Remote Work in Vietnam
Vietnam has become a major digital nomad destination, offering excellent infrastructure, low costs, and a vibrant community—despite not having a dedicated remote work visa.
Legal Status for Remote Work
Current situation:
- No dedicated digital nomad visa
- Most remote workers use 90-day e-visas
- "Visa runs" every 90 days are common and straightforward
- Working remotely for foreign clients is in a gray area legally
- Proposed Golden Visa and Talent Visa may change this in 2026
Key considerations:
- Don't work for Vietnamese companies without a work permit
- Keep income from foreign sources
- Maintain records of foreign client relationships
- Consider tax implications if staying 183+ days
Internet Infrastructure
| City | Speed | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Ho Chi Minh City | 100-300+ Mbps | Excellent |
| Hanoi | 100-200+ Mbps | Excellent |
| Da Nang | 80-200 Mbps | Very Good |
| Smaller cities | 30-100 Mbps | Good |
- Fiber internet: $10-15/month
- 5G available in major cities
- Vinaphone, Mobifone, Viettel are main providers
- Cafe WiFi is generally reliable in expat areas
Top Coworking Spaces
Ho Chi Minh City:
- Dreamplex: Premium, 4 locations, $80-200/month
- CirCO: Established, central, ~$80/month, has gym
- The Hive: International chain, networking events
- Toong: Creative vibe, art gallery, garden
- WeWork: Corporate standard
Hanoi:
- Toong: Multiple locations
- UP Co-working Space: Popular with startups
- Dreamplex: Opening locations
Da Nang:
- Enouvo Space: Beach area
- Basecamp: Digital nomad focused
- Work Saigon: Affordable option
Costs: $5-10/day pass, $60-150/month membership
Best Neighborhoods for Remote Workers
Ho Chi Minh City:
- District 1: Central, walkable, most cafes/coworking
- Thao Dien: Expat hub, quieter, good cafes
- District 3: Local feel, affordable, convenient
Hanoi:
- Tay Ho: Lake views, peaceful, international
- Old Quarter: Lively, central, cafes
Da Nang:
- An Thuong: "Digital nomad" area, beachside
- My Khe: Beach access, modern apartments
Digital Nomad Community
Vietnam's nomad community is active and growing:
- Weekly meetups in HCMC and Hanoi
- Facebook groups: "Ho Chi Minh City Digital Nomads"
- Coworking spaces host regular events
- The Hive organizes networking sessions
- Remote workers from diverse backgrounds
Tax Implications
- 183+ days: May be considered tax resident
- Tax residents: Subject to progressive rates (5-35%) on worldwide income
- Non-residents: Only Vietnamese-source income taxed
- Remote income: Gray area—consult a tax professional
- Double taxation treaties: Vietnam has 80+ DTAs
Pro Tips
- •90-day e-visa with visa runs is the standard approach for digital nomads
- •Ho Chi Minh City District 1 has the most coworking options and cafes
- •Always have a mobile hotspot backup for important calls
- •Join HCMC Digital Nomads Facebook group before arriving
- •CirCO and Dreamplex are reliable choices for consistent workspace
Have questions about remote work in Vietnam?