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.
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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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