The best countries for Vietnamese to move to in 2026 are: 1) Japan (largest Vietnamese diaspora abroad at 500,000+, SSW and TITP programmes), 2) South Korea (EPS programme, high wages KRW 2.5–3.5M/month), 3) Australia (skilled migration, 330,000+ Vietnamese diaspora), 4) Germany (nursing programme, Skilled Worker visa, EU Blue Card), and 5) Canada (Express Entry, growing community). Japan offers the most pathways (TITP, SSW, Engineer visa) and proximity. Germany offers the best PR pathway (EU Blue Card, 4 years).
Top 5 Destinations for Vietnamese in 2026
#1 Japan — 8.0/10
Why: 500,000+ Vietnamese residents (fastest-growing foreign community), SSW in 14 sectors, TITP converting to new system, geographic proximity, high demand for workers
Key visas: SSW Type 1 & 2, TITP, Engineer/Specialist, Student (Ryugaku)
Cost: VND 30–150M • Processing: 3–6 months • Cost of living: €1,350/mo
PR pathway: Via SSW Type 2 or 10-year residency
#2 South Korea — 7.6/10
Why: EPS programme well-established, high wages relative to cost, Vietnamese community 50,000+, proximity, Korean language training widely available in Vietnam
Key visas: E-9 (EPS), E-7 (Skilled Worker), D-10 (Job Seeker), F-2 (Resident)
Cost: VND 20–30M via EPS • Processing: 3–6 months • Cost of living: €1,200/mo
PR pathway: F-5 via points system after E-7
#3 Australia — 7.4/10
Why: 330,000+ Vietnamese Australians, skilled migration programme, high salaries, English language, well-established community and cultural ties
Key visas: Subclass 189, 482, 186, 500 (Student → 485 pathway)
Cost: AUD $4,640 (Subclass 189) • Processing: 6–18 months • Cost of living: €2,200/mo
PR pathway: Direct PR via 189 or employer nomination
#4 Germany — 7.2/10
Why: Triple Win nursing programme, 190,000 Vietnamese residents, Skilled Worker visa, Ausbildung (vocational training), EU Blue Card for fast PR
Key visas: Skilled Worker, Opportunity Card, EU Blue Card, Ausbildung, Triple Win
Cost: €75 (visa) + training • Processing: 4–12 weeks • Cost of living: €2,090/mo
PR pathway: EU Blue Card PR after 4 years
#5 Canada — 7.0/10
Why: Growing Vietnamese community (250,000+), Express Entry, Provincial Nominees, high quality of life, English-speaking, citizenship in 3 years
Key visas: Express Entry, PNP, LMIA Work Permit, Atlantic Immigration
Cost: CAD $2,150 • Processing: 6–12 months • Cost of living: €2,100/mo
PR pathway: Direct PR via Express Entry
Taiwan and Other East Asian Destinations
Taiwan remains a major destination for Vietnamese workers, alongside emerging routes to Singapore and Hong Kong.
| Country | Vietnamese Workers | Avg Monthly Salary | Contract Length | Key Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | 250,000+ | $870–1,400 | 3 years (up to 12) | Manufacturing, caregiving |
| Singapore | 15,000+ | $1,000–2,500 | 2 years | Construction, services |
| Hong Kong | 10,000+ | $600–1,500 | 2 years | Domestic, services |
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Get Your Free VerdictFrequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest country for Vietnamese to move to?
Taiwan has the most accessible entry (high quotas, established channels) but no PR pathway. Japan's SSW programme is growing rapidly and offers the possibility of long-term settlement. South Korea's EPS is competitive but well-structured.
Can Vietnamese workers move to Europe?
Yes. Germany has active recruitment programmes (Triple Win for nurses, Ausbildung for vocational trainees). Romania and Poland also accept Vietnamese workers. Italy's Decreto Flussi quota includes Vietnamese nationals. The main barrier is language (German A2–B2 required).
How do I convert from TITP to SSW in Japan?
TITP interns who complete their programme can convert to SSW Type 1 by passing the relevant sector skills exam and JLPT N4. The conversion does not require returning to Vietnam. Successful SSW Type 1 workers can potentially move to SSW Type 2 (renewable, family, PR pathway).
What is the EPS-TOPIK exam?
EPS-TOPIK is the Korean language proficiency test required for the E-9 (Employment Permit System) visa. It is administered by HRD Korea in Vietnam. A score of 80+ out of 200 is typically required. The test is offered multiple times per year. Study materials are available free from HRD Korea.
How much do Vietnamese workers earn in Japan vs Vietnam?
Japan: ¥170,000–280,000/month ($1,130–$1,870) for TITP/SSW workers, compared to Vietnam average salary of $300–450/month. After Japanese tax and living costs ($800–1,000/month), workers can save $300–800/month to remit home.
Is the deposit system for DOLAB still required?
Yes, but it varies by destination. Japan TITP typically requires a deposit of VND 30–100 million as a compliance bond. The deposit is returned when the worker completes the contract and returns to Vietnam on time. Absconding forfeits the deposit.
Can Vietnamese get permanent residency in Japan?
Yes, but it takes time. Standard route: 10 years of continuous residence. For SSW Type 2 holders: potentially faster. For highly skilled professionals (HSFP visa): 1–3 years. Most Vietnamese in Japan are on TITP/SSW Type 1, which do not directly lead to PR without transitioning to a longer-term status.
Data sourced from official government immigration portals, verified April 2026. Costs and processing times are indicative and should be confirmed with the relevant embassy or immigration authority.