Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam – What You Need To Know

in Investment and Enterprise, Legal Practice

The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam is a document issued by the immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is granted to foreigners who are allowed to reside in Vietnam for a certain period of time.

Here are some key points about the TRC:

1. Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam: What is it?

The TRC serves as a long-term visa for foreigners staying in Vietnam.
It allows foreign nationals to legally reside in the country for an extended duration, typically ranging from 2 to 3 years.

2. What benefits can a TRC in Vietnam bring to you?

Property ownership: TRC holders can buy apartments and, in the near future, may be able to purchase houses in Vietnam.
Continuous stay: Foreigners can stay in Vietnam without having to leave the country while their TRC is valid.
Cost savings: TRC eliminates the need for frequent visa extensions, saving both time and travel expenses.
Convenience: TRC allows foreigners to carry out business procedures, get married, and handle other matters conveniently.

3. Who can apply for a TRC in Vietnam?

The following individuals can apply for a TRC:

Foreigners with a valid Vietnam work permit (valid for at least 12 months at the time of application).
Members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of international organizations affiliated with the United Nations.
Foreigners with specific visa types (LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD, TT) are also eligible for TRCs.

4. What are requirements and conditions to obtain a TRC in Vietnam?

Foreigners must intend to stay in Vietnam for 1 year or more.
Their passport must be valid for at least 13 months.

Required documents include:

A written request for TRC issuance by the guarantor.
An information form for TRC with a passport-sized photo.
Copies of the passport and valid visa.
Two additional passport-sized photos

Currently, foreigners holding Vietnam temporary residence cards enjoy various privileges, including:

Exemption from visa requirements when entering and exiting Vietnam with a valid temporary residence card;
Residing in Vietnam throughout the validity period of the temporary residence card without the need to extend visas or exit Vietnam;
Being able to purchase apartments and soon potentially houses in Vietnam;
Easily conducting business procedures and getting married in Vietnam;
Being able to sponsor their parents, spouses, or children to visit Vietnam;
Sponsoring spouses, children under 18 to stay in Vietnam together when the temporary residence card is valid and endorsed by the inviting or guaranteeing organization or individual.

Therefore, many foreigners wishing to reside long-term in Vietnam eagerly desire to obtain this temporary residence card.

5. Eligible Individuals for Temporary Residence Cards in Vietnam

According to the provisions of Law No. 51/2019/QH14 amending and supplementing some articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam. Below is a list of individuals who are eligible to be granted temporary residence cards, along with the specific types of temporary residence cards and their validity periods:

No.	Subject	Temporary residence card symbol	Validity period of temporary residence card
1	Foreigners who are members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, international organizations under the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam, and their spouses, children under 18 years old, and domestic helpers accompanying them during their tenure.	NG3	Maximum of five years
2	Foreigners working with central agencies of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the National Assembly, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Audit Office, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial party committees, city party committees under the central government, People’s Councils, People’s Committees of provinces, centrally-run cities.	LV1	Maximum of five years
3	Foreigners working with political-social organizations, social organizations, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry;	LV2	Maximum of five years
4	Foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam;	LS	Maximum of five years
5	Foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign-invested organizations in Vietnam with a charter capital of VND 100 billion or more, or investing in prioritized investment sectors or areas as decided by the Government;	ĐT1	Maximum of ten years
6	Foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign-invested organizations in Vietnam with a charter capital from VND 50 billion to less than VND 100 billion, or investing in encouraged investment sectors designated by the Government;	ĐT2	Maximum of five years
7	Foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign-invested organizations in Vietnam with a charter capital from VND 3 billion to less than VND 50 billion;	ĐT3	Maximum of three years
8	Foreigners serving as heads of representative offices, projects of international organizations, or non-governmental organizations in Vietnam;	NN1	Maximum of three years
9	Foreigners heading representative offices, branches of foreign traders, representative offices of foreign economic, cultural organizations, or other specialized organizations of foreign countries in Vietnam;	NN2	Maximum of three years
10	Foreigners interning or studying in Vietnam;	DH	Maximum of five years
11	Foreign journalists, foreign press residing in Vietnam;	PV1	Maximum of two years
12	Foreigners working in Vietnam confirmed not to require a work permit, except for cases under international agreements where Vietnam is a member with different regulations;	LĐ1	Maximum of two years
13	Foreigners working in Vietnam who are required to have a work permit;	LĐ2	Maximum of two years
14	Foreigners who are spouses, children under 18 years old of foreigners granted visas marked LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, or spouses, parents, children of Vietnamese citizens.	TT	Maximum of three years

Note:

The validity period of the temporary residence card issued is shorter than the remaining validity period of the passport by at least 30 days.
Foreigners with expired temporary residence cards will be considered for renewal of a new card.

6. Conditions for Issuing Temporary Residence Card to Foreigners

To apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam, foreigners must meet the following conditions:

The passport must have a minimum validity of 13 months (In case the passport is valid for only 13 months, the Immigration Department will issue a temporary residence card with a maximum validity of 12 months).
Foreigners must complete the temporary residence registration procedure at the local police station according to regulations.

