Do I need a visa if I have a temporary residence permit in Vietnam 2026?

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If you already have a valid temporary residence card (TRC) in Vietnam, the answer is no – you do not need to apply for a visa. A TRC is legally considered a long-term visa substitute, allowing multiple entry and continuous stay in Vietnam during its validity. As long as your TRC and passport remain valid, you can enter, exit, and reside in Vietnam without renewing or reapplying for a visa. Only in special cases such as TRC expiry, loss abroad, or passport changes would a new visa be required.

What is a temporary residence card (TRC) in Vietnam?

A temporary residence card (TRC) is an official document issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security (or by authorized diplomatic authorities in specific cases).

It allows foreign nationals to legally reside in Vietnam for a fixed period without renewing a visa, as long as the card remains valid.

A TRC is typically granted to foreigners who:

• Work in Vietnam
• Invest in Vietnamese businesses
• Live with family members in Vietnam

>>> Read more: Temporary Residence Card for Chinese Citizens – Full guide 2026

What is a visa?

A visa is an entry permit issued by a competent authority of a country, allowing a foreigner to enter, stay in, or transit through that country for a specific purpose and duration.

Vietnam visas may be issued as:

• Physical visa stickers in passports
• Electronic visas (e-visas)

Each visa clearly states:

• Length of stay
• Number of entries
• Purpose of entry (tourism, business, work, family visit, study, etc.)

>>> Read more: Vietnam Family Visit Temporary Residence Card – Conditions, Procedure & Benefits

Vietnam visa vs. Temporary Residence Card: Key differences

>>> Read more: 5 Year Investor Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam – Application Procedure for Foreign Investors

Do I need a visa if I already have a TRC?

No.

If you hold a valid Vietnam temporary residence card, you do not need to apply for a visa to enter or stay in Vietnam during the card’s validity period.

A TRC works as a long-term, multiple-entry visa, allowing you to enter and exit Vietnam freely without repeated visa applications.

>>> Read more: How to Apply for a 2-Year Work Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Benefits of holding a Vietnam temporary residence card

A Vietnam TRC offers practical advantages for foreigners planning to stay long term:

• No visa required for entry during the card’s validity
• Unlimited multiple entry and exit
• Continuous stay in Vietnam without visa extensions or border runs
• Access to education services for children
• Eligibility for healthcare and health insurance under Vietnamese regulations
• Easier business activities such as signing contracts or making investments
• Ability to register marriage in Vietnam (where legally applicable)
• Right to sponsor family members for family-visit purposes
• Possibility to sponsor spouse and children under 18 to live in Vietnam

>>> Read more: Failure to register temporary residence for foreigners in Vietnam 2026: Penalties, procedures, and legal compliance

Common types of Temporary Residence Cards in Vietnam

>>> Read more: Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) – Fast, Easy, All-Inclusive

Does a TRC fully replace a visa?

Yes.

While valid, a temporary residence card fully replaces a visa. You can stay in Vietnam continuously and re-enter multiple times without applying for a separate visa.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Visa on Arrival (VOA): The Complete 2026 Guide

When do TRC holders still need a visa?

You may still need a visa in the following situations:

TRC expires while you are outside Vietnam

If your TRC expires abroad, it cannot be used for re-entry. You must apply for a new visa at a Vietnamese embassy or consulate before returning.

Lost TRC while abroad

If your TRC is lost outside Vietnam, you must obtain a visa first to re-enter, then apply for a replacement TRC after arrival.

Change of stay purpose

If your current TRC no longer matches your purpose of stay (for example, switching from work to family reunion), a new visa may be required before applying for a different TRC type.

Passport expires

A TRC is linked to your passport. If your passport expires, you must enter Vietnam with a new visa using the new passport, then apply for a new TRC.

>>> Read more: List of countries that are difficult to apply for Vietnam visa 2026

What should I do if my TRC has expired?

If your temporary residence card has expired:

Step 1: Report to immigration authorities

Visit the Vietnam Immigration Department or the local immigration office where you reside. Bring your passport and expired TRC.

Step 2: Pay administrative fines (if applicable)

Overstay penalties range from VND 500,000 to VND 5,000,000, depending on the length of overstay, under Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP. Serious violations may result in compulsory exit.

After settling fines, you may apply for a TRC extension or a new TRC if eligible.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Airport Fast Track Service 2026 – Skip the Lines, Save Time

Professional support from Tân Văn Lang

If you need professional support with:

• Vietnam visas
• Temporary residence cards
• Extensions, replacements, or compliance issues

Tân Văn Lang is ready to assist you with clear advice and practical solutions based on long-term experience in immigration consulting.

For personalized guidance, please contact Tân Văn Lang via our hotline 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) .