Vietnam is one of Asia's most dynamic, affordable, and exciting countries, and a favourite of budget-minded remote workers. But for a base specifically, it has two honest drawbacks against the Philippines: it taxes residents on worldwide income, and it has no easy long-stay or retirement route. Vietnam is a cheap, vibrant place to spend time; the Philippines is the easier and more tax-efficient place to actually base.
| Philippines | Vietnam | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax on foreign income | Territorial, foreign income untaxed for a Resident Alien | Residents taxed on worldwide income, up to 35% |
| Long-stay / residency | SRRV from age 40; tourist extension up to 36 months | No retirement visa; long stays rely on business or work visas and runs |
| Cost of living | Very low | Very low |
| Banking & CRS | Currently outside CRS | Moving into CRS |
| Property ownership | Condos only, no land | Apartments only on long leasehold, no land |
| Healthcare | Good private hospitals | Improving; serious cases often referred abroad |
| Connectivity & energy | Adequate via Singapore | Strong and growing, a fast-moving economy |
| Working language | English official and widely used | Vietnamese; English in expat areas |
Highlighted cell indicates the stronger option for that row. Rules change often; verify current requirements before deciding.
Where Vietnam wins, honestly
Vietnam is cheap, dynamic, and exciting, with superb food, a fast-growing economy, and a real energy that draws people in. Its cost of living matches or undercuts the Philippines, and for spending a season immersed in a vibrant Asian country, it is hard to beat.
Where the Philippines wins
Two things decide it for a base. First, tax: Vietnam taxes residents on worldwide income, while the Philippines leaves foreign income untaxed for a Resident Alien. Second, residency: the Philippines offers an easy 36-month tourist extension and the SRRV, while Vietnam has no retirement visa and relies on business visas and runs for long stays. The Philippines also has English as an official language and stronger private healthcare. On cost and property the two are even.
The verdict
Choose Vietnam to spend time in one of Asia's most exciting and affordable countries, if tax and easy residency are not your priorities. Choose the Philippines to actually base: it is territorial, English-speaking, and far easier to stay in long-term. Vietnam is a wonderful place to be; the Philippines is the better place to be based.
