Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) 2025: Complete Guide for Expats
Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) 2025: Complete Guide for Expats
Vietnam continues to attract expats and international investors with its dynamic economy and growing business opportunities. If you plan to stay in Vietnam for more than a year, securing a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) can simplify life significantly. This guide explains everything you need to know about Vietnam’s TRC system in 2025.
What is a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC)?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is an official document issued by the Vietnamese immigration authority that allows foreign nationals to reside in Vietnam for an extended period, acting as a long-term visa substitute. It provides multiple benefits including eliminating the need for repeated visa renewals, enabling the purchase of apartments (and possibly houses in the near future), allowing continuous legal stay without exit requirements, simplifying administrative processes for work, business, marriage, and education, and granting the ability to sponsor family members for residence.
Who Can Apply for a TRC in Vietnam?
The following individuals are generally eligible:
Foreign investors holding investment capital in Vietnam.
Foreign employees with valid work permits (valid for at least 12 months).
Members of diplomatic missions or international organisations.
Foreigners involved in educational or professional programs.
Relatives (spouses, children, parents) of TRC holders.
Types of TRC Symbols and Their Validity Periods:
Vietnam Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs) are categorized as follows:
NG3: Diplomatic staff, consular officers, UN organization members, and their family members. Valid for up to 5 years.
LV1: Foreigners working with central or provincial government bodies. Valid for up to 5 years.
LV2: Foreigners working with political-social organizations, social organizations, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Valid for up to 5 years.
LS: Foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam. Valid for up to 5 years.
ĐT1: Major foreign investors with charter capital of VND 100 billion or more, or investing in priority sectors. Valid for up to 10 years.
ĐT2: Investors with charter capital from VND 50 billion to under VND 100 billion, or investing in encouraged sectors. Valid for up to 5 years.
ĐT3: Investors with charter capital from VND 3 billion to under VND 50 billion. Valid for up to 3 years.
NN1: Heads of representative offices or projects of international organizations or NGOs. Valid for up to 3 years.
NN2: Heads of branches or representative offices of foreign traders or foreign organizations. Valid for up to 3 years.
DH: Foreign students or interns. Valid for up to 5 years.
PV1: Foreign journalists and press correspondents. Valid for up to 2 years.
LĐ1: Foreign workers are exempt from work permit requirements. Valid for up to 2 years.
LĐ2: Foreign workers are required to have a work permit. Valid for up to 2 years.
TT: Spouses, children under 18, and parents of TRC holders under eligible categories, or of Vietnamese citizens. Valid for up to 3 years.
The validity of any TRC is always at least 30 days shorter than the applicant’s passport’s remaining validity.
Conditions for Obtaining a TRC in Vietnam
Applicants must:
- Possess a valid passport with at least 13 months of validity.
- Be sponsored by a company, organization, or family member.
- Complete local temporary residence registration.
- Individuals with pending legal issues, criminal charges, or unsettled financial obligations may be ineligible.
Required Documents for TRC Application
Depending on your situation, documentation requirements vary. Generally, the following are necessary:
- Valid passport and visa.
- Completed TRC application forms (NA6, NA7, NA8 depending on applicant type).
- Passport-sized photos (2cm x 3cm or 3cm x 4cm as specified).
- Proof of residence registration.
Supporting documents:
- Work permit or exemption certificate (for employees).
- Investment certificate (for investors).
- Marriage or birth certificates (for family members).
- Company documents (for business-related applications).
- Seal registration certificate (for corporate sponsors).
Family Members of TRC Holders:
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Sponsor’s valid TRC and company documents (if applicable).
How to Apply for a Vietnam TRC
Prepare All Documents: Ensure all papers are complete and properly notarized where necessary.
Submit Application:
At the Immigration Department in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Danang.
Submission hours: Monday–Saturday mornings.
Receive Result:
Processing time: 5–7 working days.
Collection hours: Monday–Friday.
Important: If documents are incomplete, the immigration officer will request corrections or additional information.
Fees for Vietnam TRC
TRC valid for 1–2 years: US$145
TRC valid for over 2–5 years: US$155
Processing time: 5 working days
How to Extend or Change Your TRC
Extension Procedure:
- Submit Form NA5, a valid passport, and supporting documents.
- Pay a fee of US$10.
- Processing time: 5 working days.
Change or Replacement Cases:
- Lost TRC
- Damaged TRC
- Passport number change
Documents Required for Replacement:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Work permit (if applicable).
- Application form for TRC replacement.
- Official explanation letter.
- Police report (in case of loss).
- Fee as per the latest regulations.
- Processing time for replacement: 15 working days.
A Vietnam Temporary Residence Card offers significant advantages for expats, professionals, and investors planning to stay in the country long-term. It simplifies legal residency, work, business operations, and family sponsorship in Vietnam. Ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and prepare your application carefully will help avoid delays and complications. Navigating Vietnam’s TRC application process can be complex, especially with changing regulations and specific document requirements.
ATA Services Vietnam provides end-to-end support, including professional consultation, preparation and review of required documentation, liaising with immigration authorities, and assistance with TRC renewals, replacements, and family sponsorship. Whether you are an investor, business owner, or professional relocating to Vietnam, ATA Services Vietnam ensures a smooth, efficient, and compliant TRC process tailored to your needs.
