Expat Lawyer: Relocating to Vietnam can be one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re coming for a job opportunity, to start a business, retire, or simply enjoy a new lifestyle, Vietnam offers a vibrant culture, growing economy, and beautiful landscapes. But before you get swept away by the food, the people, and the energy of cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there’s something critical you shouldn’t overlook: legal support.
From visa issues and property laws to employment contracts and business regulations, Vietnam’s legal environment can be complex—especially for foreigners. That’s why having reliable legal guidance from the start can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
Why Legal Help from an Expat Lawyer Matters When Relocating to Vietnam
You might not think you need a lawyer just to move. After all, many people book a flight, find an apartment, and figure it out along the way. But in Vietnam, this “figure it out” mindset can lead to serious problems if you don’t understand the local rules.
Here are just a few reasons why expats should consider legal assistance:
Understanding Visa and Immigration Rules – Expat Lawyer Vietnam
Visa categories in Vietnam can be tricky. Tourist visas don’t allow you to work. Business visas may require sponsorship. Long-term residence options are limited and often depend on marital status, employment, or investment.
A qualified legal team like La Défense can help you:
– Choose the right visa type
– Prepare documentation for work permits and temporary residence cards
– Navigate the evolving immigration policies post-COVID
– Ensure legal compliance to avoid fines, blacklisting, or deportation
We’ve assisted hundreds of expats and investors to stay in Vietnam legally—many of whom started with visa questions and ended up becoming long-term clients for more complex legal matters.
Renting or Buying Property Legally – Expat Lawyer Vietnam
In Vietnam, foreigners can rent property easily, but buying is subject to specific conditions. You’re allowed to own apartments (not land), and certain projects are open to foreign buyers. But contracts are often in Vietnamese, and terms can vary from what you expect in your home country.
Our firm reviews and drafts rental or purchase agreements to protect your rights. We also ensure your deposit, ownership terms, and renewal clauses are fair—and legally enforceable.
With La Défense, you avoid hidden pitfalls that could cost you your home or your investment.
Starting a Business? You’ll Need a Local Legal Ally – Expat Lawyer Vietnam
Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive markets for entrepreneurs. But setting up a company here involves:
– Choosing the right legal structure
– Navigating foreign ownership rules
– Registering with the Department of Planning and Investment
– Complying with tax, labor, and commercial regulations
This is not something you want to Google your way through. A business-friendly lawyer with real experience makes the difference between a smooth launch and a regulatory nightmare.
At La Défense, we specialize in legal services for expat business owners—from incorporation and licensing to contract drafting and dispute resolution.
Contracts, Employment, and Labor Law – Expat Lawyer Vietnam
Are you getting hired in Vietnam? Or hiring staff for your company? Employment contracts in Vietnam must follow the Labor Code, which includes strict rules on:
– Trial periods
– Contract duration and termination
– Working hours, benefits, and insurance
– Dispute handling
If you’re not aware of these details—or if your employer isn’t compliant—you could be vulnerable. Our legal team ensures that both employees and employers understand their rights and obligations in Vietnam, reducing risks of conflict or litigation.
Family, Marriage, and Inheritance Matters
Planning to get married in Vietnam? Adopting a child? Bringing your family over? Vietnamese family law has specific requirements for:
– Marriage registration involving foreigners
– Prenuptial agreements
– Custody rights and child support
– Inheritance laws and estate planning
These are sensitive issues where local legal knowledge is essential. La Défense has helped expats handle family-related legal processes with discretion, empathy, and full respect for both local and international laws.
The La Défense Difference: A Law Firm That Understands Expats
At La Défense, we don’t just translate Vietnamese law into English. We interpret your goals, concerns, and values—then give you practical legal solutions tailored for expat life in Vietnam.
Our firm is based in Hanoi and works with clients across the country. We are:
– Experienced in expat legal matters across multiple sectors
– Fluent in English, French, and Vietnamese
– Recognized in Legal 500 Asia Pacific for our litigation and corporate advisory work
– Trusted by the expat community, business chambers, and NGOs
Whether you need a one-time consultation or a long-term legal partner, we offer clarity, professionalism, and a true understanding of what it means to live and work in a foreign country.
Don’t Wait Until There’s a Problem
Too many expats reach out to a lawyer only after something goes wrong—when a visa is denied, when a rental contract falls apart, or when business registration gets delayed. But the smartest move is to consult a lawyer before you make decisions.
Moving to Vietnam can be smooth and rewarding—with the right guidance.
Let La Défense be your trusted legal partner from day one. We’ll help you stay informed, compliant, and protected—so you can focus on enjoying everything Vietnam has to offer.
Read more:
- Legal Survival Kit: Advice from an Expat Lawyer Vietnam for Living and Working
- How Hanoi’s Expat Communities Can Help You Find the Right Expat Lawyer
- How an Expat Lawyer Can Protect Your Rights in Vietnam