The New Zealander's Complete Guide to Retiring in Vietnam
Your NZ Super follows you overseas. Your KiwiSaver is yours to withdraw. And your dollar goes 2.5 to 3 times further in Vietnam than at home. Here is the complete financial, practical, and lifestyle guide for Kiwi retirees.
1. Why Kiwi Retirees Are Choosing Vietnam
New Zealand is a wonderful place to live, but it is not a cheap place to retire. The Massey University Retirement Expenditure Guidelines (2025) found that even retirees living a "no frills" lifestyle need to supplement their NZ Super by more than $42 per week. For those renting, the gap widens dramatically: Auckland rents for a one-bedroom apartment average NZD $450-$550 per week, consuming the vast majority of a single person's NZ Super.
Vietnam offers a fundamentally different equation. Monthly living costs of USD $800-$1,200 (NZD $1,090-$1,630) cover a one-bedroom apartment, three meals a day, utilities, transport, internet, and health insurance. The same lifestyle in Auckland or Wellington costs three times that figure. For a retiree living on NZ Super alone, or NZ Super plus a modest KiwiSaver drawdown, Vietnam transforms a tight budget into a comfortable one.
Beyond cost, Vietnam appeals for its warm climate (no more Wellington winters), vibrant food culture, safe and welcoming communities, growing international expat infrastructure, excellent healthcare at a fraction of NZ prices, and direct or one-stop flight connections from Auckland.
Vietnam offers Kiwi retirees a dramatically lower cost of living, warm climate year-round, and a rich cultural experience.
2. NZ Super: Taking Your Pension to Vietnam
NZ Superannuation is a universal, non-income-tested government pension paid to New Zealand citizens and permanent residents aged 65 and over. Unlike Australia's Age Pension, it has no asset test and no income test. You receive it regardless of your wealth, savings, or other earnings. The question for retirees heading to Vietnam is: does it keep paying?
The 26-Week Holiday Rule
If you leave New Zealand for 26 weeks or less, your full NZ Super continues with no reduction. If NZ Super is your only Work and Income payment, you do not even need to notify them. This makes short stays in Vietnam (up to about 6 months) financially seamless.
Living Overseas: General Portability
For stays beyond 26 weeks or permanent moves, you must apply to Work and Income International Services at least 6 weeks before departure. New Zealand has social security agreements (SSAs) with only 11 countries (Australia, the UK, the Netherlands, Canada, Greece, Ireland, Denmark, Jersey, Guernsey, Malta, and South Korea). Vietnam is not among them. You therefore fall under general portability.
Under general portability, your portable pension rate is calculated as:
The Portability Formula
Portable Rate = (Years of NZ Residence, Ages 20-65) / 45 x Full Domestic Rate
If you spent all 45 years in NZ, you receive 100% of the relevant domestic rate. If you spent 35 years, you receive approximately 77.8%. Work and Income calculates the exact figure based on your documented residence history.
| Years in NZ (Ages 20-65) | Proportion | Fortnightly (NZD) | Monthly (NZD) | Monthly (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45 (full) | 100% | $1,077 | $2,334 | $1,716 |
| 40 | 88.9% | $957 | $2,074 | $1,525 |
| 35 | 77.8% | $838 | $1,816 | $1,335 |
| 30 | 66.7% | $718 | $1,556 | $1,144 |
| 25 | 55.6% | $599 | $1,298 | $954 |
Based on single, living alone rate (2025-2026). USD conversion: 1 USD = 1.36 NZD (March 2026). Portable pension is not taxed in NZ. For detailed portability rules, see our NZ Super Overseas guide.
What You Lose
All supplementary payments stop when you move overseas: Winter Energy Payment (after 4 weeks), Accommodation Supplement, Temporary Additional Support, Disability Allowance, and SuperGold Card benefits. Only the base portable pension continues.
3. KiwiSaver Overseas
KiwiSaver is separate from NZ Super and subject to its own rules. The good news: once you turn 65 and have been a member for at least 5 years, you can withdraw your entire balance as a lump sum. There is no restriction on where you live.
| Scenario | Can You Withdraw? | NZ Tax? | Vietnamese Tax? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 65+, 5+ years membership, living in Vietnam | Yes, full lump sum | No | Potentially, as assessable income |
| Under 65, permanently emigrated (12+ months overseas) | Yes, emigration withdrawal | No | Potentially |
| Under 65, first home purchase | Yes (for NZ property only) | No | N/A |
| Significant financial hardship | Possible, case by case | No | Potentially |
4. Tax: Leaving NZ, Arriving in Vietnam
Ceasing NZ Tax Residency
You become a New Zealand non-resident for tax purposes under the 325-day rule: if you are absent from New Zealand for more than 325 days in any 12-month period and you do not have a permanent place of abode (PPOA) in NZ during that time. The PPOA test is the critical one. If you still own a home in New Zealand that you could return to, even if it is rented out, Inland Revenue may argue you retain a PPOA. Selling or entering a long-term tenancy agreement for your NZ property strengthens your case for non-residency.
