TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD SERVICE FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM
Professional, dedicated, responsible, reasonable price
Address: No. 9 Phan Ke Binh, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: 0942.050.407 - Email: ngocthu@thuyngoclaw.com
--------------
1. WHAT IS TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD SERVICE?
Temporary residence card service for foreigners in Vietnam is a legal service that supports foreign citizens residing and working in Vietnam to carry out the necessary procedures to be granted a temporary residence card according to the provisions of Vietnamese law.
A temporary residence card is a type of document issued by a competent immigration authority of Vietnam to foreigners, allowing them to legally reside in Vietnam for a certain period of time, usually from 1 year to 5 years, depending on the specific purpose and category.
Unlike a visa that is only valid for a short period of time, a temporary residence card is usually valid for 1 to 5 years (depending on the type of card and purpose of stay), helping foreigners avoid having to renew their visa multiple times, saving time and money.
2. BENEFITS OF TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD
Possessing a temporary residence card brings many important benefits to foreigners in Vietnam, including:
a) Legal residence
Temporary residence card confirms the right of foreigners to legally reside in Vietnam, avoiding legal troubles related to overstaying or illegal residence.
b) Convenient travel
Temporary residence card holders can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times without having to apply for a new visa during the card's validity period.
c) Stabilize life and work
Temporary residence card helps foreigners stabilize their life and work in Vietnam, making it easier to rent a house, register for public services, or carry out other civil transactions.
Facilitate study, business, investment, marriage, sponsorship of relatives, opening bank accounts, purchasing assets (according to the provisions of law).
Minimize complicated administrative procedures, helping foreigners focus on work and life in Vietnam.
d) Some other benefits
Depending on the type of card and specific regulations, temporary residence card holders may enjoy certain benefits such as labor rights, family sponsorship rights, etc.
3. SUBJECTS GRANTED TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD
Subjects granted temporary residence cards under current regulations of Vietnam include the following subjects:
a) Foreigners are investors who establish companies, contribute capital, and buy shares in Vietnamese or foreign enterprises and organizations in Vietnam;
b) Foreigners are workers entering Vietnam to work long-term with a work permit (except for some exempted cases) and a license to practice in Vietnam;
c) Foreigners whose spouses, parents, or children have been granted temporary residence cards in Vietnam;
d) Foreigners of Vietnamese origin or relatives who are Vietnamese (including wife, husband, parents, children, grandparents...);
e) Foreigners entering Vietnam as diplomats or journalists according to diplomatic regulations and press laws.....
4. SYMBOLS AND VALIDITY OF TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD IN VIETNAM
The symbol of the temporary residence card is similar to the visa symbol.
a) Temporary residence card with symbol DT1 : Validity: Not more than 10 years
Temporary residence card with symbol DT1 is issued to foreign investors with contributed capital of 100 billion VND or more or investing in preferential industries, occupations, and locations.
b) Temporary residence card with symbols NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, DT2, DH : Not more than 05 years
- Temporary residence card with symbol NG3 is issued to members of diplomatic missions, consulates, international organizations of the United Nations and their families (wife, husband, children under 18 years old, accompanying domestic helpers).
- Temporary residence card with symbol LS issued to foreign lawyers practicing in Vietnam.
- Temporary residence cards with symbols LV1 and LV2 are issued to people working with central agencies, departments, branches, and organizations (LV1) or socio-political organizations, social organizations, and enterprises with legal status in Vietnam (LV2).
- Temporary residence card with symbol DT2 is issued to foreign investors with capital contribution from 50 billion to less than 100 billion VND or investing in encouraged industries, professions and areas.
- Temporary residence card with symbol DH is issued to foreigners coming to practice or study in Vietnam.
c) Temporary residence card with symbols NN1, NN2, DT3, TT : Not more than 03 years.
- Temporary residence card with symbol NN1 is issued to Head of representative office, project of international organization, foreign non-governmental organization in Vietnam.
- Temporary residence card with symbol NN2 is issued to the Head of representative office, branch of foreign trader, other foreign economic, cultural and professional organizations in Vietnam.
