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

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:

To apply for an LD1 or LD2 Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam, the following documents are required:

• A valid passport with at least 13 months of remaining validity;
• A work permit or an official work permit exemption certificate;
• A legally signed employment contract with a Vietnamese entity;
• The business registration certificate of the sponsoring company or employer;
• Proof of residence in Vietnam (such as a temporary residence confirmation from the local authority).

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

• ĐT1: For foreign investors who contribute VND 100 billion or more or invest in industries prioritized by the Vietnamese Government. Valid for up to 10 years.
• ĐT2: For investors with capital ranging from VND 50 billion to under VND 100 billion, or those investing in sectors encouraged by the state. Valid for up to 5 years.
• ĐT3: For foreign investors contributing between VND 3 billion to under VND 50 billion. Valid for up to 3 years.
• ĐT4: For investments under VND 3 billion. Not eligible for a Temporary Residence Card—only short-term visas are granted.

Requirements:

To apply for a TRC under the ĐT1, ĐT2 or ĐT3 categories, foreign investors must prepare the following documents:

• A valid Investment Registration Certificate or Enterprise Registration Certificate;

• Proof of capital contribution, such as bank transfer records or financial statements;

• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity;

• Proof of residence in Vietnam (confirmation from local authorities or a lease contract).

3. TT – For Family Members (Dependents)

The TT Temporary Residence Card is issued to foreign family members—including spouses and children under 18—of eligible individuals legally residing in Vietnam. This type of TRC is designed to support the family reunification of foreigners working or investing in Vietnam.

Who Can Apply for a TT TRC?
A TT TRC is available to dependents of:

• Foreign workers holding a valid LD1 or LD2 TRC;

• Foreign investors holding a DT1, DT2, or DT3 TRC;

• Vietnamese citizens (applicable to foreign spouses or children).

Requirements:

To apply for a TT Temporary Residence Card, the following documents are required:

• A marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificate (for children);

• A copy of the TRC or visa held by the sponsor (employee, investor, or citizen);

• A valid passport of the applicant;

• Proof of residence in Vietnam (such as temporary residence confirmation or lease agreement).

4. NG3, NG4 – For Diplomats and International Organizations

Vietnam offers NG3 and NG4 Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs) to foreign individuals working in diplomatic roles or with international organizations. These TRCs are granted based on the individual’s position and the nature of their assignment in Vietnam.

NG3 TRC is issued to:

• Diplomatic or consular officers;

• Employees of representative offices of international organizations accredited in Vietnam.

NG4 TRC is granted to:

• Foreign individuals working with diplomatic missions, consular offices, or international organizations in Vietnam;

• Those who do not hold diplomatic status but perform roles in support or cooperation.

Requirements:

Applicants must submit the following:

• An official introduction letter issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam;

• A valid passport with appropriate remaining validity;

• Approval from the competent Vietnamese authorities.

5. DH – For Foreign Students

The DH Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is issued to foreign students who are officially enrolled in universities, colleges, or academic institutions in Vietnam. This TRC allows international students to legally stay in Vietnam for the duration of their studies without the need to extend short-term visas frequently.

Requirements:

To obtain a DH Temporary Residence Card, applicants must prepare the following documents:

• A valid letter of acceptance or enrollment certificate issued by a recognized university or college in Vietnam;

• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity;

• Proof of residence in Vietnam (such as a lease agreement or temporary residence confirmation);

• Approval from the Department of Education and Training (if required by local regulations or for certain study programs).

Conditions to Be Granted a TRC in Vietnam

To be granted a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam, foreign nationals must comply with the following legal and immigration requirements. These conditions ensure that the applicant has a valid reason and stable status for long-term stay in Vietnam.

1. Minimum one-year residence: The applicant must have temporarily resided in Vietnam for at least 12 consecutive months before applying for a TRC.

2. Valid passport: A passport with at least 13 months of remaining validity is required.

3. No legal violations: The applicant must not have any record of deportation, criminal offenses, or immigration violations in Vietnam.

4. Legitimate purpose of stay: The TRC is only issued to foreigners with valid reasons for long-term residence, such as:

   • Employment (work permit holders),

   • Investment,

   • Studying at a recognized institution,

   • Family reunification (spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens or TRC holders).

5. Legal address in Vietnam: The applicant must provide proof of legal residence, such as a lease agreement or temporary residence confirmation issued by local police.

Note: As per current Vietnamese immigration regulations, a foreigner must have resided in Vietnam for at least one year to be eligible for a TRC.

Application Requirements and Procedures

Foreigners looking to stay long-term in Vietnam for work, investment, study, or family reunification must apply for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Below is the step-by-step TRC application process in Vietnam, including all required documents and procedures.

1. Prepare Required Documents

The specific documents required may vary depending on the type of TRC (e.g., for work, investment, family). Generally, applicants must prepare:

• A valid passport and current visa;

• Application Form NA6 (for organizations) or Form NA8 (for individuals);

• Supporting documents based on purpose of stay:

  • Work permit (for foreign employees),

  • Investment certificate (for foreign investors),

  • Marriage certificate or birth certificate (for dependents);

• Temporary residence confirmation issued by the local police;

• Business registration certificate of the sponsoring company (if applicable);

• Two passport-sized photos (3×4 cm, in color, taken within the last 6 months, white background).

2. Submit the Application

Applicants must submit the complete application dossier via the Ministry of Public Security’s National Public Service Portal:

🔗 https://dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn

• Choose the appropriate TRC type and complete the online submission.

• Processing time typically takes 5–7 working days from the date of receiving a valid application.

3. Receive the TRC

After approval, the TRC will be issued and stamped directly into the applicant’s passport, allowing legal residence and multiple entries/exits during the card’s validity.

Tip: Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid delays in processing.

Validity and Duration of TRCs

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

Government Fees for TRCs

According to Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC dated November 10, 2016, issued by the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam, the government fees for TRCs are as follows:

• TRC valid up to 2 years: 145 USD

• TRC valid over 2 years up to 5 years: 155 USD

• TRC valid over 5 years up to 10 years: 165 USD

Note: The above amounts represent official TRC fees only. They do not include service charges from visa agents, law firms, or authorized service providers who assist with application processing and document preparation.

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.