Overseas Vietnamese Need to Register for Temporary Residence When Buying a House

Overseas Vietnamese Need to Register for Temporary Residence When Buying a House is a matter of great concern for those executing real estate transactions in Vietnam. In the context of increasingly perfected housing and residency laws, determining the obligation to register for temporary residence relates not only to housing ownership rights but is also tied to residency management regulations by competent state agencies. In the following article, Long Phan Consulting Company provides detailed information on this issue.

Who are overseas Vietnamese according to the law?

Regarding the question of whether overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house, it is first necessary to clearly define the concept of “Overseas Vietnamese”, which is specifically stipulated in Clauses 3 and 4, Article 3 of the 2008 Law on Vietnamese Nationality. Accordingly, this group includes both Vietnamese citizens residing abroad and people of Vietnamese origin living abroad. People of Vietnamese origin are understood as individuals who used to have Vietnamese nationality, and at birth, their nationality was determined according to the principle of consanguinity (bloodline).

Currently, in the system of legal normative documents, the term is not officially used. Instead, current laws use the term Vietnamese residing abroad to determine the applicable subjects. Therefore, correctly identifying the legal status of this group is a crucial basis when considering policies related to the application of regulations, including whether overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house.

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Conditions for overseas Vietnamese to own houses in Vietnam

Pursuant to Clauses 2 and 3, Article 3 of Decree 95/2024/ND-CP regulating the conditions for buying housing and land in Vietnam, which includes provisions related to Vietnamese residing abroad, a common legal question arises: whether overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house in Vietnam.

Overseas Vietnamese wishing to buy real estate in Vietnam must possess documents proving eligibility to own housing. In practice, this procedure often raises additional questions regarding overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house, depending on specific residency situations:

• For Overseas Vietnamese retaining Vietnamese nationality: they must hold a valid Vietnamese passport with an entry verification stamp into Vietnam at the time of establishing housing ownership (Clause 2, Article 8, 2023 Housing Law). This document serves as an important legal basis when assessing whether overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house.
• For people of Vietnamese origin residing abroad: they must have a foreign passport or valid international travel document under immigration laws, plus documents confirming Vietnamese origin under nationality laws. These conditions are also considered when determining issues related to overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house.

Furthermore, Overseas Vietnamese must have sufficient documents proving eligibility to own housing:

• For Vietnamese citizens residing abroad: a valid Vietnamese passport with an entry verification stamp into Vietnam at the time of establishing housing ownership (Clause 2, Article 8, 2023 Housing Law).
• For people of Vietnamese origin residing abroad: a valid passport with an entry verification stamp into Vietnam, or an international travel document bearing an entry stamp at the time of signing the housing transaction, which is also relevant when assessing overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house.

Do overseas Vietnamese returning to Vietnam to buy a house need to register for temporary residence?

In practice, when researching residency procedures, a key issue is often whether overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house, in order to determine if a stable residential address is legally required. Declaration of residence helps state agencies manage population data and facilitate related civil transactions. Failure to comply with registration obligations may result in administrative sanctions under current regulations.

Vietnamese expatriates returning with a Vietnamese passport

Under Article 27 of the 2020 Residence Law:

• Citizens coming to live at a lawful residence outside the commune-level administrative unit where they registered permanent residence for labor, study, or other purposes for 30 days or more must register for temporary residence.
• The maximum temporary residence period is 02 years and can be extended multiple times.
• Citizens may not register a new temporary residence at locations specified in Article 23 of the 2020 Residence Law.

This regulation applies to Overseas Vietnamese returning with a domestic passport, where the issue of overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house is also considered in relation to compliance requirements. Proper adherence ensures the protection of civil and administrative rights locally.

Cases of overseas Vietnamese returning with foreign passports

Under Article 33 of the 2014 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (amended by Clause 5, Article 2 of the 2023 Amended Law), the issue of overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house is also assessed in connection with the applicable entry, exit, and residence obligations.

• Foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam must, through the person directly managing and operating the accommodation establishment, declare their temporary residence to the commune-level Police or the Police station where the establishment is located.
• The accommodation establishment is responsible for requesting foreigners to present passports or international travel documents, and documents related to residency in Vietnam to execute the declaration before agreeing to let them stay. Overseas Vietnamese using a foreign passport must provide a visa.
• If a Border Guard station receives the declaration under international treaties to which Vietnam is a member, they must immediately notify the local Police.