The following individuals are not eligible to be issued a temporary residence card in Vietnam:

Being pursued for criminal liability or being a party to civil, economic, or labor disputes.
Having obligations to enforce criminal judgments.
Having obligations to enforce civil or economic judgments.
Having obligations to comply with administrative penalties, tax obligations, and other financial obligations

7. Application for Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

The documentation required for obtaining a temporary residence card for foreigners may vary depending on individual circumstances. Here are some specific cases:

7.1 Documentation for Applying for Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners with Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption in Vietnam includes:

Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate, Investment Certificate, or Operating License of the company’s headquarters, branch, etc., depending on the type of enterprise.
Certificate of Seal Registration or Notification of posting information about the seal specimen of the enterprise on the national business registration portal.
Certified copy of Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption of the foreign worker with a validity period of at least 12 months.
Initial registration of seal specimen and signature at the Immigration Department (Form NA16)
Official letter and application for temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA6)
Declaration form requesting temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA8)

Introduction letter for Vietnamese staff assisting in the temporary residence card application process at the Immigration Department.
Original passport (valid for at least 1 year, or 2 years if applying for a 2-year temporary residence card. Passport should have a work visa with LD or DN mark, sponsored by the company).
Confirmation of temporary residence registration or temporary residence registration book of the foreigner certified by the local police where the foreigner is temporarily residing in Vietnam (if available).
02 photos sized 2cmx3cm.

7.2 Documentation for Applying for Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners who are Spouses of Vietnamese:

Certified copy of Marriage Certificate registered in Vietnam or Legalized Consular Note of Marriage Registration in Vietnam for cases registered abroad.
Application for sponsorship and issuance of temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA7)
Declaration form requesting temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA8)
Original passport and visa (passport valid for at least 13 months and Vietnam entry visa for the intended purpose).
02 photos sized 2cmx3cm.
Certified copy of Vietnamese spouse’s Household Registration Book.
Certified copy of Vietnamese spouse’s National ID Card.

7.3 Documentation for Applying for Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners with Vietnamese Parents:

Birth certificate or other documents proving that one or both parents are Vietnamese.
Application for sponsorship and issuance of temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA7)
Declaration form requesting temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA8)
Original passport and visa (passport valid for at least 13 months and Vietnam entry visa for the intended purpose).
02 photos sized 2cmx3cm.
Certified copy of Vietnamese parent’s Household Registration Book.
Certified copy of Vietnamese parent’s National ID Card.

7.4 Documentation for Applying for Temporary Residence Card for Foreign Investors in Vietnam

Certified copy of Business Registration Certificate, Investment Certificate detailing the foreign investor’s capital contribution.
Certificate of Seal Registration or Notification of posting information about the seal specimen of the enterprise on the national business registration portal.
Initial registration of seal specimen and signature at the Immigration Department (Form NA16)
Official letter and application for temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA6)
Declaration form requesting temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA8)
Introduction letter for Vietnamese staff assisting in the temporary residence card application process at the Immigration Department.
Original passport and visa (passport valid for at least 13 months and Vietnam entry visa for the intended purpose).
Confirmation of temporary residence registration or temporary residence registration book of the foreigner certified by the local police where the foreigner is temporarily residing in Vietnam.
02 photos sized 2cmx3cm.

7.5 Regarding Temporary Residence Card for Relatives of Foreigners Working in Vietnam

Certificate of operation of the enterprise or organization where the foreigner sponsors their relatives who are working.
Certificate of seal registration of the enterprise or organization where the foreigner sponsors their relatives who are working.
Passport and temporary residence card of the sponsor (if already issued a temporary residence card).
Initial registration of seal specimen and signature at the Immigration Department (Form NA16)
Official letter and application for temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA6)
Declaration form requesting temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA8)
Introduction letter for Vietnamese staff assisting in the temporary residence card application process at the Immigration Department.
Original passport and visa of the applicant for temporary residence card (passport valid for at least 13 months and Vietnam entry visa for the intended purpose).
Confirmation of temporary residence registration or temporary residence registration book of the foreigner certified by the local police where the foreigner is temporarily residing in Vietnam.
02 photos sized 2cmx3cm.
Certificate of family relationship or marriage registration certificate or birth certificate (for children sponsored by parents).

8. Procedure for Applying for Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners in Vietnam

To apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam, you will need to follow the procedures for making a temporary residence card for foreigners below:

Step 1: Prepare the documents:

Ensure you prepare the required documents as listed. It’s crucial to adhere to the document validity requirements. Failure to meet these deadlines may result in denial of the temporary residence card.

Step 2: Submit the application:

Once you have prepared the complete set of documents, submit them to the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security, or the immigration office of the province or city where the foreigner resides. The main offices of the Immigration Department have the following addresses:

If applying in Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
If applying in Ho Chi Minh City: 254 Nguyen Trai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
If applying in Danang: 7 Tran Quy Cap, Danang City.

After verifying the documents, the immigration department will issue a receipt (From NB7). to the applicant.

If the application is incomplete, the receiving officer will guide the applicant on the necessary additions. You will then need to prepare the additional documents and return to the Immigration Department to resubmit.

