Vietnam TRC FAQ: Temporary Residence Card Basis & Length

Updated Oct 4, 2026

A temporary residence card lets you live in Vietnam for years and travel in and out freely, but it is only ever granted on a basis — work, investment or family. These are the questions we hear most: card length, documents, renewals and cost. We advise which route fits and prepare the file while the Immigration Department issues the card.

What's the difference between a temporary residence card and a visa?

A temporary residence card is issued to a foreign national temporarily residing in Vietnam in a statutory category, bears the relevant category code and substitutes for a visa. (47/2014/QH13) Employment distinguishes LĐ1 (an applicable work-permit exemption) from LĐ2 (a work permit is required); investment includes ĐT1–ĐT3 and family includes TT. (51/2019/QH14) Evidence of the correct category is required under Article 36 of Law 47/2014/QH13 as amended by Laws 51/2019/QH14 and 118/2025/QH15. (118/2025/QH15) We check the basis before filing.

Can I just apply for a TRC on its own?

I hold a work permit — how long a TRC can I get?

LĐ1 and LĐ2 cards have a maximum duration of 2 years under Immigration Law Article 38(5), and must expire at least 30 days before the passport under Article 38(1). (51/2019/QH14) Duration is assessed against the file and valid employment basis; 18 months left on a work permit should not be treated as an automatic 18-month card. We check the duration that can be requested for your case.

I'm an investor — does the amount of capital affect the TRC length?

ĐT1: contributed capital of at least VND 100 billion, or government-designated incentivised sectors or locations; card maximum 10 years. (118/2025/QH15) ĐT2: VND 50 billion to below VND 100 billion, or government-designated sectors encouraged for investment and development; maximum 5 years. (51/2019/QH14) ĐT3: VND 3 billion to below VND 50 billion; maximum 3 years. ĐT4: below VND 3 billion, outside the TRC eligibility list. These are ceilings: the file, investor or investing-organization representative status and passport validity must still be checked (Immigration Law Articles 8, 36 and 38, as amended).

I'm married to a Vietnamese citizen — can I get a TRC?

A spouse, parent or child of a Vietnamese citizen may qualify for TT; the maximum is 3 years, subject to the file and passport validity (Immigration Law Articles 8(18), 36 and 38, as amended). (51/2019/QH14) Relationship documents are prepared according to their issuing country and the authentication route applicable to the file. From 11 September 2026, public documents covered by the Convention from countries where it applies with Vietnam use Apostille, subject to applicable exemptions or rules requiring no certification. Documents outside its scope or between countries without a Convention relationship are assessed under consular certification/legalization rules and exemptions. Apostilled public documents in another language require a Vietnamese translation, notarized or certified unless sector-specific law provides otherwise (Decree 293/2026/NĐ-CP, Article 27(1)). (293/2026/NĐ-CP)

Can my spouse and children get a TRC through my work-permit or investor card?

A spouse or child under 18 of a foreign national in LĐ1, LĐ2 or ĐT1–ĐT3 may qualify for TT; Article 8(18) lists additional categories but excludes ĐT4. (51/2019/QH14) TT has a maximum of 3 years, subject to the file, sponsorship and passport. TT alone does not determine work eligibility: check the permit or exemption under Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP. (219/2025/NĐ-CP) Relationship documents follow the applicable authentication route. From 11 September 2026, public documents covered by the Convention from countries where it applies with Vietnam use Apostille, subject to applicable exemptions or rules requiring no certification. Documents outside its scope or between countries without a Convention relationship are assessed under consular certification/legalization rules and exemptions. Apostilled public documents in another language require a Vietnamese translation, notarized or certified unless sector-specific law provides otherwise (Decree 293/2026/NĐ-CP, Article 27(1)). (293/2026/NĐ-CP)

What happens to my TRC if I leave my job?

When sponsorship is no longer required, the sponsor must notify immigration in writing and coordinate departure under Law 47/2014/QH13, Article 45(2)(e). (47/2014/QH13) The TRC should not be described as automatically invalid on resignation. Check permit status, sponsorship and the residence procedure with the competent authority before changing employers.

Can I travel in and out of Vietnam freely while I hold a TRC?

A valid TRC substitutes for a visa but does not remove entry conditions, refusal-of-entry grounds or exit suspension. Carry a valid passport and card and check Immigration Law Articles 20–21 and 28, as amended; the two documents do not guarantee unrestricted entry and exit. (47/2014/QH13) (23/2023/QH15) (103/2025/QH15)

How does renewal work?

Article 38(1) requires the card to expire at least 30 days before the passport. (51/2019/QH14) An expired card may be considered for replacement under Article 38(6), subject to a qualifying residence basis and file. Do not treat “at least 13 months left on the passport” as a universal statutory requirement. If you change passports, confirm the update procedure with immigration before using the card.

What documents do I need for a TRC?

The statutory file includes the inviter/sponsor’s request, application with a photo, passport and evidence of an Article 36 category (Immigration Law Article 37(1), as amended). (47/2014/QH13) The card must expire at least 30 days before the passport; evidence and document authentication depend on the category and issuing country. (51/2019/QH14) We confirm the checklist before filing. From 11 September 2026, public documents covered by the Convention from countries where it applies with Vietnam use Apostille, subject to applicable exemptions or rules requiring no certification. Documents outside its scope or between countries without a Convention relationship are assessed under consular certification/legalization rules and exemptions. Apostilled public documents in another language require a Vietnamese translation, notarized or certified unless sector-specific law provides otherwise (Decree 293/2026/NĐ-CP, Article 27(1)). (293/2026/NĐ-CP)

Where is a TRC filed — did the 2025 reorganization change that?

For ordinary categories, the inviter/sponsor files with immigration where the sponsoring organization is headquartered or the individual sponsor resides (Immigration Law Article 37(2)(b), as amended). (47/2014/QH13) Do not assume only the central department accepts files or infer work-permit/IRC authority from the TRC procedure. We confirm the receiving authority for your file.

How much does a TRC cost?

Government fees and service fees are separate. Under Section II, item 5 of Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC (effective 1 April 2026, replacing Circular 25/2021/TT-BTC), a card of up to 2 years costs USD 145; over 2 to 5 years USD 155; over 5 to 10 years USD 165. (28/2026/TT-BTC) Circular 81/2026/TT-BTC amends only the ABTC fee in Section I, leaving these TRC rates unchanged. (81/2026/TT-BTC) We quote our service separately for the file.

How long does it take?

The competent authority considers issuance within 5 working days of receiving a complete dossier under Immigration Law Article 37(2)(c). (47/2014/QH13) This is a consideration deadline from a complete file, not a guarantee that every application is approved in 5 days; preparation, authentication and supplementation take additional time. We check the basis and track the file.

Do I need to be in Vietnam to apply, or can I do it from abroad?

What if my passport expires before my TRC would?

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