Can I Get My Australian Age Pension While Living in Vietnam?
Yes. Your Age Pension follows you overseas. After 26 weeks it converts to the "outside Australia" rate. Here is exactly how it works, how much you will receive, and why Vietnam stretches your pension further than almost anywhere.
1. The Short Answer
Yes, You Can Receive the Age Pension in Vietnam
The Australian Age Pension can be paid to you while you are living in Vietnam. For the first 26 weeks, you receive the normal domestic rate. After 26 weeks, it converts to the "outside Australia" rate, which is slightly lower. The amount you receive depends on how long you were an Australian resident during your working life. You must notify Services Australia before departing.
Australia and Vietnam do not have a social security agreement (SSA). Australia has SSAs with 31 countries (including the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, and several EU nations), but Vietnam is not among them. This has two practical implications: you cannot use Vietnamese residence periods to help qualify for the Age Pension, and the proportional rate formula is based solely on your years of Australian working-life residence.
2. The 26-Week Rule
First 26 Weeks: Full Rate Continues
For the first 26 weeks (approximately 6 months) outside Australia, your Age Pension continues at the normal domestic rate, including all supplements. This makes short stays in Vietnam financially seamless. You must still notify Services Australia of your travel if you expect to be away for more than 6 weeks.
After 26 Weeks: Outside Australia Rate
After 26 continuous weeks outside Australia, your payment converts to the "outside Australia" rate. This is a permanent change for as long as you remain overseas. Most supplements are reduced or removed (see Section 5). If you return to Australia and re-establish residence, your pension reverts to the full domestic rate after you have been back for 26 weeks.
3. Payment Rates Overseas
| Scenario | Annual (AUD) | Fortnightly (AUD) | Monthly (AUD) | Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic rate (single) | ~$30,646 | ~$1,116 | ~$2,554 | ~$1,616 |
| Domestic rate (couple, combined) | ~$46,202 | ~$1,683 | ~$3,850 | ~$2,437 |
| Outside AU rate (single, 35+ yrs residence) | ~$28,839 | ~$1,050 | ~$2,403 | ~$1,521 |
| Outside AU rate (couple, combined, 35+ yrs) | ~$43,586 | ~$1,587 | ~$3,632 | ~$2,299 |
| Outside AU, proportional (25 yrs residence, single) | ~$20,599 | ~$750 | ~$1,717 | ~$1,087 |
| Outside AU, proportional (20 yrs residence, single) | ~$16,480 | ~$600 | ~$1,373 | ~$869 |
Rates approximate, September 2025-March 2026. Maximum rates shown; actual payment subject to income and assets test. 1 USD = 1.58 AUD. Contact Services Australia for your exact entitlement.
Vietnam's dramatically lower cost of living means your Age Pension has 2.5-3x the purchasing power compared to living in Australia.
4. The Proportional Rate
If you have less than 35 years of Australian working-life residence (between age 16 and Age Pension age), a proportional rate applies when you move overseas. The formula is:
Proportional Rate Formula
Your Rate = (Years of Australian Working-Life Residence / 35) x Full Outside Australia Rate
If you have 35 or more years, you receive 100% of the outside Australia rate. Working-life residence is counted from age 16 to Age Pension age. Temporary absences from Australia during this period may or may not count, depending on circumstances.
| Years of AU Residence | Proportion | Approx. Annual (AUD) | Approx. Monthly (AUD) | Approx. Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35+ (full) | 100% | $28,839 | $2,403 | $1,521 |
| 30 | 85.7% | $24,719 | $2,060 | $1,304 |
| 25 | 71.4% | $20,599 | $1,717 | $1,087 |
| 20 | 57.1% | $16,480 | $1,373 | $869 |
| 15 | 42.9% | $12,360 | $1,030 | $652 |
Based on single outside Australia rate. Actual amounts subject to income and assets test. Services Australia calculates exact figures.
5. What You Lose When You Leave
| Payment/Supplement | In Australia | After 26 Weeks Overseas |
|---|---|---|
| Base Age Pension | Full domestic rate | Outside Australia rate (slightly lower) |
| Pension Supplement | Full amount (~$82/fortnight single) | Reduced to basic amount only (~$32/fortnight) |
| Energy Supplement | ~$14.10/fortnight | Stops |
| Rent Assistance | Up to ~$188/fortnight | Stops entirely |
| Pharmaceutical Allowance | ~$6.40/fortnight | Stops |
| Utilities Allowance | ~$673/year | Stops |
| Concession cards (Pensioner, CSHC) | Active | Not usable overseas |
| Medicare | Full access | Ceases after extended absence |
The total reduction in pension package value is approximately AUD $1,800-$4,500 per year depending on your supplement entitlements. However, the cost savings from living in Vietnam (where rent alone is AUD $15,000-$25,000 per year cheaper than Sydney) far outweigh the supplement losses.
