Vietnam Work Visa and Temporary Residence Card: A Comprehensive Guide 2025
Vietnam has become a hub for professionals, entrepreneurs, and expats seeking opportunities in one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies. If you’re planning to work in Vietnam, understanding the process of obtaining a work visa and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is essential.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Vietnam work visa and TRC, from eligibility criteria to application procedures, helping you confidently take the next step toward your career in Vietnam.
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Vietnam Work Visa
A Vietnam work visa allows foreign nationals to legally work in Vietnam. It is categorized under the symbol “LD” (Lao Động), specifically for foreign workers employed by Vietnamese companies or organizations. The work visa has a maximum duration of 2 years. In case the work permit is not valid for 2 years, the visa duration for foreigners will be the same as the duration of the work permit.
1. Types of Work Visa
- LD1 Visa: Issued to foreign workers who hold certifications for managing or operating high-tech equipment in Vietnam.
- LD2 Visa: Granted to foreign workers employed under contracts with Vietnamese enterprises.
2. Who is Eligible for a Work Visa?
To qualify for a Vietnam work visa, you must meet certain conditions:
- Have a valid passport.
- Have a work permit.
- Have an agency, organization or individual in Vietnam inviting or sponsoring.
- Be in good health, as certified by an authorized health facility.
- Have no criminal record or legal issues in your home country or in Vietnam.
3. Application Process for a Work Visa
Step 1: Prepare Documents
The Vietnam-based company or organization which sponsors foreigners to work in Vietnam will prepare the following documents:
- Business or organization operation licenses (e.g., business registration certificate, investment license, operation license, etc.).
- Certificate of seal registration or notification of seal use by the company.
- Form NA16 – Letter introducing the seal and signature of the authorized representative.
- Form NA5 – Visa or temporary residence extension application form for foreign citizens residing in Vietnam.
- Form NA2 – Entry approval application form.
- Work permit (for LD2 visa) or work permit exemption certificate (for LD1 visa)
The foreigners who are sponsored will prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport
- One photo sized 3*4cm
Step 2: Submit the Documents
- The representative of the sponsored company submits all the documents and pays the fee directly to the Immigration Department. The submission can also be done online via the Immigration Portal under the Department of Public Security.
- Within 5 working days from the receipt of the visa application letter, the submitter will receive an appointment note which indicates the expected date to get the visa letter.
- The representative will receive the response from the Immigration Department on the appointed date. After receiving the visa letter, the sponsored company must inform the foreign national so they can proceed with the visa issuance process at the Vietnam entry port
Step 3: Collect the Work Visa
After getting the visa letter from the sponsored company, the foreigner will show the letter and pay the fee to the customs officer to get the work visa stamped on the passport. You can look for each step to get a work visa on arrival here.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a legal document issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam that allows foreigners to reside in the country for an extended period, usually between 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of TRC issued. It is an alternative to a visa and is often required for those working, studying, or staying with family in Vietnam.
Foreigners with TRC cards will be visa-exempted and can enter and exit the country multiple times within the card’s validity period, which saves time and costs.
In addition, Temporary Residence Card holders can sponsor the issuance of cards with equivalent validity for family members.
1. Types of Temporary Residence Cards
Vietnam offers various types of TRCs based on the purpose of stay. Common types include:
- LD/TRC for Workers – For expats working in Vietnam with a valid work permit and employment contract.
- DT/TRC for Investors – For foreigners who have invested in Vietnamese companies.
- TT/TRC for Family Members – For spouses, children, or dependents of Vietnamese citizens or foreigners with a valid TRC.
- NGO/Diplomatic TRCs – For individuals working for non-governmental organizations or as part of diplomatic missions.
2. Who is Eligible for a TRC?
To be granted a temporary residence card in Vietnam, foreigners must meet the following conditions:
- Holding a valid passport must be valid for at least 13 months. In case the passport is only valid for 13 months, the temporary residence card will be issued with a maximum validity of 12 months.
- Having carried out temporary residence registration procedures at the police station of the commune or ward according to current regulations.
The following cases will not be eligible for a temporary residence card in Vietnam:
- Under investigation, prosecution or involved in criminal, civil, economic or labor cases.
- Currently serving a criminal, civil or economic sentence.
- Obliged to comply with administrative penalty decisions, pay taxes or fulfill other financial obligations as prescribed by law.
3. Application Process for a TRC
Step 1: Prepare Documents
The required documents for a TRC application may vary based on the applicant’s situation but generally include:
- A valid passport (with at least six months of validity remaining).
- Two recent passport-sized photos (2×3 cm, white background).
- Information Form for a Temporary Residence Card (Form NA8).
- Letter of Introduction
- From Companies Sponsoring Foreigners (Form NA6)
- From Family Members (Form NA7)
- Relevant permits or certificates:
- Work permit for employees.
- Investment certificate for investors.
- Family documents (e.g., marriage or birth certificate) for dependents.
Note: Original documents must be submitted, along with Vietnamese translations if required.
Step 2: Submit the Documents
- Visit the nearest Vietnam Immigration Department or the local Public Security Office where the sponsor company or residence is registered.
- Submit all the required documents.
- Pay the fee
- The process usually takes 5–7 working days. Ensure all documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays.
Step 3: Collect Your TRC
- Once approved, you can collect your TRC from the Immigration Department.
Key Differences Between Vietnam Work Visa and Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Here’s a more concise comparison table between Vietnam Work Visa and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) with working purposes:
| Aspect | Vietnam Work Visa | Temporary Residence Card (TRC) |
| Purpose | Short-term work authorization | Long-term residency and work authorization |
| Validity | 1-2 years, renewable | Up to 5 years, renewable |
| Eligibility | Job offer and employer sponsorship | Work visa or business activity in Vietnam |
| Work Rights | For sponsoring employer only | For sponsoring employer or general work |
To conclude, securing a Vietnam work visa and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a vital step for anyone looking to work for a long time in the country legally. While the process can seem complex at first, proper preparation and understanding of the requirements make it entirely manageable.
A work visa serves as the foundation for employment in Vietnam, while the TRC offers the added benefit of long-term residency, simplifying life for foreign professionals. Whether you are an employee or an investor, obtaining these documents will ensure you can focus on thriving in Vietnam.
By staying informed, starting early, and seeking assistance when needed, you can confidently navigate the path to your new career and life in Vietnam.
