If you searched "Vietnam retirement visa" or "Vietnam digital nomad visa," here is the news no one leads with: as of 2026, neither exists. Americans who live in Vietnam long-term stitch together other options. This is how they do it — and what changed in 2026 that you need to know.
- Cost of living in Vietnam
- Best neighborhoods in Vietnam
- Vietnam visas for Americans (you're here)
- Healthcare in Vietnam
- Get matched with a Vietnam agent →
The 90-day e-visa: the workhorse
The everyday long-stay tool is the 90-day e-visa, applied for entirely online through Vietnam's official portal. The government fee is about $25 single-entry or $50 multiple-entry, and most long-stayers choose the multiple-entry version so they can travel in and out. US citizens are not visa-exempt — every American needs an approved visa before arrival.
There is no retirement or digital-nomad visa
Unlike Thailand or Portugal, Vietnam offers no purpose-built retirement visa and no remote-worker visa. Retirees and nomads generally live on repeated 90-day e-visas or move to a residence card through another qualifying route. If a website is selling you a "Vietnam retirement visa," be skeptical — as of 2026 it is not a real category.
The real long-term path: a Temporary Residence Card
The genuine multi-year option is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), issued for two to ten years, which ends the cycle of renewals. But it requires a qualifying basis — typically a work permit, an investment, or marriage/family ties. For most retirees without one of those, the honest answer is repeat e-visas plus careful compliance.
What changed in 2026 (read this before you plan a "visa run")
Two 2026 developments matter. First, new talent visas (UĐ1/UĐ2) launched July 1, 2026 — but they target elite tech and professional experts, not typical retirees or nomads. Second, and more importantly, Decree 59/2026 (effective April 1, 2026) stiffened overstay penalties: overstays of 16+ days can trigger deportation, and repeat back-to-back border runs on fresh visas are no longer reliable, since officers have discretion to deny re-entry. The old "just keep bouncing to the border" playbook is riskier now.
The bottom line
Vietnam is very livable, but its visa system rewards planning. Decide early whether you have a route to a residence card or whether you'll run on e-visas — and get current, professional guidance before you commit, because these rules genuinely change year to year. Immigration status also shapes what housing you can lease and for how long, which is where having a local expert on your side pays off.
Planning a move to Vietnam?
Once your stay is sorted, the next question is where to live. I'll connect you — free — with a vetted local agent who knows the market and works with foreign renters and buyers.
This article is general information for people considering an international move — not immigration, visa, tax, legal, or financial advice. Rules, costs, and requirements change often and vary by nationality and situation, so always verify current details with official sources and a qualified professional. Stacey Scantlin is a REALTOR® with JBGoodwin who connects you with a vetted, independently licensed local real estate agent; she does not provide immigration or legal services.
Vietnam visa questions
Does Vietnam have a retirement visa?
No. As of 2026 Vietnam has no dedicated retirement visa. Retirees typically live on repeated 90-day e-visas or obtain a Temporary Residence Card through another qualifying basis such as marriage or investment.
Is there a digital nomad visa for Vietnam?
No. Vietnam has no remote-worker visa. Digital nomads generally use the 90-day multiple-entry e-visa and renew as needed, keeping a close eye on the 2026 overstay rules.
How long can an American stay in Vietnam?
The e-visa allows up to 90 days per grant. Longer continuous stays require a Temporary Residence Card (2–10 years), which needs a qualifying basis like work, investment, or family.
Are Vietnam visa runs still allowed in 2026?
They're much riskier. A multiple-entry e-visa lets you exit and re-enter within its window, but Decree 59/2026 tightened overstay penalties and officers can deny re-entry on repeat border runs. Get current advice before relying on this.