Vietnam – Residency

What types of residency are available to foreign nationals in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s residence permit system is divided into Temporary Residence Cards (TRC) and Permanent Residence Cards (PRC). Under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners, these are further broken down by the reason for the application. Determining which category applies to your personal circumstances is the essential first step before taking any action.

Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

A TRC is a document issued by an immigration authority or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a foreign national who has been granted permission to reside in Vietnam for a defined period. Its validity mirrors that of the associated visa. It functions as a long-term residency permit, enabling you to live in Vietnam without the burden of repeated visa renewals. Subject to eligibility, a TRC may be valid for as long as 10 years.

As a general rule, you are eligible for a TRC if you hold a qualifying visa — such as an investor visa (DT1, DT2, or DT3), a work visa (LD1 or LD2), or a family or dependent visa (TT) — or if you are a foreign expert, manager, or executive working in Vietnam with a valid work permit or exemption. Dependants of foreign workers or investors, including spouses and children, may also qualify.

Investor TRC (DT Category)

Vietnam currently structures its investor visa arrangements into four tiers — DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4 — differentiated by the amount of capital contributed and the investment sector involved. DT1 applies to investors committing capital of VND 100 billion or above, or who invest in sectors or regions entitled to special investment incentives; the maximum TRC validity under this tier is 10 years. DT2 covers investors contributing between VND 50 billion and under VND 100 billion, or those active in priority development sectors, with TRC validity of up to 5 years. DT3, for capital contributions from VND 3 billion to under VND 50 billion, carries a maximum TRC validity of 3 years (as of 2025). DT4, which covers investments of less than VND 3 billion, provides a maximum TRC validity of 1 year.

Work-Based TRC (LD Category)

Foreign nationals intending to work in Vietnam are required to obtain a work visa, known as an LD visa. This visa alone, however, does not confer the legal entitlement to work — a separate work permit must also be secured. The LD visa applies to foreigners employed under labour contracts with organisations operating in Vietnam, and its validity corresponds to the duration of the work permit, capped at 2 years. The TRC issued on the basis of an LD1 or LD2 work visa is similarly valid for up to 2 years.

Family / Dependent TRC (TT Category)

Spouses, children, and other dependants of foreign workers may obtain visas under family sponsorship arrangements. The TT visa, along with the corresponding TRC, allows family members of foreign residents and spouses of Vietnamese citizens to live legally in Vietnam. Holders of a TT visa are subject to a temporary residence period not exceeding 12 months while their application for a temporary residence card is under consideration.

Permanent Residence Card (PRC)

The permanent residence card carries a validity of up to 10 years. Not every foreign national is eligible — only those belonging to one of four specific categories may apply: individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Vietnam’s national development or defence and have been recognised by the Vietnamese state through medals or honorary titles; foreign scientists and experts currently residing temporarily in Vietnam; foreigners whose parents, spouses, or children are Vietnamese citizens permanently residing in Vietnam and who are willing to sponsor the application; and stateless individuals who have been continuously residing in Vietnam since the year 2000 or earlier.

Proposed Golden Visa and Long-Stay Reforms

The Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board has separately put forward proposals for a new golden visa scheme aimed at long-term residents. This visa would be valid for five to ten years and renewable, and would target individuals capable of making meaningful economic, scientific, or cultural contributions to Vietnam. A Golden Visa programme was launched in May 2025, introducing 10-year residency options supported by streamlined digital processing. However, final investment thresholds and full eligibility criteria had not yet been confirmed at the time of publication — the Vietnam Immigration Department should always be consulted for the current status of these reforms.

How does temporary residency work in Vietnam, and how can it lead to permanent residency?

In Vietnam, foreign nationals planning an extended stay can choose between a long-term multiple-entry visa and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), depending on their circumstances and legal eligibility. For anyone intending to remain in the country for more than a year, the TRC is generally the more practical option, as it eliminates the need for ongoing visa renewals.

