Moving from UAE to Vietnam (2026): Costs, TRC Rules & Shipping Guide

Last Updated: February 2026

Compliance Disclaimer: Vietnam import regulations are governed by the General Department of Vietnam Customs, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), and are subject to change. Always verify document validity and current regulations with your moving agent before shipment departure.

Vietnam has emerged as one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic destinations for expatriates. From the high-energy commercial hub of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to the colonial charm of Hanoi and the coastal beauty of Da Nang, relocating from the UAE to Vietnam offers a vibrant lifestyle and a significantly lower cost of living.

However, moving your life 5,000 kilometers away requires rigorous logistics planning. Vietnam enforces strict customs frameworks, and arriving unprepared can result in heavy port storage fees or import taxes.

⚡ Quick Snapshot: UAE to Vietnam Move

Average 20ft Container Cost (Door-to-Door): 11,000 – 18,500 AED
Sea Freight Transit Time (Door-to-Door): 4 to 6 Weeks
Air Freight Transit Time (Door-to-Door): 7 to 12 Days
Key Customs Requirement: You must be present in Vietnam with a valid Work Permit to clear sea freight customs.

Here is your comprehensive, expert-backed guide to moving from the UAE to Vietnam.

1. Visas and Residency: The Prerequisites for Moving

To permanently relocate to Vietnam and import your household goods, a standard tourist E-visa is insufficient. You must establish legal residency.

Work Permits & Temporary Residence Cards (TRC)

Most UAE expats are sponsored by a registered Vietnamese entity. Your employer will secure your Work Permit, which is the foundational document required to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

Validity: TRCs are typically valid for 1 to 3 years.
Customs Importance: Possessing a Work Permit and a TRC valid for at least 12 months is a strict legal requirement for importing your used household goods duty-free.

Investment Visas (DT Visa)

For entrepreneurs moving from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to start a business, the DT (Invest) visa provides long-term residency based on your capital contribution, which also qualifies you for household goods importation.

2. Shipping Costs & Methods: UAE to Vietnam

Understanding freight forwarding dynamics is crucial to budgeting your move. Most sea freight shipments depart from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai and arrive at Cat Lai Port (serving Ho Chi Minh City) or Haiphong Port (serving Hanoi).

Estimated Door-to-Door Moving Costs

Note: The rates below are estimates for complete door-to-door services (including export packing, origin terminal handling, ocean freight, Vietnam customs clearance, and delivery).

Shipping Method	Ideal For	Estimated Cost (AED)
LCL (Shared Container)	Studios / 1-Bedroom (approx. 10 CBM)	5,500 – 9,000
20ft FCL (Full Container)	2 to 3-Bedroom Apartment (approx. 30 CBM)	11,000 – 18,500
40ft FCL (Full Container)	4+ Bedroom Villa or large volumes	16,500 – 25,500
Air Freight	Urgent essentials (priced per kg/vol weight)	22 – 37 per kg

Not sure which method fits your timeline? Read our complete Air Freight vs Sea Freight Comparison.

3. The Best Time to Move to Vietnam

Timing your relocation can heavily impact both your transit times and the safety of your goods.

The Tet Holiday (January/February): Vietnam's Lunar New Year essentially shuts down the country for 7 to 10 days. Ports experience massive congestion, and customs clearance grinds to a halt. Avoid scheduling your shipment's arrival during this window.
The Rainy Season (May–October in the South): If you are moving to HCMC during these months, heavy downpours are a daily reality. Ensure your movers use tropical export packing (including vacuum wrapping and silica gel packets) to prevent moisture damage.
Peak Congestion Periods: Global shipping peaks generally occur between August and October. Book your container well in advance during these months.

4. Door-to-Door Transit Timelines

When planning your relocation, account for ground logistics on both ends.

Transit Phase	Sea Freight	Air Freight
Packing & UAE Export Customs	3 – 5 Days	1 – 3 Days
Port-to-Port / Airport-to-Airport Transit	18 – 25 Days	1 – 3 Days
Vietnam Customs & Final Delivery	5 – 10 Days	3 – 5 Days
Total Estimated Door-to-Door Time	4 – 6 Weeks	7 – 12 Days

5. Vietnam Customs: Document Checklist & Rules

Vietnam allows expats to import used household goods duty-free for personal use, generally limited to one shipment per family.

