Tax Atlas

United States vs Vietnam: tax comparison for expats

A sourced head-to-head on United States and Vietnam: tax-residency rules, income tax rates, special regimes, side by side. Income tax only, not tax advice.

Effective income tax by income

An effective-rate comparison for this pair isn’t available yet (one country’s full bracket table is still being verified). The sourced fact comparison below still applies — and the interactive tool covers every modelled country.

United States vs Vietnam, side by side

 United StatesVietnam
Top income tax rate37%PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries“For individuals, the top federal income tax rate for 2025 is 37%, except for long-term capital gains and qualified dividends”View source · accessed 2026-08-2035%KPMG GMS Flash Alert 2026-040, Vietnam new Personal Income Tax Law (24 February 2026)“Monthly thresholds are increased, with the lowest bracket now up to VND 10 million (5 percent), and the top bracket for monthly income above VND 100 million (35 percent).”View source · accessed 2026-10-24
Tax-residency day threshold183 daysInternal Revenue Service (IRS)“You will be considered a United States resident for tax purposes if you meet the substantial presence test for the calendar year. To meet this test, you must be physically present in the United States (U.S.) on at least:”View source · accessed 2026-08-20183 daysNational Assembly of Vietnam, Personal Income Tax Law No. 109/2025/QH15 (Official Gazette no. 37, 22 January 2026)“Có mặt tại Việt Nam từ 183 ngày trở lên tính trong 01 năm dương lịch hoặc tính theo 12 tháng liên tục kể từ ngày đầu tiên có mặt tại Việt Nam”View source · accessed 2026-10-24
Signature tax regimeForeign Earned Income Exclusion: USD 132,900 / yearInternal Revenue Service (IRS)“For tax year 2026, the foreign earned income exclusion is $132,900 up from $130,000 for tax year 2025.”View source · accessed 2026-08-20[source]PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries, Vietnam individual: Foreign tax relief and tax treaties (last reviewed 23 September 2026)“In respect of tax residents who have overseas income, PIT paid in a foreign country on income derived overseas is creditable. The credit shall not exceed the PIT amount payable on the income in Vietnam. Documents are required to support the claim.”View source · accessed 2026-10-24
Digital nomad visaNoNo
Nomad-visa income requirement——

Every figure links to its source and verification date. Full guides: United States · Vietnam.

Frequently asked questions

Is United States or Vietnam better for tax?

It depends on your income, residency status and which special regime you qualify for. Compare the residency rules, rates and regimes side by side below, and use the interactive tool for your own income.

Which has the lower tax-residency threshold, United States or Vietnam?

United States treats you as tax resident after 183 days, and Vietnam after 183 days. But ties like a home, family or economic centre can trigger residency on fewer days — never rely on a day count alone.

Does United States or Vietnam have a digital nomad visa?

United States has no dedicated digital-nomad visa; Vietnam has no dedicated digital-nomad visa. See the "Digital nomad visa" row below for the sourced detail.

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