The procedure for applying for a temporary residence permit for foreigners is an important legal process as stipulated in... Law No. 47/2014/QH13, The regulations have been amended and supplemented. Possessing a temporary residence card allows foreign citizens to reside and work in Vietnam for an extended period without needing to renew their visas multiple times. Basically, the application process for a temporary residence card consists of five steps: preparing the application, submitting it to the immigration authorities, receiving the application, paying the fee, and receiving the result.
What is a temporary residence permit for foreigners?
The concept of temporary residence permit
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a document issued by the Immigration Department or an authorized agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to foreigners who are permitted to reside in Vietnam for a limited period. This legal document replaces a visa, allowing the holder to enter and exit the country multiple times, sponsor relatives, or conduct civil and business transactions as regulated.
Individuals eligible for temporary residence permits
The categories and duration of temporary residence permits are detailed according to the purpose of entry. Below is a summary table of common categories:
| Object | Card symbol | Maximum time limit | Main file |
|---|---|---|---|
| Member of the diplomatic service | NG3 | 5 years | Official letters and letters of introduction |
| Foreign investors | DT1, DT2, DT3 | 3-10 years | Investment certificate/business registration |
| Workers have Work permit | Laborer 1, Laborer 2 | 2 years | Work permit |
| Relatives (spouse, children) | TT | 3 years | Documents proving the relationship |
Validity and duration of temporary residence permits.
The validity period of a temporary residence permit is determined by the authorities based on the type of visa being used, the validity period of the passport, and the work permit (for foreign workers). This management of validity periods aims to ensure strict control over the state's residence management for foreigners in Vietnam.
Requirements for applying for a temporary residence permit for foreigners.
Foreign nationals must meet the conditions stipulated in the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam:
- Passports must be valid for at least 13 months, and the temporary residence permit will be issued for a period at least 30 days shorter than the passport's validity period.
- The visa being used in Vietnam must be for the correct purpose of entry (e.g., labor, investment, or training visa).
- Documents proving eligibility for the card, such as a work permit, investment certificate, or proof of family relationship, are required.
- Temporary residence has been registered as required at the police station of the commune, ward, or town where the person resides.
For organizations and individuals providing guarantees, the entity must be a legally operating entity in Vietnam (for businesses, including in certain cases). Establishing a branch of a foreign company) or be a citizen/foreigner with a valid temporary residence permit (for individuals). The sponsoring entity is legally responsible for all activities of the foreigner throughout their stay.
Authorities will refuse to issue a card if the foreigner is under criminal investigation, has violated national security, or is using a forged passport.
Documents required for applying for a temporary residence permit for foreigners.
General records
Regardless of the category, applicants need to prepare the following:
- Application form for temporary residence permit (Form NA8).
- Request for card issuance from the sponsoring agency/organization (Form NA6) or Guarantee letter from the individual (Form NA7).
- Original valid passport and current visa.
- Passport-sized photo (2x3 cm), white background, taken within the last 6 months.
- Temporary residence registration certificate.
Profiles by individual
In addition to the general documents, supplementary documents may be required depending on the category:
- For employees: Copy of the business registration certificate/investment license of the enterprise; Original/certified copy. work permit Still valid.
- For investors: Business registration certificate; documents proving capital contribution (financial statements, bank confirmation).
- For family members: Marriage certificate/birth certificate that has been legalized by the consulate and translated into Vietnamese.
- For cases where a work permit is not required (also known as Work Permit): Certificate of exemption from work permit requirements issued by the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs; document confirming job position.
Procedures for applying for a temporary residence permit for foreigners.
- Step 1 – Prepare your documents: Before submitting your application, you should carefully review all documents, ensuring that foreign language documents have been legalized by the consular office and translated by a certified translator in accordance with regulations.
- Step 2 – Submit the application to the competent authority: The sponsoring business or individual submits the application to the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) or the Immigration Management Division of the Provincial/City Police Department where the business or individual resides.
- Step 3 – Receiving and processing the application: The receiving officer checks the validity of the application. If the application is complete, the applicant receives a receipt.
- Step 4 – Payment of Fees: The applicant pays the card issuance fee according to the prescribed rates. Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC.
- Step 5 – Receiving the temporary residence card: On the date indicated on the receipt, the applicant presents their citizen identification card or other personal identification document to receive the result.
- Notes to help make the temporary residence permit application process smoother.
Obtaining a temporary residence permit for foreigners involves not only preparing the necessary documents but also correctly identifying the sponsorship category, preparing valid supporting documents, and following the proper procedures at the immigration office. Self-application requires a thorough understanding of legal regulations and the procedures for dealing with government agencies.
Processing time and fees for temporary residence permits.
Processing time
According to regulations, the processing time is 5 working days from the date of receipt of complete and valid documents. In cases where the documents require further verification or additional information from the management agency, the processing time may be extended as stipulated by the competent authority.
Card issuance fee as per regulations.
The fees are stipulated in Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance:
| Temporary residence permit validity period | Fee amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| From 1 to 2 years | 145 |
| From 2 to 5 years | 155 |
| From 5 to 10 years | 165 |
Important notes when applying for a temporary residence permit for foreigners.
Common mistakes when preparing documents
To avoid having your application rejected, applicants should note the following:
- Verify the information matches: The full name and passport number on the work permit and the original passport must match perfectly.
- Expired documents: Ensure your work permit is valid for more than one year and your temporary residence certificate is still valid.
- Consular legalization: All foreign-language documents must bear a consular legalization seal (except in cases exempted by international treaties).
- Use the latest forms: Carefully check forms NA6, NA7, and NA8 according to current regulations.
Please note the validity period of your passport and visa.
Before submitting, please check the following: passport valid for more than 13 months, legalized foreign documents, correct passport-sized photos, and a stamped guarantee form.
In case you need to renew or reissue your card
For temporary residence permits that are about to expire, foreigners need to renew them at least 30 days before the expiration date to ensure legal residency.
Conclude
The procedure for applying for a temporary residence permit for foreigners requires thorough preparation of documents and compliance with immigration regulations. Reviewing legal documents such as Law No. 47/2014/QH13 or Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC will help ensure a smoother process. If your business needs in-depth advice on documents or procedural support services, please contact MAN – Master Accountant Network for prompt assistance.
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Content specialist
The content has been compiled, reviewed, and professionally vetted by Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO of MAN – Master Accountant Network, CPA Vietnam auditor with over 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate financial consulting.
MAN – Master Accountant Network is committed to providing accurate, objective, and up-to-date information in accordance with current legal regulations. All professional content is built on practical experience, adheres to professional standards, and aims to provide reliable reference value for businesses, organizations, and individuals.
