is in Vietnam. In Thailand, I have a driver and we've never been stopped by the police or ask for money by government officials. Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting Vietnam down, I'm just telling you how it is there as a foreigner doing business. Vietnam has a lot of potential because it has a young population who are eager to work, the problem is is that the government is run by old communist Vietnamese men who don't want to change and simply keep the money and resources for themselves in their own family.
Yes I agree with what you say I have lived in Vietnam for years but am married to a local .I have many friends that love Vietnam but it has been a real hassle with immigration.Before they could at least get three months but then they had to do 30 day visa runs .When it went back to 3 months it was ok but then they changed it where you had to apply outside Vietnam online and it will take 4 business days and then may get declined because of some glitch. I can’t see going through that every 3 months so only solution is to get a job or marry a local . I think some guys actually marry a local for TRC but that is risky they really need to streamline the process . I have been to Thailand and seems why more straight forward with many options for long term stay . Real estate also looks way more attractive in Thailand compared with the horror show in Vietnam. Yes foreigners are allowed to buy certain condos in Vietnam but who would invest in a country where they aren’t even sure of their legal status from month to month . Thankfully my wife handles all the ridiculous red tape here otherwise I would go insane On the topic of women yes there are some extremely nice women here that seem attracted to foreigners but you must be cautious of the ones that take too much interest in you and appear to fall instantly in love with you they have other motives.
I live in Thailand and have a business in Vietnam so I have a foot in both camps. Here is my personal take. Vietnam as a county has more momentum and its people are harder workers. But The government 🤯 is corrupt at every level. My business has the fire police every few months asking for a donation. The DT visa in Vietnam is a joke. It’s soo bureaucratic and dumb. An example of the government’s stupidity is that I must employ the staff directly and not through an employer of record. Banking is Vietnam is also a joke ACB which is supposed to be the leading bank app is very unuser friendly. At the end I got the shits with Vietnam visa process and pulled by 3B VND investment out and moved to Thailand. I actually would prefer to live in Vietnam but thailand makes it easy ( pay the visa - get the elite visa )
I think $4000 retirement income is high. Most retirees go to Vietnam because it’s cheap to retire to. If they have $4000 a month, I’m sure they would pick Thailand or Malaysia instead. Just my opinion
A lot of guys pension is $4000 and up per month > Thailand + Malaysia are making it harder to get a retirement visa with increased prices and more headaches without aspirin for potential expats!
It also seems odd that people think retirees don’t contribute to an economy. When in fact they often rent apartments or homes. Very often eat out several times a day. They would use taxis or buy transportation and use many other services. And best of all they don’t take someone else’s job.
I just retired from US and as an Vietnamese-American, I’d consider retiring in VN due to the cost of living and weather conditions but I know I won’t be able to contribute to the society in a real meaningful way, ie creating factory jobs or providing professional services. On average, retirees that want to live in VN are not wealthy, majorities I’d say are low income in their respective country, so how much they spend vs how much they’d consume is the risk that VN have to consider.
Foreign entrepreneurs directly create jobs, pay taxes, health insurance and employees' social security. Foreign experts hired in managerial positions can train employees to improve their skills and get promoted to higher positions, generating wealth. They also pay taxes and social security. They both produce an active added value to the economy and society. Foreign retirees only contribute indirectly to Vietnam's economy. But nowhere near the earlier categories that we mentioned.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting I have lived in Vietnam for months at a time over the last 8 years. My rental payments directly benefit the property owners and they probably charge me more than they could get from a local. I eat breakfast, drink coffee, eat dinner out, purchase motorcycles, groceries, clothing, get massages, pay for dentist and doctor visits, book flights etc. I’d say it’s a direct benefit to any business I patronize. I’m Not saying that starting a company isn’t more beneficial, but retirees don’t compete with locals for work mostly.
But what you are describing applies to everybody. Even locals eat breakfast, get massages, dine out and pay for dentist. As for rents, class A condominiums roughly see 20% of foreign tenants. 80% are locals. Not everybody is miserable, especially in first-tier cities like HCMC and Hanoi. But our point was not whether retirees are spending or not, our point was that Vietnam needs more work-related experts who produce a value added than just retirees who just consume, as the country has shifted to industrialization. It does not mean that foreign retirees do not contribute to the economy, but it is marginal. Having said that, we hope that Vietnam will offer a retirement visa sooner than later, as mentioned in the video.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting I don’t disagree with you at all. My point is that retirees bring in new money with them, and do not complete for jobs with the local populace. In the US we call that a win-win. 100% gain for the host country for all money spent. Zero drain on public resources without recompense.
Can you please do a video on the upcoming law change that would allow Viet Kieu to own land? And also an explanation of how title transfer works in Vietnam for property purchases?
Good idea, mate. Just got back from Danang. What a beautiful city! The cost of living is still quite low; the ppl, the weather and environment are also really nice. It's definitely worth to pay a visit to the city.
The visa situation was excellent before covid and it definitely attracted many long term tourists because of how easy it was easy to get a tourist visa and to renew it. WIth this element being gone it is very hard to compete with countries with much better tourism infrastructures such as Thailand. But let's hope for the best. I think they know they need to step up their game to compete.
Malaysia also gives US people 90 days on arrival. From my conversations with foreigners in Vietnam all of them are very concerned with the trash everywhere in the ocean and along the roads. I am absolutely certain that this affects tourism too.