To be eligible for a TRC, you must first enter Vietnam on a qualifying visa — for instance, a work visa, investor visa, or dependent visa. Once you are in the country, you can apply at the Immigration Department to transition to a TRC, which replaces the requirement for repeated visa extensions. This differs significantly from systems such as the UK’s tiered route to settlement, which follows a relatively predictable timeline for most workers; Vietnam’s TRC is instead tied to your specific visa category and sponsoring organisation, rather than reflecting time spent in the country more broadly.

The TRC’s validity is also linked to your passport’s expiry date — it will always expire at least 30 days before the passport itself. If fewer than 13 months of validity remain on your passport, you will be issued a shorter TRC accordingly.

TRCs can be renewed, though holders must initiate this process before the card expires. The processing time for a renewal of a temporary residence permit in Vietnam is approximately 5 working days from the date a complete set of documents is received (as of 2025).

The route from TRC to permanent residency is considerably narrower than in many comparable countries. Foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in Vietnam must have lived in the country for a minimum of 3 consecutive years and be capable of financially supporting themselves. Crucially, this pathway is primarily accessible to those who are sponsored by a Vietnamese citizen family member — it is not a general route available to all long-term foreign residents. The required 3-year consecutive period is assessed on the basis of entry and exit stamps recorded at border checkpoints within the 4 years preceding the date on which the permanent residence application is submitted.

Foreign nationals holding long-term investor visas may also pursue permanent residence in Vietnam following a sustained period of residence and active investment. Being granted permanent residency removes the need for periodic visa renewals and confers certain rights broadly equivalent to those of citizens in the areas of residence, investment, and employment.

How do you apply for residency in Vietnam?

The application process differs depending on whether you are seeking a TRC or a PRC. Both are submitted to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security, but the steps involved and the associated timelines vary considerably. Always verify current procedures and fee schedules directly on the National Public Service Portal or the Vietnam Immigration Department website before lodging any application.

Applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)

1. Enter Vietnam on an eligible visa. You must first arrive in Vietnam holding a qualifying visa — such as a work, investor, or dependent visa. Investor applicants may submit an initial visa application through their sponsoring company via the National Public Service Portal.
2. Arrange a sponsoring organisation or individual. TRC applications can only be made onshore through the Immigration Department. In most cases, a Vietnamese company, organisation, or individual sponsor must submit the request on your behalf.
3. Prepare your document dossier. Collect all required documents (see the documents section below). Any documents in a foreign language or issued abroad must be translated and notarised before submission.
4. Submit your application to the Immigration Department. The inviting or sponsoring agency, organisation, or individual submits the application directly to the Immigration Authority in the location where the sponsor’s headquarters or residence is situated.
5. Await processing. The Immigration Authority is required to review and issue the Temporary Residence Card within 5 working days of receiving a complete dossier (as of 2025).
6. Collect your TRC. Once your application is approved, you collect the card in person from the issuing Immigration Department office.

Applying for a Permanent Residence Card (PRC)

1. Confirm eligibility. Only those falling within one of the four defined categories may apply: meritorious persons recognised by the Vietnamese state, scientists or experts, individuals sponsored by a Vietnamese citizen family member, or qualifying stateless persons.
2. Prepare your dossier. Assemble all required documents, ensuring that any non-Vietnamese documents are accompanied by certified Vietnamese translations.
3. Submit to the correct office. Applicants under the first two categories — meritorious persons and scientists or experts — must submit their dossiers in person to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security. Those applying under the third or fourth category must submit in person to the Immigration Office in the locality where they intend to reside.
4. Attend an interview if required. You are required to submit the application in person and may be called for an interview at the relevant immigration authority.
5. Await the decision. The Minister of Public Security must consider the application and issue a decision within 4 months of receiving a complete dossier. Where additional verification is needed, this period may be extended by up to 2 months (as of 2025).
6. Collect your PRC. Within 3 months of receiving notification that permanent residence has been granted, you must attend the immigration management office of the relevant province or centrally run city to collect your PRC.

The PRC application fee is USD 100 per card (as of 2024) — always consult the official fee schedule for the most current figure, as fees are subject to revision.