Once you become a non-resident, you are taxed in NZ only on NZ-sourced income (rental income, NZ interest and dividends, NZ employment income). Your portable NZ Super is not taxed in NZ.
Vietnam Tax Residency
Vietnam considers you a tax resident if you are present for 183 or more days in a calendar year, or if you have a permanent registered residence. Tax residents are taxed on worldwide income.
| Taxable Income (VND/month) | Tax Rate | USD Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 million | 5% | Up to ~$200 |
| 5-10 million | 10% | $200-$400 |
| 10-18 million | 15% | $400-$720 |
| 18-32 million | 20% | $720-$1,280 |
| 32-52 million | 25% | $1,280-$2,080 |
| 52-80 million | 30% | $2,080-$3,200 |
| Over 80 million | 35% | Over $3,200 |
No Double Tax Agreement, No Social Security Agreement
New Zealand and Vietnam have neither a double tax agreement (DTA) nor a social security agreement. This is one of the biggest financial gaps for Kiwi retirees in Vietnam. It means there is no treaty mechanism to prevent double taxation on income streams like NZ rental income, investment returns, or KiwiSaver withdrawals. In practice, since NZ does not tax the portable pension, only Vietnamese tax applies to that income. But for other NZ-sourced income, seek professional advice to manage the risk of being taxed in both countries.
5. Cost of Living: NZ vs Vietnam
| Category | New Zealand (NZD/month) | Vietnam (USD/month) | Vietnam (NZD/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (1-bed, city centre) | $1,800-$2,400 | $300-$500 | $408-$680 |
| Rent (1-bed, outside centre) | $1,300-$1,800 | $200-$350 | $272-$476 |
| Groceries | $500-$700 | $100-$180 | $136-$245 |
| Eating out (daily local meals) | $600-$900 | $90-$150 | $122-$204 |
| Utilities (electric, water, internet) | $250-$400 | $60-$120 | $82-$163 |
| Transport | $200-$350 | $30-$70 | $41-$95 |
| Health insurance (international) | Incl. in public system | $80-$200 | $109-$272 |
| Entertainment & social | $200-$400 | $50-$150 | $68-$204 |
| Total | $4,850-$6,950 | $910-$1,420 | $1,238-$1,931 |
At the full portable NZ Super rate of approximately NZD $2,334 per month, a single Kiwi retiree in Vietnam covers all living expenses and retains NZD $400-$1,100 per month for travel, savings, or discretionary spending. At home, the same pension barely covers rent in Auckland. Add a modest KiwiSaver drawdown of NZD $500-$1,000 per month, and you have a genuinely comfortable life in Vietnam.
6. Visa Options for Long-Term Stays
New Zealand citizens can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days. For longer stays, several options exist. Vietnam does not currently offer a dedicated retirement visa, which is the main practical hurdle for long-term retirees. For a detailed breakdown, see our complete Vietnam visa guide.
| Option | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry | Up to 45 days | Free | 30-day gap required before re-entry under same exemption |
| E-visa | 90 days, single entry | ~USD $25 | Apply online; can re-apply from within Vietnam |
| Business visa (DN/DT) | Up to 12 months | $50-$300 | Requires sponsorship from a Vietnamese entity |
| 5-year visa exemption | Up to 5 years | Application fee | For Vietnamese-descent foreigners or their spouses |
Most long-term Kiwi retirees use a combination of 90-day e-visas, occasionally leaving for a short trip to a neighbouring country (Thailand, Cambodia, or Malaysia) to reset their visa clock. This is a common pattern across the expat community in Vietnam and is straightforward to manage.
7. Healthcare & Insurance
New Zealand's public healthcare system does not cover you once you leave the country permanently. You will need private health insurance. The good news: Vietnam has a well-developed private healthcare sector, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, at dramatically lower costs than New Zealand.
