Yes, you can open a bank account in Vietnam, but the process and requirements depend on your visa status and how long you plan to stay

Foreign nationals can open bank accounts at most Vietnamese banks, but you will need a valid passport, proof of address, and in most cases a temporary residence card or work permit. The banks that make this easiest are the larger ones—Vietcombank, Techcombank, BIDV, and Sacombank all have English-speaking staff and established processes for foreigners. Smaller regional banks may require a Vietnamese speaker or a local sponsor to help with paperwork.

The timeline is usually one to three business days from the moment you walk in with complete documents. Some banks can open an account the same day if you arrive early and bring everything they ask for. Online banking setup takes another day or two after that.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid passport and proof of address in Vietnam—a lease, utility bill, or hotel booking all work, depending on the bank.
  • A temporary residence card (issued by immigration) or work permit makes the process faster, but is not always required if you have a tourist visa and a local address.
  • Larger banks like Vietcombank and Techcombank process foreigner accounts routinely and have English-speaking staff; smaller banks may require a Vietnamese speaker.
  • Most banks charge no monthly fee for a basic savings account, but ATM withdrawals outside the bank's network cost 20,000 to 50,000 VND per transaction.

What documents you need to bring

Start with your passport—every bank requires it, and they will make a photocopy. Bring the original, not a copy. You will also need proof that you live in Vietnam. This can be a signed lease agreement, a utility bill in your name, a hotel booking confirmation, or a letter from your landlord or employer stating your address. If you have a temporary residence card (the pink card issued by your local immigration office), bring that too—it speeds up the process significantly.

If you have a work permit, bring it. If you are on a tourist visa and do not have a residence card yet, the bank may ask for additional proof, such as a letter from your employer or a notarized lease. Different banks have slightly different rules, so call ahead or visit in person to confirm what they will accept. Some banks will also ask for a business card or a letter from your employer on company letterhead if you are opening an account for work purposes.

Visa status and how it affects the process

Your visa type matters, but it is not a hard barrier. If you hold a work permit or a temporary residence card, you are in the clearest position—banks process these applications as routine. If you are on a tourist visa (90 days or less), most banks will still open an account for you, but they may ask more questions about your address and reason for the account. Some banks have a policy of requiring at least a 30-day visa, so a single-entry tourist visa may not be enough.

If you are on a business visa or a multiple-entry tourist visa, you have more flexibility. The key is having a verifiable address in Vietnam. If you are staying in a hotel, use the hotel's address and bring a booking confirmation. If you are renting an apartment, bring a signed lease. Banks are less concerned with how long your visa lasts than with whether they can confirm where you live right now.

Which banks are easiest for foreigners

Vietcombank (Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade) is the largest and most foreigner-friendly. They have branches in every major city, English-speaking staff at most locations, and a straightforward process. Techcombank is similarly accessible and often faster—many of their branches can open an account in under an hour. BIDV (Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam) and Sacombank also handle foreigner accounts regularly.

Smaller regional banks like ACB or MB Bank can work too, but you may need to bring a Vietnamese friend or hire a translator. The process is the same; the difference is language support. If you are in a smaller city or town, your options may be limited to one or two banks, so visit in person and ask what they need before you gather documents.

Fees, minimum balance, and account types

Most Vietnamese banks charge no monthly maintenance fee for a basic savings account. Some accounts require a minimum opening deposit—usually 100,000 to 500,000 VND (roughly $4 to $20 USD), though some banks waive this for foreigners. Check with the specific bank before you go in.

Where costs add up is in ATM withdrawals. If you withdraw cash from an ATM that does not belong to your bank, you will pay a fee of 20,000 to 50,000 VND per transaction. Using your bank's own ATMs is free. International transfers into your account are usually free, but sending money out of Vietnam can cost 100,000 to 300,000 VND depending on the amount and destination. Ask the bank for their current rates before you open the account.

The process and approval process

Walk into the bank during business hours (usually 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday, with some Saturday hours). Tell the staff you want to open a savings account. They will give you an process form in Vietnamese and English. Fill it out with your name, passport number, address in Vietnam, occupation, and reason for opening the account. The form takes 10 to 15 minutes.

A staff member will photocopy your passport and proof of address, verify the information, and ask a few questions—usually about your employment and how you plan to use the account. If everything is in order, they will issue you an account number and a debit card on the spot or within one to three business days. Online banking access (username and password) is set up separately, usually the next day, and you can collect it in person or have it mailed to your address.

After your account opens: what to expect

Your debit card will arrive within one to three business days. You can use it at any ATM in Vietnam that displays your bank's logo. International transfers into your account are straightforward—give the bank your account number and routing information, and funds typically arrive within one to three business days. Sending money out of Vietnam requires you to visit the bank in person with your passport; they cannot process international transfers online for new accounts.

Keep your account active by using it at least once every six months. Some banks will freeze inactive accounts, though they will not close them. If you leave Vietnam, you can keep the account open and continue to receive transfers, but you will not be able to use the debit card outside Vietnam unless you have a credit card or a special international plan. Ask the bank about their policies for account holders who leave the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a temporary residence card to open a bank account?

No, but it makes the process faster. If you have a work permit or residence card, bring it. If you only have a tourist visa, you can still open an account as long as you have proof of a current address in Vietnam, such as a lease or hotel booking. Some banks may ask more questions if you do not have a residence card, but they will not refuse you outright.

Can I open an account online without visiting a branch?

Most Vietnamese banks do not offer full online account opening for foreigners. You will need to visit a branch in person with your passport and proof of address. Some banks are beginning to offer online opening for residents with a Vietnamese phone number and ID, but this does not explore to most foreigners.

What happens if I leave Vietnam—can I keep the account?

Yes. Your account remains open and you can receive transfers to it from abroad. However, you will not be able to use the debit card outside Vietnam, and you cannot perform international transfers online. If you return to Vietnam, you can use the account normally again.

How much does it cost to send money out of Vietnam?

International transfer fees vary by bank and destination country, but typically range from 100,000 to 300,000 VND. The amount also depends on how much you are sending. Ask your bank for their current fee schedule before you open the account, as rates change.

What if the bank rejects my proof of address?

If your lease or utility bill is not accepted, ask the bank what documents they will take instead. A letter from your employer on company letterhead, a notarized lease, or a letter from your landlord often works. If you are staying in a hotel, a booking confirmation with your name and the hotel's address is usually sufficient. Call the bank ahead of time to confirm what they need.