When do foreigners need to apply for a temporary residence card?

As a foreigner planning to work and live long-term in Vietnam, drawn by its nature and people, I seek clarification on temporary residence cards, their benefits, and the application procedure.

I understand that in addition to visas, foreigners can also obtain temporary residence cards, but I am unsure when this document is required.

Furthermore, I would like to know the benefits of having a temporary residence card compared to using a regular visa. What is the procedure for obtaining one?

Reader Sophia

Legal advice:

A temporary residence card is a crucial document for foreigners seeking long-term stay in Vietnam. Issued by immigration authorities or authorized agencies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this card allows foreigners to reside in Vietnam for a specified period. It serves as a substitute for a visa, with a maximum validity of 10 years. Its primary benefit is providing visa exemption, simplifying long-term residency.

Foreigners holding a temporary residence card are exempt from visa requirements. The procedure for obtaining a temporary residence card is as follows:

1. The application dossier for a temporary residence card includes:

- An official request letter from the inviting or sponsoring agency, organization, or individual.

- A declaration form for a temporary residence card with an attached photograph.

- A valid passport.

- Documents proving eligibility, such as being a member of a diplomatic mission, consular office, United Nations international organization, or intergovernmental organization in Vietnam, along with their spouse, children under 18 years old, and domestic helpers accompanying them for the term. It also applies to foreigners currently residing in Vietnam who are eligible for visas with symbols: LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, TT, UD1, UD2.

2. The process for issuing a temporary residence card is as follows:

- Diplomatic missions, consular offices, or other authorized foreign agencies in Vietnam submit application dossiers for temporary residence cards with symbol NG3 to the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

- Inviting or sponsoring agencies, organizations, or individuals directly submit application dossiers for foreigners currently residing in Vietnam who are eligible for visas with symbols LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, TT, UD1, UD2. This submission occurs at the immigration authority where the inviting or sponsoring agency or organization is headquartered, or where the inviting or sponsoring individual resides.

- Within 5 working days from the date of receiving a complete dossier, the immigration authority or the competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will review and issue the temporary residence card.

Note: The above content is regulated by the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended and supplemented in 2019, 2023, and 2025).

Lawyer Pham Thanh Huu

Ho Chi Minh City Bar Association

By VnExpress: https://vnexpress.net/nguoi-nuoc-ngoai-can-lam-the-tam-tru-khi-nao-5073575.html