The temporary residence card renewal service in Vietnam is a critical process for foreign nationals needing to extend their legal stay in the country. This procedure requires specific documentation, including a valid passport (with at least 13 months’ validity), a current residence card, passport photos, a temporary residence certificate, and purpose-specific documents such as work permits or investment certificates.
VisaNow provides comprehensive assistance for temporary residence card renewal, guiding applicants through document preparation, submission procedures, and follow-up. The standard processing timeframe is typically 5-7 working days, with renewal validity matching the previous card’s duration but remaining at least one month shorter than the passport’s validity period. Beyond standard renewals, this guide also covers procedures for replacing lost or damaged cards, updating information due to passport changes, and application options both within Vietnam and from abroad.
You’ll find detailed information about application centers, official fee schedules, and essential guidelines to ensure a successful renewal. The following sections provide a step-by-step breakdown of requirements, procedures, and frequently asked questions to help you navigate the temporary residence card renewal process effectively.
Requirements for Vietnam temporary residence card renewal for foreigners
Understanding the exact requirements is crucial to avoid multiple trips to immigration offices. Here’s what you’ll need based on your specific situation:
- For work permits (LD1 and LD2 cards)
- For investors (DT1, DT2 and DT3 cards)
- For family members (TT cards)
- For company-sponsored family members (TT Cards)
General requirements
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months from the application date. If your passport expires sooner than that, you’ll need to renew it first, or you’ll receive a card with limited validity.
- Residence registration: You must have a valid temporary residence registration with local police. Without this crucial document, your application will be rejected immediately.
- Lost or damaged cards: If your card is lost or damaged, you must submit a detailed written explanation. Vague explanations often lead to application rejection.
Specific requirements
- Valid work permit or work permit exemption certificate with at least one year of validity remaining
- Signed employment contract with clear position details and validity period
- Company confirmation letter validating your continued employment
General requirements
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months from the application date. If your passport expires sooner than that, you’ll need to renew it first, or you’ll receive a card with limited validity.
- Residence registration: You must have a valid temporary residence registration with local police. Without this crucial document, your application will be rejected immediately.
- Lost or damaged cards: If your card is lost or damaged, you must submit a detailed written explanation. Vague explanations often lead to application rejection.
Specific requirements
- Official documents proving your investment in Vietnamese businesses (business registration certificate, investment license, etc.)
- Financial statements or tax returns proving your business is operational
- In some cases, proof of minimum capital investment thresholds
General requirements
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months from the application date. If your passport expires sooner than that, you’ll need to renew it first, or you’ll receive a card with limited validity.
- Residence registration: You must have a valid temporary residence registration with local police. Without this crucial document, your application will be rejected immediately.
- Lost or damaged cards: If your card is lost or damaged, you must submit a detailed written explanation. Vague explanations often lead to application rejection.
Specific requirements
- Legalized documents proving your relationship with your Vietnamese sponsor (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- Your Vietnamese sponsor must often be physically present during the application process
- Proof of financial capacity to support family members
General requirements
- Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months from the application date. If your passport expires sooner than that, you’ll need to renew it first, or you’ll receive a card with limited validity.
- Residence registration: You must have a valid temporary residence registration with local police. Without this crucial document, your application will be rejected immediately.
- Lost or damaged cards: If your card is lost or damaged, you must submit a detailed written explanation. Vague explanations often lead to application rejection.
Specific requirements
- The foreign employee must have a valid residence card or be eligible for one
- Family members should ideally apply together with the employee
- Company guarantee letter for both the employee and dependents
Missing even one document can result in costly delays. Need help with document preparation? Contact VisaNow at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for professional assistance.
Step-by-step guide to renew lost or damaged residence cards in Vietnam
Temporary residence card renewal in Vietnam
The online application system can save you multiple visits to immigration offices, but only if done correctly. Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1. Prepare your documents
- General documents
- Additional documents
- Temporary residence registration form stamped by local authorities (original)
- Completed NA8 application form (original with signature)
- Official letter requesting the card (NA6 form, original with company stamp if applicable)
- Your damaged card or a detailed written explanation if it was lost
- Two 2x3cm photos with white background (taken within the last 6 months)
For company sponsorship
- For investors: A letter from your company authorizing a representative to handle your application
- For workers: Work permit or exemption certificate valid for at least 12 months
- Company business registration with investment information
For Vietnamese family sponsorship
- Certified copies of documents showing your relationship with your Vietnamese sponsor
- Your sponsor’s ID card or passport copy
Step 2. Log in and start your application
Go to the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal and log in (you need an account from the National Public Service Portal first).
Enter “Temporary Residence Card” in the search bar and select “Temporary Residence Card Issuance for Foreigners at the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security”
Proceed to select “Submit Application”
Step 3. Fill in your information and upload documents
When you reach the application form, first upload your photo. Then fill in your basic details like name, birthday, and nationality. Type your Vietnam address where you live now. Upload all your documents that you prepared earlier. Check everything is correct, then click the “Agree and continue” button. Type the security code you see on screen. Finally, click “Sign application” to finish this step.
Important notes:
- If your application is incomplete, the officer will tell you what to fix
- If you don’t qualify for a card, you’ll get a written explanation why
Step 4. Pay the fee and check your application status
When your application is accepted, you’ll be told how much to pay. Pay the fee through the portal.
