Step to step for application of Temporary residence card in Vietnam

Amid the context of global integration and the expanding world economy, the number of foreigners entering Vietnam for work has been steadily increasing due to growing trade demands and the introduction of new legal policies and regulations. To meet the needs of foreigners in terms of travel and residence in Vietnam, Siglaw Law Firm provides detailed information regarding the procedure for registering a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for foreigners in Vietnam in the following article.

Introduction to the Temporary Residence Card

A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a document issued by the Immigration Management Agency or a competent authority under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to foreigners who are permitted to reside in Vietnam for a definite period. The TRC serves as a substitute for a visa and allows legal residence during its validity period.

Categories of foreigners eligible for a TRC include:

• Foreign investors in Vietnam;
• Foreign workers employed in Vietnam;
• Foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam;
• Foreigners who are spouses, parents, or children of Vietnamese citizens, or spouses and children under 18 years old of foreigners legally residing in Vietnam;
• Other cases as prescribed under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014), as amended and supplemented in 2019 and 2023.

Example: A Chinese expert invited to work for an FDI company in Hanoi may apply for a Temporary Residence Card coded LĐ (for labor).

Application dossier for a temporary residence card for foreigners

Depending on the applicant’s specific category (e.g., working, investing, visiting family, etc.), the required dossier may vary. However, a standard dossier generally includes the following documents:

1. Application form for a temporary residence card, in accordance with the form prescribed by the Immigration Department (Form NA8);
2. Passport;
3. Valid visa (if the foreigner is currently abroad or has just entered Vietnam), except in cases where visa exemption is applicable under law;
4. Sponsorship documents from the guaranteeing organization or individual in Vietnam (Form NA6 or NA7);
5. Standard ID photos (size: 2×3 cm).
6. Supporting documents proving eligibility for a TRC, such as:

• Work permit,
• Certificate of exemption from work permit,
• Investment registration certificate,
• Documents proving personal relationships (for dependent or family-based TRCs),
• Or other documents as prescribed by law corresponding to the TRC type;

Step to step for application of temporary residence card in Vietnam

Step 1: Submission of the Application

After preparing a complete dossier, the applicant shall submit it to one of the following authorities:

• The Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security; or
• The Immigration Division under the Provincial Police Department;

Alternatively, the applicant may submit the dossier online via:

• The National Public Service Portal, or
• The Public Service Portal of the Ministry of Public Security,
  and send supporting documents via public postal services.

Step 2: Application Review and Processing

• If the dossier is complete and valid, the authority shall receive the application, issue an appointment slip for result collection, and request payment of the prescribed fee. The fee can be paid directly to the officer in charge (who will issue a payment receipt), or online through the National Public Service Portal, where an electronic receipt will be issued.
• If the dossier is incomplete or invalid, the receiving officer shall provide instructions for correction or notify the applicant via the National or Ministry Public Service Portal for supplementation and resubmission.
• If the applicant does not meet the conditions, the authority will not accept the application, and shall issue a written response or online notice specifying the reasons for refusal.
• Application receiving hours: Monday to Saturday morning weekly (except public holidays and Tet holidays).

Step 3: Receiving the Result

If the TRC is approved, the applicant (or authorized representative) must collect the result in person at the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security, bringing along:

• The appointment slip,
• Identification documents, and
• The fee receipt for verification.
  If the TRC is not granted, the applicant will receive a written notice of refusal or an online notification via the National or Ministry Public Service Portal specifying the reason.

Result collection hours: Monday to Friday weekly (except public holidays and Tet holidays).

Siglaw Firm is always ready to support foreign clients and sponsoring organizations throughout the entire TRC application process — from eligibility consultation, dossier preparation, document review, to representation in administrative procedures before the competent Immigration authorities — ensuring quick, accurate, and lawful results.

For detailed consultation, please contact Siglaw Law Firm for the fastest and most comprehensive support:

Head Office in Hanoi: No. 44/A32 – NV13, Area A Geleximco, Le Trong Tan Street, Tay Mo Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Email: vphn@siglaw.com.vn

Southern Branch: No. 103 – 105 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Email: vphcm@siglaw.com.vn

Central Branch: VIFC DN – ICT Building, Software Park No. 2, Nhu Nguyet Street, Hai Chau Ward, Da Nang, Vietnam.

Hotline: 0961 366 238

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hangluatSiglaw