Temporary residence card application and procedure for foreigners in 2025

A temporary residence card is one of the most important documents that allow foreigners to legally live and work in Vietnam for an extended period without repeatedly renewing their visas. Obtaining a temporary residence card not only helps foreigners stabilize their lives but also facilitates foreign-invested enterprises and organizations operating in Vietnam. However, not everyone fully understands the legal regulations regarding the issuance of temporary residence cards, especially since these regulations are frequently adjusted to align with practical circumstances.

This article provides a detailed analysis of the application, procedures, and legal aspects related to registering for a temporary residence card for foreigners in Vietnam in 2025, helping individuals and organizations gain a clearer understanding of this process.

Legal basis for issuice

The issuance of temporary residence cards for foreigners in Vietnam is primarily governed by the following legal documents:

• The law on entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam (2014), amended and supplemented in 2019 and 2023.

• Government decree no. 152/2020/nd-cp, which regulates foreign workers working in Vietnam and the recruitment and management of Vietnamese employees working for foreign organizations and individuals.

• Circular no. 04/2015/tt-bca of the ministry of public security, guiding the procedures for issuing, extending, and reissuing temporary residence cards for foreigners in Vietnam.

Who is eligible?

Not all foreigners are eligible to apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam. According to Vietnamese law, only specific groups qualify for this document, including:

• Foreign investors in Vietnam or representatives of foreign-invested enterprises. Depending on the investment capital, the card’s validity can range from one to ten years.

• Foreign workers with a valid work permit in Vietnam, with a card validity not exceeding two years.

• Foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens, eligible for a temporary residence card with a maximum validity of three years.

• Heads of representative offices of non-governmental organizations and foreign company branches in Vietnam.

• Foreign lawyers licensed by the ministry of justice to practice in Vietnam.

For those who do not fall into these categories, staying in Vietnam is only possible through short-term visas, which must be renewed as needed.

Required documents for a temporary residence card application

To apply for a temporary residence card, foreigners must prepare a dossier as per the regulations of the immigration management authority. The required documents include:

• An original passport valid for at least 13 months, along with a notarized copy.

• An application form for a temporary residence card, following the ministry of public security’s template.

• A temporary residence registration confirmation from the local police in the area where the foreigner resides.

• A 2×3 cm photograph that meets immigration authority standards.

• Supporting documents proving eligibility for a temporary residence card, depending on the applicant’s category:

  • Work permit and labor contract (for foreign workers).

  • Investment certificate or business establishment license (for investors).

  • Marriage certificate with a Vietnamese citizen (for marriage-based applicants).

  • Operational license of the representative office (for heads of representative offices).

The required documents may vary based on changes in immigration policies or specific requests from the immigration authority.

Procedure for applying for a temporary residence card

The process of applying for a temporary residence card involves the following steps:

Step 1: Prepare a complete application as required.
Step 2: Submit the application at the immigration department (ministry of public security) or the immigration office of the provincial or municipal police where the foreigner resides.
Step 3: Wait for processing. The standard processing time is 5–7 working days, though it may take longer if additional documents are needed.
Step 4: Receive the result. If the application is valid, the foreigner will be issued a temporary residence card corresponding to their initial visa type.

Legal issues to consider when applying for a temporary residence card

There are several cases where a foreigner’s temporary residence card application may be denied, including:

• An insufficiently valid passport.

• Lack of required documents proving long-term residency eligibility.

• Violation of Vietnam’s entry, exit, or residency regulations.

• Being subject to an entry ban or legal penalties by Vietnamese authorities.

Additionally, a temporary residence card is not a permanent document. Once expired, foreigners must renew or reapply for a new card to continue residing legally in Vietnam. Failure to renew an expired temporary residence card may result in administrative penalties or deportation.

Assistance with application – BKC Law

BKC Law provides comprehensive services for foreigners applying for a residence card, ensuring a fast and efficient process. With Vietnam’s increasingly strict legal system, self-handling these procedures can be challenging, especially for first-time applicants unfamiliar with the process.

BKC Law offers end-to-end services, including consultation, document preparation, submission, and follow-up, ensuring that applications are compliant from the start, minimizing rejections or repeated amendments. We assist a wide range of clients, including foreign workers with work permits, investors, spouses of Vietnamese citizens, heads of representative offices, and international experts.

With a team of experienced lawyers and legal experts, BKC Law guarantees fast, transparent services at reasonable costs, ensuring clients’ legal rights during their stay in Vietnam.

Contact us

For free legal advice at BKC Law, you can contact our lawyers at the following details:

Phone: 0901 3333 41
Email: info@bkclaw.vn

District 1 Office: 9th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Lê Duẩn, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Binh Tan Office: 41 Tên Lửa, Binh Tan, Ho Chi Minh City

Related Articles:

Legal advisory contract drafting services by Lawyers in Ho Chi Minh city

Updated initial tax registration procedure for businesses

Complete work permits service for foreign workers in 2025, with no additional fee