Malaysia has been granting 90-day visa exemptions for US citizens for quite awhile now. We were referring to recent updates increasing the duration of stay.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting Yes I’ve been to Malaysia several times in the past decade. No visa requirements for US people. Just a 90 day stamp, a smile, and a “welcome to Malaysia sir”.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting also you might want to make a video, they just changed the law on tourist visas. they no longer allow you to apply for an e-visa while inside the country. no more border runs or visa runs, you have to first leave the country and then apply for a Visa for them to process it, otherwise it will be denied.
I just want to retire in Vietnam and stay in one of the beautiful resort there for couple months then go to Thailand for couple months then go to Malaysia , Laos, Korea, Philippine and circle back to Vietnam. No need to anchor in one country for too long. Once I am too old I will return to the US. Montly budget around $5K, but it should cost only half of that to live comfortable in any of the country mentioned.
It would be great to see a retirement visa. We'd also really like to see a digital nomad visa introduced. Many of Vietnam's neighboring countries have nomad visas now. Its become quite a big market with so many people able to work remotely these days. Thanks Ken
My hats off to Calvin and Duong for your daring entrepreneurship in Vietnam. Your success stories were built from many failures is nothing short of amazing.
G'day Ken, Great video hopefully it isn't too long. I can you & me having a cigar, cognac & admiring the beautiful woman of Vietnam once I retire in Vietnam. My friend Okga having a great time in Hanoi, going to Da Nang today & Saigon middle of the week. Great video. Cheers Louis Kats 👍 Great news finally
Thank you for these video's... My wife is from Saigon Vietnam and we are looking to retire there in a couple years. Your videos and knowledge helps us understand what we are looking at when we want to do that. I will contact your office when we come to visit.
I'm Canadian. I've travelled to Vietnam several times since 1995. The development in the last 30 years is incredible. It's great to have a 90 day tourist visa now, instead of 30 days. Much less hassle for us, and it should improve tourism numbers. High prices won't work. $4000 is way too high, as was the $200 visa Vietnam tried a few years ago. Perhaps 30 days of visa free travel like they have in Bali and Thailand? Glad to hear there is a retirement visa in the works. Because there hasn't been one, Vietnam doesn't have a strong expat community like Chiang Mai or Hua Hin does, and this will discourage some people from travelling there. Very informative video! Thanks!
I mean, specifically, he Vietnamese government people who are now in the process of deciding Retirement Income Requirements. Thai, Malaysian, Portuguese, they all seem to be a bit delusional about how attractive their country is to the Wealthy. ie, not so attractive as they are assuming.... @@duongglobalbusinessconsulting
Portugal is the number 1 destination for US citizens under the Golden Visa Program. Does not look like to be delusional. If they want to attract wealthy retirees, they need to establish a threshold somewhere, don't they?
If Vietnam was really smart they would get a retirement visa for US citizens immediately. The US people love the Vietnamese people and their culture. The faster the Visa process and hassle free the more money Vietnam will get into their system.
When my wife and I booked our trip back to Vietnam for 2023 (booked in June 2022) I received a 5 year visa with multiple entries. We came back this year (2024). Hopefully be back in 2026 and hope things work out for a retirement visa, I love it there and can’t wait until my next visit.
55 years old!!! Omg! I retired just a few years ago at 34 years old. (American). However, America has gotten completely unaffordable over the past few years. I can't afford a $1,300 car payment, $2,700 rent, etc. I have a pension which marks me well over that $1,000 monthly income you mentioned and I can afford the $50,000 investment opportunity. However, I'm not even 40 yet so I question if I should even pull on this thread and begin the chase down the rabbit hole....
Thank you! Very helpful tips👌 I am Italian and Italy is one of the 15 countries with 45 visa-free days (one entry). But what do I need to do if I sray longer?
Does VN want to improve the number of visitors and quality long term residents. This is what you need to do 1. SGN airport needs a management overhaul. 2. Open up smart gates 3. Intro residency visa like Thai elite visa
The Thai elite visa is an awesome program. But we need to make a correction here. It does not give a residency permit. You can apply for permanent residency but not on a Thai Elite visa.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting you are correct, just the ability to reside in the country…which is all most people really want . Ps and the Vietnamese government should add a tax free period this will enable them to charge more and attract wealthier people. If I was setting up their program I’d encourage couple or families. 1. Less sexpats like here in Thailand 2. Will spend more money in economy and on higher send service and products
We have spent 24 months during 3 visits here and love it but the visa system is antiquated. We will return when there is a retirement visa. As you have pointed out, it will likely happen within a year.
Possibly a $4000 retirement income requirement? Well for Americans most if not all do not get that amount for their monthly Social Security benefit. Will eliminate majority who would like to retire there. Strike Vietnam off one's list.
Airport immigration in SGN is a complete nightmare when you don’t fly Vietnam Airlines business class (use of “counter 4”) - which tourist enjoys to put up with total chaotic mess at first glance?
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting Uncalled for comment my friend - I didn’t say that the US or any Western country is better than Vietnam - I have moved to Singapore for some good reasons. The new airport in Saigon will most likely fix the issue, but there is absolutely no reason for the current chaos in SGN. I usually fly in on Vietnam Airlines Business Class and I can use „lane 4“ - eventhough there are no signs for it. Only because SFO, LHR, SYD and ORD… also suck doesn’t mean that airports in SEA shouldn’t try better 🙂 P.S.: I am not a tourist - wife is from Saigon and we have property in VN. I am in the market for more.