Thus, if Overseas Vietnamese return using a Vietnamese passport, they declare temporary residence under the 2020 Residence Law; if using a foreign passport, they declare under the 2014 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners (amended 2023). In both cases, returning to buy a house involves compliance with overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house, ensuring proper execution of current regulatory requirements.

Procedures for registering temporary residence for overseas Vietnamese when buying a house in Vietnam

When raising the issue of temporary residence, Overseas Vietnamese must execute procedures at the ward/commune Police where they are staying. Currently, this declaration is quite simple, with two methods: submitting dossiers directly or registering online. Depending on the stay situation, the implementation differs:

In the case of staying at a hotel

If staying at an accommodation establishment, the facility is responsible for declaring temporary residence for the guest with the local police. You do not need to do this directly. When needing a temporary residence confirmation for visa extensions or related procedures, simply contact the reception or management department for support.

In the case of staying at the home of relatives or friends

The stayer must discuss and get the household head’s consent to register. Afterward, the dossier can be submitted directly at the commune/ward Police or registered online via the public service portal.

Procedures for registering temporary residence for overseas Vietnamese when buying a house in Vietnam

Under Clause 2, Article 19 of Circular 55/2021/TT-BCA and Clause 5, Article 27 of Decree 154/2024/NĐ-CP, the procedure includes:

Step 1: Prepare the Dossier

Prepare documents including the declaration form, proof of lawful accommodation, and passport copies. All documents must be valid; copies need notarization if required.

Step 2: Submit the Dossier

Submit to the commune/ward Police where you intend to stay. If at a hotel, the owner declares it within 12 hours. Online submission is via the National Public Service Portal.

Step 3: Appraisal and Verification

The police will check validity within 3 working days (Clause 4, Article 19, Circular 66/2023/TT-BCA). If verification is needed, you or the homeowner may be invited for an interview. Incomplete dossiers will require immediate supplementation.

Step 4: Receive Results

Once approved, the temporary residence certificate is issued directly at the Police station or sent via mail if registered online. Results are also updated on the National Population Database.

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Documents and application procedures for temporary residence registration for overseas Vietnamese when buying a house in Vietnam

Establishing the dossier and identifying the competent receiving agency is mandatory to establish residency rights after completing a real estate transaction.

Documents to prepare

• Declaration of Residence Information Change (Form CT01): Fill in personal info, temporary address, and reason for stay. For children under 18, signatures of parents/legal guardians are required.
• Proof of Lawful Accommodation: Includes lease contracts, housing ownership certificates, or the homeowner’s written consent (Clause 3, Article 5, Decree 154/2024/NĐ-CP). If staying with relatives, the household head’s confirmation is sufficient.
• Copy of Passport or Substitute Document: The passport must be valid for at least 13 months, accompanied by a valid visa matching the stay purpose.
• 2×3 cm ID Photos: 2 photos, white background, taken within 6 months, no tinted glasses.

Practical Note: 

Documents in foreign languages must be notarized and translated into Vietnamese. Bring originals for cross-referencing if submitting directly. If online, documents must be scanned clearly in PDF format.

Application submission location and processing time

Submitting your application to the correct authority and understanding processing time is essential for completing temporary residence procedures, especially in cases where overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house, helping ensure smooth administrative handling.

Overseas Vietnamese can submit applications at the commune, ward, or town police station where they reside under Clause 3, Article 27 of the 2020 Residence Law. If staying in hotels or similar facilities, the establishment must declare temporary residence within 12 hours (24 hours in remote areas) under Clause 3, Article 33 of the 2014 Immigration Law. Online submission via the National Public Service Portal is also available, particularly useful where overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house.

Processing time is typically half a working day if data is available in the National Population Database, or up to 3 working days if verification is required under Circular 66/2023/TT-BCA. If rejected, authorities must provide written reasons and guidance for supplementation. Using correct submission channels and tracking online helps save time, especially for procedures related to overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house.

Temporary residence registration fees for overseas Vietnamese when buying a house in Vietnam

According to Clause 2, Article 4 of Circular 75/2022/TT-BTC, when overseas Vietnamese buy a house and need to register for temporary residence in Vietnam, the registration fee is stipulated as follows:

• Direct payment: 15,000 VND/time for individuals or households; 10,000 VND/person/time if registering on a list.
• Online payment: 7,000 VND per transaction for individuals or households; 5,000 VND per person per transaction if registering as part of a list.
• Free admission: Applicable to children under 16, seniors over 60, or people with disabilities, provided they provide supporting documentation.

