Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam – Full Guide, Requirements & Application (2025)

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Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam – Full Guide, Requirements & Application (2025)

Foreigners planning to reside, work, invest, or study in Vietnam for an extended period must understand the importance and benefits of obtaining a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). This article, prepared by Green NRJ, provides a detailed explanation of what a TRC is, its types, eligibility requirements, procedures, duration, fees, and how we can assist foreign nationals through every step.

Table of Contents

What is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam?

A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a legal immigration document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department to eligible foreigners, allowing them to temporarily reside in Vietnam without the need to apply for multiple-entry visas during its validity.

A TRC serves as:

  • A long-term visa substitute;
  • A residency document for foreigners who live, work, invest, or accompany relatives in Vietnam;
  • A document that allows unlimited entries and exits during its validity.

Types of Temporary Residence Cards in Vietnam

Vietnam categorizes TRCs based on the purpose of stay. Below is a breakdown of the most common TRC types:

1. LD1 and LD2 – For Foreign Employees

  • LD1: Issued to foreign employees who are exempt from work permits, such as experts working under international treaties.
  • LD2: Issued to foreign employees who have been granted a work permit in accordance with Vietnamese labor laws.

Requirements:

  • Valid passport with remaining validity of over 13 months;
  • Work permit or exemption confirmation;
  • Valid employment contract;
  • Business registration certificate of the employer;
  • Proof of residence in Vietnam.

2. ĐT1, ĐT2, ĐT3, ĐT4 – For Foreign Investors

  • ĐT1: For foreign investors contributing VND 100 billion or more or investing in high-priority sectors. Valid for up to 10 years.
  • ĐT2: For investments ranging from VND 50 billion to under VND 100 billion or medium-priority sectors. Valid for up to 5 years.
  • ĐT3: For investments from VND 3 billion to under VND 50 billion. Valid for up to 3 years.
  • ĐT4: For investments under VND 3 billion. Eligible for short-term visas only, not eligible for TRC.

Requirements:

  • Investment certificate or business license;
  • Proof of investment capital contribution;
  • Valid passport;
  • Proof of residence.

3. TT – For Family Members (Dependents)

Issued to spouses or children (under 18) of:

  • Foreign workers (with LD1 or LD2 TRC);
  • Foreign investors (with ĐT1, ĐT2, or ĐT3 TRC);
  • Vietnamese citizens.

Requirements:

  • Marriage certificate (spouse);
  • Birth certificate (children);
  • TRC or visa of the sponsor;
  • Proof of residence;
  • Valid passport.

4. NG3, NG4 – For Diplomats and International Organizations

  • NG3: For diplomatic or consular staff, and members of representative offices of international organizations.
  • NG4: For individuals working with diplomatic missions or international organizations but not holding diplomatic status.

Requirements:

  • Official introduction letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
  • Passport;
  • Approval from the competent authority.

5. DH – For Foreign Students

Issued to foreigners studying at Vietnamese universities or colleges.

Requirements:

  • Acceptance letter or enrollment certificate from the school;
  • Valid passport;
  • Proof of residence;
  • Approval from the Department of Education and Training (if required).

Conditions to Be Granted a TRC in Vietnam

Foreigners must satisfy the following conditions to apply for a TRC:

  • Currently hold a valid visa that matches the TRC category (e.g., LD for workers);
  • Valid passport with more than 13 months remaining;
  • No history of law violations or deportation from Vietnam;
  • Have a legitimate reason to stay in Vietnam (employment, investment, study, family reunion, etc.);
  • Reside at a registered address in Vietnam.

Application Requirements and Procedures

1. Prepare Required Documents

Depending on the TRC type, documents may include:

  • Valid passport and visa;
  • Application form NA6 (for organizations) or NA8 (for individuals);
  • Work permit/investment certificate/relationship proof as applicable;
  • Temporary residence confirmation from local police;
  • Business license of the sponsoring company (if any);
  • 2 recent passport-sized photos (2cm x 3cm).

2. Submit the Application

  • Submit to the Vietnam Immigration Department in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
  • Processing time: 5–7 working days.

3. Receive the TRC

  • Once approved, the TRC is stamped in the applicant’s passport.

Validity and Duration of TRCs

TRC Type Validity Period
LD1/LD2 (Employees) Up to 2 years
ĐT1 (Invest ≥ VND 100 billion) Up to 5 years
ĐT2 (Invest ≥ VND 50 billion) Up to 5 years
ĐT3 (Invest ≥ VND 3 billion) Up to 3 years
TT (Dependents) Up to 3 years (not exceeding sponsor’s TRC)
DH (Students) Based on study duration

Note: The TRC’s expiration date must be at least 30 days shorter than the passport’s validity.

Government Fees for TRCs

Validity Fee (VND)
Up to 1 year 145,000
1 – 2 years 320,000
2 – 5 years 450,000

These are official fees, excluding service fees from authorized agents.

Green NRJ – Your Trusted TRC Partner in Vietnam

At Green NRJ, we provide end-to-end support for foreigners seeking TRCs in Vietnam. Our services include:

  • Consulting on TRC types and eligibility;
  • Reviewing and preparing application documents;
  • Submitting applications on your behalf;
  • Liaising with immigration authorities;
  • Assisting with TRC renewals or cancellations.

We ensure:

  • Compliance with Vietnamese law;
  • On-time and efficient processing;
  • Transparent and professional support.

📞Contact Green NRJ Today, let us handle the complex immigration procedures while you focus on your business and life in Vietnam.

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