International Health Insurance
An international health insurance plan for a retiree aged 65-75 in Vietnam typically costs USD $80-$250 per month, depending on coverage level, deductible, and whether you include outpatient or dental benefits. Major insurers operating in this space include Cigna Global, Allianz Care, April International, and Pacific Cross. The key is selecting a plan with direct billing at Vietnamese hospitals so you do not need to pay upfront and claim later.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Even without insurance, many routine medical consultations and procedures in Vietnam cost less than the co-payments you would face in NZ. A GP consultation runs USD $10-$25 (versus NZD $50-$80 in NZ). Prescription medications are widely available over the counter at pharmacies, often at 50-80% less than NZ prices.
Vietnam's private hospitals in HCMC and Hanoi offer modern facilities at a fraction of NZ prices, with many staffing English-speaking doctors trained internationally.
8. Dental Savings: The Hidden Retirement Bonus
Dental treatment is one of the largest out-of-pocket healthcare costs for Kiwi retirees, and one of the areas where Vietnam offers the most dramatic savings. Many retirees have deferred dental work in New Zealand due to cost. In Vietnam, the same treatments cost 70-80% less, using the same globally certified materials and brands.
| Procedure | New Zealand (NZD) | Vietnam (USD) | Vietnam (NZD) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scale & Clean | $150-$280 | $20-$45 | $27-$61 | ~82% |
| Composite Filling | $200-$400 | $25-$50 | $34-$68 | ~83% |
| Root Canal (molar) | $1,500-$2,800 | $150-$300 | $204-$408 | ~87% |
| Zirconia Crown | $1,600-$2,500 | $200-$400 | $272-$544 | ~83% |
| Porcelain Veneer | $1,500-$2,500 | $250-$450 | $340-$612 | ~80% |
| Dental Implant (Korean, all-incl.) | $3,500-$5,500 | $700-$950 | $952-$1,292 | ~78% |
| Dental Implant (European, all-incl.) | $4,500-$7,000 | $1,000-$1,500 | $1,360-$2,040 | ~73% |
| All-on-4 (per arch, zirconia) | $25,000-$45,000 | $7,000-$9,000 | $9,520-$12,240 | ~73% |
| Wisdom Tooth Extraction | $400-$800 | $60-$150 | $82-$204 | ~80% |
SmileJet lists 2,000+ listed clinics across Vietnam with transparent pricing, patient reviews, and English-speaking staff. Every clinic on the platform is checked for Ministry of Health licensing, named implant brands, in-house CBCT imaging, and written warranty. See our complete dental implant guide and post-surgery care guide for more detail.
9. Where to Live in Vietnam
Vietnam's three main cities each offer a distinct retirement experience. For a deeper breakdown, see our complete guide to the best places to retire in Vietnam.
| City | Best For | Rent (1-bed, USD) | Climate | Dental Clinics | Expat Community |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Da Nang | Beach lifestyle, relaxed pace | $300-$500 | Tropical, warm year-round | Moderate, growing premium cluster | Growing, Australasian-heavy |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Amenities, healthcare, options | $400-$700 | Tropical, hot, rainy/dry seasons | Highest density, most international clinics | Largest, most diverse |
| Hanoi | Culture, four seasons, food | $350-$550 | Subtropical, cool winters | High, hospital-affiliated clinics | Established, European-heavy |
| Hoi An | Heritage, quiet, arts | $250-$400 | Tropical, humid summers | Limited (use nearby Da Nang) | Small, tight-knit |
| Nha Trang | Beach resort, Russian/Korean influence | $250-$400 | Tropical, dry coastal | Moderate | Mixed international |
Da Nang has emerged as the favourite for Australasian retirees. Its My Khe Beach strip, 30 minutes from the international airport, combines beach living with a growing cluster of premium dental clinics. Hoi An's UNESCO World Heritage old town is a 30-minute drive south, making it an easy day trip. The cost of living is lower than HCMC, and the pace of life is more suited to retirement.
10. Banking & Currency
Managing money across two countries requires some planning. For a deep dive, see our Cash or Card guide and ATM guide.
Receiving NZ Super Overseas
Work and Income can deposit your portable pension into either your NZ bank account or an overseas bank account. Most retirees keep their NZ account open and use a service like Wise (formerly TransferWise) to convert NZD to VND at mid-market exchange rates with transparent fees of approximately 0.5-1.0%. This is significantly cheaper than traditional bank wire transfers, which typically charge 2-4% in hidden margin.
Daily Spending in Vietnam
Vietnam remains a cash-heavy economy for day-to-day spending, though card acceptance is growing rapidly in cities. Most retirees keep a Wise multi-currency card for larger purchases and carry cash (Vietnamese dong) for markets, street food, and local transport. VPBank ATMs in Vietnam charge no foreign card fees; avoid TPBank ATMs, which charge a 3.3% surcharge.
