Thailand offers foreign retirees a clearer legal route to long-term residence than Vietnam, but Vietnam can cost considerably less for those able to manage more complicated visa arrangements. For people deciding where to spend retirement in Southeast Asia, the choice in 2026 often comes down to predictable paperwork and healthcare versus lower rent and daily spending.

Thailand has developed visa options specifically for retirement. The Non-Immigrant O visa allows foreigners aged 50 and above to stay for one or more years, when renewed, for retirement purposes.

Applicants generally need a valid passport, basic medical certificate and depending on initial visa, Thai-recognised health insurance. They must also show either 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of 65,000 baht.

Vietnam has no retirement visa

Vietnam does not have a dedicated retirement visa, nor a visa category based only on a person's age, pension income or retirement status. Retirees seeking a long stay must instead pursue a Temporary Residence Card through eligible work, investment or family-tie routes, or use investment and family-reunion visas.

That can involve more legal complexity than a retirement move to Thailand. Investment-linked residence may require a compliant local company, along with continuing tax filings and audits, obligations that may not suit someone who has stopped working.

For foreigners who want an established route without relying on a job, investment or family sponsorship, Thailand's retirement visa framework is therefore a major practical advantage. Conditions, including financial evidence and insurance, should nevertheless be checked before applying.

Vietnam's advantage is everyday cost

Comparisons cited by Travelbinger put Vietnam around 20-30% cheaper than Thailand for a similar expat lifestyle. Rent is estimated to be roughly 40% lower on average.

Modern one-bedroom apartments are quoted at US$300-500 in Ho Chi Minh City and US$200-350 in Da Nang. Comparable rents are put at US$400-700 in Bangkok and US$350-550 in Chiang Mai.

A comfortable retirement budget is estimated at US$800-1,200 a month in Vietnam, compared with US$1,200-1,800 in Thailand. Annual estimates put comfortable expat spending at US$22,000-30,000 in Vietnam, against US$30,000-40,000 in Bangkok.

Street-food meals are estimated at US$1-3 in Vietnam and US$2-4 in Thailand, while restaurant dinners are US$5-12 and US$8-15 respectively. Domestic beer is also said to be cheaper in Vietnam.

The gap can narrow for retirees dependent on imported food and Western amenities, which can be significantly more expensive in Vietnam. Those happy with local food are likely to see the largest savings.

Healthcare, property and daily life

Thailand's established medical-tourism sector attracts more than two million medical tourists each year, including visitors from the United States, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. Its private hospital network includes JCI-accredited facilities, English-speaking staff and short waiting times.

Vietnam does not require health insurance for any visa category. Government figures put Vietnamese medical services at about 30-50% of the cost in Singapore or Thailand, but the country currently has four JCI-accredited hospitals. The health ministry aims for at least 15 internationally standard hospitals by 2030, including five public hospitals; retirees currently rely heavily on private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Neither country lets foreigners buy land outright. Vietnam permits foreign apartment purchases on 50-year leasehold terms, while Thailand has condominium ownership rules for foreigners and an established rental market.

Thailand has also applied tax rules since 2024 to foreign-source income brought into the country in the year it is earned. Retirees moving money to Thailand may need advice on tax exposure and their home country's double-taxation treaty.

Thailand offers more established expat infrastructure, English signage, public transport and retirement services. Vietnam offers lower costs, but busier traffic, less consistent English outside major cities and a more energetic pace. For many retirees, the decision is whether those savings outweigh Thailand's clearer long-term setup.

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18 August 2026

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And don't forget that Vietnam is more welcoming foreigners than here in Thailand at the moment. There is more freedom to live in Vietnam than in Thailand, where everything is controlled. Retirement is not only sitting at your home and doing nothing, but you have a life too, that results in playing cards for example, which is seen in Thailand as gambling, clubs( which are forbidden in Thailand) were people can meet and organize activities, and don't forget that Vietnam has a working policeforce, that fine people for not wearing an helmet, or drunk driving, and try to keep the country save....

Vietnam is in fact a much better place to live at the moment than Thailand, because Thailand is not willing to reform, and make things better by the conservative attitude... No progress will only result in that things are going back or down. Thailand has a lot to offer but is not using it.

1 hour ago, Georgealbert said:

The health ministry aims for at least 15 internationally standard hospitals by 2030, including five public hospitals; retirees currently rely heavily on private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

this is big news for those looking for quality healthcare with international standards.

