Vietnam’s temporary residence card (TRC) is an official document that exempts foreigners from visa requirements when entering and exiting the country. This essential immigration document requires applicants to have a passport valid for at least 13 months and intend to stay in Vietnam for one year or more.
A TRC can be valid from 1-10 years depending on your status and purpose of stay, offering significant convenience for long-term residents. The application process involves submitting specific documentation that varies based on your category (employee, investor, family member, etc.) to authorized immigration offices, with processing typically taking 5-7 working days. To successfully obtain a TRC, applicants must meet eligibility conditions, provide required documentation, and not be disqualified by factors such as outstanding legal issues or financial obligations. The application fee varies based on the card’s duration and type.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Vietnam’s temporary residence card – from understanding what it is and its benefits to detailed application procedures, requirements, and frequently asked questions to help you navigate Vietnam’s immigration system with confidence.
Looking for expert guidance on your TRC application? VisaNow offers professional visa and immigration services for foreigners in Vietnam. Contact our specialists at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50 for personalized support from start to finish.
What is a Vietnam temporary residence card?
A temporary residence card (TRC) is an official document for foreigners who can stay in Vietnam for a long time. This important card works as a legal ID for foreigners in Vietnam. With a TRC, you don’t need to get many visa extensions. The card shows your basic information like name, birth date, nationality, passport number, and how long you can stay in Vietnam.
Temporary residence card gives you these benefits:
- Legal permission to live in Vietnam for 2-10 years
- Travel in and out of Vietnam many times without needing new visas
- Open bank accounts and use different services
- Help with daily activities like renting homes and registering vehicles
- Easier paperwork for people living in Vietnam long-term
>>> For reliable assistance with your application process, our Vietnam temporary residence card service provides expert guidance through every step of the procedure.
Different types of temporary residence cards and their validity periods
Based on Article 38 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence, Temporary Residence Cards have different validity periods depending on why you are staying in Vietnam.
- 2 years
- 3 years
- 5 years
- 10 years
These temporary residence cards let foreigners stay in Vietnam for up to 2 years:
- LĐ1: For foreigners working in Vietnam who don’t need work permits (with proper confirmation).
- LĐ2: For foreigners working in Vietnam who must have work permits.
- PV1: For foreign journalists and press reporters who work permanently in Vietnam.
These are the Temporary Residence Cards that let foreigners stay in Vietnam for 3 years:
- NN1: For people who lead representative offices or projects of international organizations or foreign non-governmental organizations in Vietnam.
- NN2: For heads of foreign business offices or branches, or representatives of foreign economic, cultural, or professional organizations in Vietnam.
- ĐT3: For foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with money from 3 billion VND to less than 50 billion VND.
- TT: For foreigners who are:
- Spouses or children under 18 of foreigners with visas coded LV1, LV2, LS, ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ1, LĐ2, or
- Parents, spouses, or children of Vietnamese citizens
>>> If you’re joining family in Vietnam, learn more about the specific requirements for a Vietnam relatives temporary residence card to ensure a smooth application process.
These Temporary Residence Cards allow foreigners to stay in Vietnam for 5 years:
- ĐT2: For foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with money from 50 billion VND to less than 100 billion VND, or investing in special fields that the Government wants to develop.
- NG3: For people working at diplomatic missions, consular offices, United Nations organizations, or intergovernmental organizations, plus their spouses, children under 18, and household staff during their work term.
- LV1: For people working with:
- Communist Party of Vietnam central agencies
- National Assembly, Government, Vietnam Fatherland Front
- Courts, State offices, ministries
- Provincial and city government agencies
- LV2: For people working with political-social organizations, social organizations, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- LS: For foreign lawyers working in Vietnam who have licenses from the Vietnamese Ministry of Justice.
- DH: For foreigners coming to Vietnam for internships or studies.
This is the only temporary residence card that lets foreigners live and work in Vietnam for 10 years:
- ĐT1: For foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with money of 100 billion VND or more, or investing in special sectors or places that the Government wants to support.
>>> If you’re planning to invest in Vietnam, our detailed guide to Vietnam investors residence permit explains all requirements and benefits specific to business investors.
Important notes:
- The Immigration Department will decide the exact length of your temporary residence card based on your specific situation, why you’re staying, how long you’ll work or study, and other factors.
- When your temporary residence card is close to expiring, you should apply for an extension or a new card (if you qualify) to stay legally in Vietnam. Start this process at least 30 days before your card expires to avoid problems and keep your legal status.
Essential requirements for obtaining a Vietnam TRC
What you need to get a temporary residence card depends on why you’re staying in Vietnam. Here are the general requirements and specific ones for different card types.
- Work TRC LD1, LD2
- Investment TRC DT1, DT2, DT3
- Family TRC TT
General documents
- Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months (if your passport is valid for 13 months, you will get a Temporary Residence Card valid for up to 12 months).
- You must register your temporary residence at the local police station in your area, or register online following the rules.
Specific documents
Your work permit or work permit exemption certificate must be valid for more than 1 year, you also need to repair:
- Certified copy of your company’s business registration certificate or license
- Certificate of company seal registration
- Certified copy of your work permit or work permit exemption certificate (must be valid for at least 12 months)
- First-time seal and signature registration form (NA16)
- Official letter requesting your Temporary Residence Card (form NA6)
- Application form for your Temporary Residence Card (form NA8)
- Introduction letter for the Vietnamese employee handling your application
- Your original passport (must be valid for at least 1 year, or 2 years if applying for a 2-year card), with the right visa type (code LĐ or DN)
- Your temporary residence registration certificate, confirmed by local police (if you have one)
- Copy of both sides of the company employee’s ID card
- Two photos sized 2x3cm
General documentation
- Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months (if your passport is valid for 13 months, you will get a temporary residence card valid for up to 12 months).
