Are you a foreigner currently living, working, or studying in Vietnam and seeking to stay for the long term? The Temporary Residence Card is an ideal solution that allows you to reside legally in Vietnam without having to renew your visa multiple times. In this article, we provide a detailed guide on how to obtain a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam, helping you save time, money, and avoid unnecessary complications.
General information about the Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam
According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014/QH13), as amended and supplemented by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 and other related amendments, a Temporary Residence Card is a document issued by the Immigration Department or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to foreigners who are permitted to reside in Vietnam for a specified period of time.
Note: Legal regulations may change according to new decrees or guiding documents, so it is important to stay updated to ensure accurate information.
The temporary residence card VietNam (“TRC”) allows foreigners to stay for purposes such as work, study, investment, or research without applying for repeated visa extensions. It also serves as an important personal identification document, making it easier for you to travel domestically, conduct transactions, or complete administrative procedures like opening a bank account, registering for telecommunications services, or purchasing insurance.
Compared to the Permanent Residence Card, the requirements for obtaining a TRC in Vietnam are significantly simpler. However, without a valid TRC or if you overstay your permitted duration, you may face heavy penalties, or even deportation.
What is a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam?
Who is eligible for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam?
Foreign nationals who are members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, or representative offices of United Nations organizations, intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam, and their spouses, children under 18 years of age, and domestic helpers accompanying them for the duration of their term.
According to current regulations, a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam (TRC) can be issued to foreigners who hold entry visas with the following symbols:
- LV1, LV2 – Working with government agencies, political or socio-political organizations, or the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
- LS – Foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam.
- ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3 – Foreign investors or representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam:
- ĐT1: Capital contribution of VND 100 billion or more, or investment in sectors/locations eligible for special incentives.
- ĐT2: Capital contribution from VND 50 billion to under VND 100 billion, or investment in sectors encouraged by the Government.
- ĐT3: Capital contribution from VND 3 billion to under VND 50 billion.
(Note: Investors must contribute at least VND 3 billion to be eligible for a TRC).
- NN1, NN2, NN3 – Heads or staff of representative offices, projects, international organizations, NGOs, or branches of foreign enterprises in Vietnam.
- DH – Studying or undertaking internships in Vietnam.
- PV1, PV2 – Resident or short-term journalists/correspondents in Vietnam.
- LĐ1, LĐ2 – Foreign workers (exempt from or subject to work permit requirements).
- TT – Spouses and children under 18 years of foreigners holding the above visas, or parents, spouses, and children of Vietnamese citizens.
Important Notes:
- Not all visa types automatically qualify for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), including their TRC visa code.
- Tourist visas (DL) are not eligible for a TRC.
- Some short-term visas or visas for journalists may have specific conditions.
- Applicants should check directly with the Immigration Department or the Provincial Immigration Office to confirm eligibility and requirements before submitting their application.
Foreigners must prepare a complete application dossier before applying for a Temporary Residence Card
What do foreigners need to prepare before applying for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam?
Before preparing your Temporary Residence Card (TRC) application in Vietnam, keep these tips in mind:
- Check your passport validity – Your passport should be valid for at least 13 months. A TRC is always issued to expire at least 30 days before your passport’s expiry date.
Example: If your passport is valid for 13 months, the TRC can only be valid for a maximum of 12 months. If you want a longer TRC, renew your passport first.
- Register your temporary residence – Make sure you have completed the temporary residence registration with the local police (ward or commune level) in line with Vietnamese regulations.
Even if you fall into an eligible group, you will not be granted a TRC if you are in any of the following situations:
- You are under criminal investigation or prosecution
- You are a defendant in ongoing civil, labor, or economic lawsuits
- You are serving a criminal sentence
Your passport must be valid for at least 13 months at the time you submit your TRC application
What are the steps to obtain a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam?
Under Vietnamese law, foreigners seeking to obtain a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) must submit their application to the immigration authority at the location where the inviting or sponsoring agency/organization is headquartered, or where the inviting or sponsoring individual resides.
Important note: All documents that are not in Vietnamese must be translated into Vietnamese, then its translated documents must be notarized at an appropriate notary public office in accordance with Vietnamese regulations.
