If you’re planning to stay and work in Vietnam for an extended period, obtaining a Vietnam temporary residence card is essential. This card grants foreign nationals the legal right to reside and work in the country, offering a more convenient and flexible alternative to frequent visa renewals. Whether you’re an investor, a skilled worker, or a family member of someone already residing in Vietnam, understanding the requirements and process for securing a Vietnam temporary residence card is key to ensuring a smooth and long-term stay in the country.

What is Vietnam temporary residence card?

Article 3 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam provides a clear definition of the Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Issued by Vietnam’s immigration authorities or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the TRC grants eligible foreigners the right to legally reside in the country for a specified period.

The TRC offers numerous benefits, allowing foreigners to stay, work, conduct business, study, or engage in research for an extended period without the risk of deportation. Serving as both an identification document and a multi-entry visa, it eliminates the need for frequent visa renewals when traveling to and from Vietnam or within the country.

Beyond residency, the TRC is essential for various administrative procedures, including:

• Opening bank accounts
• Securing long-term telecommunications services
• Obtaining insurance

It’s important to distinguish the TRC from the Permanent Residence Card (PRC), which is subject to stricter eligibility requirements and is granted under more limited conditions.

Failure to comply with immigration regulations such as overstaying a TRC or residing in Vietnam without proper documentation may result in serious legal consequences, including imprisonment.

Requirements & Procedure of temporary residence card

Under the 2015 Immigration Law, foreigners wishing to obtain a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) must submit their application through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To ensure a smooth application process, it’s crucial to prepare all required documents carefully. Any documents not in Vietnamese must be translated and notarized in compliance with Vietnamese Immigration Law. Key required documents include:

• A formal request for a TRC
• An applicant’s personal declaration form
• A valid passport containing an eligible visa
• Supporting documents relevant to the applicant’s purpose of stay in Vietnam, such as:
  • Business sponsorship records
  • Investment certificates
  • Evidence of registered residence
  • Work permits
  • Company registration certificates
  • Permits for representative offices
  • Certificates of company seal registration
  • Company branch documents
  • Proof of familial relationships (e.g., marriage or birth certificates)

By preparing these documents in advance and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, applicants can streamline their TRC application process with greater ease.

How long does it take to receive your result for the temporary residence card?

The processing time typically ranges from 5 to 7 working days, starting from the date when all required documents are fully submitted.

Eligibility for foreigners to get a Vietnam temporary residence card

In Vietnam, a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) grants foreign nationals the right to live and work for an extended period. Eligibility for a TRC extends to:

• Individuals who own a single-member limited liability company or are members of a multi-member limited liability company.
• Licensed lawyers are authorized by the Ministry of Justice to practice in Vietnam.
• Foreign nationals holding valid work permits, including those working for foreign company representative offices, are also eligible.
• Professionals, trainees, and students involved in government-approved programs can apply for a TRC.
• Foreign nationals engaged in corporate governance, such as board members of stock corporations or owners of single-member limited liability companies (excluding authorized representatives), also qualify for a TRC.
• Immediate family members, parents, spouses, and children of those holding temporary residence cards in Vietnam can apply as well.

This wide-ranging eligibility framework ensures that a diverse group of foreign nationals can integrate seamlessly into Vietnamese society, contributing to the country’s economy and strengthening its international relationships.

Requirements for Applying for a TRC:

• The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least 13 months.
• The TRC will be valid for a period of 30 days less than the passport’s validity. For example, a passport with 13 months of validity will result in a TRC valid for up to 12 months. Those seeking a longer TRC should renew their passport before applying.
• Applicants must complete temporary residence registration at the local commune or ward police station.

Ineligibility for TRC:
Certain foreign nationals are not eligible for a TRC, including those under criminal prosecution, defendants in civil, economic, or labor disputes, or individuals with ongoing criminal sentences, civil or economic judgments, or administrative sanctions (including tax liabilities and other financial obligations).

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Duration and Validity

The processing time for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card is typically 5 to 7 working days from the receipt of all required documents. The TRC is valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the applicant’s situation, but its validity cannot exceed that of the passport.

Foreign nationals with a passport valid for less than one year are not eligible to apply for a TRC. This card allows for extended stays and can be renewed beyond its initial term.

Fees for granting temporary residence cards to foreigners

As outlined in the Fee and Fee Schedule accompanying Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC issued by the Ministry of Finance on November 10, 2016, the fees for issuing Temporary Residence Cards (TRC) for foreign nationals are as follows:

• US$145 per card for a TRC valid for 1 to 2 years
• US$155 per card for a TRC valid for 2 to 5 years
• The fee for a two-year TRC is US$550.

In conclusion, obtaining a Vietnam temporary residence card is a vital step for foreign nationals looking to establish long-term residency and work in Vietnam. With its numerous benefits, such as extended stay and easier management of your legal status, securing this card ensures a smoother experience in the country. Whether you are an entrepreneur, employee, or family member, applying for a Vietnam temporary residence card can significantly simplify your stay and provide you with the flexibility needed to thrive in Vietnam.

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