The 2026 Guide to Long-Term Visas and Settling in Ho Chi Minh City: What Every Expat at Eco Green Saigon Needs to Know

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The 2026 Guide to Long-Term Visas and Settling in Ho Chi Minh City: What Every Expat at Eco Green Saigon Needs to Know

Vietnam is becoming one of the world's most sought-after destinations for expats to put down roots. The updated visa policies of 2025, expanded property ownership rights for foreigners, and a steadily growing economy are drawing professionals, retirees, and digital nomads from across the globe to settle here long-term.

But truly settling in Vietnam — not just passing through, but building a life here — requires understanding a coherent system of visa planning. This guide covers everything: visa types, application processes, cost projections, and how to choose the right apartment for long-term living in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026.

As District 7's most established international community, Eco Green Saigon not only provides a world-class living environment but also offers a dedicated expat services team to assist with visas, residence cards, and all the paperwork that comes with settling in a new country.

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In a low density residential development in Saigon like this, well-positioned units with good layouts and views tend to be limited — especially for those seeking luxury apartments in District 7 that balance comfort, greenery, and accessibility.

Here is one of the units currently available:

Property Code: ECG-2253

📍 Eco Green Saigon | HR1A Tower, Floor 34

🏠 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms | 65.55㎡

💰 Rent: 14,500,000 VND/month

🛋️ Furnishing: None with curtain, AC and water heater

🌇 Facing: Northwest | Balcony: Southeast

✨ Balanced layout, internal view, suitable for study/child room or home office

View full details

These real-life options highlight how the market is evolving — not just in concept, but in practical living choices.

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Part 1: Vietnam's Major Long-Term Visa Types in 2026

1.1 Work Visa (DN / LD)

• Who it's for: Foreign employees working for Vietnamese or foreign-invested companies

• Validity: Typically 1-2 years, renewable

• Required documents: Employment contract, Work Permit, health certificate, criminal background check

• 2026 update: The Ministry of Labour has streamlined Work Permit applications for skilled technical professionals; STEM-field talent may qualify for fast-track approval

1.2 Investor / Business Visa (DT)

• Who it's for: Business owners and investors operating in Vietnam

• Validity: 3-5 years depending on investment scale; investors with at least 3 billion VND (approx. USD 12,000) may apply for the 5-year tier

• Key advantage: No Work Permit required — ideal for entrepreneurs and investment-based immigrants

• 2026 new rule: The government has further lowered the DT visa investment threshold and now allows family members to apply for residence cards simultaneously

1.3 Retirement / Long-Stay Visa (TT)

• Who it's for: Foreign nationals aged 55+ with stable income or assets in Vietnam

• Requirements: Pension proof or bank balance certificate; typically a minimum account balance of approx. 150 million VND (USD 6,000)

• Validity: 1 year, continuously renewable

• Cost advantage: Retirement living costs in Ho Chi Minh City are 60%+ lower than in most Western countries

1.4 Family Reunion Visa (VR)

• Who it's for: Foreign nationals with a spouse, parent, or child who is a Vietnamese citizen

• Validity: 1-2 years

• Note: Proof of family relationship required (marriage certificate, birth certificate); some documents require notarised authentication

1.5 Digital Nomad / E-Visa Extended Option

Vietnam does not yet have a dedicated digital nomad visa, but the E-Visa (electronic visa) now offers 90-day validity with multiple entries. 2026 outlook: Vietnamese authorities are studying a dedicated digital nomad residency policy, with earliest implementation projected for 2027.

Part 2: Temporary Residence Card (TRC) and Permanent Residence Card (PRC) — The Core Path to Long-Term Settlement

2.1 Temporary Residence Card (Tam tru / TRC)

Once you have held a valid work or business visa for a qualifying period, you can apply for a TRC.

• Validity: Linked to visa type; typically 1-3 years

• Benefits: No need to renew your visa repeatedly. With a TRC you can open a Vietnamese bank account, enrol children in school, and apply for a local driving licence directly

2.2 Permanent Residence Card (Thuong tru / PRC)

• Requirements: Legal residence in Vietnam for 5 consecutive years, with a clean TRC record

• Benefits: Residency rights comparable to Vietnamese citizens; no periodic renewal required

• 2026 policy trend: The Vietnamese government is simplifying PRC applications for highly skilled professionals and long-term investors

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This level of convenience is not just a concept — it is already reflected in some of the available units within EcoGreen Saigon, one of the most talked-about projects in the Ho Chi Minh City real estate 2026 market. As a true city within a city Saigon, it offers a range of options for those looking for luxury apartments in District 7.

Property Code: ECG-2172

📍 Eco Green Saigon | HR1B Tower, Floor 30

🏠 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms | 64.7㎡

💰 Rent: 17,500,000 VND/month

🛋️ Fully furnished (Modern style)

🌇 Facing: Northwest | Balcony: Southeast

✨ Spacious master bedroom with internal park view

View full details

While these units highlight everyday convenience and accessibility, they also reflect a broader shift toward eco-friendly living in HCMC — where comfort is no longer defined by interiors alone, but by space, air quality, and overall well-being. This is especially important for families and tenants searching for pet friendly apartments in District 7 or serviced apartments near international schools.

