Temporary residence card (TRC) for foreigners in Vietnam 2026

1. What is a TRC? Who can apply?

A TRC is for foreigners who need long-term residence in Vietnam; during its validity, no separate visa is needed for multiple entries. Common applicants:

• Foreign investors and foreign managers of FDI enterprises (symbols ĐT, NN);
• Employees holding a work permit (symbol LĐ);
• Family members of the above (spouse, minor children…, symbol TT).

2. Legal basis

• Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam No. 47/2014/QH13 (effective 1 January 2015);
• amended by Law 51/2019/QH14 (effective 1 July 2020) and Law 23/2023/QH15 (effective 15 August 2023).

3. Types and validity

Under Article 38 of Law 47/2014 (amended by Law 51/2019), the maximum validity by card symbol:

Note: a TRC must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining passport validity; apply for re-issuance before it expires.

4. Conditions

• A valid passport and an appropriate visa/residence basis;
• A sponsoring organisation or individual in Vietnam(employer, FDI enterprise, family member…);
• Employees already hold a work permit (or exemption certificate); investors hold an investment/enterprise registration certificate;
• Meeting the conditions for the requested card symbol.

5. Documents to prepare

• TRC application form (prescribed template) and recent photos;
• Original passport and valid visa;
• Legal documents of the sponsor (enterprise registration certificate, investment certificate, labour file…);
• The employee's work permit or exemption certificate; family applicants need proof of relationship (marriage/birth certificate…, legalised and notarised-translated);
• The sponsor's seal/signature samples (as required).

The exact checklist follows the immigration authority's requirements and your case; check in advance.

6. The process

1. Confirm the residence basis — obtain a work permit/ investment certificate or prepare family-relationship documents;
2. Prepare and legalise documents — consular legalisation and notarised translation of foreign documents;
3. The sponsor submits the application — to the immigration authority (usually handled by the enterprise/sponsor);
4. Review and issuance — receive the TRC once approved.

Processing time varies by province and case; times and fees are indicative and subject to change.

7. Competent authority

TRCs are received and issued by the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) or the provincial police immigration office, usually applied for by the sponsoring organisation/individual in Vietnam.

8. TRC vs. visa vs. work permit

• A visa is an entry and short-term stay permit; a TRC is a long-term residence permit, visa-free during its validity;
• Employees usually obtain a work permit first, then a LĐ-symbol TRC;
• Investors use the investment/enterprise certificate from FDI company registration to apply for an ĐT-symbol card.

9. How investors get a longer TRC

Investor TRCs are tiered by capital contribution (ĐT1 to ĐT3): the higher the capital, the longer the corresponding symbol and validity — ĐT1 up to 10 years, ĐT2 up to 5 years, ĐT3 up to 3 years. The exact symbol follows the capital stated in the Investment Registration Certificate and the immigration authority's determination; low capital may yield only a visa rather than a card. Plan your capital structure when setting up the FDI company.

10. Common misconceptions

• Myth 1: thinking a visa allows long-term residence — long-term stays need a TRC;
• Myth 2: applying for an LĐ-symbol card without a work permit first;
• Myth 3: ignoring the "TRC at least 30 days shorter than the passport" rule, leading to rejection near passport expiry;
• Myth 4: family or foreign documents not legalised/ notarised-translated.

11. DIY or professional service?

TRCs span immigration, labour, investment and document legalisation, and require a sponsor in Vietnam. Dong Nam A (visanhapcanh.com) provides end-to-end service in Vietnamese / English / Chinese, connecting FDI company registration, work permits and temporary residence cards.

• Hotline: 0962.220.666 / 0982.261.661
• Email: lienhe@dongnamavisa.vn

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)