90 days tourist visa would be a good start to get a taste & feel of living or retiring in Vietnam. If policies are too unfriendly & slow to be updated compared with other asean countries like Thailand, expect numbers head & settle there, not Vietnam. Nobody wants to live/retire in a difficult place.
I'm confused. At one point you say that the United States cannot be expected to be on this list, and then seconds later you indicate that North America would be included. Please clarify.
I think visa policies are already quite good. No you don't want to attract people who think they are in a sequel to the hangover movies. Don't eat local this increasing the reliance on imports. I think Vietnam doesn't need to double down on tourism, should also not be too dependent on tourism. I think it has got a greater skill set then just being servants. Plus you can't win the Visa-Race and doesn't matter when American have got 10 vacation days per year, or school holidays just last two weeks. I think what is more important is that tourist come back because the experience or want to see more than the standard north south, south north tour.
Im good with the 90 day E visa. I come to SE Asia every year and hop around using Vietnam as my base. 50 bucks for a 90 day multiple entry visa is ok with me cuz i have a house in the usa. I only come to enjoy the food and weather in SE Asia especially Da Lat Vietnam i love it there but i will never leave the USA for another country permanently thx for the video 👍💯😁 hen gap lai 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉👍
Monthly passive income requirements ; Philippines (enough to live). Cambodia 800usd. Sarawak 1,500usd. Indonesia 1,500usd. Thailand 1,800usd. Malaysia 2,100usd? There are other requirements.
I am looking for a long stay in Vietnam, I contacted the Vietnam embassy in Australia and, they say they have no visa for a long stay & retiring there, shame, that I'm still waiting, I have 500k savings, now thinking of going to India Radjistan!! by the way, it is an excellent channel, thank you mate!
I'm from the UK and would like to visit Vietnam next month for 5 days. Do British passport holders still get 14 days stay on arrival or do we need a visa now?
I was curious why one condition for a Retirement Visa requires the retiree to have a monthly income when they have Retired? How does the retiree arrange this income to qualify?
Long and expensive (visa) only to travel to Vietnam ,,,plus the long long queu all the time at the immigration take minimum one hour every time that I visit
For now, Vietnam doesn’t need to do anything. Its infrastructures won’t be able to accommodate the huge influx of tourists anyway. Just wait when the tan son Nhat airport terminal 3 and the long Thanh international airport to complete in 2025 and 2027 respectively, you will see the real growth of Vietnam’s tourism.
Hello! Im a filipino passport holder and granted visa free for 21days. Where can I pay if I overstayed for 3 days and how much would it be? Is it okay to do it in the airport the day I leave? Thank you!
Last time i tried to get a 3 month tourist visa as an american i could not get my card to work to pay the visa .... so i went to vietnam consulate in cambodia and they said only online no in person . Personally i would give it to someone who show up in person face to face over some anonymous online application . Nonsensical rule . 😢. May try again but it wont be until a couple of months or more than 1/2 a year away from now .
No. It is a visa exemption lasting for 5 years but you have to leave the country every 6 months and don't get you any resident benefits. That falls under the category of a prolonged tourist visa, unlike the 2 to 3 year TRC, which is a resident card.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting Yes sir you are correct. I did see that there could be an option to get a 6 month extension which would allow a 12 month stay.
Hi , I am Asmil, a consultancy firm and a recurring firm owner, from Bangladesh. I want to take to you about TRC , One year freelancer visa , work permit and TRC etc
Hi Ken, question...im a US citizen currently in Thailand. Id like to go to Vietnam for under 30 days. Can i get VOA or do i have to get evisa? Thank you
Ken should stop hawking about retirement visa in VN. We have been waiting for one for 45 years and not once did their government ever brought it up for a vote. When you think of VN, you think of it as a last follower instead of aregional leader like Thailand. Everything has to be controlled tightly by the authorities, just like in China.
Different political systems, so no point in comparing even thou it is all SEA There won't be any long-term visas unless you are married to a local, employed or have business here.
Allow foreigner to operate multi class of vehicle while on visit. It also will umbrella to subcategories and new type if businesses. I guarantee is going boom then.
Please help me with right information.... Im from Pakistan 🇵🇰. But my girlfriend from Vietnam 🇻🇳.we met through Facebook and It's been many years we are in a relationship. Now I want to marry her.but She don't want to come here in Pakistan. So is it possible to marry her there in Vietnam and can I live with her in Vietnam ? What are the rules to marry and live there? Thanks❤
Why isn’t the US included in the affluent countries. We do a lot of trade with each other. I was hoping that all bad relations were behind us. I also think your right on having a higher income level would get better people, hopefully.
Thailand is very welcoming. Vietnam is not by design. Vietnam's politics favors classical economics and long term planning. That means they understand tourism and foreign capital investment are a development trap. They want industrial development so someday they can be the tourists. I think their generational plan is excellent even though it does not serve me. Once you understand this Vietnam's visa policies are easy to predict. The short sighted oligarchies like Thailand and the Philippines will always be the better retirement choice for the vast majority of Westerners.
@@matrices3987 Or just spend years studying macroeconomics. Where you are is not where you are going. Vietnam is behind but has a plan. Thailand is taking many long term risks with it's dependence on the financial sector and real estate speculation. A dollar from mortgage interest is not a dollar from manufacturing. Remember when Japan was the world's #2 economy? How did that real estate bubble work out for them?