What documents do you need to apply for residency in Vietnam?

The documents required vary according to your residency category. The lists below reflect standard requirements, but you should always refer to the Vietnam Immigration Department for the definitive and current checklist, as requirements are subject to change.

For a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) — General Requirements

Applications require a core set of documents including a valid passport, the valid visa under which you are staying in Vietnam, and a completed application form accompanied by a recent photograph. Depending on the purpose of your stay, additional supporting documents are also necessary: employees must provide a work permit or work permit exemption certificate along with company registration documentation, while investors must submit their investment certificate.

• Original passport, valid for at least 1 year (or 2 years if applying for a 2-year TRC)
• Completed TRC application form (Form NA8)
• Sponsorship or introduction letter from the guaranteeing organisation or individual (Form NA6 or NA16)
• Confirmation of temporary residence registration certified by the local police in the area where the foreign national is residing (if available)
• Evidence of qualifying status (e.g. work permit for LD applicants; investment certificate for DT applicants; marriage certificate for TT applicants)
• Business registration or operating licence of the sponsoring company
• Seal registration certificate of the sponsoring organisation

For a Permanent Residence Card (PRC)

All documents — with the exception of the permanent residence application form, any diplomatic note, the visa, and the passport — must be translated into Vietnamese and either legalised or notarised in accordance with applicable regulations.

• Certified copy of passport
• Completed permanent residence application form (with recent photographs)
• Documents demonstrating eligibility for permanent residence consideration, along with a Guarantee Certificate for the applicant
• Police clearance certificate (criminal record check) issued by a competent authority in your country of citizenship
• A diplomatic note from the representative office of your country of citizenship, formally requesting that Vietnam permit your permanent residence
• Marriage registration certificate (for the family-sponsored route); TRC showing 3 consecutive years of residence; financial supporting documents (e.g. business licence, bank statements); and accommodation documents (e.g. tenancy agreement or property ownership certificate)

Do you need to register with any government department or authority after arriving in Vietnam?

Yes — registering with local authorities is a legal requirement for all foreign nationals in Vietnam, and this obligation is entirely separate from the visa or TRC application process. The concept is broadly comparable to address registration requirements found in countries such as Germany, where residents must formally notify the Anmeldung office, or Italy, where a residenza declaration is required.

Immigration authorities record a foreigner’s temporary residence status upon entry by affixing a seal to their visa or passport. This does not, however, replace the obligation to register your residential address with the local ward or commune police (Công an phường/xã).

People’s Committees at both the provincial/city level and the communal/ward level are responsible for managing and registering temporary residence, as well as certifying residence status for Temporary Residence Card dossiers. Foreign nationals are generally required to register their address within a short period of arriving at any new place of accommodation in Vietnam.

Hotels, serviced apartments, and guesthouses are legally obliged to register their foreign guests with the local police within 24 hours of check-in — in practice, this is usually handled automatically by the accommodation provider. If you are renting a private property, however, both you and your landlord share responsibility for ensuring registration is completed. A foreigner’s temporary residence is formally confirmed through certification issued by the ward or commune police where the individual is living.

Failure to register can lead to fines and may create complications when you apply for a TRC or PRC, as proof of registered accommodation is a standard documentary requirement. Confirmation of temporary residence registration certified by the local police may be required as part of the TRC application. Always keep your residence registration documentation current and update it whenever you change address.

What are the rights and restrictions that come with residency in Vietnam?

Whether you hold temporary or permanent residency in Vietnam, you are entitled to a defined set of rights and are subject to corresponding obligations. It is worth noting that the rights attached to residency status in Vietnam are more limited than those found in many other countries, and residency does not automatically open pathways to citizenship or unrestricted access to public services.

Rights of TRC Holders

TRC holders are entitled to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the card’s validity without obtaining a separate visa; to travel freely within Vietnam and participate in cultural, tourism, religious, and social activities; to avoid the cost and administrative burden of repeated visa applications; to be assisted in carrying out lawful activities such as conducting business, registering a marriage, or completing other legal procedures; to have their life, personal honour, property, and other legitimate rights and interests protected by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam during their period of residence; and to sponsor their grandparents, parents, spouse, and children to visit Vietnam.

