Vietnam wins IF…
- safety is a priority — safety index 58 vs 52
- you qualify for Foreign Investor Tax Incentive (special tax regime)
- you only speak English — proficiency score 53 vs 38
Indonesia wins IF…
- you want higher earning potential — avg salary €7,200 vs €5,280
The real answer depends on your income, savings, and profession. Get Your Free Verdict →
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric |  Vietnam |  Indonesia |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Pathways | 5 | 7 |
| Cost of Living Range | €1,980 – €2,368/mo | €800 – €1,300/mo |
| Processing Time | 15–90 days | 5–90 days |
Visa Programs Comparison
Vietnam (5 pathways)
| Program | Type | Min Income |
|---|---|---|
| LD1 Work Visa (Work Permit Exemption) | skilled-worker | €196/mo |
| LD2 Work Visa (Work Permit Required) | skilled-worker | €196/mo |
| DN1 Business Visa | entrepreneur | — |
| DN2 Business Visa | entrepreneur | — |
| DT Investment Visa | investor | €9,250/yr |
Indonesia (7 pathways)
| Program | Type | Min Income |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Stay Work Visa (C312) with KITAS | skilled-worker | €3,000/mo |
| Second Home Visa (Non-Work) | investor | — |
| Digital Nomad / Remote Work (B211A + e-Visa) | digital-nomad | €2,000/mo |
| Investor/Golden Visa E28C | investor | — |
| Work Trial Visa (B211A) | skilled-worker | €2,000/mo |
| Intra-Company Transfer (C311) | intra-company | €3,000/mo |
| Startup / Tech Talent Visa (TKA Startup) | entrepreneur | €2,500/mo |
Cost of Living Side-by-Side
Vietnam
Indonesia
Professions Compared
Vietnam
| Profession | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | €971/mo |
| Nurse | €832/mo |
| Doctor | €589/mo |
| Construction Worker | €985/mo |
| Civil Engineer | €985/mo |
Indonesia
| Profession | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | €3,500/mo |
| AI Engineer | €4,000/mo |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | €3,800/mo |
| Blockchain Specialist | €4,200/mo |
| Product Manager | €3,200/mo |
Who Should Choose Vietnam
Who Should Choose Indonesia
- Wide choice of visa pathways (7 programs)
- Affordable cost of living (from €800/mo)
- High earning potential (up to €4,200/mo)
Find your best visa pathway
Take our free 3-minute quiz and get matched with programmes that fit your profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vietnam or Indonesia better for immigration?
Vietnam has 5 visa pathways on record and Indonesia has 7. Which one suits you depends on your nationality, budget and family situation — the tables above show the requirements for each route, and the free quiz gives a verdict on your profile.
Which is cheaper to live in, Vietnam or Indonesia?
Vietnam cost of living: €1,980 – €2,368/mo. Indonesia: €800 – €1,300/mo.
Does Vietnam or Indonesia have more visa pathways?
Vietnam has 5 active visa pathways; Indonesia has 7.
Is it easier to get permanent residency in Vietnam or Indonesia?
Both countries offer PR pathways. Processing times and requirements differ. Check the visa programs comparison above.
Can I work remotely in Vietnam or Indonesia?
Remote work options vary. Check individual visa pathways for remote work eligibility.
Not sure between Vietnam and Indonesia?
Get a side-by-side comparison report matched to your profile, qualifications, and budget.
Get Your Free VerdictSources: OECD (2026), World Bank Open Data, official government immigration portals. Full methodology
Official sources
Vietnam
- LV1 - Cáp cho nguòi vào làm việc với các ban, cơ quan, đơn vị trúc thuóc trung uong dàng công sân việt nam; quốc hội, chính phủ, üy ban trung uong mật trần tổ quốc viet nam, toà án nh — asemconnectvietnam.gov.vn — last re-checked 2026-06-24
- Work Permit — vietnam.gov.vn — last re-checked 2026-06-24
- Permanent Residence Card — hanoi-be.mfa.gov.tr — last re-checked 2026-06-09
Indonesia
- Visa Rumah Kedua Pekerja Jarak Jauh — imigrasi.go.id — last re-checked 2026-06-21
- Visa Kerja — imigrasi.go.id — last re-checked 2026-06-24
- Visa Rumah Kedua Kolaborasi Keahlian Khusus — imigrasi.go.id — last re-checked 2026-06-09
Figures are compiled from official government sources and re-checked on a rolling basis. Always confirm on the official page before applying.