Vietnam In Top 5 Best Countries For Foreigners In 2025

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Expats living in Vietnam report high levels of satisfaction across key indicators, particularly personal finances, housing (both affordability and availability), cuisine (tasty and diverse), and overall happiness. Another major advantage is that Vietnam is widely regarded as a safe country, where foreigners can feel secure living and working.

The Expat Insider 2025 report - the world’s largest annual global survey on expat life - was conducted by InterNations with over 10,000 respondents representing 172 nationalities. The survey assesses multiple aspects, including personal finance, career, quality of life, and ease of settling in.

Foreigners enjoy the cuisine in Hoi An ancient town. (Photo: KT)

In the ranking, Vietnam topped the Personal Finance Index and placed 8th in the Overall Happiness Index, securing its position among the global leaders. Compared to 2024, Vietnam rose three spots, from 8th to 5th place.

Panama retained the top position, followed by Colombia, Mexico, and Thailand. Also in the top 10 were China, the UAE, Indonesia, Spain, and Malaysia. Within Southeast Asia, Vietnam ranked just behind Thailand but ahead of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore.

InterNations highlighted Vietnam’s relatively low cost of living compared to many Western countries, with affordable housing, food, and transportation. Expats also praised the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people, which helps them integrate easily into local life.

Bertha Pesik, an Indonesian working in Phu Quoc, told the BBC: “Life here moves quickly, everything is growing fast, and people are incredibly warm and always willing to help.” She added that she especially enjoys Vietnamese cuisine for its freshness, abundance of vegetables, and light use of oil.

Beyond its cuisine, Vietnam is also a “paradise” for coffee lovers. Pesik shared her enthusiasm: “Vietnamese coffee is simply indispensable - bold in flavor, and salt coffee is a unique combination that I really enjoy.”

Vietnam is described as a dynamic, energetic, and rapidly growing economy. Many expats choose to experience life in major cities while enjoying renowned beach destinations such as Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang, where they can balance vibrant urban living with the tranquility of nature.

InterNations currently connects more than 41,600 expat members living and working in Vietnam, underscoring the country’s growing appeal in the eyes of the international community.

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