I think if Vietnam still wants to be on the safe side, they should consider offering a 6-month tourist visas and a 12-month retirement visas for foreigners. Most older Westerners, particularly men, will always prefer Thailand and the Phyllipines for their healthcare systems, their food, the women, and the other services. Older Westerners may say that they want to retire in Vietnam but the fact of the matter is they won't prefer it as much as time goes on. UA-camrs who are based in Thailand or the Phyllipines will have to run back to those 2 countries very quickly and typically will only stay in Vietnam for the weekend, a week or 2 weeks at most since they cannot afford to loose their based subscribers. They only go to Vietnam to fullfill their visa runs. For business visas, I think 3 years will be a very competitive offer. In the case of overseas Vietnamese, Vietnam should consider offering them a 2-year tourist/temporary resident visas if they psy a fee for their stays and must report to the local officials at least once a year. 🙂
I love to retire in Vietnam. Because I am over 55 and make more then 4000 thousand a month. I sure hope it had. Because I am looking at different place to retire abroad. And they are philippines. Thailand Cambodian. And Laos. And also Vietnam so let me know what you think my friend 😊
To retire in Malaysia as an expat, you must have an offshore income of 10,000 MYR (2,100 USD) and liquid assets of 350,000 MYR (73,500 USD). The average monthly social security income for American retirees is 1,700 USD, so most Americans cannot afford to retire in Malaysia. I hope Vietnam will have the same financial requirements because Vietnam cannot afford to take care of a lot of old and broke expats.
Thanks for the update! I lived in Vietnam for 3 years for business. I like living there. But immigration made it very difficult and charged a lot of money for me to stay there, tea money. Actually, the foreign bank I worked for close all of his branches in Vietnam because of the bureaucracy and constant payment to government officials. Now I work in Thailand which is hassle-free and easy for foreigners to stay long-term. Based on my own personal experience, dealing with a lot of vietnamese there, Vietnamese women prefer white men and Korean men. If you are a black guy or dark-skinned, you will be discriminated against and most Vietnamese women will not be interested in you. The number one category for Vietnamese women wanting men there, are Korean men then white men. Also, I dealt with the healthcare there, but it's below standard compared to Thailand. One of the things I hated the most, was I had to pay to money to government officials to get things done, Vietnamese people call it tea Money. It's just basically payoffs. One evening, we were stopped by the police while we had a driver, the driver had to pay the police money to let us go. That's so ridiculous, but the driver said that's just the way it is in Vietnam. In Thailand, I have a driver and we've never been stopped by the police or ask for money by government officials. Don't get me wrong, I'm not putting Vietnam down, I'm just telling you how it is there as a foreigner doing business. Vietnam has a lot of potential because it has a young population who are eager to work, the problem is is that the government is run by old communist Vietnamese men who don't want to change and simply keep the money and resources for themselves in their own family.
Thanks for sharing.
Well said. You have to grease a lot of palms to get things done in Vietnam.
Yes I agree with what you say I have lived in Vietnam for years but am married to a local .I have many friends that love Vietnam but it has been a real hassle with immigration.Before they could at least get three months but then they had to do 30 day visa runs .When it went back to 3 months it was ok but then they changed it where you had to apply outside Vietnam online and it will take 4 business days and then may get declined because of some glitch.
I can’t see going through that every 3 months so only solution is to get a job or marry a local .
I think some guys actually marry a local for TRC but that is risky they really need to streamline the process .
I have been to Thailand and seems why more straight forward with many options for long term stay .
Real estate also looks way more attractive in Thailand compared with the horror show in Vietnam.
Yes foreigners are allowed to buy certain condos in Vietnam but who would invest in a country where they aren’t even sure of their legal status from month to month .
Thankfully my wife handles all the ridiculous red tape here otherwise I would go insane
On the topic of women yes there are some extremely nice women here that seem attracted to foreigners but you must be cautious of the ones that take too much interest in you and appear to fall instantly in love with you they have other motives.
Respect your wishes
I live in Thailand and have a business in Vietnam so I have a foot in both camps.
Here is my personal take.
Vietnam as a county has more momentum and its people are harder workers.
But
The government 🤯 is corrupt at every level. My business has the fire police every few months asking for a donation.
The DT visa in Vietnam is a joke. It’s soo bureaucratic and dumb. An example of the government’s stupidity is that I must employ the staff directly and not through an employer of record.
Banking is Vietnam is also a joke ACB which is supposed to be the leading bank app is very unuser friendly.
At the end I got the shits with Vietnam visa process and pulled by 3B VND investment out and moved to Thailand.
I actually would prefer to live in Vietnam but thailand makes it easy ( pay the visa - get the elite visa )
I think $4000 retirement income is high. Most retirees go to Vietnam because it’s cheap to retire to. If they have $4000 a month, I’m sure they would pick Thailand or Malaysia instead. Just my opinion
Yes, I think the passive income should be nearer 2,000 USD as in nearby countries.
Yes I totally agree. $2000 is plenty.@@daveprice5155
A lot of guys pension is $4000 and up per month > Thailand + Malaysia are making it harder to get a retirement visa with increased prices and more headaches without aspirin for potential expats!
