TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WHAT IS A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD?
Temporary residence card is a paper issued by a legally authorized government agency of the Immigration Department or Customs office which allows foreigners to stay in Vietnam for a predetermined duration. This card can replace a visa or passport (according to Clause 13, Article 3, Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, issued in 2014).
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2. WHO CAN APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD?
According to Article 36, Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, foreigners who fit one of these circumstances will be given a temporary residence card:
- Foreigners with a valid Vietnam work permit for at least 12 months since the time of temporary residence application.
- Individuals that are a part of or working with Embassies, Consulates, United Nations agencies or its representatives, international organizations operating in Vietnam and their families (spouses, children under 18 years old, domestic workers) travelling along their work term in Vietnam.
- Foreign workers given LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD, TT visas. In this case, the temporary residence card will be given the same specification as the visa.
- Foreigners holding a Vietnam NG3 visa are members of diplomatic missions, embassies, consulates, etc.
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3. BENEFITS OF A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD
Foreigners who have a temporary residence card can take advantage of many benefits, which include:
- A valid temporary residence card can replace a visa for entry and exit purposes.
- A valid temporary residence card means you do not have to have your visa extended.
- Foreigners can buy real estate in Vietnam.
- Foreigners can marry or start a business without much hassle.
- Can sponsor their relatives to enter Vietnam.
- Can sponsor their spouses or children under 18 to enter Vietnam and stay with them.
4. DURATION OF A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD?
The duration of a temporary residence card is defined in Article 38, Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014. The specifics is as follows:
- At least 30 days shorter than the remaining valid duration of the individual’s passport.
- Cards with the designation NG3, LV1, LV2, ĐT, DH have a duration of maximum 5 years and are no longer.
- Cards with the designation NN1, NN2, TT have a maximum duration of no longer than 3 years.
- Cards with designation LĐ, PV1 have a maximum designation of no longer than 2 years.
When your temporary residence card is now longer valid, foreigners can apply for a new temporary residence card to continue their stay in Vietnam, all details must be according to the laws and residence policies of Vietnam.
5. WHAT WOULD YOU NEED TO PREPARE IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD?
In order to apply for a temporary residence card, you need to prepare the following documents:
- Temporary residence recommendation form from your sponsor. Organizations, companies use NA6 form, individuals use NA7 form.
- Temporary residence recommendation form for foreigners: Form NA8.
- Documents proving foreigners fulfil requirements for a temporary residence card: One of the following: Work permit, Confirmation paper from the head of branch office or members of the Board of Directors, or other equivalent documents.
- 2 portrait photos 2×3 cm: 1 is pasted into the information declaration paper and 1 is separated.
6. HOW TO APPLY FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD?
In order for foreigners to apply for a temporary residence card, you will need to prepare the following:
Step 1: Document preparation
You need to prepare all the listed documents mentioned in the 5th section of this article.
Step 2: Applying for a temporary residence card
Submit all documents at the Immigration Department:
- Hanoi: 44-46, Trần Phú road, Ba Đình district.
- Ho Chi Minh city: 333 – 335 – 337 Nguyễn Trãi street, Nguyễn Cư Trinh ward, 1st district.
The Immigration Department officers will check your documents and any additional papers. In case of mistakes or errors, they will provide help with completing the process. If there are no errors or mistakes, you will receive an appointment letter.
Step 3: Receive result
You will have to bring your appointment letter, personal identification document, or passport so that the immigration officers can check the validity of your papers. Afterward, you can pay the fees and receive your temporary residence card.
The time to receive the temporary residence card is from Monday to Friday (not including holidays).
7. TIME TO PROCESS THE TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM
The time it will take to process your temporary residence card application is 5 working days from the day the Immigration Department receives all required documents. In case of errors or mistakes, you will have to fix and fulfil the remaining requirements, this will make the process time longer.
8. THE COST OF APPLYING FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM
The cost of a temporary residence card varied depend on the duration:
- Under 2 years: $145 USD
- From 02-05 years: $155 USD
- From 05-10 years: $165 USD
9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
TrustVisa will answer some frequently asked questions in this section:
9.1. What To Do When You Lose Your Temporary Residence Card?
If you lose your temporary residence card, you will need to prepare and submit all required documents at the Immigration Department and pay a fee to get your card reissued.
9.2. Can You Extend Your Residence Card?
You can extend your residence card before it expires.
The process of applying for an extension is very simple, it’s important that you must prepare all required documents. If there are any difficulties or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact TrustVisa for support.