6. Tax on the Pension
The Age Pension paid overseas is not subject to Australian income tax for recipients of Age Pension age. Australia and Vietnam signed a double tax agreement (DTA) in 1992. Under the DTA, government pension income is generally taxable in the country of residence (Vietnam). If you are a Vietnamese tax resident (183+ days per year), your Age Pension will be subject to Vietnamese personal income tax at progressive rates from 5% to 35%.
However, at the typical pension amount (approximately USD $1,500/month or VND ~37 million/month), the effective Vietnamese tax rate is modest. After the personal deduction of VND 11 million per month, the taxable portion falls in the 5-15% brackets. For comprehensive tax guidance, see our detailed Australian tax guide.
7. How Far the Pension Goes in Vietnam
| Expense | Australia (AUD/month) | Vietnam (USD/month) | Vietnam (AUD/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city centre) | $2,000-$2,800 | $350-$600 | $553-$948 |
| Groceries | $500-$800 | $100-$180 | $158-$284 |
| Eating out (daily) | $600-$1,000 | $90-$150 | $142-$237 |
| Utilities + internet | $250-$400 | $60-$120 | $95-$190 |
| Transport | $200-$350 | $30-$70 | $47-$111 |
| Health insurance | Incl. in Medicare | $80-$200 | $126-$316 |
| Total | $3,550-$5,350 | $710-$1,320 | $1,122-$2,086 |
At the full outside Australia rate of AUD $2,403/month, a single pensioner covers all living expenses in Vietnam and retains AUD $317-$1,281 per month for travel, savings, dental care, or discretionary spending. In Australia, the same pension leaves you AUD $1,147-$1,800 short of covering basic expenses in Sydney. The difference is transformative: in Vietnam, you live comfortably on the pension alone. In Australia, you are stretched thin.
Vietnam's affordable food culture means world-class meals for a fraction of Australian prices, with pho, banh mi, and fresh seafood available on every corner.
8. The Dental Savings Bonus
One of the biggest financial wins for Australian pensioners in Vietnam is dental care. Most Australian Extras policies cap implant benefits at AUD $500-$1,500 per year. In Vietnam, the same procedures cost 70-80% less, using the same globally certified implant brands.
9. How to Apply
| # | Step | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Notify Services Australia | Call Centrelink International: +61 3 6222 3455 (overseas) or 132 300 (in AU). Provide departure date and destination |
| 2 | Provide overseas bank details | Optional -- you can keep receiving into your AU account. If choosing overseas, provide SWIFT/IBAN details |
| 3 | Complete income and assets assessment | Services Australia will confirm your overseas rate based on residence history, income, and assets |
| 4 | Set up currency transfer | If receiving into AU account, use Wise or similar for low-fee AUD-to-VND conversion (0.5-1.0% vs bank's 2-4%) |
| 5 | Keep AU bank account open | Do not close until overseas deposits confirmed. Keep for tax returns, super access, and AU financial admin |
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive the Age Pension in Vietnam?
Yes. After 26 weeks overseas, it converts to the outside Australia rate (~AUD $28,839/yr for singles with 35+ years AU residence). You must have 10+ years of AU residence (5 continuous) and notify Services Australia before departure. No AU-Vietnam social security agreement exists.
How much will I receive?
With 35+ years AU residence: ~AUD $2,403/month (USD $1,521). With fewer years, a proportional rate applies: (years / 35) x full rate. Example: 25 years = ~71.4% = ~AUD $1,717/month. Services Australia calculates exact figures based on your residence history, income, and assets.
What supplements do I lose?
After 26 weeks overseas: Pension Supplement reduced to basic amount, Energy Supplement stops, Rent Assistance stops, Pharmaceutical Allowance stops, Utilities Allowance stops. Concession cards and Medicare cease. Total reduction: ~AUD $1,800-$4,500/year, far offset by Vietnam's lower living costs.
Is there a social security agreement with Vietnam?
No. Australia has SSAs with 31 countries but Vietnam is not among them. You cannot use Vietnamese residence to qualify for the Age Pension. The proportional rate is based solely on Australian working-life residence.
How far does the pension go in Vietnam?
Comfortable monthly living costs in Vietnam: AUD $1,120-$2,090. Full pension rate: ~AUD $2,403/month. Surplus: AUD $310-$1,280/month for travel, dental, savings. In Sydney, the same pension leaves you $1,150-$1,800 short. The pension has 2.5-3x the purchasing power in Vietnam.
Do I pay tax on the pension in Vietnam?
Not in Australia. In Vietnam, yes, if you are a tax resident (183+ days). Under the AU-VN DTA (1992), pension income is taxable in the country of residence. At typical pension amounts, the effective Vietnamese rate is modest (5-15% after deductions). Detailed tax guide.
How do I apply?
Call Services Australia International: +61 3 6222 3455 (overseas) or 132 300 (in AU) at least 6 weeks before departure. Provide travel dates, destination, and overseas bank details if wanted. They will confirm your overseas rate. Keep your AU bank account open.