@@dexterspeights3484 True, it’s still high compared to the cost of living in Vietnamese
@@dexterspeights3484definitely not 4,000 and up
best channel for being in the loop about vietnam
The vietnamese are not exactly bright.to say the least.
It also seems odd that people think retirees don’t contribute to an economy. When in fact they often rent apartments or homes. Very often eat out several times a day. They would use taxis or buy transportation and use many other services. And best of all they don’t take someone else’s job.
I just retired from US and as an Vietnamese-American, I’d consider retiring in VN due to the cost of living and weather conditions but I know I won’t be able to contribute to the society in a real meaningful way, ie creating factory jobs or providing professional services. On average, retirees that want to live in VN are not wealthy, majorities I’d say are low income in their respective country, so how much they spend vs how much they’d consume is the risk that VN have to consider.
Foreign entrepreneurs directly create jobs, pay taxes, health insurance and employees' social security. Foreign experts hired in managerial positions can train employees to improve their skills and get promoted to higher positions, generating wealth. They also pay taxes and social security. They both produce an active added value to the economy and society. Foreign retirees only contribute indirectly to Vietnam's economy. But nowhere near the earlier categories that we mentioned.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting I have lived in Vietnam for months at a time over the last 8 years. My rental payments directly benefit the property owners and they probably charge me more than they could get from a local. I eat breakfast, drink coffee, eat dinner out, purchase motorcycles, groceries, clothing, get massages, pay for dentist and doctor visits, book flights etc. I’d say it’s a direct benefit to any business I patronize. I’m Not saying that starting a company isn’t more beneficial, but retirees don’t compete with locals for work mostly.
But what you are describing applies to everybody. Even locals eat breakfast, get massages, dine out and pay for dentist. As for rents, class A condominiums roughly see 20% of foreign tenants. 80% are locals. Not everybody is miserable, especially in first-tier cities like HCMC and Hanoi. But our point was not whether retirees are spending or not, our point was that Vietnam needs more work-related experts who produce a value added than just retirees who just consume, as the country has shifted to industrialization. It does not mean that foreign retirees do not contribute to the economy, but it is marginal. Having said that, we hope that Vietnam will offer a retirement visa sooner than later, as mentioned in the video.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting I don’t disagree with you at all. My point is that retirees bring in new money with them, and do not complete for jobs with the local populace. In the US we call that a win-win. 100% gain for the host country for all money spent. Zero drain on public resources without recompense.
Can you please do a video on the upcoming law change that would allow Viet Kieu to own land? And also an explanation of how title transfer works in Vietnam for property purchases?
Thank you Ken, very informative. Danang May this year…coming for a visit to see if my wife and I could be happy living there.
Good idea, mate. Just got back from Danang. What a beautiful city! The cost of living is still quite low; the ppl, the weather and environment are also really nice. It's definitely worth to pay a visit to the city.
@@sharkdzung well that sounds great. Can’t wait.
@@userdhss-hsjs Good point, I am well aware. Kuching is next on the list, not that fond of Thailand TBH, I do like the Sarawak retirement visa.
The visa situation was excellent before covid and it definitely attracted many long term tourists because of how easy it was easy to get a tourist visa and to renew it. WIth this element being gone it is very hard to compete with countries with much better tourism infrastructures such as Thailand. But let's hope for the best. I think they know they need to step up their game to compete.
Malaysia also gives US people 90 days on arrival. From my conversations with foreigners in Vietnam all of them are very concerned with the trash everywhere in the ocean and along the roads. I am absolutely certain that this affects tourism too.
Malaysia has been granting 90-day visa exemptions for US citizens for quite awhile now. We were referring to recent updates increasing the duration of stay.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting Yes I’ve been to Malaysia several times in the past decade. No visa requirements for US people. Just a 90 day stamp, a smile, and a “welcome to Malaysia sir”.
Thanks for the update! At the moment, I’m still prefer staying put. It’s still nice in Florida
I just hit the subscribe button. love your videos bro, it's very hard to find information about this stuff 🙏🙏
Thank you very much and welcome to our channel!
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting also you might want to make a video, they just changed the law on tourist visas. they no longer allow you to apply for an e-visa while inside the country. no more border runs or visa runs, you have to first leave the country and then apply for a Visa for them to process it, otherwise it will be denied.
I just want to retire in Vietnam and stay in one of the beautiful resort there for couple months then go to Thailand for couple months then go to Malaysia , Laos, Korea, Philippine and circle back to Vietnam. No need to anchor in one country for too long. Once I am too old I will return to the US. Montly budget around $5K, but it should cost only half of that to live comfortable in any of the country mentioned.
Not bad plan 👍
That is more than enough to live comfortably. $1k is enough to rent a luxury apartment in Bangkok.
It would be great to see a retirement visa. We'd also really like to see a digital nomad visa introduced. Many of Vietnam's neighboring countries have nomad visas now. Its become quite a big market with so many people able to work remotely these days. Thanks Ken
Very useful channel Never boring to listen.
My hats off to Calvin and Duong for your daring entrepreneurship in Vietnam. Your success stories were built from many failures is nothing short of amazing.
Hi Ken, Joshua here (tennis buddy). I’m supporting your UA-cam channel ❤
G'day Ken,
Great video hopefully it isn't too long.
I can you & me having a cigar, cognac & admiring the beautiful woman of Vietnam once I retire in Vietnam.