Submission hours for Temporary Residence Card application: Monday to Saturday mornings (excluding holidays and Sundays).

Step 3: Receive the result:

On the scheduled date, bring the receipt, ID card, or passport to the immigration office to check the result.

If the Temporary Residence Card is approved, you will pay the fee, sign for receipt, and collect the result (whether the card is issued or not).

Result collection hours: Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and Saturdays, Sundays).

Following this procedure will facilitate obtaining the Temporary Residence Card for foreigners in Vietnam. It’s not difficult if you:

Understand the regulations regarding the temporary residence card.
Have a checklist of the required documents.
Understand the principles of document preparation.
Reside near the Immigration Department offices.

9. Fee for issuance of temporary residence card for foreigners and processing time

According to Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC dated November 10, 2016, issued by the Minister of Finance, the fee for issuance of temporary residence card for foreigners is as follows:

For temporary residence cards valid from 1 to 2 years: $145 per card.
For temporary residence cards valid from over 2 to 5 years: $155 per card.

The processing time for temporary residence cards for foreigners at the Immigration Department is 5 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application file.

10. How to Change my Vietnam Temporary Residence Card

10.1 Cases for change of temporary residence card

Temporary residence card is lost;
Temporary residence card is torn or with fuzzy number…
Foreigners are granted a new passport in which the new passport number is different from the passport number indicated on the temporary residence card;

10.2 Agencies responsible for changing temporary residence card for foreigners

Depend on each case, the foreigners may apply for a temporary residence card replacement at one of the following agencies of Vietnam:

Administration of Immigration
Department of Immigration Management of Police Departments of provinces and cities

10.3 The validity of the renewed temporary residence card

The renewed temporary residence card duration will be equal to the period written on the previously issued temporary residence card.

10.4 Documents to change Vietnam temporary residence card

Passport of foreigners must be valid for at least 06 months;
Work permits (Investors, project managers, non-governmental organizations, foreign lawyers licensed to practice in Vietnam are not required to apply for a work permit)
The application form for a Vietnam temporary residence card.
Information form for foreigner (with photo and stamp);
01 Photo 3cmx4cm;
Official dispatch explaining the reason for changing temporary residence card
Other documents required by the Immigration Department

10.5 How to Extend Vietnam Temporary Residence Card

Foreigners can extend their temporary residence card in Vietnam upon its expiry by:

– Preparing the following documents:

Application form for visa issuance, stay extension (Form NA5)
Passport

– Following the same procedure to get a new temporary residence card as mentioned above.

The Vietnam temporary residence card extension fee is US $10 and processing time is 5 working days after receiving full documents.

10.6 What to Do if I Lost my Vietnam Temporary Residence Card

The first thing foreigners should do is go to the local police to report the loss of that residence card. Local police will then confirm this notice to foreigners.

After this confirmation, foreigners can renew a new residence card in Vietnam. Why do you have to do it again? Because foreigners who want to exit Vietnam, must have a visa or a valid residence card, otherwise will be denied and not allowed to exit.

The procedure for re-issue of a lost temporary resident card is as follows:

Written requests of inviting or guaranteeing agencies, organizations and individuals;
01 declaration of information about the foreigner applying for temporary residence, with photo and stamp of the agency or organization;
02 photos sized 3 x 4 cm;
01 copy of passport, valid visa, entry and exit certificate (with the original for comparison);
01 copy (with the original for comparison) of documents proving the purpose of staying in Vietnam (depending on specific cases, submitting appropriate papers: investment license, enterprise establishment permit, work permit, certificate of board member, license to establish a representative office, certificate of marriage or birth …).
In case of loss of temporary residence card, in addition to the provisions of the new application dossier, an application must be submitted together with a written description of the reason for the loss or a written loss notice of the guaranteeing agency.

Processing time: Within 15 working days from the date of receiving full documents.

11. Frequently Asked Questions about Temporary Residence Card

What is a temporary residence card?

A temporary residence card (TRC) is considered a long-term visa issued by the competent Immigration Department to eligible foreigners, allowing them to reside in Vietnam for the duration of the TRC’s validity. The TRC serves as a substitute for a visa.

Where can foreigners apply for a temporary residence card?

Applications for temporary residence cards for foreigners can be submitted to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, or to the immigration management offices of provinces and cities where the foreigner resides.

How long is the validity period of a temporary residence card for foreigners?

According to the provisions of the new Immigration Law, the validity period of a temporary residence card depends on the type of TRC. TRCs for investors can be valid for up to 10 years, depending on the investment value/contribution. The maximum validity period for labor-related TRCs is 2 years, and for family visit TRCs, it is 3 years.

However, the validity period of the TRC issued is shorter than the remaining validity period of the passport by at least 30 days.

How long does it take to obtain a temporary residence card for foreigners?

The typical processing time for a temporary residence card is 5 working days.

Remember that the TRC provides legal residency status and facilitates various activities during your stay in Vietnam. If you meet the eligibility criteria, consider applying for a TRC to enjoy its benefits!

By Nguyen Vu QUAN

Partner & IP Attorney

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