Vietnam Immigration Department Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang 2026

The Vietnam Immigration Department is the official authority under the Ministry of Public Security responsible for managing all entry, exit, visa, and residence matters for foreigners in Vietnam. This agency issues and supervises Vietnam visas, E-Visas, visa extensions, Temporary Residence Cards (TRC), and Permanent Residence Cards (PRC).

It also enforces the Entry/Exit Law, oversees border control, and handles overstays, lost passports, and exit permits. For any lawful immigration procedure in Vietnam, the Vietnam Immigration Department is the final and only competent authority.

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Understanding the Role and Structure of the Vietnam Immigration Department

The Vietnam Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý Xuất Nhập cảnh) ^[1] is a specialized bureau under the Ministry of Public Security.

Its legal mandate focuses on national security, border control, and the management of entry, exit, transit, and residence of both Vietnamese citizens and foreigners.

This authority is responsible for approving or denying immigration-related applications within the territory of Vietnam.

Embassies and consulates abroad collect applications, but final immigration authority remains within Vietnam.

Core responsibilities include:

Enforcement of the Entry/Exit Law for foreigners.

Management of Vietnam border control at international checkpoints.

Issuance and supervision of visas, residence cards, and entry permits.

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that immigration approval is centralized. Local police only handle temporary residence declarations, not visa or residence status.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa types: Categories 2026

Contacting the Vietnam Immigration Department: Official Offices

The Vietnam Immigration Department operates three main regional offices.

Hanoi Immigration Office

Address: 44–46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.

Handles northern Vietnam immigration cases.

Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office

Ho Chi Minh City Immigration Office

Address: 333–335–337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Primary office for southern Vietnam.

Da Nang Immigration Office

Address: 78 Le Loi Street, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.

Handles central Vietnam cases.

Official contact channels

Hotline: +84 24 3826 4026

Email: [email protected]

E-Visa support: [email protected]

From our daily work, we strongly advise using only official channels to avoid scam websites.

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Key Services Provided by the Vietnam Immigration Department

The Vietnam Immigration Department acts as the operational hub for all immigration procedures. Its services apply to both Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals.

Services for foreigners include:

Issuance of Vietnam visas, visa extensions, and visa renewals.

Approval of E-Visa Vietnam applications through the official portal.

Issuance of Temporary Residence Cards (TRC) and Permanent Residence Cards (PRC).

Processing of Entry Permits and special re-entry approvals.

Handling overstays, lost passports, and exit clearance.

Services for Vietnamese citizens include:

Ordinary passport issuance.

Confirmation of identity and nationality.

Procedures related to permanent or temporary residence abroad.

>>> Read more: Vietnam 5-Year Visa Exemption (Five-Year Visa)

Applying for a Vietnam Visa: Procedures and Requirements

Main visa application pathways

Foreigners can apply for a Vietnam visa through three lawful channels:

E-Visa Vietnam via the official government portal.

Visa applications at Vietnamese embassies or consulates abroad.

Visa on arrival using a pre-approved entry letter.

Although applications may start outside Vietnam, the Vietnam Immigration Department approves the final immigration status. This includes entry port validation and visa conditions.

Vietnam visa validity under current regulations

According to the latest regulations under Law No. 23/2023/QH15 ^[2] :

E-Visa Vietnam is valid for up to 90 days, single or multiple entry.

Visa exemption allows 45 days of stay for eligible nationalities.

Overstaying even one day triggers administrative penalties.

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that visa validity and permitted stay are not always the same. The entry stamp determines the lawful stay period.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa exemption: Vietnam visa-free countries list 2026

The Process for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) allows foreigners to reside legally in Vietnam without repeated visa extensions.
It is issued directly by the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Common TRC categories

Investor (DT).
Labor (LD).
Family reunion (TT).
Diplomatic and official cases.

Step-by-step TRC procedure

From our daily work with the Vietnam Immigration Department, the standard process includes:

Legal entry into Vietnam with the correct visa type.
Temporary residence declaration at local police.
Submission of TRC application to the Immigration Office.
Verification and approval by immigration officers.
Collection of the TRC.

Processing time typically ranges from 5 to 10 working days, depending on case complexity. Incomplete dossiers cause delays.

Key documents usually required

Document	Notes
Passport	Minimum validity must cover TRC duration
Visa	Must match TRC purpose
Sponsor documents	Company or family proof
Application forms	Issued by Immigration Department

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Permanent Residence Card (PRC): Who Qualifies

The Permanent Residence Card (PRC) is reserved for limited cases. Approval authority rests entirely with the Vietnam Immigration Department.

Typical eligibility includes:

Long-term contributors to Vietnam’s development.

Spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens with long residence history.

Individuals granted special status by the government.

>>> Read more: Vietnam family visit visa for Chinese citizens: Simple, fast, and reliable

Vietnam Immigration Department Regulations on Entry and Exit Procedures

Passport and entry conditions

Passport validity must meet immigration standards.

Entry port must match the approved visa or E-Visa.

Border officers verify immigration approval codes.

A critical detail most applicants overlook is that changing the entry port without authorization can lead to denial of entry.
This applies especially to E-Visa holders.

Temporary residence declaration

Foreigners must declare temporary residence within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels often handle this automatically, private hosts must do it manually.

Failure to declare residence can affect future visa or TRC applications.

>>> Read more: Vietnam Visa Photo Requirements: The Complete 2026 Guide

Common Issues and Troubleshooting with the Vietnam Immigration Department

Frequent problems we see

Visa applications rejected due to wrong purpose.

TRC delays caused by missing sponsor documents.

Overstays resulting from misunderstanding entry stamps.

Lost passport procedures

Foreigners must:

Report loss to local police.

Obtain confirmation letter.

Submit a report to the Immigration Office.

Apply for exit or replacement documents.

Handling this incorrectly can block departure.

Fraud Warnings and Practical Compliance Tips

Based on our 20+ years of practical experience, immigration scams have increased sharply. Fake websites often mimic official E-Visa portals.

Key safety rules:

Verify the official government domain.

Never trust unofficial visa approval letters.

Always match the entry port with an approved visa.

Temporary residence declaration is mandatory and routinely checked during inspections.

>>> Read more: Vietnam visa service: Fast & secure solution for your trip 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the main offices of the Vietnam Immigration Department located?

The main offices of the Vietnam Immigration Department are located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. These are the three primary centers handling immigration and residence procedures.

What is the difference between a visa and a TRC?

A visa is used for entering Vietnam for a specific purpose and time. A TRC allows foreigners to stay long-term without needing repeated visa renewals.

How long does TRC processing take?

TRC processing usually takes about 5–10 working days after a complete and valid file is submitted. Actual timing can vary slightly based on case details.

Can I extend my visa directly through the Immigration Department?

Yes. Eligible applicants can submit a visa extension request directly to the Immigration office with proper documents.

What are penalties for overstaying in Vietnam?

Penalties can include monetary fines, temporary exit bans, or deportation. The consequence depends on how long the overstay lasts.

Does the Immigration Department manage E-Visa applications?

Yes. E-Visa applications are reviewed and approved under the authority of the Immigration Department.

What documents are needed for a lost passport report?

You generally need a police report, a copy of the lost passport, the entry stamp record, and the required application forms. Additional papers may be requested depending on the case.