My friend Okga having a great time in Hanoi, going to Da Nang today & Saigon middle of the week.
Great video.
Cheers
Louis Kats 👍
Great news finally
Great video Ken, thank you ❤
Glad you enjoyed it
This would be very good for Vietnam
Thank you so much Mr Ken for sharing good news ❤ at least in future we can expect this to be happend soon 👍✌
You are very welcome
Thank you for these video's... My wife is from Saigon Vietnam and we are looking to retire there in a couple years. Your videos and knowledge helps us understand what we are looking at when we want to do that. I will contact your office when we come to visit.
Great information thanks Ken
I'm Canadian. I've travelled to Vietnam several times since 1995. The development in the last 30 years is incredible. It's great to have a 90 day tourist visa now, instead of 30 days. Much less hassle for us, and it should improve tourism numbers. High prices won't work. $4000 is way too high, as was the $200 visa Vietnam tried a few years ago. Perhaps 30 days of visa free travel like they have in Bali and Thailand? Glad to hear there is a retirement visa in the works. Because there hasn't been one, Vietnam doesn't have a strong expat community like Chiang Mai or Hua Hin does, and this will discourage some people from travelling there. Very informative video! Thanks!
Ken, ballpark, what are the "probabilities" of the Retirement Income Requirements being 1)
What do you mean by "your bureaucrats"?
I mean, specifically, he Vietnamese government people who are now in the process of deciding Retirement Income Requirements. Thai, Malaysian, Portuguese, they all seem to be a bit delusional about how attractive their country is to the Wealthy. ie, not so attractive as they are assuming.... @@duongglobalbusinessconsulting
Portugal is the number 1 destination for US citizens under the Golden Visa Program. Does not look like to be delusional. If they want to attract wealthy retirees, they need to establish a threshold somewhere, don't they?
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting If I had 4k a month at my retirement I wouldn't pick Vietnam as my destination sorry.
If Vietnam was really smart they would get a retirement visa for US citizens immediately. The US people love the Vietnamese people and their culture. The faster the Visa process and hassle free the more money Vietnam will get into their system.
Thank You Anh Dương. Nay T mới biết kênh của Anh ạ
When my wife and I booked our trip back to Vietnam for 2023 (booked in June 2022) I received a 5 year visa with multiple entries. We came back this year (2024). Hopefully be back in 2026 and hope things work out for a retirement visa, I love it there and can’t wait until my next visit.
all thumbs up for another valuable video. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE !!! SUBSCRIBE for Attorney Ken's continuous hard work. thanks Ken
6 or 9 months Visa would be nice.
55 years old!!! Omg! I retired just a few years ago at 34 years old. (American). However, America has gotten completely unaffordable over the past few years. I can't afford a $1,300 car payment, $2,700 rent, etc. I have a pension which marks me well over that $1,000 monthly income you mentioned and I can afford the $50,000 investment opportunity. However, I'm not even 40 yet so I question if I should even pull on this thread and begin the chase down the rabbit hole....
Just Subscribed good video👍🏴
Thank you! Very helpful tips👌
I am Italian and Italy is one of the 15 countries with 45 visa-free days (one entry). But what do I need to do if I sray longer?
Great Editing Skills your team of editors are doing a great job.
Americans have 0.00000% chance.
Does VN want to improve the number of visitors and quality long term residents.
This is what you need to do
1. SGN airport needs a management overhaul.
2. Open up smart gates
3. Intro residency visa like Thai elite visa
The Thai elite visa is an awesome program. But we need to make a correction here. It does not give a residency permit. You can apply for permanent residency but not on a Thai Elite visa.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting you are correct, just the ability to reside in the country…which is all most people really want .
Ps and the Vietnamese government should add a tax free period this will enable them to charge more and attract wealthier people.
If I was setting up their program I’d encourage couple or families.
1. Less sexpats like here in Thailand
2. Will spend more money in economy and on higher send service and products
We have spent 24 months during 3 visits here and love it but the visa system is antiquated. We will return when there is a retirement visa. As you have pointed out, it will likely happen within a year.
Are canadians on the list of allowable countries for one to get a retirement visas
I do think Vietnam will expand its visa options but, as usual, it will come at a water buffalo's pace
As always, nice video with great information👍🏼
Thanks for watching our videos!
my first time seeing your videos. My friend sent it to me. Very good information.
Thanks and welcome
Cambodia is easily 2nd place for single guys with retirement income because of easy visa requirements at a reasonable price.
Possibly a $4000 retirement income requirement? Well for Americans most if not all do not get that amount for their monthly Social Security benefit. Will eliminate majority who would like to retire there. Strike Vietnam off one's list.
Airport immigration in SGN is a complete nightmare when you don’t fly Vietnam Airlines business class (use of “counter 4”) - which tourist enjoys to put up with total chaotic mess at first glance?
Have you tried SFO inbound?
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting Uncalled for comment my friend - I didn’t say that the US or any Western country is better than Vietnam - I have moved to Singapore for some good reasons. The new airport in Saigon will most likely fix the issue, but there is absolutely no reason for the current chaos in SGN. I usually fly in on Vietnam Airlines Business Class and I can use „lane 4“ - eventhough there are no signs for it. Only because SFO, LHR, SYD and ORD… also suck doesn’t mean that airports in SEA shouldn’t try better 🙂
P.S.: I am not a tourist - wife is from Saigon and we have property in VN. I am in the market for more.
