Temporary residence card application Vietnam 2026

A Temporary residence card application Vietnam allows eligible foreigners to live in Vietnam long-term without repeated visa renewals. Applicants must meet Vietnam TRC requirements based on their purpose of stay, such as investment (DT), employment with a valid work permit (LĐ), or family sponsorship (TT).

The application is submitted through the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security with a complete dossier, including the NA8 form and supporting legal documents. Processing typically takes about 5 working days once all documents are accepted, with TRC validity ranging from 2 to 10 years depending on the category.

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What is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam?

A Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is an official residence document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. It allows eligible foreigners to reside in Vietnam for an extended period without repeatedly renewing visas.

Legal basis for TRC Vietnam: The TRC is regulated by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014), as amended by Law No. 23/2023/QH15 ^[1] . According to the law, a TRC is granted to foreigners permitted to reside in Vietnam for a defined duration aligned with their lawful purpose.

Key benefits you should know

Multiple entry privileges during the card’s validity.

Long-term stay without visa extensions.

Reduced costs compared with frequent visa renewals.

Convenient access to business procedures, civil status matters, and daily life.

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that the TRC validity must always be shorter than the passport validity by at least 30 days.

Tan Van Lang provides professional Temporary Residence Card consultation services for foreigners in Vietnam.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Temporary residence card requirements 2026

Eligibility requirements and TRC categories (DT, LĐ, TT)

Based on our 20+ years of practical experience, eligibility depends on your lawful purpose of stay and the sponsoring entity’s legal status. The most common categories are Investor (DT), Worker/Manager (LĐ), and Family (TT).

Vietnam Investor TRC (DT Category)

Foreign investors holding valid investment documentation may apply for a Vietnam investor TRC (DT category).

Maximum validity by DT symbol

DT1: Up to 10 years.

DT2: Up to 5 years.

DT3: Up to 3 years.

A frequent cause of rejection is a mismatch between registered investment capital and the DT symbol requested.

Vietnam Work Permit TRC (LĐ Category)

Foreign employees with a valid work permit or exemption certificate may apply for a Vietnam work permit TRC (LĐ category).

Maximum validity

LĐ1 / LĐ2: Up to 2 years.

Vietnam Family Sponsorship TRC (TT Category)

Immediate family members of TRC or long-term visa holders may apply under Vietnam family sponsorship TRC (TT category).

Maximum validity

TT: Up to 3 years.

Marriage and birth certificates must be consular legalized and notarized into Vietnamese.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Temporary Residence Card processing time 2026

Comprehensive Checklist for TRC Application Documents

A compliant TRC application checklist prevents processing delays. Each document must match the applicant’s category.

Core documents (all applicants)

Request for issuance by sponsor: NA6 (organizations) or NA7 (individuals).
NA8 formwith 3×4 cm photo.
Passport copy and valid visa (original presented for comparison).
Two 3×4 cm photos.
Proof of temporary residence declaration certified by local police.

Category-specific documents

Category	Required Documents
LĐ (Work)	Work permit or exemption certificate
DT (Investor)	Investment Registration Certificate
TT (Family)	Marriage certificate, birth certificate, family register

All foreign-language documents require consular legalization and notarized Vietnamese translation.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Temporary Residence Card benefits 2026: A practical legal guide for long-term foreign residents

Step-by-Step guide to the TRC application process

Step 1: Prepare the dossier

Ensure consistency across forms, passport data, and sponsor information. Discrepancies often trigger rejection.

Step 2: Submit the application

Applications are submitted by the sponsoring entity to the provincial immigration authority under the Immigration Department Vietnam. Online submission via the Public Service Portals may apply, with originals sent by post if requested.

Office hours

Submission: Monday–Saturday morning (excluding holidays).

Result return: Monday–Friday (excluding holidays).

Step 3: Processing and result

Standard processing time: 5 working days after receipt of complete documents.

