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Feature 2 | Essential reading

Serviced apartments:
what to know before you sign

Renting here works differently from what you may be used to at home. We’ve summarized seven key points: what a serviced apartment is, what the rent includes, and the paperwork after you move in.

What exactly is a serviced apartment?

A type of rental where furniture, appliances, regular cleaning and front desk service are all included. Because the operator manages everything, you can move in the day you sign.

Fully furnished with appliances

Regular cleaning

Front desk service

The biggest difference from a condominium is who manages it

In a condominium, each unit is leased independently by its individual owner, so facilities vary from unit to unit. In a serviced apartment, the operating company manages every unit to the same standard. The big advantage is having one point of contact whenever something comes up.

	Serviced apartment	Condominium
Landlord / management	An operator owns and runs the whole building	Individual owners rent out units one by one
Cleaning & linens	Regular cleaning & linen changes included	None (can be arranged through Nhu Nhu Real Estate)
Utilities & internet	Often included in rent	Usually billed at cost (you can negotiate to include them in the rent)
Rent (typical 2BR)	Luxury 2,600–3,000 / affordable 1,350–1,800 USD	1,100–1,450 USD
Lease term	Leases of 6–12 months possible (shorter stays cost more)	Usually renewed annually

Know the differences before you choose

Two main types: luxury and affordable

Luxury type

International brands such as Somerset, Oakwood and Sherwood operate entire buildings. With a pool, gym and 24-hour reception, plus cleaning and linen changes, it’s much like living in a hotel. A popular choice for families and anyone who wants a hassle-free life.

From around 2,000 USD for a 1BR

Affordable type

These are concentrated around Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1 (a dining area known for its Japanese restaurants), District 3, and Pham Viet Chanh Street in Binh Thanh, next to District 1. Restaurants and supermarkets are within walking distance. Many units come with a bathtub, and they are popular with singles and younger residents. One-bedroom (1BR) units are plentiful. Note that many buildings have no car drop-off area or 24-hour security.

Mostly around 750–1,000 USD for a 1BR

Hotel residences

Residences attached to hotels, such as Hotel Nikko, JW Marriott and Sedona inside Saigon Centre (home to Takashimaya). Residents can use the hotel’s facilities and services.

Always check what the rent includes

Many properties include water, electricity, internet, regular cleaning, linen changes and even VAT, so, unlike with condominiums, you don’t pay utility bills separately. However, some cap electricity at a set amount and bill the rest separately, so confirm exactly what the rent covers before signing.

Water

Electricity

Internet

Regular cleaning

Linen changes

VAT

Four main types of housing, four price ranges

① Luxury serviced apartments

Hotel-style living run by international brands or Japanese hotel operators. Facilities and services are excellent, and prices match.

2BR 2,600–3,000 USD

② Affordable serviced apartments

Affordable serviced apartments, many of them in and around District 1. Locations and facilities are geared to foreign residents.

1BR approx. 750–1,000 USD / 2BR 1,350–1,800 USD

③ Condominiums

You rent a unit in an apartment building from its individual owner. The main appeal: for the same size, it’s cheaper than a serviced apartment.

2BR 1,100–1,450 USD

④ Local apartments

Apartments used mainly by young Vietnamese. Rent is very low, but cleanliness, surroundings and security make them a tough fit for most foreign residents.

Residence registration: an ongoing duty, with tougher penalties

This is specific to Vietnam and may be new to you. Foreigners staying in Vietnam must have a temporary residence registration (tạm trú) filed with the local police for each stay, and this applies to everyone, including expats, their families and business travelers. With serviced apartments the operator often files it for you, but you still need to tell them your departure and re-entry dates every time you travel, whether home or on business.

These rules are getting stricter. Under Decree 282/2025, effective December 2025, the fine for failing to register is 3–5 million VND for 1–3 foreigners, rising to up to 20 million VND for 9 or more (double for organizations). Circular 87/2026, effective July 24, 2026, requires registration online “immediately” after arrival. Failing to register can also cause problems when renewing a residence card or visa.

*This information is current as of September 2026. Regulations may change, so please contact Nhu Nhu Real Estate for the latest information and specific procedures.

Always register your stay!

Finally, a new step before you enter the country

With the Immigration Department’s pre-arrival declaration system (prearrival.immigration.gov.vn), you can submit a declaration up to 72 hours before arrival and receive a QR code. Declaration is free. Beware of fake websites. Before you travel, check which airports use the system and whether the declaration is mandatory.

Your home is safe, but take care on the roads

Outside your home, be careful in traffic. The risk of traffic accidents in Vietnam is much higher than you may be used to at home, so take extra care until you get used to the sheer number of motorbikes and the local traffic rules. Be especially careful when crossing the road and when using motorbike taxis or Grab.

At Nhu Nhu Real Estate, we walk you through each of these differences.

From finding a property and signing the contract to advice on residence registration and support with daily life after you arrive, we are here to help every step of the way.

For the latest information and specific procedures, please feel free to contact Nhu Nhu Real Estate.