Viet Nam Ranked Among Top 10 Global Retirement Destinations

Viet Nam has been listed among the world’s 10 most attractive countries for retirees for the first time, according to the 2026 rankings published by France-based platform Retraite sans Frontières (Retirement Without Borders).

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The country earned its spot in the Top 10 due to its affordable cost of living, steadily improving living standards, and significant advancements in infrastructure and healthcare.

Viet Nam’s entry into the global top retirement destinations is regarded as a positive sign, highlighting its increasing appeal to international retirees as cross-border retirement continues to grow. The ranking comes at a time when more European retirees, particularly in France, are considering relocating abroad to enhance their quality of life, benefit from better climates, and make their retirement savings go further.

To compile the rankings, Retraite sans Frontières evaluated 12 criteria, with cost of living carrying the greatest weight at 20 percent of the total score. According to founder Paul Delahoutre, retiring overseas can reduce daily expenses by 15 to 50 percent compared to staying in France. Other important factors include climate, healthcare quality, safety, access to services, and transportation.

Viet Nam ranked ninth overall, marking its first appearance in the Top 10. Reviewers pointed to its low living costs, varied lifestyle options, and rapidly improving healthcare and urban infrastructure. Although expenses are slightly higher than in some other Asian destinations, Viet Nam is considered to offer a strong balance between affordability, quality of life, and long-term prospects.

In 2025, Viet Nam also placed fifth among the best countries for expats in the annual Expat Insider survey conducted by global network InterNations, thanks to strong ratings for affordability and personal finance.

For the fifth consecutive year, Viet Nam led the survey’s Personal Finance Index, with nearly 90 percent of respondents expressing satisfaction with the cost of living. The index assesses expats’ views on overall living expenses, financial situation, and whether their disposable household income is sufficient for a comfortable lifestyle.

Source: Vietnam Government Portal

Photos: Collected.