VietnamResidence

Vietnam temporary residence card

Temporary residence card (thẻ tạm trú)

In short

Foreigners who live in Vietnam on certain visas switch to a temporary residence card (TRC), which replaces the visa for the card's term. It is issued by the immigration authority on the application of the sponsoring organisation or person, decided within five working days, and costs USD 145 to 165 depending on validity, which ranges from two to ten years by symbol.

checked 24 October 2026

Key facts

Validity
ĐT1, UĐ1, UĐ2: up to 10 years; NG3, LV1, LV2, DH and other ĐT: up to 5 years; NN1, NN2, TT: up to 3 years; LĐ, PV1: up to 2 years
Fee
US$145USD 145 up to 2 years, USD 155 over 2 up to 5 years, USD 165 over 5 up to 10 years
Processing time
5 working days from a complete file
Work
Depends on the symbol; work always requires a work permit or exemption
Family
Card holders may sponsor spouse and children under 18 to live with them, with the sponsoring organisation's consent
Path to permanent residence
Only in the cases set by law (see permanent residence)
Where to apply
In Vietnam, at the immigration office where the sponsor is based or resides

Who can get a card

Foreigners holding visas with the symbols LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ or TT can be considered for a temporary residence card with the same symbol; from 1 July 2026 UĐ1 and UĐ2 holders are added. Members of diplomatic and consular missions and UN and intergovernmental bodies receive NG3 cards through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Tourist (DL), business (DN), relative-visit (VR) and e-visa holders cannot get a card on that basis.

Application file

The file consists of the written request of the inviting or sponsoring organisation or individual, the declaration form for a temporary residence card with a photo attached, the passport, and documents proving that you fall into one of the eligible cases, for example a work permit, Investment Registration Certificate, school enrolment or marriage certificate. Information already held in national databases need not be resubmitted under the 2026 rules.

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid at least 30 days beyond the requested card

Money

  • Fee of USD 145, 155 or 165

Work

  • Proof of the eligible case: work permit, investment certificate, enrolment or relationship document

Other

  • Written request of the sponsoring organisation or individual
  • Declaration form for a temporary residence card with photo

Where and how long

The sponsor files directly at the immigration office of the province where the organisation has its seat or the individual sponsor resides. The authority decides within five working days of receiving a complete file. The card is always valid at least 30 days less than the remaining validity of your passport, so renew your passport early if it limits the card.

  1. Enter Vietnam on a visa whose symbol is eligible for a card (for example LĐ, ĐT, DH or TT).
  2. Make sure your temporary residence is declared at your address.
  3. Give your sponsor your passport, photo and the documents proving your eligible case.
  4. The sponsor files the application at its provincial immigration office.
  5. Pay the fee and collect the card after five working days.

Renewal and changes

An expired card is not extended; a new card is issued on a new application. If you get a new passport, the card or remaining temporary residence can be transferred for USD 5. A short extension of temporary residence costs USD 10. When you change your address, your new accommodation must declare your temporary residence again.

What the card allows

A valid temporary residence card exempts you from needing a visa to enter Vietnam. Card holders may sponsor grandparents, parents, spouses and children for visits and, with the consent of their own sponsoring organisation, sponsor their spouse and children under 18 to live with them. Legal residents may travel within Vietnam and combine tourism, family visits and medical treatment without permission, except in restricted areas.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a residence card on an e-visa?

Not on the basis of the e-visa itself. You first need a visa with an eligible symbol, which a sponsor can request for you inside Vietnam.

Do I need a visa to re-enter Vietnam with a residence card?

No. Holders of a valid temporary residence card are exempt from visas.

What is the longest card available?

Ten years, for ĐT1 investors and UĐ1 and UĐ2 holders from 1 July 2026.

Can I apply for the card myself?

No. The application is filed by the organisation or individual that invited or sponsored you.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Vietnam

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Up to the visa validity, at most 1 year
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Up to 12 months stamped on entry, then a residence card (ĐT1 up to 10 years from 1 July 2026)

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: DH residence card up to 5 years, at least 30 days shorter than the passport

Work

  • Work visa Maximum stay: Temporary residence of up to 12 months on entry; then a residence card of up to 2 years

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

  • e-Visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days, matching the validity printed on the e-visa
  • Visa on arrival Maximum stay: According to the visa issued, for example up to 90 days for a DL tourist visa

Vietnam visa guide