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Andi Refandi
Andi serves as a Senior Account Executive on Emerhub’s global team.
For many years, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi were the primary go-to destinations for foreigners moving to Vietnam. However, a third contender has firmly established itself as the favorite for the digital nomad community: Da Nang.
Often referred to as Vietnam’s most livable city, Da Nang balances modern infrastructure on one side of the Han River and miles of pristine beaches on the other. It is less chaotic than Saigon and Hanoi, making it an ideal “sweet spot” for remote workers.
In this guide, we will break down what you need to know about living in Da Nang as a digital nomad. This includes navigating current visa regulations, cost of living as a foreigner, and popular neighborhoods for remote workers.
Does Vietnam Have a Digital Nomad Visa?
Unlike other countries like Indonesia or Malaysia, Vietnam does not have a visa specifically for digital nomads. Living as a “digital nomad” is more of a lifestyle than an actual category of workers.
Regardless, there are plenty of long-term visa options available for foreigners who want to live and work remotely in Da Nang:
| Long-term Visa | Description | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Business Visa (DN) | Duration: 1-12 months (DN1), 1-3 months (DN2) Allows foreigners to enter for short- to medium-term professional activities like meetings, contract signing, market research, or networking. | For market entry and freelancing |
| Work Visa (LV, LD) | Duration: 1-2 years Dedicated work visa in Vietnam for hiring foreign workers. | For formal employment in Vietnam |
| Investor Visa (DT) | Duration: 1-5 years (depending on the investment) Grants foreigners extended stays based on their capital contribution to Vietnamese enterprises or projects from VND 3 billion (for a 1 year visa) to as much as VND 100 billion (for a 5 year visa). | For digital nomads who want to establish a business presence in Vietnam |
| 5-year Talent Visa (New) | Duration: 90 days per visit. Long-term access without frequent renewals or visa runs. Allows multiple entries for flexible travel and work on extended projects. | Designed to attract top global professionals, innovators, and contributors to boost the country’s economy in sectors like tech, science, business, arts, and sports. |
Because Vietnam, in general, does not have a digital nomad visa, these professional pathways require local sponsorship from a registered legal entity. For an LD and DN visa, your employer must submit a labor use report to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA/DoLISA). They must be able to justify why no Vietnamese worker is available and post a job ad 5 business days on multiple sites.
Important Note: Working on a tourist/E-visa is a gray area globally. Technically, these short-term visas are for tourism and leisure. If you are conducting business with Vietnamese clients or earning income from within the country, you should consult with us to ensure you are compliant with local tax and labor laws.
Obtaining a Work Permit
Although you are working remotely, you still need to obtain a work permit from MoLISA/DoLISA. This document serves as your foundation for work visas or extended residence permits in Vietnam.
Here are the requirements for a work permit application in Vietnam:
- Passport valid for at least six more months.
- Medical clearance from an approved Vietnamese medical facility.
- Clean criminal background check (from origin country or Vietnam, dated within six months).
- Verified academic or professional qualifications.
- Recent passport photos.
- Employment agreement plus the sponsoring company’s registration and license.
- Official work permit request form.
Once approved, many expats pursue a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) to simplify long-term stays and reduce visa renewals.
Popular Jobs for Digital Nomads in Da Nang
Digital nomads heavily rely on internet connectivity and digital tools to enable remote work. These jobs are performed primarily via laptops with no need for physical offices. These are often project-based or freelance jobs that allow you to work during optimal work across time zones rather than fixed 9-5 shifts.
Here are some of the most common professions for digital nomads in Da Nang:
- Software Development and IT: Vietnam is a growing tech hub, and Da Nang is at the center of this with its own “Software Park.” Many nomads here work for international firms in the US, Europe, or Australia, taking advantage of the time zone difference to work evening shifts while enjoying the beach during the day.
- Content Creation and Digital Marketing: These professionals manage high-level digital campaigns, including technical SEO audits, content strategy planning, and multi-platform advertising management for Western markets. The city’s vibrant cafe culture serves as a secondary office for these professionals, offering a productive change of scenery and networking opportunities with other media specialists.
- E-commerce and Dropshipping: With proximity to manufacturing hubs and a low cost of living, Da Nang is an excellent place to scale online operations. Many entrepreneurs running Shopify stores or Amazon FBA businesses choose this city to keep their overhead low while maintaining high efficiency.
- Remote Education and Online Tutoring: While many foreigners still teach in person at language centers, a significant portion of the community in Da Nang teaches English or specialized subjects online. The reliable internet ensures that video calls with students in China, Europe, or North America are seamless.
Cost of Living in Da Nang as a Digital Nomad
One of the biggest draws of Da Nang is the high quality of life for a relatively low price. Compared to Western cities or even regional hubs like in Singapore, your income can stretch much further in Da Nang.
