Visa Question

Marry your gf and get a 5-year VEC. Only problem is you may need to do a border run every 6-months. You could also look into visas related to business.

My gf isn’t Vietnamese

colinoscapee wrote:

Marry your gf and get a 5-year VEC. Only problem is you may need to do a border run every 6-months. You could also look into visas related to business.

Or assuming she is Vietnamese, marry her and get a spousal TRC lasts three years, no border runs and also comes with the benefit of not requiring a work permit

Yeah, again. My girl is American like myself.

What kind of business? If you're in a position to set-up or invest in a business here that might be a way in with a business visa.

Other than than literally every other kind of Vida is going to be (once they finalize boost covid requirements) a visa run on a regular basis.

Well for he and I we planned on a game development company. Mobile games.

I also plan on side work as a video editor as I’ve done that for years. Not strictly VN but it’d be something I’d also do.

I also planned on looking into maybe opening a restaurant some day as I’m a trained chef and always wanted to.

What’s the longest visa stay I can apply for (I assume I also need to apply for a work permit)

P.s. I don’t mind Visa runs.

bdsmith62 wrote:

Well for he and I we planned on a game development company. Mobile games.

I also plan on side work as a video editor as I’ve done that for years. Not strictly VN but it’d be something I’d also do.

I also planned on looking into maybe opening a restaurant some day as I’m a trained chef and always wanted to.

What’s the longest visa stay I can apply for (I assume I also need to apply for a work permit)

Visa runs cost time, money and valuable page space in your passport.

Work permits are given to those working for local companies, so you're likely not going to foot that category.

Restaurant, unless it's something unique, I'd skip that. Here any restaurant that opens and does reasonably well in the first few months will have at least one or two copies crop up - often next door too. Added to which, unless you deliver good food at affordable prices you'll find it short lived.

Pre covid... Tourist visas were workable, with monthly or quarterly trips to the border. At the ment they have yet to finalize the details.

You're best bet would be a yearly business visa or if you're brave enough what was the investor visa. Put your money into a recommended business over a predetermined time and you got a visa that way.

What does your gf do? If she has a career that's transferable it might be a good route to explore.

She doesn’t really have a transferable job. She will more than likely be in charge of artwork for my and my friends business. I will be the 3D graphics artist, him the coder and her, as I said art or marketing. Or homemaker 🤣

Also, he, since he in a VN citizen could always start the business and bring me on? That could work with the work permit couldn’t it? Just a thought

bdsmith62 wrote:

She doesn’t really have a transferable job. She will more than likely be in charge of artwork for my and my friends business. I will be the 3D graphics artist, him the coder and her, as I said art or marketing. Or homemaker 🤣

Also, he, since he in a VN citizen could always start the business and bring me on? That could work with the work permit couldn’t it? Just a thought

At a push he could hire you and get your work permit / TRC that way, he'd best look into that before you arrive

Ok I sent him a message about that. Any info on any other types of jobs there for Americans other than teaching? Also, what about finding a place to live? I was thinking Hanoi which is where he lives but was just reading an old thread and Dalat seems nice. Just looking for simple living not into big cities unless I NEED to be there. Somewhere quiet and peaceful. Any experience with [link moderated]?

P.s: I really appreciate all your time and info it’s been a huge help.

Apart from teaching finding job as a foreigner is hard. Even if you have the skills the chances are a local will be much cheaper to hire - in many cases the employee doesn't have the same level of skills

Dalat is a slower and quieter pace of life, if your planning in working or having a business outside teaching and running a homestay then a bigger city would be more suitable. More people.. more jobs / customers potentially.  Of course this does mean higher rents potentially.

Have you been here before?

👁️👃👁️

@bdsmith62

Out of interest why have you chosen Vietnam?