After submitting everything, wait 5-7 days. Then go to the tracking page, enter your application code and verification code to see your status. You’ll see one of these statuses: received, processing, or completed
In-person application method
If you need to apply in person for your renewable temporary residence card, follow these simple steps:
Step 1. Document preparation and notarization
Before you go to the Immigration Office:
- Prepare all the documents from the list VisaNow provided above
- Make sure all non-Vietnamese documents are: translated into Vietnamese and legally notarized by an official service
- Organize your documents in the correct order
- Make copies (usually you need the original + 1 copy)
Advise: Having complete and correct documents will make the process much faster.
Step 2. Submit documents in person to the immigration office
To submit your application:
- Go to the local Immigration Department where you live and work in Vietnam
- Visit during open hours: Monday to Saturday mornings only
- Remember they are closed on public holidays and during Vietnamese Tet
When you meet the immigration officer:
- If all your papers are correct and complete, the officer will take your application. They will give you a paper with the date to come back. You need to pay the fee now. You can pay with cash or by electronic payment. Keep your payment paper safe.
- If some of your papers are missing or wrong, the officer will tell you the problems. They might send you messages on the website about what to fix. You need to fix all problems and then come back again with the correct papers.
Step 3. Collection of renewed temporary residence card
The applicant must collect the temporary residence card in person at the Provincial Immigration Department. All original documents presented during the application, including the collection receipt, valid identification, and payment receipt, must be shown at the collection for verification purposes.
Temporary residence card renewal in foreign countries
If you are outside Vietnam with a new passport, you need an entry approval letter before you can return. First, create an e-identification account on the Ministry of Public Security’s website. This account replaces paper documents like business registration copies and company letters.
To get your entry approval, first register for an e-identification account online. Then prepare your documents: entry request form (NA2), passport copy, submission letter, travel plan, explanation letter, and rule-following statement. Next, go to the website to fill in all required information and upload your documents. Sign the online form and submit your application. The process takes about 7-10 working days, and you can check your application status online.
After you get your entry approval letter, you can enter Vietnam and follow the normal steps to renew your residence card through the online portal. This way, you can renew your card even when you got a new passport while outside Vietnam.
Where to submit Vietnam residence card applications in major cities?
Knowing exactly where to submit your application can save you significant time. The correct office depends on your location:
- Vietnam Immigration Department
- Immigration Division – Public Security Department
- Ho Chi Minh City Office: 337 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hanoi Office: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
- Hanoi Office: 89 Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoan Kiem District
- Ho Chi Minh City Office: 161 Nguyen Du Street, District 1
- Da Nang Office: 78 Le Loi Street, Hai Chau District
Note: Other provinces/cities maintain their respective Immigration Division offices.
Processing timeframes for renewal Vietnamese TRC
Understanding the realistic timeline helps you plan your stay and avoid visa issues:
- Standard processing time: 5-7 working days after complete submission
- Complicated cases may take 10-14 working days
- Applications with missing documents will be delayed indefinitely
- Certain nationalities may face longer processing times due to additional security checks
- Peak periods (January-February and July-August) typically see longer processing times
When submitting your application, you’ll receive a receipt indicating the expected completion date. Plan your schedule accordingly to ensure you can pick up your card on time.
Official pricing guide for Vietnam residence card renewal fees
Understanding the exact fees will help you avoid unexpected costs. Below are the temporary residence card fees for foreigners in Vietnam as issued by the Immigration Department according to Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC, by the Ministry of Finance.
| Card validity | Fees |
| 1 – 2 years | 145 USD |
| 2 – 5 years | 155 USD |
| 5 -10 years | 165 USD |
Additional costs to consider:
- Translation and notarization fees (approximately VND 100,000-300,000 per document)
- Transport costs for multiple visits to immigration offices
- Potential costs if documents need correction or additional processing
- Time away from work for in-person applications
7 essential things to remember when renewing your Vietnam residence card
These critical points will help you avoid common pitfalls:
- Passport validity is crucial: Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months to receive a full-term card.
- Plan for validity extension: You can request a card with the same or longer validity than your previous card, but not exceeding 5 years.
- Family considerations: If you have a Vietnamese spouse or children, you can apply for a card valid for up to 5 years, even without a work permit.
- Lost cards require documentation: If your card was lost or damaged, you must provide a detailed written explanation about the circumstances.
- Travel planning is essential: If you need to leave Vietnam while waiting for your new card, ensure you have a valid visa for re-entry.
- Inform your employer: Notify your company about your card renewal process to prevent work disruptions.
- Keep backup documentation: Always keep digital copies of all your immigration documents in case of emergency.
Frequently asked questions about temporary residence card renewal
Can I get a new card that lasts longer than my old one?
Can I still work while waiting for my new card?
Do I need to translate and notarize my documents?
– Translated into Vietnamese
– Notarized by an official service
This is very important. The immigration office will not accept documents in other languages without proper translation and notarization.
Why choose VisaNow for your residence card renewal?
VisaNow helps foreigners renew residence cards in Vietnam. Every year, we help foreign workers from over 1,000 companies in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An.
- Complete services: We help with visas, residence cards, work permits, translation, and document legalization
- Easy communication: Our staff speaks many languages to answer all your questions
- Save time: We prepare all documents, translate, notarize and submit them for you
- Clear prices: We tell you all costs from the beginning with no hidden fees
Need help with your residence card renewal? Call us at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50. We will help you quickly and professionally.
