A Lifelong Connection to HCMC
In 1996, Joke Otter van Zuijlen and her husband made the decision to leave the Netherlands for a three-year stay in HCMC. What was initially intended as a temporary move has now stretched into nearly three decades of life in the city. Their journey began with a desire for a nomadic lifestyle, moving from one city to another across the globe. However, HCMC proved to be an exception that changed their plans forever.
Before arriving in Vietnam, the couple had spent three years each in the U.K. and Poland working for pharmaceutical company Novartis. They were drawn to the idea of exploring different cultures and environments. But it was HCMC that captured their hearts within just two months. Van Zuijlen describes Thao Dien Ward as a “mini international village” that still maintains its distinct Vietnamese identity. The city offers a mix of convenience and charm—whether it’s grabbing dinner on a motorbike, stopping at a roadside café, or dining at a high-end restaurant without worrying about reservations or costs. The warm weather and open spaces further enhance the appeal of living in HCMC.
While her husband is busy with work, van Zuijlen fills her time with travel, golf, tennis, and volunteering. She visits an orphanage twice a week and is deeply involved in community activities. She often says that HCMC is easy to live in, affordable, and full of friendly people. Both she and her husband realized that HCMC is a land of opportunity.
In 2006, they opened a fully foreign-owned kindergarten, which solidified their long-term commitment to the city. Van Zuijlen reads extensively about Vietnamese history and culture, so much so that her staff often joke that she knows more about the country than they do. At 68, she and her husband have no plans to leave HCMC. Their greatest wish is for Vietnam to develop retirement communities with proper healthcare and mobility support, allowing them to enjoy their later years in comfort.
HCMC: A Hub for International Residents
More than 200,000 foreigners call HCMC their long-term home, a number that is more than three times that of Hanoi. As of July 2023, there were 27,000 people with work permits in the city, according to the city’s Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. This growing expatriate community highlights the city’s appeal as a place to live and work.
The Gensler Research Institute in the U.S. published the "City Pulse 2025: The Magnetic City" report, which ranked HCMC second in the world for retaining international residents. The survey found that over 61% of foreigners surveyed had no intention of leaving. The report polled 33,000 residents across 65 cities to understand what drives people’s choices and guide future urban planning.
Guillaume Rondan, director of Move to Asia, a company that helps foreigners relocate and invest in Asia, points out that HCMC retains international residents due to its dynamic business environment, affordable cost of living, and modern lifestyle. The city’s strategic location in Southeast Asia, along with its growing middle class and competitive, high-quality workforce in tech, manufacturing, and logistics, contributes to this appeal. Housing, food, and healthcare in HCMC are significantly cheaper than in cities like Singapore, Shanghai, or Kuala Lumpur, while maintaining high quality.
Rondan also notes that HCMC has a young, ambitious population that is always innovating, combining modernity with tradition. Few cities in Vietnam offer this unique mix.
A Long-Term Commitment to the City
Move to Asia’s data reveals that 55–60% of clients come to Vietnam with plans to live mid- or long-term. Many start businesses, apply for temporary residence cards, or explore investment opportunities. While some come for short-term projects, many return to stay longer. Over 80 percent of foreigners who stay in Vietnam for more than 24 months choose HCMC. For entrepreneurs, the city offers a balance of affordability, potential, and quality of life.
Marcel Lenartz, a Dutch engineer, first came to HCMC in August 1992 after hearing about it from several Vietnamese friends. In 1995, he returned for a short-term internship but ended up staying for 30 years. “It’s the people,” he says. He recalls a memorable experience when he rode his bicycle through Can Gio, covered in mud and sweat, and passed a wedding held by local farmers. They invited him to join the celebration, despite his appearance. He hesitated, thinking he was too dirty, but they insisted and handed him a beer.
Lenartz chose to live with a Vietnamese family instead of the expat housing arranged by his company. This allowed him to experience local life firsthand, from bathing with a bucket to eating home-cooked meals. Over his 30-year stay, he has witnessed Vietnam’s growth and contributed in various ways. He helped build Saigon Water Park in 1997 and supported early software outsourcing firms, architecture companies, and local running communities.
While his peers plan to retire in Da Nang, Hoi An, or Japan, Marcel remains committed to HCMC. “There’s never a dull day here. Something new always surprises and excites me.” His story reflects the deep connection many foreigners have with the city, making HCMC not just a place to live, but a home.