Applicants collect the TRC in person or via registered post.

If the application is refused, a written explanation is issued stating the legal grounds.

>>> Read more: Temporary residence card for foreigners in Hanoi 2026: Guide, Fees, Requirements

Vietnam Temporary Residence Card Processing Time & TRC Fees Vietnam

Processing time

5 working days from acceptance of a complete dossier.

TRC fees Vietnam

Validity	Government Fee
Up to 2 years	USD 145
Over 2 to 5 years	USD 155

These are official state fees collected by the Immigration Department.

>>> Read more: Do I need a visa if I have a temporary residence permit in Vietnam 2026?

Temporary Residence Card Duration Vietnam

The Temporary residence card duration in Vietnam depends on the category and passport validity.

TRC Symbol	Maximum Validity
DT1	Up to 10 years
NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, DT2, DH	Up to 5 years
NN1, NN2, DT3, TT	Up to 3 years
LĐ1, LĐ2, PV1	Up to 2 years

Expired TRCs are considered for reissuance rather than extension.

>>> Read more: Temporary residence card photo size 2026

TRC Renewal Process, Changes, and Transfers

Based on our experience, renewal applications should be filed at least 30–45 days before expiry.

When renewal is required

TRC nearing expiration.

Passport renewal.

Change of employer or investment scope.

Change of sponsorship

If a foreign national changes employers or investors adjust capital structure, a new TRC application Vietnam is required under the updated sponsor.

With over 20 years of experience, Tan Van lang ensure reliable and efficient long-term stay solutions.

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

Vietnam visa exemption TRC and Entry compliance

Vietnam currently applies visa exemptions and e-visa policies under the latest regulations. These policies affect entry, not TRC eligibility.

Key reminders:

Vietnam E-visas allow up to 90 days.

Vietnam Visa exemption allows up to 45 days for eligible nationalities.

TRC holders must still declare temporary residence with local police within 24 hours of entry.

Scam sites offering “instant TRC approval” are increasingly common. From our daily work with immigration officers, no legitimate TRC is issued outside official channels.

>>> Read more: Temporary residence card fee in Vietnam: Latest costs for foreigners in 2026

Common reasons for TRC application rejection and legal compliance

A critical detail most applicants overlook is sponsor compliance. Common refusal grounds include:

Invalid or inconsistent sponsor documentation.

Inadequate investment capital for DT categories.

Work permits nearing expiry.

Missing consular legalization.

Legal compliance is non-negotiable. Violations may lead to fines, TRC cancellation, or forced exit.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum validity period for a Vietnamese TRC?

The maximum validity can be up to 10 years for the DT1 investor category, subject to passport validity. The TRC will always expire before the passport expiry date.

Can I apply for a TRC if my visa is about to expire?

Yes, but timing is very important. You must submit the TRC application before your current visa expires to avoid overstaying issues.

Is a Work Permit mandatory for employment-based TRCs?

Yes. A valid Work Permit is required for employment-based TRCs, unless you qualify for an official work permit exemption.

How long does processing take?

Processing typically takes about 5 working days after complete and valid documents are submitted. Additional review may extend the timeline in some cases.

What if my sponsoring company closes?

If the sponsoring company ceases operations, the TRC loses its legal basis and must be canceled. The foreigner will need to change status or exit Vietnam.

Can TRC holders sponsor dependents?

Yes. Eligible spouses and children can apply for a dependent TRC under the TT category with proper supporting documents.

Where should I submit my application in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?

At the provincial Immigration Department where the sponsor is registered.

Why Choose Tan Van Lang?

With over 20 years of experience (since 2003), Tan Van Lang is trusted by multinational corporations, investors, and families. We work daily with immigration authorities, ensuring your Temporary residence card application Vietnam is accurate, compliant, and fast.

If you want your TRC handled correctly the first time, contact Tan Van Lang via 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) today for a confidential assessment and end-to-end legal support.