I’m sure they will come up with a retirement visa very soon. They are already changing some laws and regulations. They are willing to make these changes, where Thailand is stuck and do not like change that would benefit the retirees.

My concern is what it will be like in 5-10 years time. Maybe overcrowded and the friendliness may wear down like here in Thailand in the major cities.

Thailand is slipping down the charts and maybe this will become a big benefit for the retirees. Only time will tell, but I’m happy enough with Thailand right now. Not happy about a few issues, but we all know that these things will change in time. Hopefully for the better.

5 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Retirees seeking a long stay must instead pursue a Temporary Residence Card through eligible work, investment or family-tie routes, or use investment and family-reunion visas.

Vietnam does not have a retirement visa - end of story. If you need to get a job or marry a Vietnamese just to be able to stay in the country long term, that's just not a viable option for people who simply want a place to retire.

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

There is more freedom to live in Vietnam than in Thailand, where everything is controlled.

I love Vietnam and lived there for years, but it's still a communist state. It's true that - as in Thailand - visitors to VN are mostly free to do whatever they want, and authorities don't care as long as the activities don't affect government control. Once they decide your actions DO threaten their control, though, they will come down much faster and harder than Thai police ever would.

Do you hate the TM-30? Well, VN requires ANY overnight stay to be registered with the police - locals as well as foreigners:

https://vietnamnet.vn/en/police-clarify-vietnam-s-overnight-stay-notification-rule-2535912.html#:~:text=Notifications%20must%20be%20submitted%20before,may%20not%20exceed%2030%20days.

31 minutes ago, khunjeff said:

Vietnam does not have a retirement visa - end of story. If you need to get a job or marry a Vietnamese just to be able to stay in the country long term, that's just not a viable option for people who simply want a place to retire. ... Once they decide your actions DO threaten their control, though, they will come down much faster and harder than Thai police ever would.

Do you hate the TM-30? Well, VN requires ANY overnight stay to be registered with the police - locals as well as foreigners:

Amazing people ignore the obvious, but still think VN is a viable retirement option.

It certainly isn't IMHO, and should never be on any list for retirement. Along with so many other countries some site suggest.

Great place to retire .... BUT ... NO retirement visa. Sign me up for that one.

Edited August 18Aug 18 by KhunLA

Probably a good 6 month option away from Thailand for tax purposes, last time i was there 2 people tried classic Vietnam scams on me, they can't help themselves

7 hours ago, BayArea said:

this is big news for those looking for quality healthcare with international standards.

I'd be interested to know what you consider to be "international standards". Many of my specialist docs at public hospitals have trained overseas. Thailand is perhaps five years behind US medical care. That's a good thing, we aren't experimental. No burden of electronic charting, just patient care. Latest equipment.

With the enormous Vietnamese diaspora, I bet it's much the same in Vietnam with Western-trained docs and specialists. I gave blood in Vietnam. The hospital was not all sparkly clean but the service was kind and professional.

In Thai hospitals, the iCandy is outstanding. I would hope to find it the same in V-N.

Thailand or Vietnam, up to you...

I'd choose Thailand but I am biased because my family lives there.

Go to Vietnam if you prefer, Thailand doesn't seem to advertise retirement like they do tourism for a reason and Vietnam doesn't offer a retirement visa.

3 hours ago, khunjeff said:

Vietnam does not have a retirement visa - end of story.

What makes you think they can not / will not announce a new retirement visa class in the future?

3 hours ago, khunjeff said:

I love Vietnam and lived there for years, but it's still a communist state.

This is true, but at least Vietnam doesn't try to pass itself off as a democracy when it's not, like Thailand does.

3 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Amazing people ignore the obvious, but still think VN is a viable retirement option.

Why wouldn't they? There's thousands of retired expats in Vietnam. They have no problem with it.

To anyone whose situation is such that losing B800K would have a significant negative impact on their life, or that use an agent to circumvent the financial requirements for maintaining a visa, Vietnam is likely a better choice.

7 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Why wouldn't they? There's thousands of retired expats in Vietnam. They have no problem with it.

You consider the Thai retirement visa nothing more than a 1 year extendable tourist vise, whidh it is. BUT, at least TH offers that, officially. VN has nothing, officially.