Jlgarbutt wrote:

Apart from teaching finding job as a foreigner is hard. Even if you have the skills the chances are a local will be much cheaper to hire - in many cases the employee doesn't have the same level of skills

Dalat is a slower and quieter pace of life, if your planning in working or having a business outside teaching and running a homestay then a bigger city would be more suitable. More people.. more jobs / customers potentially.  Of course this does mean higher rents potentially.

Have you been here before?

Nope just Korea. And yeah slower quieter is what I’d like. Since we’d be game deving I don’t need to worry about customers and such. Just need peace and quiet.

SimCityAT wrote:

@bdsmith62

Out of interest why have you chosen Vietnam?

My buddy is Vietnamese. I loved my time in Korea and have always wanted to go back to Asia but a different country. I’ve always heard a lot about the war from growing up (80s kid). And I’ve always looked into how it is now, etc and it just seems like a nice place to live. I love the rain but admittedly hate humid but I hear da lat is fairly nice weather wise. Idk. Just something about it beyond what I’ve mentioned just seems to call my name.

Plus my kids live with their mom (my ex wife) in Korea so that’s a bonus as well as I haven’t been able to see them since pre covid (may 2019).

Just feel there’s so many reasons even if they aren’t 100% clear just yet

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

👁️👃👁️

Lol hi Ocean

bdsmith62 wrote:

Somewhere quiet and peaceful

LOL, you need to visit first to see if it is something you can stomach.   Quiet and peaceful is basically unheard of anywhere you would consider living unless you are wealthy.

bdsmith62 wrote:

SimCityAT wrote:

@bdsmith62

Out of interest why have you chosen Vietnam?

My buddy is Vietnamese. I loved my time in Korea and have always wanted to go back to Asia but a different country. I’ve always heard a lot about the war from growing up (80s kid). And I’ve always looked into how it is now, etc and it just seems like a nice place to live. I love the rain but admittedly hate humid but I hear da lat is fairly nice weather wise. Idk. Just something about it beyond what I’ve mentioned just seems to call my name.

Plus my kids live with their mom (my ex wife) in Korea so that’s a bonus as well as I haven’t been able to see them since pre covid (may 2019).

Just feel there’s so many reasons even if they aren’t 100% clear just yet

I would certainly visit the place first and try a few locations. What is right for someone might not be right for someone else. Don't forget you have your better half to like the location as well.

SteinNebraska wrote:

bdsmith62 wrote:

Somewhere quiet and peaceful

LOL, you need to visit first to see if it is something you can stomach.   Quiet and peaceful is basically unheard of anywhere you would consider living unless you are wealthy.

Right. What I’d like and what I expect are two different things. Just gathering info. I expect to search a bit once I’m there. Just looking for initial place to live at this point. I have enough to afford close to what I’m looking for. Possibly everything I’m looking for based on what I’ve seen via FAZWAZ. Just the whole home/ rental search I haven’t found much other than that site as I’ve been more worried about researching the best options for visa regarding my situation. I don’t mind city living. I just prefer, eventually, country living away from everything. That, I imagine is many ppls dreams. Living out a peaceful life away from people.

SimCityAT wrote:

bdsmith62 wrote:

SimCityAT wrote:

@bdsmith62

Out of interest why have you chosen Vietnam?

My buddy is Vietnamese. I loved my time in Korea and have always wanted to go back to Asia but a different country. I’ve always heard a lot about the war from growing up (80s kid). And I’ve always looked into how it is now, etc and it just seems like a nice place to live. I love the rain but admittedly hate humid but I hear da lat is fairly nice weather wise. Idk. Just something about it beyond what I’ve mentioned just seems to call my name.

Plus my kids live with their mom (my ex wife) in Korea so that’s a bonus as well as I haven’t been able to see them since pre covid (may 2019).

Just feel there’s so many reasons even if they aren’t 100% clear just yet

I would certainly visit the place first and try a few locations. What is right for someone might not be right for someone else. Don't forget you have your better half to like the location as well.

