A 7-step Vietnam relocation guide that helps expat families settle in quickly: visas, housing, schools, healthcare and support services.
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Relocation to Vietnam: a journey that needs preparation
Relocation to Vietnam means moving to live and work in Vietnam, often as part of an international staff mobility program. For professionals with families, the journey is far more complex than simply finding a place to stay: visas, housing, schools, healthcare and each family member’s adjustment all need attention.
The experience of expat families in Ho Chi Minh City shows that thorough preparation from the start largely determines how smoothly the whole process goes. Families who take shortcuts and skip key steps, on the other hand, often face lingering obstacles during their first months in a new city.
This article brings together 7 practical steps to help expat families settle into life in Vietnam, drawn from our experience supporting more than 120 international professionals staying within the Luva Travel ecosystem across 6 cities. Each step includes specific notes for every stage.
Step 1: Prepare your visa and legal paperwork
Your visa is the foundation of any relocation plan for Vietnam. Depending on the purpose of your work and length of stay, you will need the appropriate visa type. Official information on entry regulations and visa categories is kept up to date on the portal of the Government of Vietnam, which you should check before starting any paperwork.
For professionals assigned by their company, the HR department usually coordinates visas and work permits. Even so, you should proactively review the requirements for a valid passport, health certificate and employment verification documents to avoid delays.
If your family is coming along, each member needs their own paperwork. Children often need documents proving the relationship and, in some cases, guardian consent. Make a document list for each person and check the expiry dates of all passports before departure.
After arriving in Vietnam, temporary residence registration is the next mandatory step. Hotels and professional operators usually handle this process for residents, helping you complete it correctly and quickly without having to figure it out yourself.
Step 2: Find the right home for the whole family
Once your paperwork is done, finding a home is the next priority. For expat families, key criteria include a location close to work and school, enough space, good security and reliable property management.
The two most common options are renting a private apartment or a serviced apartment. A serviced apartment is often the better fit in the early stage thanks to full furnishing, included services and flexible monthly contracts. This lets your family settle in quickly without worrying about buying furniture or handling repairs.
Luva Travel operates apartments and villas in District 1, District 3, Thu Thiem and Thao Dien, with popular layouts such as a 75-square-meter two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment. You can browse the portfolio on the Luva Travel apartments and villas.
When choosing a home, book an in-person viewing and check important details such as noise, water pressure, internet speed and fire safety. For families with young children, safety features like balcony and window locks should also be inspected carefully.
Step 3: Choose an international school for your children
For families with school-age children, choosing a school is one of the most important decisions in relocating to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has many international schools offering different curricula: the International Baccalaureate, British, American or bilingual programs.
Start researching schools as early as possible, ideally several months before you move. Contact admissions offices to ask about availability, tuition and additional fees, as well as entry requirements. Some schools have long waiting lists, so applying early is essential.
Beyond the curriculum, consider the school’s location relative to your home and workplace, extracurricular activities, school bus services and support for students who are not yet fluent in the language. These factors directly shape your child’s learning experience.
The Luva Travel concierge team supports families through this process: recommending suitable schools, contacting admissions and arranging campus visits. Details of these services are available on the Luva Travel relocation and family page.
Step 4: Healthcare, insurance and medical care
Preparing for healthcare is an essential part of relocating to Vietnam. Before you leave, check whether your international insurance plan covers Vietnam and which hospitals and clinics accept it.
Ho Chi Minh City has international hospitals and clinics staffed by international doctors that cater to foreign residents. If anyone in your family has pre-existing conditions or special needs, prepare translated medical records and a list of medications to bring.
For children, update vaccinations before moving and look into international vaccination centers in Ho Chi Minh City. The concierge team can help book appointments and recommend suitable medical facilities for each family member.
Remember to bring your routine health records and prescription medications along with the original prescriptions. If ongoing treatment is needed, contact an international hospital in advance to transfer records and schedule follow-up visits as soon as you settle in.
Step 5: Finance, banking and essential services
Financial stability underpins every other plan. When you first arrive, open a Vietnamese bank account as soon as possible, since many rental procedures, bill payments and service contracts require a local account.
Besides banking, you need to set up essential services: internet, phone and other utilities. If you stay in a serviced apartment, most of these are already arranged by the operator, saving you time and effort in the early days.
