The Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) serves as a multiple-entry visa substitute, allowing holders to reside legally in Vietnam without frequent renewals. This guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, required documents, fees, and the application process.
What is a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is an official document issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department that allows a foreign national to reside in Vietnam for a designated period and serves as a substitute for a visa.
It is a long-term temporary document with a defined validity period ranging from 1-10 years, depending strictly on the applicant’s purpose of stay.
Important update: TRC holders are required to register for VNeID (Vietnam’s mandatory national digital identity system) at Level 2 to integrate their residency status into the national digital database.
Who is eligible for
According to Law No. 47/2014/QH13, foreign nationals must satisfy the following basic conditions to qualify for a TRC:
- Passport validity minimum of 13 months remaining validity.
- Valid entry stamp and matching visa category upon entering Vietnam.
- Completed temporary residence registration with the local commune or ward police (online declaration system).
- Legitimate supporting documentation from an authorized sponsoring entity or citizen.
The eligible categories and their maximum duration limits are:
- Foreign employees with a valid Work Permit or Exemption Certificate can get a TRC for up to two years
- Foreign investors may qualify for a three-, five-, or ten-year TRC depending on investment value
- Spouses, children under eighteen, and dependents of TRC holders can receive a TRC for up to five years
- International students enrolled at recognized Vietnamese institutions may obtain a TRC for up to five years with school sponsorship
*Note: The validity of the TRC must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the holder’s passport.
Required documents
While specific supporting documents vary by situation, the following paperwork must be prepared for all TRC applications:
- Completed form NA8 with one attached 3×4 cm photo
- Sponsorship form NA6 (company) or NA7 (individual)
- Original passport with valid visa and entry stamp
- Two recent 3×4 cm white-background photos
- Temporary residence registration confirmation
- Supporting documents such as Work Permit, Investment, Marriage, or Birth Certificate
Steps to get your Vietnam TRC
The TRC application cannot be submitted individually by the foreigner; it must be initiated and submitted by the sponsoring organization or individual on behalf of the applicant.
Step 1: Prepare and Legalize Documents
Allow 4 -6 weeks for document preparation, particularly if any family or corporate documents require consular legalization and certified Vietnamese translation.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Sponsoring enterprises must submit the application online via the National Public Service Portal. Physical dossiers, when required or for individual sponsors, can be processed directly at the Immigration Department offices:
- Hanoi: No. 44–46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District.
- Ho Chi Minh City: 254 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1.
- Da Nang: 7 Trần Quý Cáp, Thạch Thang, Hải Châu District.
Step 3: Processing Time
Standard processing takes 5 to 10 working days from the date a complete and valid application is received on the portal or at the counter.
Step 4: Pay the fee and collect the Card
Once the status shows approved, pay the official government fee and collect the physical TRC. Verify all details,name, passport number, visa code, and validity dates, before leaving.
Official government fees (2026)
The fee for issuing a Temporary Residence Card is collected in USD (or VND according to the prescribed exchange rate) based on fixed cumulative validity periods.
|
TRC Validity Period |
Official Government Fee |
Common Eligible Categories |
|
Up to 2 Years |
USD 145 |
Foreign Workers (LĐ1, LĐ2), Journalists (PV1) |
|
From over 2 Years to 5 Years |
USD 155 |
Family/Spouse (TT), Students (DH), Investors (ĐT2, ĐT3) |
|
From over 5 Years to 10 Years |
USD 165 |
Large-scale Investors (ĐT1) Only |
Whether you are applying for the first time, dealing with an urgent situation, or unsure which visa type suits your trip. Our team is available 24/7 to assist with any visa-related query, from standard applications to emergency processing.
- Phone/WhatsApp: (+84) 856 598 868
- Email: info@simplevietnamvisa.com
*Visa requirements and regulations are referenced based on the official guidelines from the Immigration Department of Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions
TRC grants foreigners legal long-term residency (typically 2-5 years). It serves as a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to enter, exit, and stay in Vietnam without the hassle or cost of repeated visa renewals.
Vietnam grants e-visas for citizens of all countries and territories with 90-day stay duration and valid for multiple entry.
