Vietnam Temporary Residence Card

Foreign individuals seeking to enter Vietnam for an extended period, often in conjunction with a work permit, must familiarize themselves with the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) to facilitate their stay. This official document, issued by the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security/ Immigration Office of the Police Department, serves as a crucial means of legalizing one’s stay in Vietnam. To acquire a TRC, applicants must meet specific requirements and submit the necessary documentation, thereby ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted stay in Vietnam. Let’s take a better look at how the process unfolds in its entirety. 

Vietnam Temporary Residence Card: When and How It Works 

The Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a document mandated by Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, And Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014. It is issued by either the Vietnam Immigration Department or a competent agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It enables foreign nationals to legally reside in Vietnam for an extended duration, carrying the same validity as a visa but with distinct advantages. This card permits foreigners to enjoy prolonged stays in Vietnam, offering the convenience of multiple entries without the need for visa applications or extensions. 

Holders of a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card can efficiently enter and exit Vietnam on multiple occasions during its validity period without the requirement to depart and re-enter for continued stays. The TRC’s validity is typically set to be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the holder’s passport. 

The Vietnam Temporary Residence Card is available in several categories, each with its own duration: 

  • 1-2 years: Designed for foreign employees and their family members, denoted by symbols like LD1, LD2, and TT. 
  • 2-5 years: Intended for investors, diplomats, students studying abroad, and more, represented by symbols like DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, and DH. 
  • Less than 10 years: Specifically for investors, indicated by the symbol DT1. 

This card streamlines the process for foreign individuals seeking to enter Vietnam for prolonged periods, often in conjunction with a work permit, and offers significant advantages over traditional visas. To acquire a TRC, applicants must fulfill specific requirements and provide the necessary documentation, ensuring a hassle-free and continuous stay in Vietnam. 

Who Qualifies for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card Application? 

To apply for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card, individuals must meet specific criteria and provide the necessary documents proving their eligibility. The eligible categories include: 

  • Foreigners with a valid work permit or practicing certificate in Vietnam. 
  • Foreign investors involved in establishing companies, contributing capital, or purchasing shares in Vietnamese or foreign enterprises or organizations in Vietnam. 
  • Foreigners with immediate family members (spouses, parents, and children) who have already been granted a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card. 
  • Overseas Vietnamese or foreigners with Vietnamese relatives (spouses, parents, children, grandparents, etc.). 
  • Foreigners entering Vietnam as diplomats or members of the press in accordance with Vietnamese regulations. 

Applicants should also ensure they have a completed application form and follow the specific procedures outlined by the Immigration Department Ministry of Public Security. Additionally, it’s important to submit a written request to the representative offices of foreign companies within the required working days. 

What Are the Advantages of Applying for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card? 

Here are some benefits of obtaining a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card: 

Property Ownership: A foreigner with a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card may purchase apartments and, potentially, houses soon, as the Ministry of Construction is considering allowing foreigners to buy real estate. 

Extended Stay: Temporary residence card holders can remain in Vietnam for an extended period if their card is valid, eliminating the need for frequent visa extensions and reducing travel expenses. 

Required Documents for the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card Application 

Documents Required for the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card Application: 

  1. Written request for the issuance of a Temporary Residence Card, provided by the guarantor (Form NA6 for guaranteeing agencies and organizations; Form NA7 for individuals). 
  1. Information form for the Temporary Residence Card with an attached 2cm by 3cm photo (Form NA8). 
  1. Form to introduce the seal sample and the signature of the legal representative of the guaranteeing agencies and organizations (Form NA16) 
  1. Copy of the passport with a valid visa and the original passport for comparison). 
  1. Two 2x3cm photos (one to attach to the information form, one to be kept separately). 
  1. Depending on the circumstances, one of the following: 
  • Copy of the Business Registration Certificate of the guaranteeing agency, organization, or enterprise. 
  • Work permit or work permit exemption certificate. 
  • When seeking a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card without a work permit: 
  • Investment registration certificate and Enterprise Registration Certificate; OR License for the establishment of a representative office or branch of the company;  
  • Certificate from a member of the Board of Directors. 
  • Birth certificate, marriage certificate, family register, etc., if applying for a Temporary Residence Card for foreigners who are family members. 
  1. Proof of temporary residence declaration or certification of temporary residence in the locality with the seal of the Commune Police. 
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The Process of Obtaining a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners 

Steps for Obtaining a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners: 

Step 1: Gather the necessary documents as required by law. 

Step 2: Submit your application documents to one of the three working offices of the Immigration Office of the provincial Police Department or Immigration Department. 

Immigration officials will review your documents. 

If your documents are complete and in order, they will provide you with an appointment receipt. 

If your documents are incomplete, officials will guide you on completing the application. 

Step 3: Receive the results. 

Present your receipt, identity card, or passport to officials for result verification and comparison. 

If your Vietnam Temporary Residence Card is approved, you will be asked to pay the necessary fees and receive your card. 

Result collection hours: Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). 

Processing Time and Fees for Temporary Residence Card Applications 

The processing time for a Temporary Residence Card application for foreigners in Vietnam is five (5) working days from the date of receiving all required documents. 

As per Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC dated November 10, 2016, issued by the Minister of Health, the fees for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card at the Vietnam Immigration Department are as follows: 

  • US $145/card: Valid for up to 2 years. 
  • US $155/card: Valid for over 2 years and up to 5 years. 

Temporary Residence Card Validity Period 

Here are the validity periods for Temporary Residence Cards in Vietnam: 

  • The Temporary Residence Card’s validity is a minimum of 30 days shorter than the remaining duration of the passport. 
  • Temporary Residence Cards with the symbol ĐT1 are valid for a maximum of 10 years. 
  • Temporary Residence Cards with the symbols NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, ĐT2, and DH are valid for a maximum of 5 years. 
  • Temporary Residence Cards with the symbols NN1, NN2, ĐT3, and TT are valid for a maximum of 3 years. 
  • Temporary Residence Cards with the symbols LĐ1, LĐ2, and PV1 are valid for a maximum of 2 years. 
  • Expired Temporary Residence Cards can be considered for the issuance of new ones. 

The Process of Extending Your Vietnam Temporary Residence Card

Foreigners can extend their Vietnam Temporary Residence Card prior to expiration by following these steps: 

  1. Prepare the required documents: 
  • Visa Issuance and Stay Extension Application Form (Form NA5) 
  • Passport. 
  1. Follow the same procedure as obtaining a new Temporary Residence Card, as mentioned previously. 

The fee for extending a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card is US $10, and the processing time typically takes 5 working days upon submitting all the necessary documents. 

Ways We Can Help Your Visa Needs 

Due to the extensive documentation and requirements associated with visa and permit applications in Vietnam, numerous foreign investors choose to delegate this responsibility to a solution provider such as Premia TNC. The nature of visa procedures can consume the valuable time and focus of entrepreneurs and investors. Premia TNC is uniquely equipped to provide effortless and effective visa processing services for potential foreign workers and investors in Vietnam, ensuring a smooth process in compliance with the Ministry of Public Security and immigration department ministry regulations. Reach out to us today for a hassle-free experience in Vietnam.