In addition to the application fee, overseas Vietnamese may incur translation and notarization costs for documents, ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 VND per document, depending on its complexity. If using support services from external agencies, the cost can be 1,000,000 VND or more, depending on the scope of assistance. These costs are not regulated by law but depend on the service market.

Understanding the costs involved in buying a house helps overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house to ensure financial transparency throughout the transaction process. It is advisable to request a receipt for any fees paid in person to maintain clear documentation. For online payments, transactions via the Public Service Portal are generally safer and provide a verifiable transaction history, improving accountability.

Long Phan Consulting Company provides home buying consulting services for overseas Vietnamese

Experts at Long Phan Consulting Company will directly execute specialized operations to support you. We structure our professional support into the following key area:

• Check the legal status of the property according to the 2023 Real Estate Business Law.
• Drafting and reviewing contracts for the purchase and transfer of housing in accordance with legal regulations.
• We will represent you in completing the temporary residence registration and permanent residence declaration procedures at the police station.
• Consulting services for proving Vietnamese origin to qualify for preferential treatment under the 2024 Land Law.
• Assistance with submitting applications for Certificates of Land Use Rights and Ownership of Attached Houses.
• Handling issues that arise during transactions or administrative residence registration.

Performing the above-mentioned professional tasks ensures that our clients comply with regulations regarding whether overseas Vietnamese buying houses need to register for temporary residence and optimizes the process of completing legal documents. Long Phan Consulting Company.

Frequently Asked Questions about whether overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house

Below are some frequently asked questions about whether overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence when buying a house. Please refer to them:

What is the ownership period for residential properties for foreign investors of Vietnamese origin?

According to Article 20 of the 2023 Housing Law, foreigners are entitled to own housing in Vietnam through forms such as buying, leasing, receiving as a gift, or inheriting commercial housing in permitted projects. However, the ownership period for foreigners cannot exceed 50 years from the date of issuance of the Certificate of Ownership. This period is clearly stated in the Certificate, serving as the basis for determining the legal rights and obligations of the owner.

What is the maximum duration of temporary residence when registering for temporary residence?

According to Article 27 of the 2020 Residence Law, the conditions for temporary residence registration are that citizens who come to live in a legal residence outside the administrative unit at the commune level where they are registered as permanent residents for work, study, or other purposes for 30 days or more must register for temporary residence.

The maximum duration for temporary residence registration is 2 years and can be renewed multiple times.

Is it mandatory for foreigners to register their temporary residence?

Based on Article 33 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, as amended by Clause 5, Article 2 of the Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens and the amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2023, the regulations for declaring temporary residence are as follows:

• Foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam must register their temporary residence with the local police station, commune/ward/special zone police station, or police post where the accommodation facility is located, through the person directly managing or operating the accommodation facility.
• Accommodation establishments are responsible for requiring foreigners to present their passports or other valid international travel documents, and documents related to their residence in Vietnam, in order to register their temporary residence before granting them temporary accommodation.
• In cases where border guard posts or stations receive temporary residence declarations from foreigners in accordance with international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory, the border guard posts or stations are responsible for immediately notifying the commune, ward, or special zone police or the police post or station where the foreigner is temporarily residing.

Therefore, according to the above regulations, registering temporary residence for foreigners is a mandatory procedure.

In what situations do Vietnamese expatriates using their Vietnamese passports need to register for temporary residence?

According to Article 27 of the 2020 Residence Law, overseas Vietnamese using Vietnamese passports must register for temporary residence when residing for 30 days or more at a location other than their registered permanent residence, for the purpose of work, study, or other activities permitted by law.

How long does it take to process an online temporary residence registration application?

According to Clause 2, Article 28 of the 2020 Residence Law, within 3 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application, the residence registration agency is responsible for appraising, updating information, and notifying the applicant of the results. If the application is rejected, the agency must respond in writing and clearly state the reasons.

Conclusion

Clarifying the query about whether Overseas Vietnamese need to register for temporary residence helps not only identify compliance obligations regarding residency laws but ensures a seamless connection with housing ownership rights. Executing the declaration sequence correctly gives you peace of mind to live and invest sustainably in Vietnam. If you require in-depth support regarding residency procedures for overseas settlers, please contact Hotline 1900636389 immediately to receive support from the expert team at Long Phan Consulting Company.