1. Housing and Accommodation
Your biggest expense in Da Nang will be rent. While local houses are very affordable, most digital nomads prefer modern apartments that include essential amenities like high-speed internet, air conditioning, and 24/7 security. These modern buildings are concentrated in prime areas near the beach or the river, where land value is highest, naturally pushing rental prices above the local average.
Da Nang is geographically and culturally divided by the Han River into two primary areas:
- Hai Chau, which represents the bustling “city side,”
- Ngu Hanh Son/Son Tra, often referred to as the “beach side.”
You can find all sorts of accommodation within those areas depending on your budget. Here’s the typical price range for housing and accommodation in Da Nang:
- Studio Apartment (Modern/Beach Side): $350 – $550 per month.
- 2-Bedroom Apartment/House: $600 – $900 per month.
- Luxury Condominium: $1,000+ per month.
Pro-tip: Utilities (electricity, water, and high-speed internet) usually add another $50–$100 to your budget, depending on how often you run the air conditioning.
2. Food and Dining
Da Nang has a wide range of choices when it comes to food. For remote workers who prefer to cook at home, large supermarkets like Lotte Mart and Go! Da Nang offers a wide selection of imported goods. Meanwhile, local wet markets have the freshest seasonal produce.
Da Nang also has plenty of food options for dining out. Like with the rest of Vietnam, Da Nang has local street food stalls that serve iconic dishes like Mi Quang (turmeric noodles) and Bun Cha Ca (fish cake noodles) for just a few dollars.
If you prefer a more westernized diet, the An Thuong area is packed with healthy brunch spots, vegan-friendly cafes, and high-quality international restaurants serving everything from authentic Italian wood-fired pizza to Japanese sushi.
Here is a typical price range for typical food and dining
- Local Meal (Pho, Banh Mi, Com Ga): $1.50 – $3.00.
- Mid-range Restaurant Meal: $7.00 – $15.00.
- Monthly Grocery Bill: $200 – $300 (if shopping at markets and Lotte Mart/Go!).
Da Nang’s Cafe Culture: Da Nang has a wide variety of cafes, depending on your budget. You can enjoy a cup of coffee and some treats while working at these establishments. Some notable ones include 43 Factory, Reply 1988, and Six on Six. These cafes are built with remote workers in mind, providing plenty of power outlets and stable Wi-Fi.
3. Transportation
Da Nang has plenty of options for transportation. The best way to move around the city is through a motorbike. You can rent or own your own unit in Vietnam for VND 20-50 million for basic automatic scooters. If you prefer not to drive, ride-hailing apps like Grab and Xanh SM (electric taxis) are also a cost-effective option.
Da Nang also has local public transport. You can hop in and out of a DanaBus in between destinations. For trips outside of Da Nang, the Reunification Express train provides a more scenic way to reach nearby gems like Hue or the coastal beauty of Nha Trang. “Sleeper buses” are also a budget-friendly staple for long-haul overland journeys out of Da Nang.
In general, here’s how much you would spend on transport:
- Motorbike Rental: $50 – $80 per month.
- Fuel: $10 – $20 per month.
- Grab (Ride-sharing): Very affordable. A 10-minute car ride is usually around $3 – $4.
Summary of Monthly Expenses for Digital Nomads
Here’s an estimated cost of how much a digital nomad would spend in Da Nang. Your actual expenses may vary depending on your lifestyle.
| Category | Budget Nomad | Mid-Range Nomad | High-End Nomad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $350 | $550 | $1,000 |
| Food | $250 | $450 | $800 |
| Transport | $60 | $100 | $200 |
| Coworking/Coffee | $50 | $100 | $150 |
| Entertainment/Liesure | $100 | $250 | $500 |
| Total | $810 | $1,450 | $2,650+ |
Live the Digital Nomad Life in Da Nang
Perhaps the most challenging part of being a digital nomad is applying for a long-term visa. Although many enter Da Nang on a tourist or e-visa, it is advisable that you take the right legal pathway to residency.
Armed with knowledge and expertise and our network of professionals, Emerhub can help you live the digital nomad life in Da Nang. Whether you want to establish your own business or obtain the right work visa, we can help get started.
Contact our local compliance experts for a free consultation!
Common FAQs About Working as a Digital Nomad in Vietnam
Yes. Most apartments and cafes have fiber-optic connections. However, Vietnam occasionally experiences “AAG cable issues” (undersea cable breaks), which can slow down international traffic. We recommend having a 4G/5G SIM card (Viettel or Vinaphone) as a backup.
Technically, no. To be legal, you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) that is recognized by Vietnam, or a local Vietnamese license. Driving without a valid license can void your insurance in the event of an accident.
Da Nang is considered one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia. Violent crime is extremely rare. As with any city, be mindful of “bag snatching” in crowded tourist areas, but generally, nomads feel very safe walking or driving at night.
If you stay in Vietnam for more than 183 days in a 12-month period, you are considered a “tax resident.” This means you are technically liable for Personal Income Tax (PIT) on your global income. For personalized advice on tax residency and compliance, it is best to speak with a consultant at Emerhub.
