Moving to Vietnam with Family: The Complete Guide for 2026

Planning Timeline for Families

Moving internationally with children requires longer lead time than a solo move. Start planning at least 6-12 months before your target move date.

12 months out:

• Research and shortlist international schools
• Submit school applications (most top schools have waiting lists)
• Research family health insurance options

6 months out:

• Confirm school placement
• Begin visa applications
• Sort family health insurance
• Research neighborhoods near chosen school

3 months out:

• Arrange accommodation (short-term at first)
• Begin pet import process if bringing animals
• Sort international moving logistics

1 month out:

• Confirm all visas
• Set up Wise or international banking
• Download offline maps, Grab, Zalo

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Visas for the Whole Family

Each family member needs their own visa. Children are not automatically covered by a parent's visa.

Children's visas:

• Children can obtain the same e-visa as adults
• If one parent has a TRC, children may be able to get dependent status - check current rules
• For school enrollment, a valid visa is required

Spouse visas:

• If one partner has a work permit and TRC, the spouse can often obtain a dependent visa
• Independent TRC routes (investment, marriage to Vietnamese) provide more stability

For a family requiring long-term status, the investment TRC route often makes most sense - one application that covers the primary applicant and then supports family members.

See our TRC service for full details.

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Choosing Schools

This decision typically drives all other family logistics - neighborhood, accommodation, transport.

Key considerations:

• Which curriculum matches your child's current education and future university plans
• Waiting list timelines for your preferred entry year
• Geographic location relative to where you want to live
• School bus availability if the school is not walkable

See our comprehensive International Schools Guide for full details on top schools in HCMC, Hanoi, and Da Nang, with fee ranges.

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Childcare and Nurseries (Under 3)

For children not yet in primary school:

International nurseries:

• Cost: $500-2,000/month
• Popular brands: Maple Bear Canadian Preschool, Little Dreamers, ABC Montessori
• Quality is generally good at established centres

Nanny / Domestic Helper:

• Very common among expat families in Vietnam
• A live-out nanny runs $300-600/month in HCMC
• Live-in arrangements are less common but available at similar rates
• Finding recommendations: expat Facebook groups, school noticeboards
• Tax and legal implications of employing domestic staff - get advice

Local Vietnamese preschools:

• Very affordable ($150-400/month)
• Vietnamese-medium instruction
• Good option for families committing long-term who want Vietnamese language immersion from a young age

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Child-Friendly Neighborhoods

Ho Chi Minh City

Thao Dien (District 2): The primary choice for expat families. Concentration of international schools, expat cafes, parks, playgrounds. Walking community feel. Best access to ISHCMC, BIS HCMC, ACST. Slightly premium rent but widely considered worth it for family quality of life.

District 7 / Phu My Hung: Clean, planned, good infrastructure, slightly less vibrant but more spacious. Access to SSIS and other schools. Popular with Korean and Japanese families.

Hanoi

Tay Ho (West Lake): The family expat hub. Schools nearby, parks, lake walks, international supermarkets.

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Family Health Insurance

Health insurance for a family in Vietnam costs more than individual cover - but Vietnam's competitive medical costs mean overall healthcare spending is still far below Western norms.

Approximate family plan costs:

• Regional plan (2 adults + 1 child): $2,000-5,000/year
• International plan (2 adults + 1 child): $5,000-10,000/year

Key considerations for families:

• Maternity cover: If you are planning to have children in Vietnam, you need a maternity rider with at least 10 months of waiting period before conception. Buy before you start trying.
• Paediatric care: Confirm which hospitals your plan covers for children. FV Hospital and Hanh Phuc International (maternity/paediatrics focused) in HCMC are top-rated.
• Dental: Often available as a family add-on. Worth having for children.

See our Healthcare and Insurance Guide.

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Bringing Pets to Vietnam

Vietnam allows pets to be imported but the process requires advance planning.

Documents Required

• Valid rabies vaccination certificate (no older than 12 months, no newer than 30 days before travel)
• Microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard)
• Health certificate issued by a licensed vet within 10 days of travel
• Import permit from Vietnam's Department of Animal Health (DAH) - apply at least 2-3 months in advance
• Airline approval (pet transport policies vary by airline)

Process

1. Obtain import permit from Vietnam's DAH (online application)
2. Vaccinate and microchip your pet if not already done
3. Get vet health certificate close to travel date
4. Arrange airline cargo or cabin transport (dogs: cargo only above a certain size; cats can often travel in cabin)
5. Quarantine: Vietnam does not require quarantine for pets from most countries, provided documentation is complete

Costs

Import permit: Free to apply. Vet certificates and inspections: $100-300. Airline transport: $100-500+ depending on size and route. Possible inspection fee on arrival.

Once in Vietnam

Veterinary care in HCMC and Hanoi is good and affordable. Recommended clinics in HCMC: Saigon Pet Clinic, Pet Klinik. In Hanoi: Hanoi Small Animal Hospital.

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Adjusting Children to Vietnam

Language

Children adapt to new languages far more quickly than adults. Most expat children in international schools pick up conversational Vietnamese within 1-2 years through social immersion outside of school, even if their formal instruction is in English.

Enrolling children in Vietnamese language classes from an early age is worthwhile for those staying more than 2 years.

Cultural Adjustment

Vietnam is a very family-oriented culture. Children are generally welcomed warmly everywhere - in restaurants, markets, and public spaces. This makes family life genuinely easy in ways that can surprise new arrivals.

The main adjustments for children:

• Traffic noise and intensity (particularly in HCMC)
• Heat and humidity (allow time to acclimatise)
• Different food - Vietnamese food is generally not spicy and many children adapt quickly
• Air quality in Hanoi (invest in air purifiers for the home)

Schools and Social Integration

International schools have well-developed processes for welcoming new students. Most have a "buddy system" for new arrivals. The expat community turns over regularly, so schools are experienced at integrating new children quickly.

The biggest social challenge is often for secondary-age children who leave established friend groups at home. Encourage early involvement in after-school sports and activities, which is where most lasting friendships form.