Vietnam Temporary Residence Card: What You Need to Know
Vietnam is one of the most vibrant and dynamic countries in Southeast Asia. Known for its bustling cities, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, it's no wonder that many people from all over the world are drawn to Vietnam for work, study, or travel. If you're planning on staying in Vietnam for an extended period, one of the most important things to consider is obtaining a temporary residence card vietnam.
A temporary residence card is a document that allows foreigners to stay in Vietnam for a period of up to three years. It serves as proof of your legal presence in the country and allows you to enter and exit Vietnam without having to apply for a new visa each time. It also gives you the ability to open a bank account, sign a lease, and conduct other official business in Vietnam.

A sample of Vietnam Temporary Residence Card
Who is eligible for a temporary residence card?
To be eligible for a temporary residence card, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:
- Having a valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration.
- Having a valid visa or visa exemption certificate.
- Having a legitimate reason for staying in Vietnam for an extended period, such as work, study, or family.
- Meeting any other requirements set by the Vietnamese government or relevant authorities.
How to apply for a temporary residence card

People want to stay in Vietnam for a longer time
The process of applying for a temporary residence card in Vietnam can seem daunting, but it's actually relatively straightforward. Here's what you need to do:
Step 1: Obtain a police clearance certificate
Before you can apply for a temporary residence card, you'll need to obtain a police clearance certificate from the Vietnamese authorities. This certificate proves that you have no criminal record in Vietnam and is required for all types of visas and residence cards.
To obtain a police clearance certificate, you'll need to visit the nearest police station and provide the following documents:
- Your passport
- Your visa or visa exemption certificate
- Two passport-sized photos
- A completed application form
- A fee of approximately 200,000 VND (about $10 USD)
Step 2: Prepare the necessary documents
Once you have your police clearance certificate, you'll need to prepare the following documents for your temporary residence card application:
- A completed application form (available at the Immigration Department or online)
- Two passport-sized photos (taken within the last six months)
- A copy of your passport (including the page with your visa or visa exemption stamp)
- A copy of your police clearance certificate
- A sponsor letter from your employer, school, or family member (depending on the reason for your stay)
- A fee of approximately 2,200,000 VND (about $100 USD) for a one-year card or 3,600,000 VND (about $150 USD) for a two- or three-year card
Step 3: Submit your application
Once you have all the necessary documents, you can submit your application for a temporary residence card at the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security. You'll need to provide all the documents listed above and pay the fee in cash.
The processing time for a temporary residence card can vary, but it usually takes around five working days. If your application is approved, you'll be issued with a temporary residence card that is valid for the length of time you requested (one, two, or three years).
Renewing your temporary residence card
If you wish to stay in Vietnam for longer than your temporary residence card allows, you'll need to renew it before it expires. The process for renewing your card is similar to the initial application process, but you'll need to provide updated documents and pay a renewal fee.
To renew your temporary residence card, you'll need to prepare the following documents:
A completed application form for renewal (available at the Immigration Department or online)
Two passport-size photos (taken within the last six months)
A copy of your passport (including the page with your current visa or visa exemption stamp)
A copy of your current temporary residence card
A sponsor letter from your employer, school, or family member (depending on the reason for your stay)
A fee of approximately 1,100,000 VND (about $50 USD) for a one-year renewal or 2,200,000 VND (about $100 USD) for a two- or three-year renewal
It's important to note that you should start the renewal process at least one month before your current card expires to allow enough time for processing. If you fail to renew your temporary residence card before it expires, you may be subject to fines or even deportation.
Benefits of having a temporary residence card
Having a temporary residence card in Vietnam comes with many benefits, including:
- The ability to stay in Vietnam for an extended period without having to apply for a new visa each time
- The ability to enter and exit Vietnam without having to obtain a new visa
- The ability to open a bank account and conduct other official business in Vietnam
- Access to healthcare services in Vietnam
- The ability to travel within Vietnam without having to carry your passport with you at all times
Overall, obtaining a temporary residence card in Vietnam is a smart choice for anyone who plans on staying in the country for an extended period. While the application process can be a bit daunting, it's well worth the effort to have the peace of mind that comes with having a legal and official document that allows you to stay in Vietnam for an extended period. With a temporary residence card, you'll be able to fully immerse yourself in the culture, language, and daily life of Vietnam, and enjoy all that this vibrant and exciting country has to offer.
Make contact with LTS to acquire most of the legal support about Vietnam’ regulation and requirements for foreigners.