Temporary residence card – what you need to know
Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam – An Law Vietnam
What is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)?
A TRC is a document issued by the Immigration Department or a competent authority under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam. It allows eligible foreigners to stay in Vietnam for a long-term period and can serve as a substitute for a visa.

Key Definitions:
- Temporary Residence Certificate: A document issued by Vietnamese authorities that confirms a foreigner’s permitted temporary stay in Vietnam.
- TRC: A long-term residence permit issued to eligible foreigners in Vietnam, valid in place of a visa.
- Permanent Residence Card (PRC): A document allowing indefinite residence in Vietnam for eligible foreigners, replacing a visa permanently.
Legal Basis
- Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014, amended in 2019 & 2023)
- Circular 04/2015/TT-BCA regulating immigration document forms
- Circular 57/2020/TT-BCA & Circular 22/2023/TT-BCA amending related procedures and document templates
Temporary Residence Certificate in Vietnam
Foreigners must declare their residence through the accommodation provider (e.g., hotels, landlords) to the local police within 12 hours (or 24 hours in remote areas) of arrival. This must be done via Form NA17.
Who is Eligible for a Temporary Residence Card?
Foreigners with visas of the following categories may apply for a TRC:
- LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, TT
- The issued TRC will have a symbol matching the original visa type.
Validity Period of a Temporary Residence Card
- DT1: Up to 10 years
- LV1, LV2, LS, DT2, DH: Up to 5 years
- NN1, NN2, DT3, TT: Up to 3 years
- LD1, LD2, PV1: Up to 2 years
Note: The TRC validity must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
Required Documents for a TRC
- Form NA6 (for organizations sponsoring foreigners) or Form NA7 (for individuals sponsoring foreigners)
- Form NA8 – Application for TRC
- Passport of the applicant (with valid visa)
Application Procedure for a TRC
- The sponsoring company, organization, or individual must submit the TRC application to the Immigration Department where the applicant resides.
- Processing time: 5 working days from the submission of complete documents.
Permanent Residence Card in Vietnam
In certain cases, foreigners may be eligible for a Permanent Residence Card (PRC) if they meet one of the following conditions:
- Recognized contributions to Vietnam (e.g., awarded medals or honorary state titles)
- Scientists or experts contributing to Vietnam
- Foreigners residing continuously in Vietnam for 3+ years, sponsored by Vietnamese family members (parents, spouses, children)
- Stateless persons residing in Vietnam since 2000 or earlier
Important Notes for Foreigners in Vietnam
- Any change of residence must be reported as per regulations.
- Foreigners cannot reside in prohibited or restricted areas, including some border zones.
- The validity of the passport impacts the validity of the TRC.

Need Assistance with Your Temporary Residence Card?
If you require professional assistance with obtaining or renewing a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam, contact An Law Vietnam. Our experienced team of lawyers and consultants will guide you through every step to ensure compliance and security for your stay.
Contact Lawyer:
📞 Phone: (+84) 986 995 543
📧 Email: info@anlawvietnam.com
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