Right. More than likely that’s what will happen. Just gather opinions as most everyone is different BUT those already there will have a good idea. Know what I mean?

Luckily for me I lucked out with a woman that wants to be anywhere I am, though she also has full say in the end as well. We have similar interests in living so she trusts me to find that initial place till we can get there and travel around.

SteinNebraska wrote:

bdsmith62 wrote:

Somewhere quiet and peaceful

LOL, you need to visit first to see if it is something you can stomach.   Quiet and peaceful is basically unheard of anywhere you would consider living unless you are wealthy.

Go Dau, nothing there... Cheap prices and beyond 9pm most locals sleep

The central highlands sound like it would suit you. Start in Dalat(tourist city) then look around places like Pleiku and Boun Ma Thout which are less touristy.

Sounds like my kind of place. Haha. Thanks man I’ll check it out.

bdsmith62 wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

bdsmith62 wrote:

Somewhere quiet and peaceful

LOL, you need to visit first to see if it is something you can stomach.   Quiet and peaceful is basically unheard of anywhere you would consider living unless you are wealthy.

Right. What I’d like and what I expect are two different things. Just gathering info. I expect to search a bit once I’m there. Just looking for initial place to live at this point. I have enough to afford close to what I’m looking for. Possibly everything I’m looking for based on what I’ve seen via FAZWAZ. Just the whole home/ rental search I haven’t found much other than that site as I’ve been more worried about researching the best options for visa regarding my situation. I don’t mind city living. I just prefer, eventually, country living away from everything. That, I imagine is many ppls dreams. Living out a peaceful life away from people.

Just be aware that there is a "third world" quality of life in most rural areas, much more so than what you might have experienced in South Korea.

For many of us, it simply is what it is, and we either isolate in cities with other foreigners, or we freely travel through those areas, but rarely put down roots there.

For those of us who have fallen in love with a Vietnamese woman, we adapt as best we can when spending time with her family out in the countryside, or we invest in modernizing our new home with her if we decide to live out in "the country" with her.

When I return sometime later this year, my Sweetheart and I will be seriously looking at ways that we might live with or near her family in rural Quảng Ngãi province, though initially we will probably live back in Vũng Tàu city or An Bàng Beach, Hội An.

Not to try and undermine your relationship with your GF, but you would probably find it much easier to live in rural Vietnam with a Vietnamese partner, especially since you'll encounter few people who speak English there, as well as a dearth of English language signage...and western toilets 🚽

colinoscapee wrote:

The central highlands sound like it would suit you. Start in Dalat(tourist city) then look around places like Pleiku and Boun Ma Thout which are less touristy.

Another vote for Buôn Ma Thuột.

Based on my very limited experience there, it's possible to find an affordable westernized building on the outskirts of the city, yet not be surrounded by the trappings of tourism.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

bdsmith62 wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

LOL, you need to visit first to see if it is something you can stomach.   Quiet and peaceful is basically unheard of anywhere you would consider living unless you are wealthy.

Right. What I’d like and what I expect are two different things. Just gathering info. I expect to search a bit once I’m there. Just looking for initial place to live at this point. I have enough to afford close to what I’m looking for. Possibly everything I’m looking for based on what I’ve seen via FAZWAZ. Just the whole home/ rental search I haven’t found much other than that site as I’ve been more worried about researching the best options for visa regarding my situation. I don’t mind city living. I just prefer, eventually, country living away from everything. That, I imagine is many ppls dreams. Living out a peaceful life away from people.

Just be aware that there is a "third world" quality of life in most rural areas, much more so than what you might have experienced in South Korea.

For many of us, it simply is what it is, and we either isolate in cities with other foreigners, or we freely travel through those areas, but rarely put down roots there.

For those of us who have fallen in love with a Vietnamese woman, we adapt as best we can when spending time with her family out in the countryside, or we invest in modernizing our new home with her if we decide to live out in "the country" with her.

