A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) offers significant long-term advantages for foreigners living in Vietnam, making it far superior to short-term visas. The key temporary residence card benefits in Vietnam include long-term lawful stay (up to 5 years), multiple entry and exit without reapplying for visas, and greater legal stability under Vietnam immigration law. TRC holders can easily open bank accounts, obtain a Vietnamese driver’s license, sponsor family members, and conduct business or investment activities with higher credibility. For anyone planning a stable, compliant, and long-term presence in Vietnam, a TRC is the most practical and secure immigration solution.
Defining the Temporary Residence Card (TRC – Thẻ Tạm Trú)
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC), known in Vietnamese as Thẻ Tạm Trú, is a residence permit issued by the Vietnamese government to eligible foreign nationals. It allows lawful residence in Vietnam for an extended period without repeated visa renewals.
According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (as amended by Law No. 23/2023/QH15), a TRC replaces the function of a visa during its validity period and grants multiple entry and exit rights.
From our daily work with the Vietnam Immigration Department, TRCs are most commonly issued to the following groups:
The most important Temporary residence card benefits Vietnam relate to stability, predictability, and legal safety.
A TRC allows foreigners to reside continuously in Vietnam for the entire validity period without applying for visa extensions every few months. This is especially important for investors, executives, and families.
Key advantages include:
Lawful long-term residence under VIETNAM immigration law
Automatic VIETNAM multiple entry visa function
Reduced interaction frequency with immigration authorities
Lower long-term compliance risk
From a compliance perspective, a TRC significantly reduces the chance of overstays, administrative penalties, or forced exits.
Consultation Results for Temporary Residence Cards for Foreigners at Tan Van Lang
According to the latest regulations, Vietnam E-visa are valid for up to 90 days, while unilateral visa exemption allows 45 days per entry. These options are unsuitable for long-term residence.
Based on our experience, clients who rely on repeated visas face higher rejection risks over time.
TRC holders can enter and exit Vietnam freely during the card’s validity without applying for new visas at Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad. Immigration clearance at airports and land borders is also faster because status verification is already completed.
This benefit is particularly important for:
Regional executives traveling frequently
Investors managing cross-border operations
Families with children studying in Vietnam
From our case records, border delays almost always occur with visa holders, not TRC holders.
Ability to Open Bank Accounts and Access Financial Services
Banks in Vietnam require proof of stable residency. A TRC is one of the core documents needed to:
Open personal and corporate bank accounts
Apply for credit cards
Receive salary transfers
Conduct lawful foreign currency transactions
Without a TRC, many banks impose strict limitations or refuse services entirely. From our daily coordination with commercial banks, TRC holders are treated as long-term residents rather than short-term visitors.
Eligibility for a Vietnamese Driver’s License
Another practical Temporary residence card benefit Vietnam is transport legality.
TRC holders may:
Convert a foreign or international driving license
Apply for a Vietnamese driver’s license
Purchase and register motorbikes or cars
Visa holders without a TRC often face refusals at transport authorities.
Electronic Identification and Administrative Access
With a valid TRC, foreigners may register for VNeID electronic identification.
This enables access to:
Online public services
Certain tax and residency procedures
Digital administrative platforms used nationwide
Administrative access is increasingly digitized, and TRC holders are prioritized in this transition.
Family Sponsorship and Dependent TRCs (TT TRC)
Family unity is one of the most valued TRC benefits.
A primary TRC holder may sponsor:
A spouse
Children under 18
Dependents may receive a TT TRC, allowing them to reside legally in Vietnam for the same duration.
Sponsor Status
Dependent Eligibility
Work TRC holder
Spouse, children
Investor TRC holder
Spouse, children
Vietnamese citizen
Foreign spouse, children
This is the legal foundation for family sponsorship in Vietnam under current law.
TRC vs. Visa: Why the TRC Is Superior
Criteria
Visa
TRC
Validity
Short-term
Up to 5 years
Entry/Exit
Limited
Unlimited
Bank access
Restricted
Full
Family sponsorship
Limited
Yes
Legal stability
Low
High
From a risk-management perspective, the TRC is the only sustainable option for long-term residence.
TRC Renewal Process and Compliance Timing
The TRC renewal process should begin 30–45 days before expiration. Required documents typically include:
Valid passport
Current TRC
Updated sponsor documents
Proof of continued eligibility
A critical detail most applicants overlook is that expired TRCs cannot be renewed inside Vietnam.
Is a TRC the Same as a Permanent Residence?
No. A TRC is not a VIETNAM permanent residence card. Permanent residence requires separate eligibility and approval under stricter criteria.
However, a TRC is often a practical prerequisite for long-term residency planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a TRC valid?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is typically valid from 1 to 5 years, depending on the visa category and purpose of stay in Vietnam.
Can I work in Vietnam with only a TRC?
No. A TRC alone does not give you the legal right to work in Vietnam. You still need a valid work permit or an official work-permit exemption certificate issued by the authorities.
Can I travel to other countries with a Vietnam TRC?
No. A Vietnam TRC is only a residence document for staying in Vietnam and cannot be used as an international travel document. You must use your passport and obtain visas for other countries as required.
What happens if my TRC expires abroad?
If your TRC expires while you are outside Vietnam, it is no longer valid for entry. You will need to apply for a new Vietnam visa through the proper channel before you can return.
Final Advisory
The Temporary residence card benefits Vietnam extend far beyond convenience. They provide legal certainty, financial access, family stability, and long-term compliance.
If you require a safe, lawful, and efficient TRC solution, Tân Văn Lang is ready to assist you from assessment to approval.
Contact our legal team via 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) today to secure your long-term status in Vietnam.
Tôi là Phan Ngọc Thương Thảo (Susan), là Section Manager tại Tân Văn Lang. Tôi có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực tư vấn visa xuất cảnh cho người Việt Nam.
Tôi đã tư vấn thành công hơn 10.000+ hồ sơ xin visa Hàn Quốc, visa Đài Loan, visa Trung Quốc với tỷ lệ 99%. Tôi mong muốn đem đến những kiến thức hữu ích về quy trình, hồ sơ xin visa giúp khách hàng tiết kiệm thời gian và chi phí nhất.
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