That some have no problem with that, doesn't really mean much now does it. Funny how you apply corrupt activity is OK in VN, but not in TH. Seem to hate the corruption in TH, that some have on problem with, BUT in VN, seems OK with you. Go figure.

What a waste of time!

Retirees who want to stay in Vietnam need to work to obtain a TRC 😂 😂 😂

Vietnam is only an option if still single, benefit of being single, you can go anywhere

3 hours ago, QPRFC said:

What a waste of time!

Retirees who want to stay in Vietnam need to work to obtain a TRC 😂 😂 😂

Wrong.

Most of the married guys I have spoken to in Vietnam had a TRC (Temporary Resident Card) to compliment their 5 year marriage visas. They were retired expats, not working.

2 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

Wrong.

Most of the married guys I have spoken to in Vietnam had a TRC (Temporary Resident Card) to compliment their 5 year marriage visas. They were retired expats, not working.

And they can own the land as in Vietnam too.

3 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

Vietnam is only an option if still single, benefit of being single, you can go anywhere

I'm single. I'm in good health.

A short trip to KL or Buriram for the bike racing, and Singapore F1, dual purpose visa runs, no problem for me. I go to the Singapore F1 anyway. Even a short visit to Pattaya, just to catch up with friends.

Thailand can crackdown all they like. They can make more hoops to jump through. I couldn't care less. Vietnam is my Plan B.

By the time I am elderly and immobile, I'm pretty sure Vietnam will have a retirement visa by then.

5 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

And they can own the land as in Vietnam too.

6 minutes ago, Yellowtail said:

And they can own the land as in Vietnam too.

No.

It's a 50 year leasehold, but it can be renewed, should one live that long.

Not the dodgy +30 + 30 like here, which is not recognized under Thai law.

4 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

To anyone whose situation is such that losing B800K would have a significant negative impact on their life, or that use an agent to circumvent the financial requirements for maintaining a visa, Vietnam is likely a better choice.

The 800k is not really lost, and I believe you just gave the whole discussion a little jab. You can still use 400k for around seven months of the year, then top it up again before renewal, depending on when you renew your stay.

Some even claim using an agent is better because of the interest lost on that money, but if that amount of lost interest matters that much, you are probably living on a fairly tight budget anyway.

12 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

And don't forget that Vietnam is more welcoming foreigners than here in Thailand at the moment. There is more freedom to live in Vietnam than in Thailand, where everything is controlled. Retirement is not only sitting at your home and doing nothing, but you have a life too, that results in playing cards for example, which is seen in Thailand as gambling, clubs( which are forbidden in Thailand) were people can meet and organize activities, and don't forget that Vietnam has a working policeforce, that fine people for not wearing an helmet, or drunk driving, and try to keep the country save....

Vietnam is in fact a much better place to live at the moment than Thailand, because Thailand is not willing to reform, and make things better by the conservative attitude... No progress will only result in that things are going back or down. Thailand has a lot to offer but is not using it.

And you have just returned from your 27th trip to Vietnam over the past 15 or-so years, each exceeding a couple of weeks and includes visiting the major tourist hot-spots as well as the quieter, more provincial backwaters.

Thanks for playing 'at the moment'.

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

You consider the Thai retirement visa nothing more than a 1 year extendable tourist vise, whidh it is.

So do you agree, that's all it is?

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

BUT, at least TH offers that, officially. VN has nothing, officially.

You are correct, but what about the future?

Would it surprise you if they announced a new retirement visa class in the near future? Why do you think they can not / will not ever have a retirement visa?

The married guys there have it easy. 5 year marriage visa. No money in the bank rubbish.

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

That some have no problem with that, doesn't really mean much now does it.

It means that the some, well, really there are thousands of them, prefer Vietnam to Thailand.

If / When Vietnam offers a similar retirement visa, BOOM, how many are going to jump ship, not to mention, the next generation of retired expat coming through choosing Vietnam over Thailand.

4 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Funny how you apply corrupt activity is OK in VN, but not in TH. Seem to hate the corruption in TH, that some have on problem with, BUT in VN, seems OK with you. Go figure.

No. I have no idea where you got that from. It's their respective countries. When in Rome.

If I can be on a golf course, instead of waiting in a queue at an immigration office, just to be told I am one photocopy short, and my money left safely back in my home country makes way more than the agent's fee, why not?