When I return sometime later this year, my Sweetheart and I will be seriously looking at ways that we might live with or near her family in rural Quảng Ngãi province, though initially we will probably live back in Vũng Tàu city or An Bàng Beach, Hội An.

Not to try and undermine your relationship with your GF, but you would probably find it much easier to live in rural Vietnam with a Vietnamese partner, especially since you'll encounter few people who speak English there, as well as a dearth of English language signage...and western toilets 🚽

Understood. All I require is internet, electricity and flowing water/ plumbing. An outhouse is even suitable if only we use it. Always dreamt of off grid living. If I could legally do it, I’d even do off grid living/ farming there.

Anyways, thanks for the tips. Trying to find a place to look for longer term rentals. Like a website or something. My buddy is still in university, after which he plans to move in with us (possibly). He’s hard to get ahold of at times because of school work so not sure how much effort he’s able to put into helping us find a place.

Jlgarbutt wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

bdsmith62 wrote:

Somewhere quiet and peaceful

LOL, you need to visit first to see if it is something you can stomach.   Quiet and peaceful is basically unheard of anywhere you would consider living unless you are wealthy.

Go Dau, nothing there... Cheap prices and beyond 9pm most locals sleep

Ah yes & nice & easy for the visa run to Moc Bai

bdsmith62 wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

bdsmith62 wrote:

Right. What I’d like and what I expect are two different things. Just gathering info. I expect to search a bit once I’m there. Just looking for initial place to live at this point. I have enough to afford close to what I’m looking for. Possibly everything I’m looking for based on what I’ve seen via FAZWAZ. Just the whole home/ rental search I haven’t found much other than that site as I’ve been more worried about researching the best options for visa regarding my situation. I don’t mind city living. I just prefer, eventually, country living away from everything. That, I imagine is many ppls dreams. Living out a peaceful life away from people.

Just be aware that there is a "third world" quality of life in most rural areas, much more so than what you might have experienced in South Korea.

For many of us, it simply is what it is, and we either isolate in cities with other foreigners, or we freely travel through those areas, but rarely put down roots there.

For those of us who have fallen in love with a Vietnamese woman, we adapt as best we can when spending time with her family out in the countryside, or we invest in modernizing our new home with her if we decide to live out in "the country" with her.

When I return sometime later this year, my Sweetheart and I will be seriously looking at ways that we might live with or near her family in rural Quảng Ngãi province, though initially we will probably live back in Vũng Tàu city or An Bàng Beach, Hội An.

Not to try and undermine your relationship with your GF, but you would probably find it much easier to live in rural Vietnam with a Vietnamese partner, especially since you'll encounter few people who speak English there, as well as a dearth of English language signage...and western toilets 🚽

Understood. All I require is internet, electricity and flowing water/ plumbing. An outhouse is even suitable if only we use it. Always dreamt of off grid living. If I could legally do it, I’d even do off grid living/ farming there.

Anyways, thanks for the tips. Trying to find a place to look for longer term rentals. Like a website or something. My buddy is still in university, after which he plans to move in with us (possibly). He’s hard to get ahold of at times because of school work so not sure how much effort he’s able to put into helping us find a place.

Rental websites in small country areas are not common. Word of mouth and a sign out front is the usual mode of advertising. You will struggle in the countryside without help from a local.

bdsmith62 wrote:

SteinNebraska wrote:

bdsmith62 wrote:

Somewhere quiet and peaceful

LOL, you need to visit first to see if it is something you can stomach.   Quiet and peaceful is basically unheard of anywhere you would consider living unless you are wealthy.

Right. What I’d like and what I expect are two different things. Just gathering info. I expect to search a bit once I’m there. Just looking for initial place to live at this point. I have enough to afford close to what I’m looking for. Possibly everything I’m looking for based on what I’ve seen via FAZWAZ. Just the whole home/ rental search I haven’t found much other than that site as I’ve been more worried about researching the best options for visa regarding my situation. I don’t mind city living. I just prefer, eventually, country living away from everything. That, I imagine is many ppls dreams. Living out a peaceful life away from people.

