Naypyidaw: what to see and whether to move there

Is it worth moving to Naypyidaw in 2026

Naypyidaw has been Myanmar's capital since 2005, a city built from scratch in the centre of the country far from the former capital Yangon. It has huge empty highways, ministries, parliament, a hotel zone and the Uppatasanti Pagoda, but a small population for its scale. Almost nobody plans to move here: foreigners come on official business and usually live in Yangon. In addition, armed conflict has continued in the country since 2021, and many governments advise against travel.

How foreigners live in Naypyidaw

There is no ordinary housing market for foreigners in Naypyidaw. Housing in the city is mostly allocated to civil servants and the military, while foreigners who come to work stay in the hotel zone or official housing. Most staff of international organisations and companies live in Yangon, in areas such as Golden Valley, and travel to the capital for meetings. So the budget for living in Naypyidaw is primarily the cost of a hotel and transport.

Entry rules and visas

Since 27 January 2026 an agreement between Russia and Myanmar on mutual visa abolition has been in force: Russian citizens may stay in Myanmar visa-free for up to 30 days per visit and no more than 90 days per calendar year. The visa-free regime covers tourism, private visits and business trips, but not work, study or permanent residence. Work requires a business visa and a permit arranged by the employer.

Taxes in Myanmar

Income tax for residents is progressive, from 0% to 25% depending on income, and is not charged on small annual earnings. Salary tax is withheld by the employer. Tax rules have changed often in recent years with the annual tax law, so they are checked for the current year.

Climate and the city

The climate is tropical monsoon: a hot season from March to May, a rainy season from June to October and a cool dry season from November to February. The city is divided into zones - ministries, hotels, residential quarters and military areas - with large distances between them, so getting around without a car and driver is difficult. Sights include the Uppatasanti Pagoda, a replica of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the national museum, the zoo and gardens.

Yangon as an alternative

Yangon is the country's largest city and business centre, where most foreigners live. It has a rental market, international schools, private clinics and restaurants. Foreigners usually choose Golden Valley, the areas around Inya and Kandawgyi lakes or the centre near the Shwedagon Pagoda. Yangon and Naypyidaw are about 4-5 hours apart by expressway, or a short flight.

Money, connectivity and healthcare

Payments are mainly in cash kyat, international bank cards work to a limited extent, and bank and market rates can differ. Communications and internet are periodically restricted in some regions. Healthcare in Naypyidaw means public hospitals, and foreigners fly to Bangkok or Singapore for complex treatment, so insurance with evacuation is needed.

What to see

The main sight is the Uppatasanti Pagoda, a replica of Yangon's Shwedagon built in 2009. Nearby are the parliament complex, a square with giant statues of kings, the national gem museum, a safari park, botanical gardens and golf courses. Many people come precisely to see the unusual empty city with its multi-lane highways.

Who it suits and working in Myanmar

Naypyidaw is visited mainly by diplomats, staff of international organisations and contractors working with ministries. Work requires a business visa and a permit arranged by the employer, while the visa-free regime for Russian citizens allows only business meetings. For private individuals looking for a country to live in, Myanmar is not suitable now: conflict continues, and banking and communications work with restrictions.

Pitfalls

• Armed conflict continues in the country, and many governments advise against travel.
• No ordinary housing market for foreigners.
• Large distances and little public transport.
• Limited healthcare and banking services.
• The visa-free regime does not give the right to work.

Murblz specialists do not recommend moving to Myanmar now and suggest safer Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia or Thailand.