Applying for a temporary residence card is an important part of the administrative procedure for foreign workers who want to work and live in Vietnam for an extended period. However, during the process of working, there are cases where the card may be lost or damaged, and applying for a replacement card is a necessary procedure to maintain legal status during the stay in Vietnam. Let’s explore the detailed process for applying for a temporary residence card, the necessary documents, and important notes to help you complete the procedure quickly and accurately with FTA LAW.
1. When do foreigners need to confirm the loss or damage of a temporary residence card?
Losing or damaging a temporary residence card is a common issue faced by many foreign workers during their time in Vietnam. However, the process for handling this case is relatively simple. When the card is lost or damaged, the foreign worker does not need to obtain confirmation of the loss from the relevant authorities. Instead, the worker only needs to apply for a replacement card without having to prove or notify the authorities about the loss or damage.
This helps simplify the administrative procedure and makes it more convenient for foreign workers to replace it when issues arise. However, in some special cases, if required by the immigration authorities, the foreign worker may need to provide additional information to explain the loss or damage of the card.
Image: Foreigners only need to apply for a replacement temporary residence card if it is lost.
2. Key considerations when requesting a replacement for a misplaced or damaged residence card:
When foreign workers experience the loss or damage of their temporary residence card, there are several important conditions to note before applying for a replacement card:
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Passport validity: One of the key factors in the procedure for replacing the temporary residence card is that the foreign worker’s passport must have at least 13 months of validity to ensure the worker can legally stay in Vietnam for the entire duration of the card’s validity.
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Work permit or work permit exemption: For those working in Vietnam, the work permit or work permit exemption must be valid for at least 12 months. If the work permit does not have sufficient remaining time, the worker will need to apply for a visa.
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For investors: Foreign investors can apply for a replacement temporary residence card with a duration equal to or longer than the old card, but it cannot exceed 5 years according to current legal regulations.
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For relatives of Vietnamese citizens: Individuals with a spouse, child under 18 years old, or other relatives who are Vietnamese citizens may apply for a replacement temporary residence card with a duration equal to the old card or potentially longer, but not exceeding 5 years.
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Explanation letter: When applying for a replacement card, the worker must submit a detailed explanation letter regarding the reason for the loss or damage of the card, which helps the authorities understand the situation and process the replacement.
Image: Important notes for foreigners when applying for a replacement temporary residence card.
3. Documents and procedures for applying for a replacement temporary residence card due to damage or loss
3.1. Foreign workers sponsored by companies or organizations
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Application form for a temporary residence card (NA6, NA8 form, one original of each).
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Original passport or damaged old temporary residence card.
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Statement explaining the reason for the loss of the card.
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2×3 cm photos (2 pieces, one attached to the NA8 form, one included in the application).
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Online residence confirmation form or temporary residence confirmation issued by the local police department.
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Company introduction letter for the employee applying for the card replacement.
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Work permit or work permit exemption
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Documents proving family relationships (birth certificate, marriage certificate, family relationship certificate, etc.) for those applying as family members of foreign workers.
3.2. Foreigners visiting family sponsored by Vietnamese citizens
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Application form for a temporary residence card (NA7, NA8 form).
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Original passport, visa, or damaged old residence card.
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Statement explaining the reason for the loss of the residence card.
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2×3 cm photos (2 pieces).
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Copies or notarized translations of documents proving family relationships (birth certificate, marriage certificate, family relationship certificate, household registration, etc.).
4. Submission procedure and receiving results for the temporary residence card:
4.1. Where to submit the application
The application for a replacement card can be submitted to the Immigration Department in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, or to the immigration office of the police department in the provinces and cities where the business is located. The submission can be done in person or online, depending on the specific case.
Fees: The fee for applying for a replacement card can be paid in Vietnamese Dong (VND) or US Dollars (USD), depending on the receiving authority’s regulations. However, note that other payment methods such as bank transfers or credit cards are not accepted.
4.2. Receiving results
This will be issued within 5 working days from the date of application submission at the relevant authorities. The worker can receive the card at the immigration office or by mail if requested.
Hình: Thẻ tạm trú cho người nước ngoài thường được trả vòng 5 ngày làm việc
5. Conclusion
Although the procedure for replacing a temporary residence card is not too complicated, it requires accuracy and completeness in the documents to avoid wasting time and effort. With a professional team of lawyers experienced in immigration law, FTA LAW is committed to assisting you from A to Z in completing the process of applying for a temporary residence card replacement. If you encounter difficulties in preparing your documents or are unsure about the process, do not hesitate to contact FTA LAW for quick and efficient legal consultation and services.
The content above is for reference purposes and not official advice from the team of lawyers at FTA LAW. If you have any questions or need advice for a specific case, please contact us at: support@ftalaw.vn – We are always ready to listen and assist you.