Applying for a temporary residence card is an important procedure for foreign workers who want to work and reside in Vietnam for a long term. Although the process is not too complicated, understanding the legal requirements, necessary documents, and related fees will help you save time and effort. In this article, FTA LAW will guide you through the detailed steps to apply for a temporary residence card and the important notes to ensure a smooth process.
1. Who can apply for a temporary residence card in Vietnam?
It is an important procedure for foreigners who plan to work, live, or conduct business in the country for an extended period. According to Vietnamese law, the card is granted to foreign workers who possess a valid work permit or a work permit exemption with a validity of 12 months or more. The duration of the card will depend on the remaining validity period of the work permit held by the worker.
The application procedure can be done directly at the competent authorities or submitted via the National Public Service Portal – which helps save time and simplify administrative processes. This is an ideal option for foreigners who wish to work long-term in Vietnam without facing any legal obstacles.
Image: The temporary residence card is issued to foreigners who have a valid work permit
2. Duration and regulations on the temporary residence card for foreign workers
According to Vietnamese legal regulations, the maximum validity period of a work permit for foreigners is 02 years. Therefore, the card may also have the same duration. However, there are several important notes when applying for the card:
In case the passport is expiring: If the foreign worker’s passport does not have at least 2 years of remaining validity, the temporary residence card will be issued based on the passport’s remaining validity but not less than 1 year. This means the worker must ensure that their passport is valid long enough to apply for a legitimate temporary residence card.
For Chinese citizens: Those holding electronic passports (E-passports) will be granted a visa with a maximum duration of 1 year, according to separate regulations.
3. Conditions and requirements to apply for a temporary residence card
Foreign workers must meet the following basic conditions:
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Valid passport: The passport must be valid for at least 1 year if applying for a 1-year card, or at least 2 years if applying for a 2-year card.
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Valid visa: The visa being used in Vietnam must match the work purpose, with types such as LD, LD1, LD2, or DN, DN1, DN2, sponsored by the company.
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Work permit or work permit exemption: The worker must hold a work permit valid for at least 12 months (1 year). In case of switching from another visa or temporary residence card type to a work-based temporary residence card, the worker must have a valid work permit and other legal documents as required by law.
Image: Foreigners must meet specific conditions to apply for a temporary residence card
4. Application documents and procedure to apply for a temporary residence card for foreign workers
4.1. Documents for direct submission
When submitting an application for a temporary residence card for a foreign worker, the organization or enterprise must prepare the following documents:
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Enterprise operation certificate (Business Registration Certificate, Investment License, or Branch/Representative Office Operation License, depending on the business type).
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Seal specimen registration certificate or seal specimen notification document of the enterprise.
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NA16 form registering the seal and signature of the legal representative of the enterprise.
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Work permit or work permit exemption of the foreign worker (must be certified).
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Application forms for temporary residence card (Form NA6, NA8).
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Passport, visa, or previous temporary residence card of the foreign worker (along with the current temporary residence card if available).
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Temporary residence confirmation or online temporary residence registration form, confirmed by the local police authority.
In addition, in the case of changing visa purpose, the worker must provide a reasonable explanation of the suitability and reasons for the change in visa purpose.
4.2. Documents for online submission
Online applying helps minimize time and travel efforts. The enterprise needs to register an account through the National Public Service Portal, fill in the worker’s information, upload all documents to the system, and submit the application. The process is simple and can be tracked directly on the portal.
5. Time and place to submit the application
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Place to submit: Enterprises can submit applications at the Immigration Department or the Immigration Office of the provincial or municipal police department.
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Processing time: The card issuance process takes about 5 working days from the date the application is submitted to the competent authority.
6. Fees for applying for a temporary residence card
The application fee for foreign workers in Vietnam is an important factor to consider during the preparation and completion of the procedure. This fee depends on the duration of the card applied for. The fee levels are clearly defined as follows:
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Duration from 1 year to 2 years: The fee is 145 USD. This is the common fee for foreign workers working in Vietnam for a period from one to two years, issued to those planning long-term work but not exceeding two years.
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Duration from 2 years to 5 years: The fee is 155 USD. This type of card suits workers planning long-term employment in Vietnam, especially experts, investors, or those participating in major projects that require extended residence in Vietnam.
7. Conclusion
Applying for a temporary residence card is not just a simple administrative procedure, but also a crucial factor that helps foreign workers stabilize their life and work in Vietnam for a long time. With clear and detailed regulations on documents, conditions, and fees, this procedure can be completed quickly if you understand the legal requirements. With a team of professional lawyers, FTA LAW is committed to helping you complete the application easily and in accordance with the regulations for foreigners.
The above content is for reference only and does not constitute official legal advice from FTA LAW’s team of lawyers. If you have any questions or require consultation for a specific case, please contact us at: support@ftalaw.vn – We are always ready to listen and support you.