Temporary residence card for foreigners in Vietnam
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is issued by the immigration authority, allowing a foreigner to reside in Vietnam for a defined period and serving in place of a visa. We advise on eligibility, prepare documents and accompany you until the card is issued.
Overview of the temporary residence card
A TRC lets foreigners reside long-term without repeatedly applying for visas, and makes it easier to open bank accounts, rent housing and sponsor relatives. The card's validity depends on the residence purpose such as work, investment or family.
Common types of temporary residence card
TRCs are typically issued under work (LĐ), investment (ĐT), family (TT) or other categories depending on the file. Each category has different conditions and validity periods, ranging from 2 to 10 years depending on the case.
Services in the Temporary Residence Card group
Choose the service that matches your situation to see detailed guidance on documents, process and processing time.
- Temporary residence card procedureGuidance on conditions, documents and the process for first-time temporary residence card issuance for foreigners.
- Temporary residence card renewalRenew or re-issue the temporary residence card when it is about to expire to maintain lawful residence.Coming soon
Legal basis
Issuance of temporary residence cards to foreigners is governed by Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (as amended and supplemented by Law No. 51/2019/QH14 and Law No. 23/2023/QH15) on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
Frequently asked questions about the temporary residence card
How long is a temporary residence card valid?
Depending on the category, a TRC is usually valid for 2 to 10 years and not beyond the remaining passport validity. This is for reference and may change under current regulations.
Do I still need a visa if I have a TRC?
A TRC serves in place of a visa while valid, so the foreigner may exit and enter multiple times without applying for a separate visa.
Which foreigners are eligible for a TRC?
Commonly those holding a work permit, investors, or relatives of Vietnamese citizens/foreigners residing lawfully. Specific conditions depend on each category.
Need advice on a temporary residence card?
Send us your residence category and purpose, and we will advise on eligibility, documents and a suitable processing time.
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