A Vietnam relative temporary residence card (TRC) is an official document that allows foreign nationals with family ties to Vietnamese citizens or foreigners working in Vietnam to legally reside in the country for extended periods. This valuable residence permit is specifically designed for family members, including spouses, children under 18, and parents. Valid for up to 3 years, the TT visa-type TRC eliminates the need for frequent visa renewals while providing multi-entry privileges. Eligible applicants must possess a valid passport with at least 13 months’ validity, an appropriate visa (TT or VR type) and documented proof of family relationships. The application process requires submitting specific forms and documentation to the Immigration Department, with processing typically completed within 5-7 working days.
This guide will walk you through the validity periods, eligibility requirements, application conditions, necessary documentation, submission procedures, and associated fees. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions and introduce professional assistance services to simplify your application process. Let’s explore everything you need to know about obtaining a Vietnam Relative Temporary Residence Card to make your family’s stay in Vietnam smooth and legally compliant.
How long is a relative temporary residence card valid?
A relative temporary residence card in Vietnam (symbol TT) works like a long-term visa and is valid for up to three years.
With this card, you get many benefits:
- Easier completion of administrative procedures
- Simpler process for opening bank accounts
- Easier procedures for renting accommodation
- Use as an official ID document
- Permission to work legally in Vietnam
Who is eligible for a relative temporary residence card?
According to Vietnam Immigration Law no. 47/2014/QH13, you can apply for a relative temporary residence card if you are:
- A spouse or child (under 18) of a foreigner who has visas with codes: LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2
- A parent, spouse, or child of a Vietnamese citizen
Important note: If you are over 18 and your parent works in Vietnam, you cannot get this card. You can only apply for a VR visa (valid for up to 6 months).
>>> If you are a foreign spouse of a Vietnamese citizen, you can find detailed information about the Vietnam temporary residence card for spouse.
Conditions for obtaining a relative TRC for foreigners
- General conditions
- Specific conditions
To apply for a relative temporary residence card, you need to meet these basic requirements:
Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months (if your passport is valid for exactly 13 months, you will receive a card valid for a maximum of 12 months)
You must register your temporary residence with the local police station in your area (at commune or ward level) or complete the online registration according to regulations
When sponsored by a Vietnamese relative:
- Your sponsor must be a Vietnamese citizen
- You need to provide documents proving your relationship (such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family relationship certificate)
When sponsored by a company or organization:
- The foreign employee (main applicant) must already have a temporary residence card or be eligible to get one
- Both applications (for the employee and their relative) must be submitted at the same time
Required documents for a Vietnam relative TRC
- For spouses of Vietnamese citizens
- For children or parents of Vietnamese citizens
- Marriage certificate (notarized if from Vietnam or legally certified if from abroad)
- Guarantee form (NA7)
- Application form (NA6)
- Your passport and visa (passport must be valid for at least 13 months)
- Your Vietnamese spouse’s household registration book (notarized copy)
- Your Vietnamese spouse’s ID card (notarized copy)
- Two passport photos (2x3cm)
- Birth certificate or other proof of relationship
- Guarantee form (NA7)
- Application form (NA6)
- Your passport and visa (passport must be valid for at least 13 months)
- Two passport photos (2x3cm)
- Vietnamese parent/child’s household registration book (notarized copy)
- Vietnamese parent/child’s ID card (notarized copy)
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Procedures for issuing a relative TRC
Online application (easier option)
The online application process is now more convenient through the National Public Service Portal. You’ll need to register for an electronic identification account first to use the Ministry of Public Security’s online services.
Step 1. Get your documents ready
Get all documents ready before you start. Check our list above to make sure you have everything. Make sure all your documents are correct and complete.
Step 2. Login and 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 you log in, type “Temporary Residence Card” in the search box. Then select “Temporary Residence Card Issuance for Foreigners at the Immigration Department” and click “Submit application”.
Step 3. Fill out the form and upload documents
Upload your photo. Fill in your personal information. Write your address in Vietnam. Upload all your documents. Make sure your files match what the website asks for. When you finish, click “Agree and Continue”. Type the security code you see on the screen. Then click “Sign Declaration” to finish.
Step 4. Pay fees and check your status
After they accept your application, you will see how much to pay. Pay the fee on the website. Your card will be ready in about 5-7 working days. You can check your application status using the code they give you. The status will show as “received”, “processing”, or “completed”. When it’s ready, they will tell you where to pick up your card.
In-person application
If you cannot apply online, you can go to the Immigration Department in person.
Step 1. Prepare your documents
Get all the documents from our list above. If you have documents in other languages, you need to get them translated and notarized in Vietnam. Keep your documents in good order.
Step 2. Fill out the forms
You need to fill out two forms: Form NA7 (sponsorship form) and Form NA8 (application form). You can get these forms at the Immigration Department or download them from their website. Fill out all information clearly.
Step 3. Submit your application
Your sponsor (your Vietnamese relative or your company) must take the documents to the Immigration Department in your area. They accept applications from Monday to Saturday mornings (except holidays). The officer will check your documents. If everything is correct, they will accept your application and ask you to pay. If something is missing, they will tell you what you need to fix.
Step 4. Get your card
You need to go to the Immigration Department in person to pick up your card. Bring your receipt, your ID, and proof of payment. If your application is rejected, they will give you a letter explaining why.
Where to apply for a TT visa-type TRC?
Submit your application to the immigration office where you live:
- 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.
How long does it take to get a relative TRC?
It takes 5-7 working days to process your temporary residence card after you submit all your documents. This is the same whether you apply online or at the Immigration office. When you submit your application, you will get a receipt. This receipt will show the exact date when you can pick up your card.
Fees for obtaining a relatives TRC for foreigners
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 |
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Frequently asked questions about relative TRC
Can I get health insurance in Vietnam with my relative temporary residence card?
Do I need to pay tax in Vietnam with a relative temporary residence card?
Can I open a bank account with my relative temporary residence card?
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