For living costs, build a family budget based on your actual needs. Costs in Ho Chi Minh City depend on the district, the size of your home and each family’s spending habits. You can also read our article on the cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City to build a suitable financial plan.
Finally, learn how to transfer money internationally in a cost-effective way if you are paid from abroad. Compare exchange rates and fees across transfer services to keep costs down, and be aware of Vietnam’s current foreign exchange regulations.
Step 6: Adapt to the culture and build connections
Cultural adaptation is often underestimated, yet it has a big impact on your family’s experience. Take time to learn about customs, communication styles and the pace of life in Vietnam before moving, to ease the initial culture shock.
Building a social network is the key to feeling at home in Vietnam. Joining expat communities, networking events and family activities helps you and your children connect with people in similar situations. Luva Travel regularly hosts networking events for residents.
Learning basic Vietnamese, even just a few greetings, makes a big difference in daily interactions and shows respect for the local culture. Many professionals find that learning the language makes them far more confident when living here long term.
Give children time to adjust and talk with them often about their new experiences. Weekend activities such as sightseeing, exploring local food and family outings help everyone bond and see the new city in a more positive light.
Step 7: Make use of professional relocation support
The final step, and the biggest time-saver, is to use professional support services. An experienced relocation and housing operator can handle many tasks in parallel that families would otherwise spend months sorting out on their own.
Luva Travel offers relocation and family services covering visa support, housing, international schools, healthcare and weekend activities. Our bilingual concierge team is available around the clock, supports you throughout and is ready to handle requests within 60 minutes.
This support is especially valuable in the first months, when everything is still new. Instead of figuring things out alone, you have a team with local knowledge taking care of logistics, so the whole family can focus on work and their new life.
You can learn more about our support packages on the Luva Travel services page or contact us directly for advice on your family’s relocation to Vietnam.
Complete pre-departure checklist
Before your departure date, go through a complete checklist to make sure nothing important is missed. Documents include valid passports, visas, medical records, your children’s school records and notarized translations of employment documents.
Finances include international cards, cash for the first few days and bank details for transferring money to your Vietnamese account. Your luggage should include prescription medication, essential personal items and a few familiar things to help children feel at home after the move.
For housing, confirm your check-in schedule and the operator’s contact details before you leave. If you are staying in a serviced apartment, ask in advance about furnishings and basic supplies so your first day is easier for the whole family.
Finally, share your plans with family and arrange an emergency contact in both countries. This careful preparation gives everyone peace of mind and turns your relocation to Vietnam into a smooth new beginning.
Working with your company during relocation
Most relocation programs involve close coordination between the employee and the company’s HR department. Clarify from the start what support you are entitled to: travel costs, initial housing, school search assistance and any included relocation services.
Many businesses contract housing operators to secure quality accommodation for rotating staff. The corporate housing model helps companies control costs and keep service standards consistent across locations. You can learn more in our article on corporate housing for project teams.
When you receive a company support package, ask clearly about rules for invoices, reimbursements and the duration of each allowance. Clarity from the outset helps you avoid unnecessary financial issues during and after the move.
Finally, keep in regular contact with HR during the first few months. Issues that arise while settling in are usually resolved faster with timely support from the company, especially those involving paperwork and procedures.
Frequently asked questions about relocation to Vietnam
When should you start preparing for relocation to Vietnam? Ideally 3 to 6 months before moving, especially if you have school-age children, since applying to international schools takes time.
Which visa type suits professionals and their families? It depends on the purpose and length of your stay. Check the current regulations on the Government portal and consult your company’s HR department.
Should you rent a home before or after arriving in Vietnam? Rent something for the first few weeks before you arrive so you have a stable base right away, then take time to find a better long-term option.
Is a serviced apartment suitable for the early stage of relocation? Very much so, because full furnishing and included services help families settle in quickly without juggling many procedures at once.
Do children need to know Vietnamese before arriving? It is not required, as international schools teach in English. Still, learning a few basic phrases helps children feel more confident as they settle in.
How can a family adapt as quickly as possible? Join expat communities, make use of support services and spend time exploring the city together. Early connections help every family member feel at home sooner.
Information, prices and availability in this article may change. Please confirm directly with Luva Travel before booking.