Top 5 Legal Issues Expats Commonly Face in Vietnam

Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for expatriates—offering a low cost of living, vibrant culture, and growing economic opportunities. But while life in Vietnam can be exciting, it’s not without its legal complications. For many expats, unexpected issues arise due to language barriers, unfamiliar laws, or unclear procedures.

To help you avoid costly mistakes, let’s take a look at the top five legal issues that expats commonly face in Vietnam—and how working with a professional legal team like La Défense can make all the difference.

Visa and Work Permit Challenges

Visa-related complications are by far the most frequent legal headache for expats. Vietnam’s immigration laws have gone through several changes in recent years, and the requirements for business, work, and investor visas can be confusing and inconsistent.

Many expats assume that a company-sponsored work permit is enough, only to find themselves at risk of fines or even deportation due to incomplete or incorrect paperwork.

How La Défense helps: Our team regularly assists clients with visa extensions, work permits, and residence cards. We provide up-to-date advice on immigration policies and manage the entire process for individuals and companies to ensure compliance from day one.

Unclear or Unfair Rental Agreements

Housing in Vietnam can appear simple at first glance, but rental contracts often contain vague or one-sided clauses. From disputes over deposits to sudden rent hikes or landlord misconduct, many expats find themselves in a vulnerable position with little legal protection—especially if the contract is in Vietnamese only.

La Défense solution: We review and draft bilingual lease agreements to protect our clients from ambiguity or exploitation. We also assist in resolving disputes with landlords and ensuring you’re not being taken advantage of in a foreign legal environment.

Business Setup and Licensing

Entrepreneurial expats are increasingly choosing Vietnam as a place to start new ventures. However, opening a business here is not as simple as registering online. From choosing the right legal entity to understanding the sectors open to foreign investment, there are countless legal details that must be properly handled.
Delays or errors in licensing, tax registration, or shareholder documentation can put your business at risk before it even begins.

La Défense advantage: Our lawyers provide comprehensive services for foreign-owned companies—from structuring the business to obtaining licenses, drafting shareholder agreements, and ensuring long-term regulatory compliance. We’re not just lawyers—we’re strategic legal partners for your growth.

Disputes with Employers or Employees

Whether you’re working for a local company or running your own, labor-related legal issues are another common concern. Expats can face wrongful termination, unpaid salaries, or employment contracts that don’t meet Vietnamese legal standards. Likewise, expat employers may struggle with compliance or disputes with local staff.

What La Défense offers: We help expats understand their rights under Vietnamese labor law. For employers, we ensure contracts, termination processes, and internal rules are all legally sound and culturally appropriate. For employees, we offer legal recourse in case of breach of contract or labor violations.

Family and Personal Legal Matters

Marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance are all sensitive areas where the law can get especially complex for expats. Mixed-nationality marriages, for example, often involve both Vietnamese law and international regulations. In cases of divorce or child custody, clear legal guidance is crucial to avoid drawn-out disputes.

Our family law practice at La Défense is designed to handle these cross-border personal matters with discretion and care. We’ve represented both individuals and families in marriage registration, divorce proceedings, child custody negotiations, and inheritance claims—always with a deep understanding of both Vietnamese law and international expectations.

Why Legal Preparation Matters

Many expats only seek legal help when something has already gone wrong. But in our experience, proactive legal advice saves time, money, and emotional distress. Whether you’re planning to start a company, buy property, negotiate a work contract, or register a marriage—getting it right the first time makes all the difference.

La Défense is one of Vietnam’s few boutique law firms that specializes in serving expatriates and foreign investors. With a bilingual team, cross-border expertise, and a results-driven mindset, we simplify complex legal challenges for expats so they can focus on enjoying life in Vietnam.

Living in Vietnam is full of opportunities—but it’s important to be aware of the legal realities that come with it. From immigration concerns to business issues, labor disputes to family law—being informed and legally protected is key.

At La Défense, we don’t just offer legal services. We offer peace of mind, strategic advice, and personal attention that expats can count on.

Need help navigating a legal issue in Vietnam? Contact La Défense today for a confidential consultation and experience the difference of working with a legal team that truly understands expat needs.

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