Corruption or no corruption, I would pay an agent in Vietnam as well, if it's accepted, similar to here. The less I deal with government authorities in either country the better.

22 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

I'm single. I'm in good health.

A short trip to KL or Buriram for the bike racing, and Singapore F1, dual purpose visa runs, no problem for me. I go to the Singapore F1 anyway. Even a short visit to Pattaya, just to catch up with friends.

Thailand can crackdown all they like. They can make more hoops to jump through. I couldn't care less. Vietnam is my Plan B.

By the time I am elderly and immobile, I'm pretty sure Vietnam will have a retirement visa by then.

You've been threatening to go to Vietnam for years when you were Leaver, why still here? usually that indicates someone who is married

8 hours ago, khunjeff said:

I love Vietnam and lived there for years, but it's still a communist state.

Love is a very emotive word that is often abused in such conversations.

But more to the point, Vietnam is a socialist republic. Nobody does pure Communism any more except maybe Cuba, Laos, North Korea and the People's Republic of China.

Having worked in all of them, I can tell the difference.

3 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

24 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

I'm single. I'm in good health.

A short trip to KL or Buriram for the bike racing, and Singapore F1, dual purpose visa runs, no problem for me. I go to the Singapore F1 anyway. Even a short visit to Pattaya, just to catch up with friends.

Thailand can crackdown all they like. They can make more hoops to jump through. I couldn't care less. Vietnam is my Plan B.

By the time I am elderly and immobile, I'm pretty sure Vietnam will have a retirement visa by then.

You've been threatening to go to Vietnam for years when you were Leaver, why still here? usually that indicates someone who is married

For me, the giveaway was, "...a short visit to Pattaya, just to catch up with friends."

When comparing Thailand and Vietnam for retirement, how important is access to reliable healthcare, experienced doctors, and good hospitals in your decision? I think retirees should also consider how easily they can find specialists and seek a second medical opinion when needed. Platforms like MyoPlus can help people explore doctors, hospitals, and healthcare services based on their needs and location.

9 minutes ago, chanwilliam0011 said:

When comparing Thailand and Vietnam for retirement, how important is access to reliable healthcare, experienced doctors, and good hospitals in your decision? I think retirees should also consider how easily they can find specialists and seek a second medical opinion when needed. Platforms like MyoPlus can help people explore doctors, hospitals, and healthcare services based on their needs and location.

Could you do a link please? I just did a search on Myoplus and all I found was info on prosthetics, and nothing on lists of doctors or hospitals.

48 minutes ago, Hummin said:

The 800k is not really lost, and I believe you just gave the whole discussion a little jab. You can still use 400k for around seven months of the year, then top it up again before renewal, depending on when you renew your stay.

Some even claim using an agent is better because of the interest lost on that money, but if that amount of lost interest matters that much, you are probably living on a fairly tight budget anyway.

I was talking about the people to who the B800K is life changing money, and or to who the few percentage points they might lose on a fixed account in Thailand verses a fixed account in their home country, is significant enough to warrant compromising one's integrity.

44 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

For me, the giveaway was, "...a short visit to Pattaya, just to catch up with friends."

What give away?

If I move to Vietnam, by choice, or because I refused to jump through Thailand's hoops, my visa runs would be dual purpose. I would time the 3 months to take in a sporting event, festival, concert, Pattaya catch up, whatever. I have said this before. I go to the Singapore F1 every year anyway, so there's one visa run straight away.

Like another member says, I can actually do 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in Vietnam, if I want, and not be a tax resident of Thailand, and not have to jump through any hoops here.

Vietnam is my Plan B. Thailand can crackdown all they like, make it as hard for foreigners all they like. They can kick me out if they like. I couldn't care less.

4 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

What give away?

If I move to Vietnam, by choice, or because I refused to jump through Thailand's hoops, my visa runs would be dual purpose. I would time the 3 months to take in a sporting event, festival, concert, Pattaya catch up, whatever. I have said this before. I go to the Singapore F1 every year anyway, so there's one visa run straight away.

Like another member says, I can actually do 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in Vietnam, if I want, and not be a tax resident of Thailand, and not have to jump through any hoops here.

Vietnam is my Plan B. Thailand can crackdown all they like, make it as hard for foreigners all they like. They can kick me out if they like. I couldn't care less.

How is Thailand making it harder?