Getting a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) has become increasingly streamlined and essential for foreigners seeking to reside in the country for extended periods. This updated guide provides the latest information on the application process, eligibility criteria, and benefits of holding a TRC, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for expatriates in Vietnam.
A TRC is issued to foreigners holding a work permit or a work permit exemption certificate
1. What is a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC)?
A Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a document issued by the immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as defined by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014. This card is granted to foreigners who are permitted to reside in Vietnam for a specified period.
2. Why Should You Apply for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam?
Holding a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) offers numerous benefits:
- Real Estate Opportunities: Foreigners with a TRC can buy apartments and may soon be able to purchase houses, as the Ministry of Construction is proposing policies to allow foreign ownership to address real estate issues.
- Extended Stay: TRC holders can reside in Vietnam for the duration of their card’s validity without needing to leave the country.
- Cost Savings: Avoid the need for multiple visa extensions, saving both time and money on travel costs.
- Convenience: Simplifies business procedures, marriage registration, and other legal processes.
3. Who Can Apply for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam?
The following individuals are eligible to apply for a TRC in Vietnam:
- Foreign Workers: Those with a valid Vietnam work permit that is valid for at least 12 months at the time of application.
- Diplomatic and Consular Personnel: Members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, and representative offices of international organizations affiliated with the United Nations or intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam, along with their spouses, children under 18, and accompanying housemaids, can apply for a TRC with the symbol NG3.
- Visa Holders: Foreigners with visas marked LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD, or TT are eligible for TRCs that match their visa symbols. The Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 defines these symbols and their corresponding durations.
For more information on the meaning of these visa symbols, please visit: Vietnam visa requirements
4. Requirements and Conditions for a Temporary Residence Card
- Duration of Stay: Foreigners must have stayed in Vietnam for at least one year.
- Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least 13 months.
Temporary residence cardholders are investors who establish companies in Vietnam.
5. Required Documents for Applying for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card
- Written Request:
- For agencies or organizations: Form NA6
- For individuals: Form NA7
- Information Form: Form NA8, which includes a 3cm x 4cm photo attached.
- Passport and Visa: Copy of the passport and a valid visa (original must be presented for comparison).
- Photos: Two 3cm x 4cm photos (one for the Information Form, one kept separately).
- Depending on the Circumstances, Provide One of the Following:
- Business Registration Certificate: For the legal entity of the guarantor agency, organization, or enterprise.
- Work Permit or Exemption Certificate: Required if the applicant is employed in Vietnam.
– If Applying Without a Work Permit:
- Investment certificate.
- License for the establishment of a representative office or branch of the company.
- Certificate of membership on the Board of Directors.
– For Family Members (Husband, Wife, Child, etc.):
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, family register, etc.
- Proof of Residence:
- Temporary residence declaration or certification of temporary residence in the locality, stamped by the Commune Police. (You can check the process here).
Note: All documents in a foreign language must be consular legalized and translated into Vietnamese with notarization.
6. How to Get a Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners in Vietnam
Here are the steps to obtain a Vietnam temporary residence card for foreigners:
Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents
Gather all necessary documents as stipulated by law, including forms, passport copies, photos, and any relevant certificates.
Step 2: Submit the Documents
Submit your application at one of the three Immigration Department offices of the Ministry of Public Security:
- Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh
- Ho Chi Minh City: 254 Nguyen Trai, District 1
- Da Nang: 7 Tran Quy Cap
Submission Hours: Mornings, Monday to Saturday (except public holidays).
An official will review the documents for legality and completeness:
- If complete and valid: The official will issue a receipt and an appointment for collecting the card.
- If incomplete: The official will guide you on what additional documents are needed.
Step 3: Collect the Temporary Residence Card
Return to the office on the specified date with your receipt, identity card, or passport for verification. If everything is in order, you’ll be asked to pay the fees, and the temporary residence card will be issued to you.
Collection Hours: Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
For a smoother and more efficient process, consider using our Vietnam temporary residence card service to save time and ensure everything is handled correctly.
Contact Information
Wolo Tours JSC
- Address: 2nd floor – No 02, Alley 232, Yen Hoa St., Cau Giay District, Hanoi, Vietnam.
