Everything You Need to Know About the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners
The Vietnam temporary residence card (TRC) is a critical immigration document that grants long-term stay permission for eligible foreigners in Vietnam. Whether you are an investor, employee, or a family member accompanying a foreign national, holding a TRC brings convenience, legal certainty, and peace of mind. In case you need advice, please contact Apolo Lawyers via email at contact@apolo.com.vn or Hotline (+84) 903 419 479 for the best advice and support.
Everything You Need to Know About the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners
1. What Is a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card?
A Vietnam temporary residence card functions as a substitute for a visa, allowing foreigners to reside in Vietnam for a duration ranging from 1 to 5 years. Once issued, the TRC enables multiple entries and exits into Vietnam without the need to apply for new visas. It is especially useful for those seeking to build a long-term presence in Vietnam.
2. Who Is Eligible for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card?
Vietnam Immigration law outlines specific categories of foreigners who may apply for a TRC:
3. Key Benefits of the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card
Holding a TRC offers several advantages over standard visa options:
- No need for visa renewal during the TRC validity period
- Unlimited entries and exits into Vietnam
- Convenient for family unification and long-term settlement
- Favorable for banking, leasing, tax, and legal services
- Cost-effective in the long run for foreign professionals and businesspeople
4. Required Documents for TRC Application
The application process involves submitting a complete dossier to the Vietnam Immigration Department. Below are the typical documents required:
- A valid passport (with at least 13 months of validity)
- Completed application form (Form NA6/NA8)
- Recent 2x3 cm photos (white background, straight face)
- Work permit (if applying as a worker) or investment certificate (if investor)
- Residence registration certificate from the local police station
- Sponsorship letter from the host company, organization, or family member
5. Application Process and Timeline
The application is usually submitted to one of the following:
- Vietnam Immigration Department (central level); or
- Provincial Immigration Office under the Department of Public Security
The processing time is generally 5–7 working days. If the application is approved, the TRC will be affixed directly into the passport of the applicant.
6. Validity and Renewal Conditions
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TRCs are valid for 1 to 5 years, depending on the legal basis
- Renewal is allowed if the applicant continues to meet eligibility requirements
- TRCs will become invalid if the holder overstays outside Vietnam for more than 6 months continuously
- Lost or damaged TRCs must be reported immediately and re-issued via formal request
7. Expert Legal Support for Your TRC Application
Applying for a Vietnam temporary residence card may seem straightforward, but it often involves meticulous documentation and compliance with ever-evolving immigration regulations. An experienced legal advisor can assist with:
- Reviewing eligibility and document preparation
- Drafting compliant application forms and sponsorship letters
- Submitting and following up with immigration authorities
- Handling renewals, reissuance, or appeal in case of refusal
The Vietnam temporary residence card is more than a legal requirement — it is a gateway to a stable, long-term life in Vietnam. Whether you are building a business, pursuing your career, or uniting with family, securing a TRC ensures you have legal protection and freedom of movement within the country.
>>Read more: Obtaining temporary resident card for foreigners in Vietnam
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