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Part 3: Foreign Property Ownership in Vietnam — 2025/2026 Policy Update

3.1 Foreign Buyer Rights (Revised Law 2024)

Under the revised Real Estate Business Law (effective January 2025), restrictions on foreign property ownership have been further relaxed:

• Foreign buyers may purchase up to 30% of total units in any single condominium project

• Ownership term: 50 years, extendable upon application

• Eligible areas: All projects open to foreign buyers, including Eco Green Saigon in District 7

3.2 Eco Green Saigon's Advantages for Foreign Buyers

• Project is officially listed for legal foreign purchase — documentation is clear and straightforward

• Developer CTI (Cat Tuong Group) provides full foreign-client services including visa assistance

• Located in the heart of District 7's international community — high expat density makes integration easy from day one

Part 4: Settlement Checklist — Must-Do Steps After Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City

Step 1: Register Your Residence (Dang ky tam tru) Expats must register their residential address with the local police station within 48 hours of arrival. For rental apartments, the landlord or property management company typically handles this. Eco Green Saigon's property services team assists all new residents with the entire registration process.

Step 2: Open a Vietnamese Bank Account Recommended banks: Techcombank, VPBank, HSBC Vietnam (most expat-friendly). Required documents: passport, visa/residence card, residence registration certificate. Several banks now offer English-language customer service and online appointment booking.

Step 3: Get a Local SIM Card Main operators: Viettel, Mobifone, Vietnamobile. Foreign nationals must present a passport to purchase a SIM. Monthly plan rates are approximately 100,000-150,000 VND per month.

Step 4: Driving Licence and Transport Expats with a TRC may sit the Vietnamese driving test or apply to convert their home-country licence to a Vietnamese one. Public transport in District 7 already includes BRT routes; the Metro Line 2 extension (expected 2027) will directly serve the Eco Green Saigon area.

Step 5: Enrol Children in International Schools International schools within 5 km of Eco Green Saigon include: ISSP (International School Saigon Pearl), British Vietnamese International School (BVIS), and Singapore International School (SIS). Most schools accept online applications; booking a campus tour 6 months in advance is recommended.

Part 5: Real Cost of Settling at Eco Green Saigon (2026 Reference)

Expense Item	Monthly Cost (VND)	Notes
1-bedroom rent	10,000,000 – 13,000,000	Basic furnishings included
2-bedroom rent	13,000,000 – 18,000,000	Full furnishings included
Management fee	700,000 – 1,200,000	Approx. 15,000 VND/m²
Utilities (electricity, water, gas)	500,000 – 1,000,000	Usage-dependent
International school tuition	15,000,000 – 40,000,000	Varies by school tier
International health insurance	3,000,000 – 8,000,000	International medical plan
Food and dining	5,000,000 – 10,000,000	Mix of home cooking and eating out

Bottom line: A family of four at Eco Green Saigon can expect a total monthly cost of approximately USD 5,000-8,000 (including international school fees) — roughly 60% less than the equivalent lifestyle in Singapore or Hong Kong.

Part 6: What Expat Residents at Eco Green Saigon Actually Say

"We've been here for 3 years. The community is incredibly international — English is everywhere, the management team is responsive, and our kids love the pools. Getting the TRC was much easier than we expected, and Eco Green's team helped us every step." — Mark and Lisa, from Australia, residing at Eco Green Saigon since 2023

"Before moving in, I thought the visa and residence paperwork would be a nightmare. In reality, the property's expat affairs team handled everything — from the police registration to recommending a bank for our account opening. Now, this is genuinely home." — Chen Wei, from China, Digital Nomad and Entrepreneur at Eco Green Saigon

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For those exploring apartments for rent in District 7 or seeking a well-balanced investment in the Ho Chi Minh City real estate 2026 market, here is one final unit in EcoGreen Saigon that stands out for both lifestyle and long-term value.

Property Code: ECG-2502

📍 Eco Green Saigon | HR3 Tower, Floor 26

🏠 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom | 59.6㎡

💰 Rent: 13,000,000 VND/month

🛋️ Furnishing: None with AC and water heater

🌇 Facing: East | Balcony: South

✨ Corner unit, 2 large glass windows with open view toward Phú Mỹ Hưng & Phú Mỹ Bridge

View full details

This unit reflects the growing demand for luxury apartments in District 7, especially within a low density residential Saigon development that prioritizes eco-friendly living HCMC and convenience for families looking for serviced apartments near international schools.

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Conclusion

Visas and paperwork are only the first step in building a life in Vietnam. Truly settling down means finding a community where you feel a genuine sense of belonging.

Eco Green Saigon is more than an apartment complex — it is an urban community of over 10,000 residents, featuring 10,000 m2 of green space, six amenity clubhouses, 24-hour security, and a professional services team that genuinely understands what foreign residents need.

If you are seriously considering Ho Chi Minh City as your next home in 2026, Eco Green Saigon deserves to be at the top of your list. Contact our team today to arrange a viewing and start your settlement journey.