Belgium vs Vietnam for Expats (2026)
Vietnam scores higher overall for expats based on cost of living (index 55.5 vs 20.1), visa accessibility, salary potential, and expat satisfaction rankings.
Data last verified: 2026
Key Stats
| Metric | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 55.5 | 20.1 | Vietnam |
| Visa Accessibility | 5 pathways | 4 pathways | Belgium |
| Salary Potential | €48,000 | €3,800 | Belgium |
| Path to PR | 5 years | 3 years | Vietnam |
| Path to Citizenship | 5 years | 5 years | Too close to call |
| Language Requirement | A2 Dutch | N/A | Vietnam |
| Expat Satisfaction | #26/53 | #13/53 | Vietnam |
| Visa Processing Speed | 13 weeks avg | 2 weeks avg | Vietnam |
Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Belgium (Brussels) | Vietnam (Hanoi) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 73.5 | 28.4 |
| Rent | 33.1 | 9.8 |
| Groceries | 72 | 34.1 |
| Restaurants | 89.6 | 18.5 |
| Purchasing Power | 128 | 46.1 |
Based on aggregated cost-of-living data from multiple public sources, 2026. Index relative to New York City (100).
Language Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Belgium or Vietnam cheaper to live in?
Vietnam has a cost of living index of 20.1 compared to Belgium's 55.5 (NYC = 100). That makes Vietnam roughly 64% more affordable for everyday expenses including rent.
Which has easier immigration, Belgium or Vietnam?
Belgium offers 5 non-tourist visa pathways while Vietnam offers 4. Average processing time is 13 weeks for Belgium and 2 weeks for Vietnam.
Do I need to speak the local language to get residency in Belgium or Vietnam?
Belgium requires A2 Dutch for permanent residency. Vietnam requires None required. Language proficiency can also affect your citizenship timeline.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Belgium vs Vietnam?
Belgium requires 5 years of continuous residence for PR. Vietnam requires 3 years. Both timelines start from the date your first residence permit is issued.
What are salaries like in Belgium compared to Vietnam?
The median skilled worker salary is €48,000 per year in Belgium and €3,800 per year in Vietnam. Cost of living differences mean purchasing power varies significantly.
Can I work remotely in Belgium or Vietnam?
Belgium offers a digital nomad or remote worker visa pathway. Vietnam does not have a dedicated digital nomad visa.
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How we compare countries
Rankings based on publicly available cost-of-living indices (NYC=100 baseline), government-published visa requirements, OECD salary statistics, and expat satisfaction survey results. All data sourced from official government agencies, international organizations, and public databases.