Vietnam Temporary Residence Card processing time 2026

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Temporary residence card processing time in Vietnam is officially 05 working days from the date the Immigration Department receives a complete and valid application dossier.

In practice, the timeline may extend to 7–15 working days if documents require clarification, verification, or additional legalization. Processing time can also vary depending on work permit validity, investor or dependent TRC category, and internal review by the Ministry of Public Security. To avoid delays or overstays, applicants should ensure full compliance and arrange a visa extension while the TRC is pending, if necessary.

Understanding the Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

A Vietnam Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a legal residence document issued to foreigners who qualify for medium- to long-term stay in Vietnam. It allows continuous residence without repeated visa extensions during its validity.

According to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014, amended by Law No. 23/2023/QH15) ^[1] , the TRC replaces a visa for multiple entries and exits while remaining valid.

From our daily work with the Vietnam Immigration Department, TRCs are most commonly issued to:

• Foreign experts and managers holding valid work permits
• Investors with investment certificates
• Dependents of TRC holders (spouse and children)
• Representatives of licensed foreign organizations

Each of these categories directly impacts the VIETNAM TRC timeline.

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

How Long Does It Take? Official Processing Timeframes

Under current regulations, the official processing period for a Vietnam TRC is:

This timeline begins only after the Immigration Department confirms receipt of a complete and valid dossier.

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that weekends, public holidays, and Tet holidays are excluded from the processing count.

>>> Read more: Differences between Temporary residence card and visa in Vietnam 2026

Temporary Residence Card Processing Time vs. Reality

While the law clearly states a 5-working-day benchmark, real-world outcomes vary.

Based on our 20+ years of practical experience, the actual temporary residence card processing time typically falls into three scenarios:

The difference lies in how your file interacts with internal verification systems at the Ministry of Public Security.

>>> Read more: Reissuing a Vietnam temporary residence card (TRC) 2026: Requirements, documents, fees

Key Factors Influencing TRC Processing Delays

Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation

Even a single mismatch between your work permit validity and visa type can trigger a review request.

Common red flags include:

• Passport validity under 13 months
• Work Permit validity below 12 months
• Incorrect visa symbol before TRC application

Work Permit Validity

Your Work Permit validity sets the ceiling for your TRC duration and impacts approval speed.

From our daily work with immigration officers, files linked to recently issued or amended work permits are reviewed more carefully.

Investor TRC Processing

Investor TRC processing (DT1–DT4) often involves cross-checks with business registration authorities.

Higher investment tiers (DT1, DT2) usually move faster due to clearer legal thresholds.

Dependent TRC Processing

Dependent TRC processing depends entirely on the principal applicant’s status.

Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and family records must be fully legalized and translated, or delays are inevitable.

>>> Read more: Temporary Residence Card for foreign spouse in Vietnam: Documents, procedure & fees (TT TRC)

Step-by-Step Timeline: From Submission to Issuance

Stage 1: Pre-Submission Preparation (3–15 days)

• Document legalization and notarized translation
• Temporary residence declaration with local police
• Final legal compliance check

Stage 2: Submission to Immigration Department (Day 0)

Applications are submitted:

• In person at provincial Immigration Offices, or
• Online via the Ministry of Public Security public service portal

Stage 3: Internal Review & Verification (Days 1–4)

This stage includes:

• Identity verification
• Status validation
• Cross-database checks

Stage 4: Issuance or Written Response (Day 5)

Applicants receive:

• TRC issuance notice, or
• Written explanation for refusal or supplementation

>>> Read more: Vietnam Temporary residence card extension 2026: Guide, Fees

Comparing Processing Times Across Different TRC Categories

From our daily work with the Vietnam Immigration Department, employee-based TRCs account for the highest volume and highest delay risk.

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

TRC Renewal Timeline vs. New Applications

The TRC renewal timeline is legally identical to new issuance: 05 working days.

However, renewals are often delayed due to:

• Late submission close to expiry
• Changes in employer or job title
• Gaps between visa expiration and renewal filing

Expired TRCs are not extended; they are re-issued as new cards.

Visa Extension While TRC Is Pending

If your visa or temporary stay stamp expires while your TRC application is under review, you must arrange a visa extension while pending.

Failure to do so may result in:

• Overstay penalties
• Forced exit and re-entry
• Administrative black marks

From our daily advisory cases, this is the single most expensive mistake made by self-applicants.

Can You Track Your TRC Application Status?

Yes. Your TRC application status can be tracked:

• Directly at the submitting Immigration Office
• Via the public service portal (for online filings)
• Through licensed immigration service providers

Be cautious of scam sites claiming “real-time tracking” outside official channels.

Expedited Processing: Is It Legal?

There is no officially published expedited processing fee for TRCs under Vietnamese law.

Any service promising “guaranteed 48-hour TRC issuance” outside legal channels should be treated as high-risk.

Based on our 20+ years of practical experience, legitimate speed improvements only come from:

• Perfect dossier preparation
• Correct legal sequencing
• Direct professional liaison

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Clients Trust Tan Van Lang

With over 20 years of experience since 2003, Tan Van Lang is not simply a document submission service. We are a professional immigration consulting company that evaluates your profile, verifies Work Permit validity, determines the correct TRC category, and structures your application to match the requirements of the Immigration Department from the beginning. This approach minimizes processing delay reasons and keeps your temporary residence card processing time within the official period.

If you still have questions or need a detailed assessment of your TRC case, contact Tan Van Lang via 08.666.000.63 (WhatsApp) for direct professional support. Our legal team is ready to review your situation and provide a compliant, efficient, and secure solution tailored to your status in Vietnam.