Frequently asked questions about Vietnam temporary residence card

1. What is a Vietnam temporary residence card (TRC)?

Simply understood, Vietnam temporary residence card is one kind of document allowing foreigners to stay in the country for a long period of time. However, just like its name “temporary”, foreigners can’t stay permanent here; they will have to leave Vietnam or apply for a new one, alternatively, when its term expires. It is well regulated under the Law No. 51/2019/QH14.

2. Why should foreigners obtain a temporary residence card in Vietnam?

There are other long-term Vietnam visas, but eligible foreigners are advised to get a Vietnam temporary residence card for a list of the following benefits.

• Foreigners can purchase apartments and perhaps houses in Vietnam. Normally it’s hard for a foreigner to buy real estate in Vietnam, but with this TRC, the percentage of owning a house/ apartment will be considerably increased.

• Save cost. It can be funny at first but just think deeply when owning a temporary residence card which is valid for a long time. It also means that applicants won’t have to extend tourist or business visas for many times, leading to saving a great amount of money.  

• Foreigners can reside in Vietnam for a longer period of time. As long as the Vietnam temporary residence card is valid, foreigner won’t have to go anywhere or worry about a legitimate stay here in Vietnam

• Foreigners can operate businesses in Vietnam and get married with Vietnamese easily. It seems that with a temporary residence card in Vietnam, those administrative procedures will be much more smooth and uncomplicated.

3. Who are eligible for a Vietnam TRC?

Benefits of TRC are tremendous, but not all foreigners are eligible. So who can obtain a temporary residence card in Vietnam?

• Foreigners with a Vietnam work permit valid for a minimum of 12 months at the time of applying for a temporary residence card in Vietnam;

• Foreigners who are owners of a one-member limited company in Vietnam;

• Foreigners who are members of two-member or more limited company in Vietnam;

• Foreigners with LV1, LV2 (working with Vietnam authorities/ parties), ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3 (Investor visas), NN1, NN2 (Chief Representative Office in Vietnam, Head of Project Office of Foreign NGO), DH (Student/ Internship), PV1 (Journalist with permanent residence in Vietnam), LĐ1 & LĐ2 (working visas for foreign workers), TT (dependent of LV1, LV2, NN1, NN2, ĐT, LD, DH, PV1) visas;

• Foreigners who are members of international organizations, consular offices, and diplomatic missions, as well as their spouses and children under the age of 18.

4. How long is a temporary residence card in Vietnam good for?

For those who are applying for the TRC, please be noted that:

• The temporary residence card in Vietnam is from 1 to 10 years (depending on each case);

• The validity of the Vietnam temporary residence card is less than the passport validity;

• The temporary residence card will not be granted for foreigners whose passport validity is less than 1 year.

5. What are the requirements for getting TRC in Vietnam?

The first and the most important thing for getting TRC in Vietnam is:

• The original passport of the applicant should be at least 13 months invalidity;

• Foreigners are required to reside here in Vietnam for at least 12 months;

Otherwise, documents needed for obtaining a Vietnam temporary residence card include:

• Request form for Vietnam temporary residence card (Form N7A); declaration about foreigners applying for a temporary residence card in Vietnam (form N7B);

• 02 photos (2×3 cm);

• Passport (original and copy) 

• Copy of the valid Vietnam visa;

• Copy or duplicate sample of legal documents such as investment certificate, business registration license, established representative office license, branch company (including active notices); seal registration certificate, working permit (original and copy);

• In case of bringing relatives: summit relevant documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate or family household book, etc.

6. How to get a Vietnam temporary residence card?

To obtain a temporary residence card in Vietnam, foreigners can apply with the Vietnam Immigration Office under the Ministry of Public Security after preparing full valid documents, or use a temporary residence card service. By using service, all papers or complicated administrative procedures will be easily handled that applicants can save time as well as effort. 

7. What are your responsibilities as a temporary residence cardholder?

People are asked to take responsibility for everything belonging to them, and this Vietnam temporary residence card is also not an exception. The TRC holders are required to:

• Return the Vietnam temporary residence card to the relevant authority once it has expired;

• Comply with all Vietnamese laws and regulations set out for temporary residence card in Vietnam;

• Report any changes related to the TRC foreigners are holding.

8. Can this temporary residence card be extended?

Just like a visa, this Vietnam temporary residence card can also be extended when it expires. But the extension is good for 3 months only. Many ex-pats in Vietnam choose to apply for a new temporary residence card to get a new long-term stay in the country.

Should you need any further information or consultation for applying for a temporary residence card in Vietnam or extending it, you are recommended to contact an expert in this field. Vietnam-visa.com is then highly recommended. This agent has, since 2007, continuously been working in this aspect and earning a lot of experience.