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

Failure to register temporary residence for foreigners is a violation of Vietnamese law. This non-compliance not only affects public order and national security but also directly impacts the legal rights and immigration status of foreign nationals staying in Vietnam.

In this guide, Tân Văn Lang explains why temporary residence registration is mandatory, the penalties for non-registration, and how foreigners and accommodation providers can comply properly to avoid legal risks.

Main content

Legal basis for temporary residence registration in Vietnam

Under Vietnam’s Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, all foreign nationals staying in Vietnam must have their temporary residence declared.

This requirement applies to:

Hotels and serviced apartments

Rental houses and private residences

Company dormitories and collective housing

Proper registration helps Vietnamese authorities manage immigration, ensure public security, and protect both the host and the foreign resident.

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

Why temporary residence registration is important

For government authorities

Monitor the number of foreigners entering and staying in Vietnam

Maintain national security and public order

Collect statistical data for immigration and socio-economic planning

For foreign nationals

Ensure legal residence status in Vietnam

Facilitate access to healthcare, insurance, banking, and employment services

Provide legal protection in case of disputes, emergencies, or inspections

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

Penalties for failure to register temporary residence for foreigners

According to Decree No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP, penalties are imposed as follows ^[1]

Penalties for foreign nationals

If a foreigner provides false information or fails to provide residence details to the accommodation provider:

Administrative fine: VND 3,000,000 – 5,000,000
Possible deportation from Vietnam in serious cases

Penalties for accommodation providers (landlords, hotels, hosts)

If accommodation providers fail to declare temporary residence:

Number of unregistered foreigners	Administrative fine
1 – 3 persons	VND 1,000,000 – 2,000,000
4 – 8 persons	VND 2,000,000 – 4,000,000
9 persons or more	VND 4,000,000 – 6,000,000

Additional fine of VND 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 applies if the host obstructs or refuses residence inspections.

Important note for private houses (non-business)

Even private homes not operating as rental businesses are legally considered accommodation facilities.

If a foreigner stays at a private residence, the homeowner must declare temporary residence within 12 hours (24 hours in remote areas). Failure to do so may result in a fine of VND 3,000,000 – 5,000,000.

>>> Read more: Form NA5 – Complete Guide for Vietnam Visa Application and Temporary Residence Extension

Temporary residence registration documents (online declaration)

Currently, temporary residence registration for foreigners in Vietnam is conducted online.

Required information:

Accommodation provider details

Name, type, address, phone number, email

Declarant’s full name, date of birth

Vietnamese ID number or passport

Foreigner’s information

Full name, gender, date of birth, nationality

Passport number or equivalent travel document

Expected duration of stay

>>> Read more: Form NA7 – Complete Guide for Temporary Residence Card Sponsorship in Vietnam

Online procedure to register temporary residence for foreigners

Step 1: Access the official residence declaration website

The accommodation provider or responsible person accesses the Immigration Department’s temporary residence declaration portal of the province/city where the accommodation is located.

Step 2: Log in and submit residence information

Log in using an existing account or create a new one

Select “Guest management”

Add a new foreign guest and input all required information

Step 3: Review and complete submission

Review all details carefully

Submit the declaration and wait for system confirmation

Once accepted, the foreigner’s name will appear in the guest management list

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

Official websites for temporary residence declaration

Each province has its own portal, typically formatted as: https://[province].xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

Examples:

Ho Chi Minh City: https://hochiminh.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

Hanoi: https://hanoi.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/

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

Frequently asked questions

Is there a fee for temporary residence registration?

No. Temporary residence registration for foreigners in Vietnam is completely free of charge.

Who is exempt from the registration fee?

All individuals and accommodation providers are exempt. There is no registration fee in any case.

Who should I contact for assistance?

You may contact the local police authority where the residence is located, or seek professional support from Tân Văn Lang.

Does failure to register temporary residence affect visa applications?

Yes. Lack of residence registration may negatively affect applications for:

Vietnam tourist visa
Work visa
Temporary residence card

Immigration authorities may question the purpose of stay and reject the visa.

Failure to register temporary residence for foreigners can lead to fines, deportation, and visa refusal. To avoid legal risks and ensure full compliance with Vietnamese immigration law, professional guidance is strongly recommended.

Hotline: 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp)

If you need help with temporary residence declaration, visas, or residence cards, contact Tân Văn Lang today for fast and reliable support.