11. Pre-Departure Checklist
| # | Action | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Contact Work and Income International Services (0800 777 227) to apply for portable NZ Super | 6+ weeks before |
| 2 | Get cross-border tax advice covering NZ cessation, PPOA, KiwiSaver timing, and Vietnamese PIT | 3+ months before |
| 3 | Review KiwiSaver strategy: staged withdrawals vs lump sum; consider tax implications | 3+ months before |
| 4 | Decide on NZ property: sell, rent, or retain (PPOA implications for tax residency) | 3+ months before |
| 5 | Arrange international health insurance (NZ public system does not cover you overseas) | Before departure |
| 6 | Set up Wise or similar for low-fee NZD-to-VND transfers; keep NZ bank account open | Before departure |
| 7 | Notify Inland Revenue of departure and change in tax residency status | Before departure |
| 8 | Register with SafeTravel (safetravel.govt.nz) for MFAT emergency contact | Before departure |
| 9 | Apply for Vietnam e-visa if staying beyond 45 days; or plan visa-free entry for initial trip | Before departure |
| 10 | Get a Vietnam eSIM (Airalo, Viettel) for arrival connectivity | Before/on arrival |
| 11 | Request dental treatment quotes to address deferred work at Vietnam prices | Before departure |
| 12 | Review estate planning: NZ will, enduring power of attorney, and consider Vietnamese assets | Before departure |
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive NZ Super while living in Vietnam?
Yes. Under general portability rules, your NZ Super is paid overseas at a rate proportional to the years you lived in NZ between ages 20 and 65 (divided by 45). A single person living alone with 45 qualifying years receives the full rate of approximately NZD $1,076.84 per fortnight. Apply to Work and Income International Services at least 6 weeks before leaving. See our full NZ Super overseas guide.
How much does it cost to retire in Vietnam?
USD $800-$1,500 per month (NZD $1,090-$2,040) covers rent, food, utilities, transport, insurance, and entertainment. By comparison, a comparable lifestyle in Auckland costs NZD $4,850-$6,950. Your NZ Super has 2.5-3x the purchasing power in Vietnam. See our hidden costs guide for a realistic all-in budget.
Do I need a visa to retire in Vietnam?
NZ citizens enter visa-free for 45 days. For longer stays, a 90-day e-visa costs USD $25 and is applied for online. Vietnam has no dedicated retirement visa; most long-term retirees cycle 90-day e-visas with periodic trips to neighbouring countries. A business visa sponsored by a local entity can provide up to 12 months. Full visa guide.
What happens to my KiwiSaver?
At age 65 with 5+ years membership, you can withdraw your full balance as a lump sum regardless of location. Not taxed in NZ. Vietnam may tax withdrawals as income. Consider staged withdrawals over multiple years to manage Vietnamese PIT liability. You can also apply for a permanent emigration withdrawal after 12 months overseas.
Is there a double tax agreement between NZ and Vietnam?
No. NZ and Vietnam have neither a DTA nor a social security agreement. The portable NZ Super pension is not taxed in NZ, so only Vietnamese tax applies to that income. For other income (NZ rental, investments, KiwiSaver), the absence of a DTA creates potential double-taxation risk. Professional tax advice is strongly recommended.
How much can I save on dental treatment?
70-80% compared to NZ prices. A dental implant (Korean brand, all-inclusive) costs USD $700-$950 in Vietnam versus NZD $3,500-$5,500 at home. All-on-4 costs USD $7,000-$9,000 per arch versus NZD $25,000-$45,000. SmileJet lists 2,000+ listed clinics with transparent pricing. Full implant cost guide.
Where should I live in Vietnam?
Da Nang is the favourite for Australasian retirees: beach lifestyle, growing expat community, good dental clinics, moderate cost of living. HCMC offers the most amenities, best healthcare, and largest clinic selection. Hanoi is best for culture, food, and four-season climate. Hoi An suits those wanting a quiet, heritage-rich retirement near Da Nang. Full city comparison.
When do I stop being a NZ tax resident?
Under the 325-day rule, you cease being a NZ tax resident when absent for more than 325 days in any 12-month period, provided you do not have a permanent place of abode in NZ. Owning a property you could return to may mean you retain tax residency. Selling or fully renting your NZ home strengthens the non-residency position. Professional advice is recommended.
Prices are indicative; only a clinic's written quote applies to you. See how we source prices. SmileJet is an information service, not a healthcare provider, and nothing here is medical advice.
What treatment costs there
Published clinic fees, not estimates. Indicative until a clinic puts a quote in writing.