Mandatory Documents for Customs Clearance:

Original Passport with your entry visa.
Valid Work Permit (Must be valid for at least 12 months from the date the goods arrive).
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Business Visa.
Arrival/Departure Card (ADC): If applicable, your arrival declaration must indicate unaccompanied baggage.
Detailed English Packing List: Ensure no cartons are labeled "PBO" (Packed by Owner). Vietnam Customs strictly inspects PBO boxes.
Letter of Employment / Labor Contract.
Authorization Letter: Allowing your destination agent in Vietnam to clear customs on your behalf.

Prohibited & Restricted Items: Vietnam strictly controls certain imports. Do not pack: Drones, walkie-talkies, satellite dishes, large quantities of alcohol/tobacco, or any culturally sensitive materials (books, maps, DVDs) without specialized permits.

6. Hidden Costs to Budget For

When importing household goods into Vietnam, unexpected port fees can quickly inflate your budget if your paperwork is delayed. Make sure you factor in:

Port Storage & Container Demurrage: Ports typically offer 5 free days for clearance. If your TRC is delayed, daily storage fees apply.
Customs Inspection Fees: If customs flags your shipment for a physical inspection (common with PBO boxes), you will bear the inspection and handling costs.
Translation and Notarization Fees: All foreign documents must be officially translated and notarized in Vietnam.
Elevator Reservation Fees: Many high-rise apartments in HCMC and Hanoi charge a fee (or require a refundable deposit) to reserve service elevators for move-in day.

Expert Tip: Always ensure your shipment is covered by All Risk International Moving Insurance rather than a basic Total Loss policy to protect against transit and handling damages.

7. Cost of Living: Dubai vs. Ho Chi Minh City

A major driver of UAE-to-Vietnam relocations is the exceptional purchasing power expats enjoy upon arrival.

Housing: A modern, luxury 2-bedroom apartment in HCMC's popular expat enclave, Thao Dien (District 2), typically ranges from 4,400 to 7,350 AED per month—a fraction of the cost of a comparable unit in Dubai Marina.
Education: International school fees generally range from 55,000 to 92,000 AED per year, depending on the curriculum and grade level.
Workspace & Utilities: Dedicated desks at premium coworking spaces cost around 350 to 550 AED per month. Furthermore, Vietnam boasts some of the cheapest and fastest mobile data and home internet packages globally.

8. Moving with Pets to Vietnam

Compared to destinations like Australia, Vietnam is relatively pet-friendly and does not currently mandate quarantine for pets arriving from the UAE, provided the paperwork is accurate.

Microchip: ISO-compliant microchip.
Vaccinations: Up-to-date Rabies vaccination (administered at least 30 days prior to travel, but less than 12 months old).
Health Certificate: An international health certificate issued by a UAE veterinarian and formally endorsed by the UAE MOCCAE.

For a complete step-by-step breakdown, read our Guide to Moving with Pets from the UAE.

9. How MoveConnector Streamlines Your Relocation

An international move to Southeast Asia requires navigating complex ground realities, from humidity-resistant export packing in the UAE to dealing with local port logistics at Cat Lai or Haiphong.

As the UAE's premier moving leads platform, MoveConnector bridges the gap. We connect you with verified, specialist international movers who understand the exact freight forwarding requirements of the UAE-Vietnam corridor.

What to expect from our vetted partners:

Tropical Export Packing: Furniture is expertly wrapped with vacuum seals and silica gels to withstand high humidity.
Customs Pre-Clearance: Movers review your TRC and documents before your container departs Jebel Ali to eliminate the risk of port storage fees.
Seamless Door-to-Door Delivery: Complete management from your UAE residence right to the door of your new home in Vietnam.

Get 3 Verified International Moving Quotes (UAE → Vietnam) Within 24 Hours