Vietnam Ranked 5th Best Expat Destination Globally in 2025

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Vietnam has been ranked as the world's fifth-best destination for expatriates, according to InterNations' Expat Insider 2025 survey. This marks the country's strongest performance yet, highlighting its status as a cost-effective hub in Asia. Vietnam trails behind Panama, Colombia, Mexico, and Thailand in the survey, emphasizing its appeal to expats seeking value for money.

The country's affordability is a key factor in its high ranking. It has topped the Personal Finance Index for five consecutive years, with 89% of expats appreciating the low cost of living and 87% feeling their disposable income is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle. A U.S. expat in Hanoi shared that the affordability allows them to save money and travel often while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Vietnam also scores well in areas beyond financial benefits, ranking 11th for Working Abroad and 12th for Ease of Settling In. These rankings reflect the country's decent career prospects, welcoming culture, and the opportunity to form social connections. Vietnam's 8th place in Happiness Level indicates high overall life satisfaction among expatriates residing there.

However, Vietnam falls short in the Quality of Life category, failing to break into the top 15. This suggests potential areas for improvement, such as public transport, leisure options, environmental concerns, and healthcare infrastructure, especially when compared to leading expat destinations.

The Expat Insider 2025 survey is one of the largest of its kind, focusing on the lives and work of expatriates worldwide. Conducted through February 2025, the survey gathered responses via InterNations' community platforms, including newsletters and social media. It received input from 10,085 expats representing 172 nationalities globally.

Completing the top 10 expat destinations are China, the UAE, Indonesia, Spain, and Malaysia.

Key Takeaways

• Vietnam is ranked as the fifth-best expat destination globally.
• Affordability is a key factor, with Vietnam topping the Personal Finance Index.
• Despite strengths, improvements are needed in Quality of Life areas.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-09-18