Fazwaz is rubbish... try hoozing if your overseas. Once you are here most apartment buildings have their own facebook group listing stuff for sale and apattment rentals

Just wondering how you know this buddy of yours in Vietnam. How did you become friends?
He should be able to answer many of your questions.

colinoscapee wrote:

Just wondering how you know this buddy of yours in Vietnam. How did you become friends?
He should be able to answer many of your questions.

Yep most Locals knows how to get a rental from student age up they use local sites and FB, stay away from site that advertise in USD and get your friend to do the leg work he should be able to find you a cheap rental in a day along with everything else you may need.

Before signing a long term rental anywhere in Vietnam do a week or month in the area first. Airbnb maybe? I've lived in 5 places, or 6? in Saigon. I've endured barking dogs, rooster breeder, Catholic church gonging bells every 05:30, smell from being occasionally downwind from city dump, unending highway motorbike rumble, 26 story tower going up down the block. There are no quality of life laws, impossible to register complaints about uncivil behavior. Trash burning is my biggest pet peeve in the countryside.

Replace Vietnam with anywhere in the world I suppose.

Airbnb is indeed an excellent solution to first scout a place out before committing to anything long term.
It worked great for me in HCM this time round..

But I wonder if it'll work/is available in more rural places.
Because back in 2018 I already struggled with it in the outskirts of D9. (Which I not that small of a place:) )

Your best bet is indeed a local.

Hi everyone,

Please note that a few posts have been removed from this thread.

Thanks,

Priscilla
Expat.com Team

@bdsmith62, I am currently living and working in Hải Phòng for almost 2 yrs now. Born and raised in Sai Gon.  Moved to US since 1981.   Up to 2020, I visited HCM twice for a duration up to 2 months (most of my family member is in District 1 and Gò Vấp).  if you both are not Vietnamese why not try out Hải Phòng.... the third largest city in VN.  Life here is very calm and the people are extremely friendly (don't believe what people in the south tell you... ask me how I know) .  The infrastructure is very similar to HCM, however, the traffic is 1/10 in comparison.  5- 10km from city center.... you are off the grid!  Having said that if you wife and friend are Vietnamese from the south... this place will take time to get use to i.e language, food, and culture.  Well, you got the gist.

Hello everyone,

Please note that some posts have been removed from this thread again. 

Kindly avoid off topic messages please.

Cheers,

Cheryl
Expat.com team

Smith, if you are still here, as reported there are now 1 year tourist visas for Americans for $215 from Vietnamese embassy in SF.

So sez me:
Don't start in the countryside, too difficult.
Since your friend is in Hanoi, I would just start there for practical reasons. There are lots of changes to adjust to, like money, ATMs, groceries, Grab, phone, restos. Give yourself time to travel around to see what you like and don't.  Da Lat maybe ok, you cannot decide where to live before seeing it. Vietnam is not like South Korea.

Get a 3 star hotel on Agoda for 1 week. Almost all have wifi, but you might need a coworking center. Search for coworking in Vietnam. There are digital nomads that always travel on tourist visas because they don't receive income in the host country, so a business visa doesn't make sense.  Google digital nomads in Vietnam, most are in Saigon, Da Nang.

Don't rent an apartment that is listed on an English language website, too $$. I don't see the Vietnamese listing companies in Da Lat that we have in Saigon, so another place to look for listings, for information, are Facebook groups. Try Expats in Dalat. Every city has similar.

Also you both should get motorcycle qualified on your US driver licenses before you come. Take a weekend course. Then you will be safer, and can convert your license to be legal.

No you can never become a citizen. Stay American. There are long term investment and business visas, but just do a 1 year visa, and then you have time to figure it out.