Temporary residence card photo size 2026

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The Temporary Residence Card photo size in Vietnam must be 2×3 cm (20mm x 30mm) with a plain white background. The photo must be clear, taken within the last 6 months, and show the applicant facing the camera directly without hats, sunglasses, or accessories covering the face.

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Why the photo is important when applying for a Temporary Residence Card

Under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended in 2019) and Circular 31/2015/TT-BCA, a passport-style photograph is a mandatory component of the Temporary Residence Card application dossier.

The photo plays several key roles in the immigration process:

► Identity verification

The photo allows the Vietnam Immigration Department to verify the applicant’s identity. It ensures that the information printed on the TRC matches both the passport and the individual’s real appearance.

► Preventing identity fraud

A properly standardized photo helps immigration officers detect fraudulent applications or attempts to use someone else’s identity to obtain a residence card.

► Cross-checking personal information

The photo is compared with the applicant’s passport image and other identification documents to ensure that all information in the application is consistent and accurate.

► Immigration data management

The photo is stored in the national immigration database. This allows authorities to quickly retrieve information when necessary for security checks or residency verification in Vietnam.

Because of these reasons, submitting a correct Temporary Residence Card photo size and format is essential for a successful application.

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

Temporary Residence Card photo size requirements in Vietnam

Foreign applicants must prepare photographs that meet the following official standards.

► Photo size

• Temporary Residence Card photo size: 2×3 cm (20 mm x 30 mm)

This is the standard size required for most TRC applications submitted to the Vietnam Immigration Department.

► Background

• White background only
• No patterns, shadows, or colored backgrounds
• No scenery or objects behind the applicant

A plain white background ensures easy identification and standardized records in the immigration system.

► Photo quality

The photo must meet these technical standards:

• Clear and sharp image
• No blur, smudges, or stains
• Printed on high-quality photo paper
• Taken within the last 6 months
  
• No excessive digital editing or Photoshop alterations

Immigration officers may reject photos that appear overly retouched or inconsistent with the applicant’s actual appearance.

► Clothing and appearance

Applicants should follow these guidelines when taking the photo:

• Wear neat and formal clothing
• Do not wear sunglasses
• Do not cover the face with hats, scarves, or accessories
• Hair should not cover the eyes or forehead

The face must be fully visible for identification purposes.

► Camera angle and composition

The photo must follow standard passport-style framing:

• Face the camera directly
• Look straight into the lens
• Do not tilt or turn your head
• The face should occupy about 70–80% of the photo
  
• The image should include the full head from top to chin without excessive empty space

Following these guidelines ensures your TRC photo meets immigration standards in Vietnam.

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

Common mistakes when preparing Temporary Residence Card photos

Many foreigners encounter delays in their TRC application because their photos do not meet the required standards. Below are the most common issues.

► Incorrect photo size

The required Temporary Residence Card photo size is 2×3 cm, but some applicants mistakenly submit larger or smaller photos.

If the size is incorrect, immigration officers cannot attach the photo to the card or upload it into the system. As a result, the application may be rejected or returned for correction.

► Background does not meet the requirements

The photo must have a plain white background.

However, many applicants submit photos with:

• Blue or gray backgrounds
• Visible shadows
• Uneven lighting

These issues often lead to immediate rejection of the application, forcing the applicant to take a new photo.

► Inappropriate clothing or accessories

Applicants must avoid wearing items that obscure the face.

Common mistakes include:

• Wearing hats or caps
• Wearing sunglasses
• Hair covering the face or eyes

Although these issues seem minor, they can prevent the photo from meeting official administrative standards.

► Old or low-quality photos

Immigration regulations require that TRC photos be taken within the last 6 months.

Some applicants submit older photos or photos printed with poor-quality printers. Blurry images, dark lighting, or missing facial details can cause immigration officers to question the authenticity of the application.

In such cases, the application may be rejected.

► Excessive photo editing

Modern photo editing tools make it easy to enhance images by:

• Whitening the skin
• Removing blemishes
• Altering facial contours

However, excessive editing can make the photo different from the applicant’s real appearance.

If the photo does not match the passport or the applicant’s face during verification, immigration officers may request additional documents or reject the photo entirely.

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

Documents required to apply for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Besides preparing the correct photo, applicants must also submit a complete TRC application dossier.

► Basic documents required

A standard Temporary Residence Card application typically includes:

• Passport valid for at least 13 months
  
• Valid Vietnam visa with the appropriate entry purpose
• Two passport photos (2×3 cm)
  
• Application form for Temporary Residence Card (Form NA8)

Depending on the applicant’s status in Vietnam, additional documents may be required.

► If the applicant has a work permit

Foreign employees must submit:

• Notarized copy of the work permit or work permit exemption certificate (valid for at least 12 months)
• Notarized copy of the company’s business license
  
• Company seal registration documents
• Sponsorship form for foreign employees (Form NA6)
• Initial registration of seal and signature with immigration (Form NA16)
• Temporary residence registration confirmation in Vietnam
• Authorization letter for the representative handling the TRC application

► If married to a Vietnamese citizen

Applicants married to Vietnamese nationals must provide:

• Notarized copy of the marriage certificate (issued in Vietnam or legalized if issued abroad)
• Sponsorship application for a foreign family member (Form NA7)
• Residence confirmation document (Form CT07) of the Vietnamese spouse
• Notarized copy of the spouse’s Vietnamese ID card (CCCD)
  

► If the applicant is a foreign investor

Investors applying for a TRC need:

• Notarized copy of the investment or business registration certificate showing capital contribution
• Company seal registration certificate
• Seal and signature registration form (Form NA16) if submitted for the first time
• Sponsorship form for foreign investors (Form NA6)
• Authorization letter for the person submitting the application
• Temporary residence registration confirmation
• Latest quarterly tax report

► If the applicant has a Vietnamese parent

Applicants with a Vietnamese father or mother must submit:

• Birth certificate or documents proving the parent’s Vietnamese citizenship
• Sponsorship application for foreigners (Form NA7)
• Residence confirmation (Form CT07) of the Vietnamese parent
• Notarized copy of the parent’s Vietnamese ID card

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

Frequently asked questions about Temporary Residence Card photos

Need support for a Vietnam Temporary Residence Card?

If you need assistance preparing documents, checking eligibility, or submitting your application, contact Tân Văn Lang Immigration Consulting, a trusted visa and immigration service provider with over 20 years of experience since 2003.

For detailed consultation, please contact our hotline 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) . Our specialists are ready to assist you with TRC applications, work permits, and long-term residence procedures in Vietnam.