If you've an Irish passport you need to go to the embassy in London for a visa. With a UK passport you can visit for 2 weeks.
45 days visa free
90 days tourist visa would be a good start to get a taste & feel of living or retiring in Vietnam. If policies are too unfriendly & slow to be updated compared with other asean countries like Thailand, expect numbers head & settle there, not Vietnam. Nobody wants to live/retire in a difficult place.
Thanks👍🏼 subscribed.
Thanks for sharing about the retirement visa.
I'm confused. At one point you say that the United States cannot be expected to be on this list, and then seconds later you indicate that North America would be included. Please clarify.
1. Visa exemption list.
2. Retirement Visa.
I think visa policies are already quite good. No you don't want to attract people who think they are in a sequel to the hangover movies. Don't eat local this increasing the reliance on imports. I think Vietnam doesn't need to double down on tourism, should also not be too dependent on tourism. I think it has got a greater skill set then just being servants. Plus you can't win the Visa-Race and doesn't matter when American have got 10 vacation days per year, or school holidays just last two weeks. I think what is more important is that tourist come back because the experience or want to see more than the standard north south, south north tour.
Im good with the 90 day E visa. I come to SE Asia every year and hop around using Vietnam as my base. 50 bucks for a 90 day multiple entry visa is ok with me cuz i have a house in the usa. I only come to enjoy the food and weather in SE Asia especially Da Lat Vietnam i love it there but i will never leave the USA for another country permanently thx for the video 👍💯😁 hen gap lai 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉👍
Monthly passive income requirements ;
Philippines (enough to live).
Cambodia 800usd.
Sarawak 1,500usd.
Indonesia 1,500usd.
Thailand 1,800usd.
Malaysia 2,100usd?
There are other requirements.
Yes, thank you for specifying that there are other requirements. For Thailand, it is THB 65,000/m for a 1-year extension based on non-O visa.
Malaysia is also uncertain at the moment.
Verry good
I am looking for a long stay in Vietnam, I contacted the Vietnam embassy in Australia and, they say they have no visa for a long stay & retiring there, shame, that I'm still waiting, I have 500k savings, now thinking of going to India Radjistan!! by the way, it is an excellent channel, thank you mate!
Vietnam people proud..thailand people friendly
Sounds interesting, good update Ken. Too young to qualify fpr retirement tho. 😅
So, not too many tourists in Vietnam right now? Another reason to go to Vietnam now …
Thank you.
Too difficult in Vietnam. Malaysia or Thailand is a breeze. Better quality environment too.
Hi Ken, I'm married to a Vietnamese for more than 10 years. What can i do to be able to live in Vietnam, long term. I'm in my 70's.
Get Marriage visa with residence card. Send us an email to william@duongbusinessconsulting.com for help.
I'm curious--why will the United States not be on the long term visa list? I thought the relationship between our countries was normalized.
Answer: Money!
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting who is not paying, or another way of saying it, which country has its hand out?
rolling out the information is in slow motion
I'm from the UK and would like to visit Vietnam next month for 5 days. Do British passport holders still get 14 days stay on arrival or do we need a visa now?
Visa-exemption entry for British passport holders.
I was curious why one condition for a Retirement Visa requires the retiree to have a monthly income when they have Retired?
How does the retiree arrange this income to qualify?
Don't retirees get a pension?
Long and expensive (visa) only to travel to Vietnam ,,,plus the long long queu all the time at the immigration take minimum one hour every time that I visit
For now, Vietnam doesn’t need to do anything. Its infrastructures won’t be able to accommodate the huge influx of tourists anyway. Just wait when the tan son Nhat airport terminal 3 and the long Thanh international airport to complete in 2025 and 2027 respectively, you will see the real growth of Vietnam’s tourism.
I’m subscribed Bro🎉
Hello! Im a filipino passport holder and granted visa free for 21days. Where can I pay if I overstayed for 3 days and how much would it be? Is it okay to do it in the airport the day I leave?
Thank you!
Yes, at the airport.
I will be in HCMC early June and would love to have a consultation on potentially moving to Vietnam. What is the best method to arrange this?
Please send us an email.
Last time i tried to get a 3 month tourist visa as an american i could not get my card to work to pay the visa .... so i went to vietnam consulate in cambodia and they said only online no in person . Personally i would give it to someone who show up in person face to face over some anonymous online application . Nonsensical rule . 😢. May try again but it wont be until a couple of months or more than 1/2 a year away from now .
We can help. Feel free to let us know.
Ken can you send me the link for your video on how attorneys can apply for a special visa
If I'm not mistaken Spouses of a Vietnamese national can obtain a 5 year renewable resident visa.
No. It is a visa exemption lasting for 5 years but you have to leave the country every 6 months and don't get you any resident benefits. That falls under the category of a prolonged tourist visa, unlike the 2 to 3 year TRC, which is a resident card.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting Yes sir you are correct. I did see that there could be an option to get a 6 month extension which would allow a 12 month stay.
Of course, we are correct, You can only do the extension once in a row. And that does not make you a resident.
For German nationals 90 days stay is visa free. That is really a huge jump in comparison to the 14days some years ago.
45 day visa exemption, not 90.
Love the video my friend. I have been thinking about retiring in Vietnam. I am 68 years and make over 6000.00 dollars a month
Vietnamese visa is inefficient and antique. It needs to change if they want more tourists!