Beyond simplifying longer-term stays by removing the need for frequent visa renewals, a TRC also brings practical lifestyle advantages — including the ability to open a bank account. Holders of a DT-category TRC may also purchase property in Vietnam, although this is limited to certain approved developments and subject to quotas on how many foreign-owned properties may exist within a given area. Foreign ownership is typically available for periods of up to 50 years.

Rights of PRC Holders

A renewable 10-year permanent residence card allows the holder to enter and leave Vietnam without needing a visa, and to sponsor relatives to visit or settle in Vietnam. Permanent residents have the right to bring their foreign spouse, children, and parents to live in Vietnam with them. In some circumstances, permanent residents may also be able to enrol their children in local educational institutions and participate in social and health insurance schemes.

Work Rights

A work visa alone does not provide the legal right to work in Vietnam — a separate work permit is also required. However, holders of DT1 to DT4 investor visas who serve in a qualifying capacity — such as owner or capital contributor of a limited liability company, or chairman or member of the Board of Directors of a joint stock company — are eligible for a work permit exemption. This significantly reduces administrative requirements and allows investors to focus their attention on their business operations.

Healthcare and Social Services

Foreign residents in Vietnam are entitled to access hospital services and to enrol in health insurance schemes. Vietnam’s public healthcare system is accessible to registered foreign residents who contribute to the national social health insurance programme. Unlike universal healthcare systems in certain other countries, where coverage is automatic for residents, Vietnam’s system generally requires active enrolment and regular premium payments. As a result, many expatriates choose to complement statutory coverage with a private international health insurance policy.

Citizenship Eligibility

Vietnam does not generally permit dual citizenship. Naturalisation is technically available, but only to individuals who have resided in Vietnam for at least five consecutive years on a long-term residency card, can communicate in Vietnamese, hold a clean criminal record, and have a stable source of income. Amendments to the Vietnam Nationality Law taking effect in July 2025 remove the 5-year residency requirement for investors whose contributions support national development. Exceptions to the prohibition on dual nationality now also apply where holding foreign citizenship is deemed to be of benefit to Vietnam, although government officials remain required to renounce any other citizenships. These reforms are significant but continue to evolve — consult official sources for the most up-to-date position before pursuing a naturalisation pathway.

Where can you find reliable, up-to-date information on residency in Vietnam?

Vietnam’s immigration and residency regulations are revised on a regular basis, particularly as the country continues to develop its framework for attracting international talent and investment. Always verify specific requirements, applicable fees, and current processing times directly with official sources before submitting any application.

• Vietnam Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security): The principal authority for all matters relating to entry, exit, and residence. Their official portal — xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — publishes current procedures, application forms, and regulatory updates.
• National Public Service Portal: dichvucong.bocongan.gov.vn is used for the online submission of visa and TRC sponsorship applications.
• Vietnam e-Visa Portal: evisa.gov.vn processes electronic visa applications for eligible nationalities and represents the most common entry route prior to applying for a TRC.
• Vietnamese Embassies and Consulates abroad: For those applying for a visa or seeking pre-arrival guidance from outside Vietnam, the nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission is the appropriate first point of contact. A full directory is available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at mofa.gov.vn.
• Provincial Immigration Offices: For PRC applications falling under the family or stateless person categories, the relevant authority is the immigration office at provincial or city level — for example in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, or Da Nang. Local People’s Committee offices also handle residential registration.

Visa and residence regulations in Vietnam are periodically amended. It is essential to keep documentation under regular review to ensure ongoing compliance, particularly given the pace at which Vietnam’s legal framework is evolving. For complex applications — especially those involving permanent residency or naturalisation — consulting a qualified Vietnamese immigration lawyer is strongly advisable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the TRC application process typically take?

