Temporary residence card for foreign spouse is a long-term residence solution that allows a foreign husband or wife of a Vietnamese citizen to live legally in Vietnam without frequent visa renewals. This card helps simplify entry–exit procedures, daily transactions, and long-term family planning in Vietnam.
To obtain it, applicants must meet specific eligibility conditions, prepare the correct documents, and follow the official immigration process. With proper guidance from Tân Văn Lang, the application can be completed smoothly, accurately, and on time.
What is a temporary residence card for a foreign spouse?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a residence document issued by Vietnam’s Immigration Department that allows a foreign national to stay in Vietnam for an extended period without having to renew a visa every few weeks or months.
For a foreigner married to a Vietnamese citizen, the TRC is typically issued under the TT category (family visit/relative sponsorship), depending on the case and the supporting documents.
A temporary residence card for a foreign spouse comes with clear validity limits under Vietnam’s Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners (Law No. 47/2014/QH13) [1] :
The TRC validity must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
A TRC with the symbol TT can be issued for up to 03 years.
In practice, the passport’s remaining validity is the key factor. If the passport is close to expiry, the TRC duration will be reduced accordingly.
Benefits of a temporary residence card for foreign spouse
A TRC is not just a “nice to have”. It changes daily life in Vietnam in very practical ways:
Legal long-term stay in Vietnam for the period granted on the card.
Smoother work and business planning (even if additional permits may still be required depending on the activity).
Easier entry/exit: fewer last-minute visa issues and a more stable immigration status.
More convenience for services such as banking, mobile number registration, renting long-term housing, and other transactions that require proof of lawful residence.
Better stability for the family—especially useful when you plan long-term residence, childbirth, schooling, or frequent travel.
Eligibility for a temporary residence card for a foreign spouse
To qualify for a temporary residence card for a foreign spouse, the foreign applicant and the Vietnamese sponsor typically need to meet these conditions:
Valid passport: the foreign spouse’s passport should have at least 13 months remaining validity (a common practical requirement so the TRC can be granted properly).
Temporary residence registration confirmation: proof of temporary residence registration in Vietnam (completed with the local ward/commune police as required).
Proof of spousal relationship: marriage certificate and supporting documents. If issued overseas, it usually needs consular legalization and certified Vietnamese translation.
Appropriate Vietnam visa: the foreign spouse should have entered Vietnam on a visa suitable for family visit/purpose consistent with applying for a TRC (often the TT visa category for family sponsorship).
No serious criminal record: the applicant should not fall under restricted/blocked immigration cases.
Successful Temporary Residence Card Consultation Results at Tan Van Lang
Step-by-step procedure to apply for a temporary residence card for foreign spouse
If this is the first time applying, the foreign spouse usually needs to be properly sponsored and enter Vietnam under the right status before the TRC submission.
Sponsor the foreign spouse for family entry (if needed)
Step 1: Submit the sponsorship declaration online via Vietnam Immigration’s portal to obtain an electronic application code (save it to track the case later).
Step 2: Print the sponsorship declaration and obtain confirmation/stamp from the competent organization/authority in Vietnam (as required for your case).
Step 3: Submit the set at the Immigration Department with:
Sponsorship form
Copy of Vietnamese sponsor’s CCCD/ID/passport
Copy of documents proving the family relationship
Step 4: Track results using the electronic application code.
Step 5: Receive the result according to the appointment date on the receipt.
Prepare the TRC application file
Gather all documents listed in the “Documents required” section. Double-check:
Names match across passport, marriage certificate, and forms
Dates are consistent
Photos meet the size/background requirements
Translations/legalization (if any) are completed correctly
Submit the TRC application at Vietnam Immigration
The Vietnamese sponsor (and/or the foreign spouse depending on the submission method) submits the file at the Immigration Department.
Where to submit
Hanoi: 44–46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh City: 333–335–337 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Da Nang: 7 Tran Quy Cap Street, Da Nang
Submission hours
Files are typically accepted Monday to Friday and Saturday morning (except Sundays and public holidays).
File review and receipt
Immigration officers will check the file:
If complete and valid: you receive a receipt with an appointment date to collect the TRC.
If incomplete/incorrect: you’ll be instructed to supplement documents.
Collect the TRC and pay the fee
Bring the receipt on the appointment date, pay the applicable fee, and sign for collection.
Official fees for a temporary residence card for foreign spouse
When you submit directly at the Immigration Department, the government fee is typically based on the TRC validity period:
Up to 01 year: US$135 / card
Over 01 year to 02 years: US$145 / card
Over 02 years to 03 years: US$155 / card
Fees may change over time. For the most accurate current rate for a temporary residence card for a foreign spouse, check the latest notice from Immigration or contact Tan Van Lang for an updated confirmation.
Full-service temporary residence card for foreign spouse with Tan Van Lang
If you prefer a predictable, low-stress process, Tan Van Lang can handle the TRC application end-to-end. With 20+ years of experience, our team supports clients across Vietnam with a practical workflow that focuses on “submit correctly the first time”.
Tan Van Lang Visa Travel’s Team of Professional Visa Consultants
What you get when working with Tan Van Lang
Case-by-case consultation (not copy-paste advice) based on your entry status and documents
Document checklist + file review to reduce rejection/supplement requests
Support for translation, notarization, and consular legalization when needed
Multilingual assistance to avoid misunderstandings
Nationwide support from North to South, with flexible coordination
If you want Tan Van Lang to assist with your temporary residence card for foreign spouse, contact our team via hotline 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) for fast guidance and a clear document checklist tailored to your case.
Tốt nghiệp chuyên ngành Hệ quản trị cơ sở dữ liệu năm 2016, cùng chứng chỉ Content Marketing. Đã có 5 năm kinh nghiệm Content trong lĩnh vực du lịch như Xuất cảnh - Nhập cảnh - Vé máy bay và các dịch vụ liên quan khác.
Do I need a visa if I have a temporary residence permit in Vietnam 2026? 
Temporary Residence Card for Chinese Citizens – Full guide 2026 
Vietnam Family Visit Temporary Residence Card – Conditions, Procedure & Benefits 
5 Year Investor Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam – Application Procedure for Foreign Investors 
How to Apply for a 2-Year Work Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam 
Registering temporary residence for foreigners in Binh Duong 2026 
