Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam (TRC): Application Process & Requirements
Discover the benefits and application process for the Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam. Ideal for long-term residents, the TRC allows foreigners to work, conduct business, and access essential services without frequent visa renewals. Get expert guidance to simplify your Temporary Residence Card application today!
What is a temporary residence card (TRC)?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is issued by the immigration authorities or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to foreign nationals, allowing them to reside in Vietnam for a specific period. It serves the same purpose and holds the same validity as a visa.
What benefits can a TRC in Vietnam bring to you?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is highly recommended for foreign business professionals and investors for several reasons:
- It eliminates the need for frequent visa extensions, saving time, cost, and resources.
- TRC holders can stay in Vietnam for extended periods without the need to exit and re-enter.
- The exit and re-entry process is simplified.
- TRC holders can enjoy lifestyle benefits such as opening a bank account.
Who can apply for a TRC in Vietnam?
The following individuals are eligible to apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
- Foreigners holding a valid Vietnam work permit with at least 12 months of validity remaining at the time of application.
- Members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, or representatives of international organizations affiliated with the United Nations.
- Foreigners with specific visa categories, such as LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD, and TT, are also eligible for TRCs.
What are the requirements and conditions to obtain a TRC in Vietnam?
Conditions for obtaining a Temporary Residence Card (TRC):
- Foreigners must plan to stay in Vietnam for at least one year.
- Their passport must have a minimum validity of 13 months
The required documents for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) application include:
- A certified true copy of the Enterprise Registration Certificate
- A written request from the sponsor company signed and stamped
- Completed TRC application form
- Two recent 2×3 cm photos with a white background, front view, bare head, no sunglasses
- Original passport with a valid Vietnam visa
- Supporting documents for the visa type (e.g., work permit, Investment Registration Certificate)
Applications must be submitted to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security, and the process typically takes five days with support from our dedicated immigration team.
Eligible Individuals for TRC in Vietnam
By Law No. 51/2019/QH14, which amends and supplements several articles of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, the following individuals are eligible for Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs). The list includes specific types of TRCs along with their corresponding validity periods.
| No. | Subject | Temporary residence card symbol | The validity period of a temporary residence card |
| 1 | Foreigners who are members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, United Nations-affiliated international organizations, or intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam, as well as their spouses, children under 18, and domestic helpers accompanying them during their tenure. | NG3 | Maximum of 5 years |
| 2 | Foreigners employed by central agencies of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the National Assembly, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Audit Office, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, provincial party committees, city party committees under the central government, as well as People’s Councils and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities | LV1 | Maximum of 5 years |
| 3 | Foreigners employed by political-social organizations, social organizations, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. | LV2 | Maximum of 5 years |
| 4 | Foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam are eligible for Temporary Residence Cards. | LS | Maximum of 5 years |
| 5 | Foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign-invested organizations with a charter capital of VND 100 billion or more, or those investing in prioritized sectors or areas designated by the Government. | ĐT1 | Maximum of 10 years |
| 6 | Foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign-invested organizations with a charter capital ranging from VND 50 billion to less than VND 100 billion, or those investing in encouraged sectors designated by the Government. | ĐT2 | Maximum of 5 years |
| 7 | Foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign-invested organizations with a charter capital ranging from VND 3 billion to less than VND 50 billion. | ĐT3 | Maximum of 3 years |
| 8 | Foreigners serving as heads of representative offices or projects for international organizations or non-governmental organizations in Vietnam | NN1 | Maximum of 3 years |
| 9 | Foreigners leading representative offices, branches of foreign traders, or representative offices of foreign economic and cultural organizations, as well as other specialized organizations from foreign countries in Vietnam. | NN2 | Maximum of 3 years |
| 10 | Foreigners interning or studying in Vietnam | DH | Maximum of 5 years |
| 11 | Foreign journalists, foreign press residing in Vietnam; | PV1 | Maximum of 2 years |
| 12 | Foreigners working in Vietnam who are confirmed to not require a work permit, except in cases governed by international agreements to which Vietnam is a party with different regulations. | LĐ1 | Maximum of 2 years |
| 13 | Foreigners working in Vietnam who must obtain a work permit | LĐ2 | Maximum of 2 years |
| 14 | Foreigners who are spouses or children under 18 years old of individuals granted visas marked LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, as well as spouses, parents, or children of Vietnamese citizens. | TT | Maximum of 3 years |
Note:
- The validity period of the issued Temporary Residence Card must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
- Foreigners with expired Temporary Residence Cards can apply for renewal of a new card.
Procedures for Issuing Temporary Residence Cards to Foreigners in Vietnam
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to obtain a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam:
Step 1: Prepare the Application Dossier
Ensure that your application dossier meets all legal requirements.
Step 2: Submit the Dossier
Submission Locations
Agencies, organizations, and individuals must submit their documents to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security at the following locations:
- 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
- 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai Str., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Document Verification
Officers will verify the legality and completeness of the submitted documents:
- If the documents are complete, they will be accepted, printed, and a receipt will be issued, indicating the date the results will be available.
- If the documents are incomplete, officers will guide the applicant on how to rectify them.
Office Hours:
Monday to Saturday morning (excluding New Year’s days, public holidays, and Sundays).
Step 3: Receive the Result
To collect the result, the individual must present the receipt along with an identity card or passport for verification. If the Temporary Residence Card is issued, the officers will request payment of the fees and have the individual sign the receipt. The card will then be distributed, and the individual will be informed if any further issuance is necessary.
Dossier Contents
- A completed application for a Temporary Residence Card (form NA6 for agencies and organizations; NA7 for individuals).
- An information form for a Temporary Residence Card for foreigners (form NA8).
- Documentation proving eligibility for the TRC, which may include work permits, certificates for heads of representative offices, Board of Directors membership, or other relevant documents.
- Two 2×3 cm photographs (one attached to the information form and one separate).
Number of Dossiers
- Processing Time: Within 5 working days from the date of receipt.
- Eligible Applicants: Vietnamese agencies, organizations, and citizens.
- Responsible Authority: Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security.
- Outcome: Issuance of Temporary Residence Cards.
Fees (if applicable)
- Temporary Residence Cards valid for 1 to 2 years: $145 per card.
- Temporary Residence Cards valid for 2 to 5 years: $155 per card.
Application Documents (if required)
- A written application for Temporary Residence Cards (form NA6 for agencies and organizations; NA7 for individuals).
- An information form for a Temporary Residence Card for foreigners (form NA8).
In summary, the Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is essential for foreigners looking to live and work in Vietnam for an extended period. This card provides various benefits, including the ability to stay, work, engage in business activities, and access vital services like banking and telecommunications without the hassle of frequent visa renewals. Eligible applicants consist of business owners, licensed lawyers, foreign nationals holding valid work permits, and their immediate family members. The application process involves submitting specific documentation and strictly following Vietnamese immigration regulations.
For those needing assistance, Vietnam Online Visa offers professional services to streamline and expedite the TRC application process.
In addition, we also offer tours in Vietnam to many attractive destinations, from bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to natural wonders such as Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa. We are committed to providing our customers with unique travel experiences and the most dedicated service.