The Immigration Authority is required to review and issue the Temporary Residence Card within 5 working days of receiving a complete dossier (as of 2025). That said, delays can arise if documentation is incomplete or if additional checks are needed. It is worth preparing your documents carefully and allowing extra time, particularly for those requiring notarisation or consular legalisation.

Can family members be included in a residency application?

Spouses, children, and other dependants of foreign workers may obtain visas through family sponsorship. TRC holders may also sponsor their spouse and children under the age of 18 to reside with them for the duration of the card’s validity, subject to the agreement of the sponsoring organisation or individual. Family members typically receive a TT-category visa and TRC. A separate application must be submitted for each family member.

What happens if a residency application is refused?

If your TRC or PRC application is found to be incomplete or deficient, the Immigration Department will advise you accordingly and you may reapply once the issues have been addressed. In cases of outright refusal on eligibility grounds, you should seek advice from a qualified Vietnamese immigration lawyer, as the basis for refusal and any available recourse will depend on your specific situation and the relevant provisions of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners.

Can residency be lost through extended absence from Vietnam?

Extended periods spent outside Vietnam can affect your residency status. For PRC applicants using the family-sponsored route, the required 3-year consecutive residence period is assessed using entry and exit stamps recorded at border checkpoints — prolonged absences may therefore disrupt the qualifying period. Temporary residence cards can be renewed without the need to re-enter Vietnam, provided the underlying visa category remains active and valid.

How does residency in Vietnam relate to tax obligations?

Holding a TRC or PRC does not in itself determine your tax residency status, though it is a significant indicator. Under Vietnamese tax law, a foreign national is generally regarded as a tax resident if they spend 183 days or more in Vietnam during a calendar year, or if they have a registered permanent address in the country. Tax residents are liable for personal income tax on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on income sourced in Vietnam at a flat rate. Given the potential interaction with tax treaties between Vietnam and your home country, consulting a qualified tax adviser is strongly recommended.

Is there a retirement visa or specific pathway for retirees?

Vietnam does not currently have a dedicated retirement visa category equivalent to schemes offered in countries such as Thailand or Malaysia. Retirees most commonly remain in the country using the 90-day e-visa, consecutive visa arrangements, or — where they have a Vietnamese spouse or eligible family member — by applying for a TT-category TRC. The proposed Golden Visa reforms may eventually provide a more suitable long-term option for financially self-sufficient retirees; check the Immigration Department for the latest developments.

How does Vietnam’s permanent residency compare to systems in other countries?

Vietnam’s permanent residency arrangements are considerably more restrictive than those found in many other countries. While nations such as Australia and Canada generally allow most long-term visa holders to seek permanent residency after a set period — typically between 2 and 5 years — Vietnam’s PRC is confined to four specific groups: meritorious persons recognised by the state, scientists and experts, individuals sponsored by a Vietnamese citizen family member, and qualifying stateless persons. This means that long-term TRC renewal remains the primary option for the vast majority of foreign residents.

Is Vietnamese citizenship possible after obtaining permanent residency?

Naturalisation is technically possible but subject to strict conditions — applicants must have resided in Vietnam for a minimum of five consecutive years on a long-term residency card, be able to communicate in Vietnamese, have a clean criminal record, and demonstrate a stable livelihood. Amendments to the Vietnam Nationality Law effective July 2025 remove the 5-year residency condition for investors whose contributions support national development, and introduce exceptions to the dual nationality prohibition where holding foreign citizenship is deemed beneficial to Vietnam. Given the complexity and evolving nature of these rules, professional legal advice is strongly recommended for anyone considering this pathway.

Do I need a work permit as well as a visa or TRC to work in Vietnam?

Yes. Holding a work visa (LD visa) alone does not grant the legal entitlement to work in Vietnam — a separate work permit, sponsored by your employer, is also required. Both the visa and the work permit application must be supported by the employing organisation. However, certain senior roles — such as managers or specialists whose expertise is not readily available locally, or those working under international agreements — may be eligible for a work permit exemption. Holders of DT1 to DT4 investor visas who act as company owners or board members are similarly exempt from the work permit requirement.