Detailed Guide to Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Obtaining a temporary residence card in Vietnam is a mandatory procedure for foreigners who wish to live, work, or study in Vietnam. Depending on the type of entity and the purpose of temporary residence in Vietnam, the procedures and required documents may vary accordingly. The following article from Long Phan provides essential information that you need to understand when applying for a temporary residence card.

Guide to Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Cases for Applying for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

There are two main cases for applying for a temporary residence card in Vietnam:

• Foreigners as members of Diplomatic Missions, consular agencies, presentative offices of United Nations’ international organizations, or intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam, and their spouses, children under 18 years old, and accompanying domestic staff. In this case, the temporary residence card is designated as NG3.
• Foreigners entering Vietnam with visas marked LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LĐ1, LĐ2, TT may be granted a temporary residence card with a designation similar to their visa.

According to Article 36 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, as amended by Clause 14, Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2019:

Conditions for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

To be eligible for a temporary residence card in Vietnam, foreigners must meet the following conditions:

Firstly, having a passport or travel document with international validity and a visa, unless exempted under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014. For foreigners entering under unilateral visa exemption, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Secondly, must not fall under the exclusion criteria specified in Article 21 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended in 2019), including:

• Not meeting the requirements for a passport or travel document and visa.
• Children under 14 years old without a parent, guardian, or authorized person accompanying them.
• Providing false documents or information to obtain entry, exit, or residence documents.
• Suffering from mental illness or infectious diseases that pose a public health risk.
• Deported from Vietnam less than 3 years from the effective date of the deportation decision.
• Ordered to leave Vietnam less than 6 months from the effective date of the departure order.
• Due to disease prevention and control reasons.
• Due to natural disasters.
• Due to national defense, security, public order, and safety reasons.
• Foreigners using an e-visa must meet the above conditions and enter through international checkpoints designated by the Government.

Based on the provisions of Article 20 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended by Clause 11, Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2019).

Procedure for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Authorized Agencies

According to Article 4 of Circular 31/2015/TT-BCA dated July 6, 2015, which provides guidance on visa issuance, temporary residence card issuance, exit and entry permits, and permanent residence for foreigners in Vietnam, issued by the Minister of Public Security, the competent authorities are the Immigration Department or the Immigration Office of the Provincial or City Police where the inviting or sponsoring organization or individual is located.

Required Documents

The documents required for applying for a temporary residence card in Vietnam for foreigners are as follows:

• Application Letter: A letter of request from the inviting or sponsoring organization or individual (Form NA6 for organizations, NA7 for individuals).
• Temporary Residence Card Application Form: Completed application form for a temporary residence card (Form NA8).
• Supporting Documents: Documents proving eligibility for a temporary residence card, such as: work permit, confirmation of not requiring a work permit, or other documents demonstrating the conditions for issuing a temporary residence card.
• Photos: Two 2×3 cm photos (one attached to the application form, one separate).

Legal Basis

This is based on Article 37, Clause 1 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended by Clause 15, Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2019) and Clauses 6 and 7, Article 2 of Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA dated January 5, 2015, by the Ministry of Public Security, which outlines the forms and documents related to the entry, exit, transit, and residence of foreigners in Vietnam.

Form NA7 sponsorship application for temporary card issuance

Procedure for Procedure for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Prepare all required documents listed above. Please note the deadlines for these documents. If the deadlines are not met, the foreigner will not be issued a temporary residence card in Vietnam.

Step 2: Submit Documents

• Foreign diplomatic missions, consular offices, or other authorized foreign agencies in Vietnam should submit the application for a temporary residence card with the code NG3 to the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• The inviting or sponsoring organization or individual should submit the application for a temporary residence card for the foreigner, as specified in Clause 2, Article 36 of the Law, directly to the immigration management authority where the inviting or sponsoring organization or individual is located.

Step 3: Receive Result 

The immigration management authority or the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will review and issue the temporary residence card within 5 working days from the date of receiving a complete application.

This is based on Article 37, Clause 2 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended by Clause 15, Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2019)

Fees

 According to Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC dated November 10, 2016, by the Minister of Finance, the fees for issuing temporary residence cards are as follows:

• Temporary residence card valid for up to 2 years: 145 USD/card
• Temporary residence card valid for more than 2 years but less than 5 years: 155 USD/card
• Temporary residence card valid for more than 5 years but less than 10 years: 165 USD/card

Processing Time 

According to Point c, Clause 2, Article 37 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended by Clause 15, Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2019), the processing time is 5 working days from the date of receiving a complete application.

Consulting Services for Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam by Long Phan

With a team of experienced professionals, Long Phan offers in-depth consultation and support for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam. Our services include:

• Advising on the conditions for obtaining a temporary residence card.
• Providing legal advice and procedures for renewing a temporary residence card.
• Guiding clients in preparing the necessary documents and materials for applying for a temporary residence card.
• Completing the application for a temporary residence card in Vietnam for clients.
• Acting on behalf of clients to complete the full service for obtaining a temporary residence card at the competent authorities.

Additionally, Long Phan offers bilingual consulting services in Vietnamese and English, making it easier for foreigners to access and complete the temporary residence card application process in Vietnam. With expert assistance, clients can save time and avoid unnecessary errors.

Consulting for Temporary Residence Card

A temporary residence card is an essential document for foreigners living and working in Vietnam. The application process can be challenging due to its complexity and strict legal requirements. If you have any questions or need assistance with Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam, please contact Long Phan at Hotline 0906.735.386 for prompt and dedicated support. Thank you.