- You must register your temporary residence at the local police station in your area, or register online following the rules.
Specific documents
You need documents showing your investment in a Vietnamese business (business registration certificate, investment license, or other documents proving your investment), you also need to repair:
- Request letter from your sponsor (form NA6)
- Application form for your temporary residence card (form NA8)
- Certificate of company seal registration (form NA16)
- Investment Registration Certificate or Business Registration Certificate showing your investment details
- Your original passport (must be valid for at least 13 months)
- Certified copy of your Vietnam investment visa
- Your most recent entry approval letter
- Certified copy of tax reports for the last 3 months or bank statement showing your investment amount
- Your temporary residence registration certificate confirmed by local police where you live
- Two photos sized 3cm x 4cm
General documentation
- Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months (if your passport is valid for 13 months, you will get a temporary residence card valid for up to 12 months).
- You must register your temporary residence at the local police station in your area, or register online following the rules.
Specific documents
For family visit card (TT) sponsored by a Vietnamese relative
- Your sponsor must be a Vietnamese citizen and have documents showing your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, family relationship certificate, etc.)
>>> For those married to Vietnamese citizens, the Vietnam temporary residence card for spouse provides special considerations and streamlined processes.
For family visit card (TT) sponsored by a company/organization
- The foreign employee must already have a temporary residence card or qualify for one, and must apply for family members at the same time
Documents for family visit TCR (TT) if you are married to a Vietnamese citizen:
- Certified copy of your marriage certificate from Vietnam or legalized marriage document if you married abroad
- Sponsorship application from your spouse (form NA7)
- Your Temporary Residence Card application form (form NA8)
- Your original passport and visa (passport must be valid for at least 13 months)
- Certified copy of your spouse’s household registration book
- Certified copy of your spouse’s ID card
- Two photos sized 2x3cm
Documents if your parent is a Vietnamese citizen:
- Your birth certificate or other documents proving your parent is Vietnamese
- Sponsorship application from your parent (form NA7)
- Your Temporary Residence Card application form (form NA8)
- Your original passport and visa (passport must be valid for at least 13 months)
- Two photos sized 2x3cm
- Certified copy of your parent’s household registration book
- Certified copy of your parent’s ID card
Step-by-step application process for Vietnam temporary residence card
Online application method
You can now apply for a temporary residence card online, which is more convenient. You’ll need to register for a digital identity account first to use the Ministry of Public Security’s online service.
Here’s how to apply online:
Step 1. Get your documents ready
Prepare all your required documents. Having complete and correct documents will help your application go faster.
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).
- After logging in, search for “Temporary Residence Card” and select “Issuance of Temporary Residence Card for foreigners at the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security”
- Then click “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
Step 1. Prepare your documents
Get all the documents ready from the lists above. If you have documents in other languages or from other countries, you need to get them translated and notarized.
You’ll need to use a translation service company to get your documents properly notarized.
Step 2. Fill out the application forms
You need to complete:
- Form NA6 (if a company is sponsoring you) or form NA7 (if a person is sponsoring you)
- Form NA8 (your application form)
VisaNow provides guides for filling out these forms for different situations.
Step 3. Submit your application
Your sponsor submits your application at the Immigration Office where you live and work. You can submit applications Monday through Saturday morning (except holidays).
The officer will check your application:
- If everything is complete and correct, they’ll accept it, give you an appointment slip, and ask for payment. You’ll get a receipt after paying.
- If something is missing or incorrect, they’ll tell you what needs to be fixed.
Step 4. Get your card
Go to the Immigration Office on your appointment date to pick up your card. Bring your appointment slip, ID, and payment receipt.
- If you requested mail delivery, follow the postal service’s instructions.
- If your application is denied, you’ll receive a written explanation of why.
Where to apply and processing timeline for Vietnam TRC
You must apply at the Immigration office in the province or city where you live or work. Here are the main offices:
- Vietnam Immigration Department
- Immigration Division – Police Department
- In Ho Chi Minh City: 337 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
- In Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh District
- In Hanoi: 89 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem District
- In Ho Chi Minh City: 161 Nguyen Du, District 1
- In Da Nang: 78 Le Loi, Hai Chau District
- Other provinces and cities have their own Immigration offices
It usually takes 5-7 working days to process your application after you submit all the correct documents. When you submit your application, you’ll get a receipt with the date when you can pick up your card.
How long does it take to get a TRC in Vietnam?
Getting your temporary residence card usually takes 5-7 working days after you submit all your documents correctly. Different visa types might take different times:
- First step (entry approval documents): About 7-10 working days
- Getting your visa stamp: Usually 2-3 hours, but can take longer if:
- Many people are applying at the same time
- You apply on weekends or holidays
- You apply at a busy embassy or airport
It’s best to apply for your TRC early, especially during busy travel seasons. Don’t wait until the last minute.
How much is a temporary resident card in Vietnam?
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.
| Duration | Fees |
| 1 – 2 years | 145 USD |
| 2 – 5 years | 155 USD |
| 5 -10 years | 165 USD |
FAQ on Vietnam temporary residence card
What if my card is about to expire?
Do foreign nationals with TRC need to apply for a visa?
What should foreigners do when changing residence addresses while holding a TRC?
For professional assistance with Vietnamese TRC applications, contact VisaNow at HOTLINE 1900 63 63 50. We are committed to providing reliable service and protecting our clients’ interests.