Hi , I am Asmil, a consultancy firm and a recurring firm owner, from Bangladesh. I want to take to you about TRC , One year freelancer visa , work permit and TRC etc
If I have US and UK citizenship, am I better to go to Vietnam on my UK passport? I want to stay permanently.
UK
Hi Ken, question...im a US citizen currently in Thailand. Id like to go to Vietnam for under 30 days. Can i get VOA or do i have to get evisa? Thank you
Get an e-visa.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting ok thank you
Ken should stop hawking about retirement visa in VN. We have been waiting for one for 45 years and not once did their government ever brought it up for a vote. When you think of VN, you think of it as a last follower instead of aregional leader like Thailand. Everything has to be controlled tightly by the authorities, just like in China.
Maybe I'm mistaken but I thought I read Vietnam just set a record or beat their pre-covid first quarter arrival stats
Different political systems, so no point in comparing even thou it is all SEA There won't be any long-term visas unless you are married to a local, employed or have business here.
What do political system have to do with immigration policies?
Like many Americans, I would love to have a longer term option to stay in Vietnam
Allow foreigner to operate multi class of vehicle while on visit. It also will umbrella to subcategories and new type if businesses. I guarantee is going boom then.
Please help me with right information....
Im from Pakistan 🇵🇰. But my girlfriend from Vietnam 🇻🇳.we met through Facebook and It's been many years we are in a relationship. Now I want to marry her.but She don't want to come here in Pakistan.
So is it possible to marry her there in Vietnam and can I live with her in Vietnam ?
What are the rules to marry and live there?
Thanks❤
Yes. Just get married and get the TT visa with TRC.
@@duongglobalbusinessconsulting thank you Sir
Why isn’t the US included in the affluent countries. We do a lot of trade with each other. I was hoping that all bad relations were behind us. I also think your right on having a higher income level would get better people, hopefully.
Please re-watch the video, as our attorney did not say that. There are different categories of visas mentioned in this video.
Just got back from VN. The officials still demand “coffee money” for entry and exit VN. First hand experience at DAD airport. So disappointed!
Can you tell us more about it?
Thailand is very welcoming. Vietnam is not by design.
Vietnam's politics favors classical economics and long term planning. That means they understand tourism and foreign capital investment are a development trap. They want industrial development so someday they can be the tourists. I think their generational plan is excellent even though it does not serve me. Once you understand this Vietnam's visa policies are easy to predict. The short sighted oligarchies like Thailand and the Philippines will always be the better retirement choice for the vast majority of Westerners.
@@matrices3987 Or just spend years studying macroeconomics. Where you are is not where you are going. Vietnam is behind but has a plan. Thailand is taking many long term risks with it's dependence on the financial sector and real estate speculation. A dollar from mortgage interest is not a dollar from manufacturing. Remember when Japan was the world's #2 economy? How did that real estate bubble work out for them?
I think if Vietnam still wants to be on the safe side, they should consider offering a 6-month tourist visas and a 12-month retirement visas for foreigners. Most older Westerners, particularly men, will always prefer Thailand and the Phyllipines for their healthcare systems, their food, the women, and the other services. Older Westerners may say that they want to retire in Vietnam but the fact of the matter is they won't prefer it as much as time goes on. UA-camrs who are based in Thailand or the Phyllipines will have to run back to those 2 countries very quickly and typically will only stay in Vietnam for the weekend, a week or 2 weeks at most since they cannot afford to loose their based subscribers. They only go to Vietnam to fullfill their visa runs. For business visas, I think 3 years will be a very competitive offer. In the case of overseas Vietnamese, Vietnam should consider offering them a 2-year tourist/temporary resident visas if they psy a fee for their stays and must report to the local officials at least once a year. 🙂
Why you never talk about international student coming to study in Vietnam?
DT's cheapest option appears to be 120k USD. Not 50k USD. Is that incorrect?
Incorrect.
USD4000 per month or annual income?
Monthly.
Subscribed
I love to retire in Vietnam. Because I am over 55 and make more then 4000 thousand a month. I sure hope it had. Because I am looking at different place to retire abroad. And they are philippines. Thailand Cambodian. And Laos. And also Vietnam so let me know what you think my friend 😊
Vietnam has too many "coffee and tea" fees, honestly, who likes dealing with those?
In Vietnam all foreigners can own 100% of most biz in Thailand unless you come from the USA you can only own 49% and you have to employ Thai workers.
Ken Duong, what visa are you currently on in Vietnam?
Vietnam Passport.
Part of the appeal of Vietnam is that it is not full of Tourists...
retirees SPEND and create LOCal jobs...so this does not make sense when you say its work based
ACTIVELY is the keyword here.
To retire in Malaysia as an expat, you must have an offshore income of 10,000 MYR (2,100 USD) and liquid assets of 350,000 MYR (73,500 USD). The average monthly social security income for American retirees is 1,700 USD, so most Americans cannot afford to retire in Malaysia. I hope Vietnam will have the same financial requirements because Vietnam cannot afford to take care of a lot of old and broke expats.
Useless for Americans if they don't have a social security agreement with the U.S.
A social security agreement is not needed.
I wish you would have retirement Visa. I do have Vietnamese lady friend. But she has to come thailand to see me
Get married to her!
Vietnam visa? Why.
can you make for young ppl visa like so manny ppl make visa video for ppl the are old like young ppl are to here