If you are looking for detailed information about the procedures and conditions for reissuing a temporary residence card for foreigners in Vietnam, this article will provide you with a comprehensive overview. Understanding the legal regulations and processes will help you save time and avoid unnecessary mistakes. FTA Law will share useful information and step-by-step guidance for foreigners to carry out this procedure easily and quickly.
Image: The procedure for reissuing a Temporary Residence Card for foreigners in Vietnam.
1. Why is it Necessary to Reissue a Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners?
Reissuing a temporary residence card for foreigners is a crucial process to ensure that foreigners can legally reside in Vietnam. When the card expires, is lost, or damaged, the foreigner must complete the reissuance process. Additionally, there are many other reasons that make reissuing the card necessary. Below are the most common reasons:
1.1 Expired Card
The temporary residence card has a fixed validity period, usually ranging from 1 to 5 years, depending on the type of card. When the card expires, the holder must go through the reissuance process to maintain legal residence status. Failure to reissue the card in a timely manner can lead to serious legal issues, affecting the foreigner’s work and life in Vietnam. It is recommended to begin the reissuance process at least one month before the card expires to avoid any disruptions.
1.2 Lost or Damaged Card
It is common for a temporary residence card to be lost or damaged. In such cases, the foreigner must complete the reissuance procedure to ensure that their legal residence status is maintained. If the card is damaged (e.g., torn, faded, or unusable), reissuing the card is mandatory. The reissuance procedure is not very complicated, but it requires proper documentation to avoid wasting time.
1.3 Change of Personal Information
If there is a change in personal information (e.g., name, nationality, date of birth, residential address), the foreigner needs to reissue the temporary residence card to update the new information. This ensures that the information on the card matches other documents, avoiding future legal complications. To update the information, the foreigner must provide valid documents proving the change (e.g., birth certificate, name change documents).
1.4 Change in Residency Status
A change in residency status also requires reissuing the temporary residence card. For example, if a foreigner changes from a student visa to a work visa or from a tourist visa to a business visa, the card needs to be adjusted to reflect the new residency status. This ensures that the information on the card remains accurate and consistent with the foreigner’s actual residency status in Vietnam.
Image: Temporary Residence Card needs to be reissued to maintain foreigner’s residency status
2. Conditions for Reissuing a Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners
To be eligible for the reissuance of a temporary residence card in Vietnam, foreigners must meet several basic conditions. These conditions are clearly defined in Vietnamese law to ensure that only those who are legally residing can continue to stay in the country.
2.1 Provide a Valid Reason
The foreigner must provide a valid reason for requesting the reissuance of the card. The reason could be due to the card expiring, being lost, damaged, or a change in personal information. Each reissuance request must have a clear and legal reason. Providing a valid reason will help the application for reissuance to be processed faster.
2.2 Passport Validity
An important condition is that the foreigner’s passport must still be valid. According to regulations, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months to 1 year from the date of application. Additionally, the passport must have sufficient blank pages to affix the new residence card. If the passport has expired, it must be renewed before applying for the reissuance of the temporary residence card.
2.3 Provide Documents Proving Legal Residence Status
Foreigners must provide documents proving that they are legally residing in Vietnam. Typically, these documents include a temporary residence confirmation from the local police, a labor contract, or a work permit (for foreign workers). Providing valid documentation will help prove that the foreigner has complied with their legal obligations during their stay in Vietnam.
2.4 Compliance with Vietnamese Laws
Foreigners must comply with all relevant Vietnamese laws during their previous stay. If, during their stay, they violated any laws (such as visa violations or other offenses), they may be denied the reissuance of the card. Therefore, adhering to the law is a crucial factor.
Image: Conditions for reissuing a Temporary Residence Card for foreigners.
3. Application Documents for Reissuing a Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners
Depending on the specific case (e.g., labor, family visit, or investor), the required documents for reissuing a temporary residence card will vary. Preparing a complete set of documents is the first step to completing the reissuance process quickly.
3.1 Application for Reissuance Due to Work Permit
For foreigners working in Vietnam, the documents required for reissuance include:
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A request letter (Form NA6).
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Original valid passport.
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Valid work permit.
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Temporary residence confirmation from the local police.
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Two passport-sized photos (2×3 cm, white background).
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Copy of the business license of the company where the foreigner is employed.
3.2 Application for Reissuance for Family Visit (Spouse)
For foreigners visiting their spouse in Vietnam, the required documents include:
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Request letter (Forms NA6 and NA16).
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Original passport.
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Passport and temporary residence card of the sponsoring spouse.
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Two passport-sized photos (2×3 cm, white background).
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Temporary residence confirmation from the local police.
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A notarized copy of the marriage certificate (translated into Vietnamese).
3.3 Application for Reissuance for Foreign Investors
For foreign investors in Vietnam, the required documents include:
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Forms NA6, NA16, NA8.
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Investment certificate (if available).
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Original passport and visa.
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Latest quarterly tax report from the company.
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Two passport-sized photos (2×3 cm, white background).
4. Procedures for Reissuing a Temporary Residence Card for Foreigners
Following the correct process will help save time and avoid unnecessary complications. Below are the detailed steps to follow when reissuing the temporary residence card:
4.1 Procedure for Lost or Damaged Cards
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Step 1: Prepare the required documents.
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Step 2: Submit the application at the immigration office.
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Step 3: The authorities will review and verify the legality of the documents.
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Step 4: Receive the new temporary residence card.
4.2 Procedure When Changing Passport
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Step 1: Complete the sponsorship procedure with the Immigration Department.
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Step 2: Reapply for the work permit (if the passport has changed).
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Step 3: Apply for the new temporary residence card.
5. Fees and Processing Time
When reissuing the temporary residence card, you need to prepare for the applicable fees and processing times.
5.1 Fees
The reissuance fee varies depending on the type of card and the submission method. Common fees are:
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In-person submission: 145 USD/card (for less than 2 years), 155 USD/card (for 2-5 years), 165 USD/card (for 5-10 years).
5.2 Processing Time
The usual processing time is 5 working days. However, if additional documents are required or there are procedural issues, the time may be extended.
6. Important Notes When Reissuing the Card
To avoid mistakes and ensure a smooth process, keep in mind the following key points:
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The passport must be valid for at least 13 months from the submission date.
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Work permits must be valid if the foreigner is working in Vietnam.
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Submit the application to the correct authority.
7. Conclusion
Reissuing the temporary residence card for foreigners in Vietnam is an important process. FTA Law is always ready to assist you in completing the procedure quickly and accurately. A small mistake in preparing documents or not understanding the requirements may lead to delays or rejection of the reissuance, impacting the foreigner’s rights during their stay in Vietnam.
Note: The content above is for reference only and does not constitute official legal advice from FTA Law‘s legal team. 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.