Documents required for a Temporary Residence Card application
To obtain a TRC, you will need to prepare the following:
- Application form for the Temporary Residence Card (according to the official template)
- Personal information declaration
- Valid passport with a valid visa
- Documents related to the purpose of residence, such as:
- Work permit
- Investment certificate
- Company sponsorship documents
- License for representative office operations
- Marriage certificate or birth certificate (if applying as a dependent)
- Temporary residence confirmation issued by the local police
Foreigners must prepare all required documents in full before applying for the TRC
Procedure to Apply for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam
Step 1: Prepare your application:
Gather all required documents according to your purpose of stay. Any documents issued abroad must first undergo consular legalization (unless exempted), and then be translated into Vietnamese and notarized in compliance with Vietnamese legal requirements. Ensure your passport is valid, as the TRC always expires at least 30 days before your passport; if you need a longer TRC, extend your passport first.
Step 2: Submit the application:
Submit your documents to one of the following authorities:
- The Immigration Department in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang; or
- The Provincial/City Immigration Office of the Police Department where your sponsoring organization is headquartered or where you reside/work.
Step 3: Receive your result:
The processing time is typically 7–10 working days. If approved, you will obtain a TRC valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on your application type and reason for residence.
Note: A TRC always expires at least 30 days before your passport; if you want a longer validity period, you should renew your passport first.
Step 4: Register your residence:
After receiving the TRC, you must complete residence registration at the local ward/commune police office where you are living.
The Temporary Residence Card is usually issued within 7–10 working days
How to apply for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam on your own (for foreigners)
You can prepare the required documents yourself by strictly following the guidelines above to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for yourself, or you can have your employer/company apply on your behalf.
However, the translation and notarization of documents from a foreign language into Vietnamese are required to be conducted by a professional translation company, because they have a team of experienced translators and interpreters whose degrees have been recognized by the competent authority.
With 8+ years of experience in translating and notarizing documents for TRC applications, our experienced team adheres to a rigorous process that ensures fast turnaround times and high approval rates. We help save time and ensure that your Vietnam Temporary Residence Card application is processed smoothly and efficiently.
What sets us apart:
- Accurate and legally compliant translations accepted by Vietnamese authorities
- Absolute confidentiality with all personal and business documents
- Free consultation before you prepare and submit your application
- Fast and flexible processing time to match your schedule
With FAQTrans, you can focus on your work and life in Vietnam while we handle the paperwork from start to finish. Contact FAQTrans today for professional support with your TRC application.
FAQTrans offers certified translation services to help you apply for your Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam
Applying for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam involves multiple steps, including preparing accurate documents, translating foreign-language papers into Vietnamese, notarization, and sometimes consular legalization. To ensure your application is smooth, fast, and compliant with Vietnamese law, FAQTrans provides full-service support: certified translations, notarization, consular legalization, and legal consultation.
Q&A for Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam
How long does it take to get a Temporary Residence Card?
In most cases, the Immigration Department will issue a Temporary Residence Card within 7–10 working days after receiving a complete and valid application. In certain situations where further verification is needed, the process may take longer. To avoid delays, applicants should carefully prepare all required documents in advance.
What is the maximum validity of a Temporary Residence Card?
A Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam is usually valid from 1 to 3 years, depending on the purpose of residence and the validity of the applicant’s passport. When the card is about to expire, holders may apply for an extension if they continue to meet the requirements.
Can I apply for a Temporary Residence Card on my own?
Yes. Foreigners can apply for a TRC themselves. However, all documents must be translated into Vietnamese, notarized, and consular legalized if issued abroad. Any mistakes or missing steps may result in rejection of the application, leading to wasted time and costs.
Can a tourist visa be used to apply for a Temporary Residence Card?
No. TRCs are only available for certain visa types such as Investment, Work, Study, Dependent, or for NGOs and Representative Offices. A tourist visa (DL) is not eligible for a TRC in Vietnam.
Is consular legalization required?
Yes. For documents issued abroad, consular legalization is required unless an exemption applies under Vietnamese regulations or an international treaty that Vietnam has joined. This step is essential to ensure the documents are legally valid in Vietnam.
With FAQTrans, you can confidently prepare your TRC application knowing that every document meets official requirements. Save time, reduce errors, and get professional assistance from experienced translators who are fluent in multiple languages and familiar with technical terminology.
Contact FAQTrans today for dedicated support and guidance throughout your Temporary Residence Card application process in Vietnam.
