Note on Procedure for Extending a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Procedure for Extending a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam is a procedure that foreigners need to follow when their temporary residence card is about to expire. This card is a legal document that allows foreigners to live and work in Vietnam for a specified period. However, the process of extending a temporary residence card can be challenging for those applying for an extension. The following article by Long Phan will outline important considerations to complete the procedure easily and quickly.

Procedure for Extending a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

When to Extend a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

A temporary residence card is issued by the immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, allowing foreigners to stay in Vietnam for a specific period and serves as a substitute for a visa.

According to Article 38 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended by Clause 16, Article 1 of the Amended Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2019), the validity of temporary residence cards for foreigners is as follows:

• The validity period of a temporary residence card must be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
• Temporary residence cards with the DT1 symbol are valid for no more than 10 years.
• Temporary residence cards with the NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, DT2, and DH symbols are valid for no more than 5 years.
• Temporary residence cards with the NN1, NN2, DT3, and TT symbols are valid for no more than 3 years.
• Temporary residence cards with the LĐ1, LĐ2, and PV1 symbols are valid for no more than 2 years.
• Expired temporary residence cards will be considered for renewal.

Additionally, point e, Clause 3, Article 18 of Decree 144/2021/ND-CP dated December 31, 2021, by the Government on administrative penalties in the fields of security, order, social safety; prevention of social evils, fire prevention and fighting, rescue and relief, and prevention of domestic violence stipulates that foreigners using temporary residence certificates, residence extensions, and temporary residence cards, who do not renew their permanent residence cards in Vietnam for a period exceeding 16 days but less than 30 days without authorization from the competent authority, will be fined between 3 million and 5 million VND.

Thus, foreigners who wish to continue staying in Vietnam for living and working purposes must undertake the procedure to extend their temporary residence card before it expires.

Procedure for Extending a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Preparation of Documents

Foreigners who have been granted visas with symbols NG1, NG2, and NG4, and wish to extend their temporary residence after entering Vietnam, must go through the inviting or sponsoring organization to submit a notification/request for extension of temporary residence to the Consular Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to Clause 2, Article 5 of Circular 04/2016/TT-BNG dated June 30, 2016, guiding procedures for visa issuance, temporary residence extension, and issuance of temporary residence cards for foreigners in Vietnam under the authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the documents required to extend a temporary residence card in Vietnam include:

• A document or diplomatic note notifying/requesting the extension of temporary residence.
• The passport of the foreigner with at least 30 days of validity remaining from the date of the extension request.
• An application form for visa issuance or extension of temporary residence (according to form NA5 issued with Circular 04/2015/TT-BCA), with confirmation and seal from the inviting or sponsoring organization.
• For foreigners visiting members of foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam, a copy of the identification card of the diplomatic mission member, issued by the State Protocol Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City, must be included.
• For foreigners who are contract employees working at foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam, a valid copy of the employment contract must be included.

Procedure for Extending a Temporary Residence Card

The procedure for extending a temporary residence card in Vietnam is as follows:

Step 1: Foreigners submit the extension application at one of the following locations:

• Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security:

Hanoi Office: No. 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi City.

Ho Chi Minh City Office: No. 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Department of Foreign Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City:

Address: 6 Alexandre de Rhodes, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Step 2: Receive the Result

• Time for result issuance: No more than 5 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application.
• The applicant must directly receive the result at the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security.
• When collecting the result, bring the appointment receipt, identification documents, and payment receipt for verification.

According to Clause 3, Article 5 of Circular 04/2016/TT-BNG.

Procedure for Extending a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam for foreigners

Authority for Processing Temporary Residence Card Extension Applications in Vietnam

The authority to process temporary residence card extension applications in Vietnam falls under the immigration management authorities or competent authorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically:

• Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security
• Department of Foreign Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City

Important Considerations for Extending a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

When extending a temporary residence card in Vietnam, individuals should be aware of the following:

• Check the Validity of the Current Temporary Residence Card: Before applying for an extension, verify the expiration date of the current card. Submit the extension application at least 5 days before the current card expires to avoid overdue issues and potential legal problems.
• Prepare Complete Documents as Required: Ensure that all required documents are prepared according to the regulations.
• Submit Documents to the Correct Authority: Applications should be submitted to the Immigration Department or the Department of Foreign Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Keep the Receipt: Retain the receipt received upon submission to track the processing progress and receive the new temporary residence card.
• Verify Extension Information: Double-check all information related to the temporary residence extension.
• Understand Relevant Legal Regulations: Be familiar with the legal regulations concerning the residence of foreigners in Vietnam.
• Consult an Expert: If uncertain about the process or have any questions, seek advice from professional extension services for specific guidance and support.

Consulting Services for Temporary Residence Card Extension in Vietnam

Extending a temporary residence card is a mandatory procedure for foreigners wishing to reside and work long-term in Vietnam. To address this, Long Phan provides the following support services:

• Consultation on Extension Conditions:Guidance on the conditions for extending temporary residence in Vietnam.
• Advice on Documents and Procedures:Assistance with the required documents and procedures for extending temporary residence.
• Document Preparation Support:Help in drafting applications and preparing documents for the extension.
• Procedure Assistance:Support in carrying out the procedure, including receiving and delivering the extended residence card to the client.

Additionally, Long Phan offers bilingual Vietnamese-English consulting services to help foreign clients overcome language barriers, ensuring a smooth and legally compliant process.

Consultation on Procedure for Extending a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam

Extending a temporary residence card in Vietnam is a crucial process for foreigners wishing to continue residing and working legally. By adhering to the guidelines for extending a temporary residence card, individuals can ensure a smooth process and avoid future risks. For any questions, please contact Long Phan at hotline 0906.735.386 for the best advice and support.