Business news from Ukraine

Vietnam has significantly expanded its visa-free regime, adding 12 European countries to the list of countries whose citizens can stay in the country for up to 45 days without a visa. This is valid from August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028, and covers EU countries such as Belgium, Poland, the Czech Republic, and others that have joined the existing list, which includes France, Japan, the UK, and others.

This has signaled a revival in the resort real estate market: tourists with long visa-free periods and high incomes have become actively interested in buying villas, apartments, and condo hotels, especially in tourist areas. The Vietnam Association of Real Estate Agents (VARS) notes an increase in demand and a steady recovery in the sector.

The foreign population in the country is small but diverse:

• South Koreans are the largest group, numbering about 88,000.
• There are about 21,800 Japanese, mainly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
• Citizens of Southeast Asian countries (China, Cambodia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand) numbered 76,767 at the beginning of 2020.
• There is also a significant Russian diaspora, which is particularly noticeable in coastal cities such as Nha Trang.

Real estate purchase prices (per square meter):

• Hanoi: $2,865/m² (Q1 2025) — +29.6% per year.
• Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City): $2,000–4,500/m², averaging around $180,000 for a 3-room apartment.
• Approximate prices:
  • Hanoi: $1,300–2,500/m².
  • The average property price is around $2,100/m².

Rental prices (per month):

• Hanoi:
  • 1-room: $300–700.
  • 2-room: up to $1,500.
• Saigon:
  • Apartment rent: $400–900 (including utilities and internet).
• Da Nang:
  • House rental: 10–32 million ₫ (~$400–$1,300), apartments: 6–22 million ₫ ($250–$900).