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Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners in Vietnam 2025

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A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is one of the most important documents that allows foreigners to live and work legally in Vietnam for an extended period without having to renew their visa multiple times. Being granted a temporary residence card not only helps foreigners stabilize their lives in Vietnam but also creates favorable conditions for foreign-invested businesses and organizations operating in the country.

However, not everyone clearly understands the legal regulations related to the issuance of temporary residence cards, especially as these regulations are frequently updated to reflect practical circumstances.

This article provides a detailed analysis of the documents, procedures, and legal issues related to applying for a temporary residence card for foreigners in Vietnam in 2025, helping individuals and organizations better understand the process.

Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners in Vietnam 2025

Legal Basis for Issuing Temporary Residence Cards

The issuance of temporary residence cards for foreigners in Vietnam is mainly regulated by the following legal documents.

The Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, as amended and supplemented in 2019 and 2023.

Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP, which regulates foreign employees working in Vietnam and the recruitment and management of Vietnamese employees working for foreign organizations and individuals.

Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA issued by the Ministry of Public Security, guiding the procedures for issuance, extension, and reissuance of temporary residence cards for foreigners in Vietnam.

These legal documents provide detailed regulations on eligibility conditions, applicable subjects, and related legal obligations for obtaining a temporary residence card.

Who Is Eligible for a Temporary Residence Card?

Not all foreigners are eligible to apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam. According to Vietnamese law, only certain groups of individuals qualify for this type of document.

Foreign investors in Vietnam or representatives of foreign-invested economic organizations may apply for a temporary residence card, with validity periods ranging from one to ten years depending on the level of investment capital.

Foreign employees who hold a valid work permit in Vietnam may also apply for a temporary residence card, usually with a validity period of up to two years.

Foreigners who are legally married to Vietnamese citizens may apply for a temporary residence card with a maximum validity period of three years.

Heads of representative offices of non-governmental organizations or branches of foreign companies operating in Vietnam are also eligible.

Foreign lawyers who have been granted a legal practice license by the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam may also apply for a temporary residence card.

In cases where foreigners do not fall into the categories mentioned above, they may only stay in Vietnam using a short-term visa and must apply for extensions when necessary.

Required Documents for a Temporary Residence Card Application

To apply for a temporary residence card, foreigners must prepare the required documents in accordance with the regulations of the Immigration Department.

The applicant must submit an original passport that remains valid for at least thirteen months, together with a notarized copy. An application form for a temporary residence card issued by the Ministry of Public Security must also be completed.

A temporary residence registration confirmation issued by the local ward or commune police where the foreigner resides is required. The applicant must also provide photographs sized 2×3 cm that meet the standards set by the immigration authority.

In addition, documents proving eligibility for a temporary residence card must be submitted depending on the specific category of the applicant.

Foreign employees must provide a valid work permit and a labor contract. Investors must submit an investment certificate or enterprise establishment license. Individuals who are married to Vietnamese citizens must provide a marriage certificate. Heads of representative offices must submit the operating license of the representative office.

The specific documents required may vary depending on the requirements of the immigration authority or changes in legal regulations at different times.

Procedures for Applying for a Temporary Residence Card

The process of applying for a temporary residence card generally includes several steps.

First, the applicant must prepare a complete set of documents in accordance with legal requirements.

Second, the application dossier must be submitted to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security or to the Immigration Division of the provincial or municipal police where the foreigner resides.

Third, the application will be reviewed and processed by the competent authority. The processing time typically ranges from five to seven working days, although it may take longer if additional documents are required.

Finally, the applicant will receive the result. If the application is approved, the foreigner will be granted a temporary residence card with a validity period corresponding to their visa category or legal status.

Legal Issues to Consider When Applying for a Temporary Residence Card

In some cases, foreigners may be refused the issuance of a temporary residence card.

This may occur if the passport does not meet the required validity period, if the applicant cannot provide sufficient documents proving eligibility for long-term residence, or if the individual has previously violated immigration or residency regulations in Vietnam.

Applicants may also be refused if they are subject to entry bans or are currently being handled for legal violations by Vietnamese authorities.

It should also be noted that a temporary residence card is not valid indefinitely. When the card expires, foreigners must apply for an extension or a new card in order to continue residing legally in Vietnam. Using an expired temporary residence card without renewal may result in administrative penalties or even deportation.

Temporary Residence Card Application Support Services at BKC Law

BKC Law provides professional services to support foreigners in completing the procedures for applying for temporary residence cards in Vietnam quickly and efficiently. As legal regulations related to immigration and residency become increasingly strict, completing the procedures independently can be challenging, particularly for individuals who are unfamiliar with the legal process.

BKC Law offers a comprehensive service package covering legal consultation, document preparation, application submission, and follow-up with the authorities. Our goal is to ensure that application dossiers are properly prepared from the beginning, minimizing the risk of rejection or repeated requests for additional documents.

We assist a wide range of clients, including foreign employees with work permits, foreign investors, individuals married to Vietnamese citizens, heads of representative offices, and foreign experts working in Vietnam.

With a team of experienced lawyers and legal specialists, BKC Law is committed to providing fast, transparent, and cost-effective services while protecting the legal rights and interests of our clients residing in Vietnam.

Contact Us

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

District 1 Office:
9th Floor, Diamond Plaza Building
34 Le Duan Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Binh Tan Office:
41 Ten Lua Street, An Lac Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

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