Issuing temporary residence cards for foreign investors: Conditions and procedures

Issuing temporary residence cards to foreign investors is a process that foreign investors need to understand clearly to create favorable conditions for investment and business activities in Vietnam. The article below by Long Phan provides detailed information about types of temporary residence cards, conditions, and procedures for applying for temporary residence cards to customers.

Types of temporary residence cards for foreign investors and duration

Temporary residence cards for foreign investors are issued with different symbols, corresponding to the level of investment capital and investment field. Specifically, according to the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, amended in 2019, there are 4 types of temporary residence cards for foreign investors in Vietnam:

• DT 1: Issued to investors with a capital contribution of 100 billion VND or more, or investing in preferential industries, occupations, and preferential areas decided by the Government. Temporary residence card DT1 is valid for no more than 10 years.
• DT 2: Granted to investors with capital contribution from 50 billion VND to less than 100 billion VND, or investing in industries and professions encouraged for development. Temporary residence card DT2 is valid for no more than 5 years.
• DT 3: Issued to investors with capital contribution from 03 billion VND to less than 50 billion VND. Temporary residence card DT3 is valid for no more than 03 years.
• DT 4: Issued to investors with a capital contribution of less than 03 billion VND. The DT 4 visa is valid for no more than 01 years.

Note: The validity of the temporary residence card issued will be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.

Conditions for granting temporary residence cards to foreign investors

To be granted a temporary residence card, foreign investors need to fully meet the following conditions:

1. Not subject to exit suspension;
2. Do not fall into the cases of not being issued a temporary residence card, including:

• Being prosecuted for criminal liability or being a defendant in civil, economic, or labor disputes;
• Being obliged to execute a criminal sentence;
• Being obliged to execute civil and economic judgments;
• Have the obligation to comply with the decision to sanction administrative violations, pay taxes and other financial obligations.

3. The investor’s passport must be valid for at least 1 year.
4. The visa being used must have the symbol DT (for investors).
5. Investors must declare temporary residence with the local police agency of their place of residence in accordance with regulations.

Procedures for applying for temporary residence cards for foreign investors

To apply for a temporary residence card, investors need to prepare a complete application and take the following steps:

Documents need to be prepared

The application for a temporary residence card includes the following documents:

• Document requesting temporary residence card.
• Investment registration certificate or business registration certificate shows the capital contribution of the foreign investor.
• Seal sample registration certificate or seal sample notification.
• Investor’s passport and visa.
• Certificate of temporary residence registration from the police agency.
• 02 photos 3x4cm.

Implementation steps

Foreign investors need to take the following steps to apply for a temporary residence card:

Step 1: Submit application

Investors submit their applications to the Immigration Department or the Immigration Department of the provincial/municipal police where the company/enterprise in which the foreign investor contributes capital is headquartered or where the investor resides.

Currently, the Immigration Department has addresses in two major cities of Vietnam: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, specifically as follows:

• Immigration Department in Hanoi: 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi.
• Immigration Department in Ho Chi Minh City: 337 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Step 2: Process documents and issue temporary residence card

Within 05 working days from the date of receiving complete documents, the immigration management agency will consider issuing a temporary residence card.

Cost of temporary residence card for foreign investors

According to regulations in Circular No. 25/2021/TT-BTC, card making costs for foreign investors are determined as follows:

• Temporary residence card valid for no more than 02 years: 145 USD/card;
• Temporary residence card with validity from over 02 years to 05 years: 155 USD/card;
• Temporary residence card with validity from over 5 years to 10 years: 165 USD/card;

Fast and reputable consulting and support services for applying for temporary residence cards for foreign investors

Procedures for applying for a temporary residence card for foreign investors require customers to understand regulations and prepare complete and accurate documents. To save time and effort, customers can use Long Phan’s consulting and support services for applying for a temporary residence card.

Long Phan’s temporary residence card issuance service includes:

• Consulting on types of temporary residence cards;
• Consulting on the duration of each specific type of temporary residence card;
• Consulting on conditions and procedures for granting temporary residence cards;
• Instructions for preparing complete and accurate documents;
• Drafting documents and related documents;
• The representative carries out procedures for applying for a temporary residence card;
• Consulting on procedures for extending and issuing new temporary residence cards;
• Consulting and answering other issues related to temporary residence cards for foreign investors.

Applying for a temporary residence card is an important step for foreign investors to be able to do business in Vietnam legally and smoothly. Hopefully Long Phan’s article has provided customers with useful information about conditions, procedures and support services for applying for a temporary residence card. If you need further advice or use our services, please contact the hotline: 0906735386 for support.