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 22:00 Vietnam time (GMT +7) (closed on Vietnamese holidays)
- Website: https://vietnamtouristservices.com
- Hotline: (+84) 918 212 468
- Email: Support@vietnamtouristservices.com
7. Vietnam Temporary Residence Card Processing Time & Fees
7.1. Processing Time
The processing time for a temporary residence card for foreigners in Vietnam is 5 working days from the date of receipt of all required documents.
7.2. Fees
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 Immigration Department are:
- $145 for a card valid up to 2 years
- $155 for a card valid over 2 years and up to 5 years
7.3. Validity of Temporary Residence Cards
- General Validity: Temporary residence cards are valid for a period that is at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s remaining validity.
- ĐT1 Symbol: Valid for up to 10 years.
- NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, ĐT2, DH Symbols: Valid for up to 5 years.
- NN1, NN2, ĐT3, TT Symbols: Valid for up to 3 years.
- LĐ1, LĐ2, PV1 Symbols: Valid for up to 2 years.
Expired temporary residence cards may be renewed or replaced.
For some, obtaining a Vietnam TRC can be complex and quite confusing.
8. How to Change Your Vietnam Temporary Residence Card
8.1. Reasons for Changing a Temporary Residence Card
You may need to change your temporary residence card in the following situations:
- The card is lost.
- The card is damaged or has illegible information.
- You have been issued a new passport with a different number from the one listed on the card.
8.2. Agencies for Changing a Temporary Residence Card
Depending on the situation, you can apply for a replacement at one of the following agencies:
- Administration of Immigration
- Department of Immigration Management at the Police Departments of provinces and cities
8.3. Validity of the Renewed Card
The validity of the renewed temporary residence card will match the period of the original card.
8.4. Required Documents for Changing a Temporary Residence Card
- Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months.
- Work Permit: Required for certain categories such as investors, project managers, non-governmental organization staff, and licensed foreign lawyers in Vietnam (work permits are not needed for all categories).
- Application Form: Completed application form for a temporary residence card.
- Information Form: Completed form for foreigners, including a recent photo and stamp.
- Photo: One passport-size photo (3cm x 4cm).
- Official Dispatch: Explanation letter detailing the reason for the card change.
- Additional Documents: Any other documents requested by the Immigration Department.
9. How to Extend Your Vietnam Temporary Residence Card
Foreigners can extend their temporary residence card in Vietnam before it expires by following these steps:
- Prepare Required Documents:
– Application Form: Complete the application for visa issuance or stay extension (Form NA5).
– Passport: Ensure your passport is valid.
- Submit Documents:
- Follow the same procedure as for obtaining a new temporary residence card.
The fee for extending a temporary residence card is $10 USD, and the processing time is 5 working days after receiving all required documents.
10. What to Do If You Lose Your Vietnam Temporary Residence Card
If your temporary residence card is lost, take the following steps:
- Report the Loss:
– Visit the local police to report the lost card. Obtain confirmation of the loss from them.
- Apply for a Replacement:
– Written Request: Submit a request from the inviting or guaranteeing agency, organization, or individual.
– Information Form: Fill out the declaration form about the foreigner applying for the residence card, including a photo and stamp from the agency or organization.
– Photos: Provide two passport-sized photos (3 x 4 cm).
– Passport Copy: Include a copy of your passport, valid visa, and entry and exit certificate (with originals for comparison).
– Supporting Documents: Provide a copy of documents proving the purpose of your stay in Vietnam (e.g., investment license, enterprise establishment permit, work permit, certificate of board membership, etc.).
– Loss Documentation: Submit a written description of the loss or a loss notice from the guaranteeing agency, in addition to the standard application documents.
Processing Time: The replacement process typically takes 15 working days from the date of receipt of all documents.
For further assistance with obtaining or extending your temporary residence card in Vietnam, please contact us at (+84) 918 212 468 or Support@vietnamtouristservices.com.
Disclaimer: Although we strive to provide accurate and current information, please be aware that changes may occur that we may not be aware of.