- Temporary residence card with symbol DT3 issued to foreign investors with contributed capital from 3 billion to less than 50 billion VND
- Temporary residence card with symbol TT issued to the wife, husband, and children under 18 years old of a foreigner with a temporary residence card.
d) Temporary residence card with symbols LD1, LD2, PV1 : Not more than 02 years.
- Temporary residence card with symbol PV1 is issued to reporters and journalists residing permanently in Vietnam.
- Temporary residence cards with symbols LD1 and LD2 are issued to foreigners working in Vietnam. LD1 is not required to have a work permit, while LD2 is required to have a work permit.
Important Note:
The validity of the temporary residence card issued will always be at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport. This means that you need to ensure that your passport is still valid enough to be issued a temporary residence card for the desired duration. When the temporary residence card expires, you can apply for a new one if you still meet the legal requirements.
5. CONDITIONS FOR ISSUING TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM
Conditions for applying for temporary residence card for foreigners are as follows:
- Foreigners residing in Vietnam.
- Foreigners entering the country with visas marked LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, TT.
- Foreigners' passports must be valid for at least the same period as the intended temporary residence card.
- Foreigners must register for temporary residence at the commune or ward police station or register online according to regulations.
- Foreigners must have papers and documents as prescribed by law to prove that they are eligible for a temporary residence card.
6. DOCUMENTS TO PREPARE TO MAKE A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD IN VIETNAM
a) Passport;
b) Entry visas have the following symbols: LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, TT.
c) Certificate of temporary residence registration or temporary residence registration book of the foreigner: Confirmed by the police of the ward or commune where the foreigner is temporarily residing in Vietnam.
d) Documents proving eligibility for temporary residence card.
Depending on the subject, the following documents may be included:
For investors:
- Documents proving that you are an investor in Vietnam (Investment registration certificate, Business registration certificate); documents proving that you have completed the capital contribution.
- Depending on the type of investment and capital level, there will be different temporary residence card symbols (DT1, DT2, DT3) with different durations.
For employees:
- Certified copy of Work Permit or Certificate of non-exemption from work permit.
- Documents proving the legal status of the sponsoring organization (Business registration certificate, Operating license, Establishment decision, etc. - Notarized copy).
- Application form for registration of legal entity's seal and signature (Form NA16) if applying for the first time at the Immigration Department.
- Letter of introduction for staff to do procedures.
For cases of visiting relatives (for example: spouse, parent, child of Vietnamese citizen or foreigner with temporary residence card):
- Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if married).
- Certified copy of Birth Certificate or documents proving family relationship (if father/mother/child).
- Notarized copy of ID card/CCCD/Passport of Vietnamese or temporary residence card of foreign sponsor.
- Notarized copy of Vietnamese household registration book of Vietnamese sponsor.
For other cases:
There will be documents proving the purpose of stay in accordance with the law (for example: students need school documents, reporters need press licenses...).
7. SERVICE FEE FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD IN VIETNAM OF THUY NGOC LAW FIRM
Investment Visa service fee at Luat Thuy Ngoc starts from 11,000,000 VND.
Implementation time: From 10-15 working days.
The above service fees are for reference only, please contact Thuy Ngoc Law for a detailed quote.
8. SERVICE OF MAKING TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM BY THUY NGOC LAW FIRM
a) Initial legal advice:
- Determine the type of temporary residence card that is appropriate to the purpose and status of the foreigner (work, investment, visiting relatives, studying abroad, etc.).
- Advice on conditions and standards that must be met to be granted a temporary residence card.
- Advice on the duration of temporary residence cards that can be issued depending on each case.
b) Instructions for preparing documents:
- Provide a list of required documents specific to each case.
- Instructions for preparing and notarizing translation (if necessary) of documents, ensuring the validity of the documents.
- Support drafting documents and applications according to the prescribed forms of immigration authorities (Forms NA6, NA7, NA8, NA16...).
c) Carry out procedures on behalf of customers
- Represent the client to submit the application for temporary residence card at the Immigration Department or the Immigration Department of the Provincial/City Police.
- Monitor the progress of the application and notify customers regularly.
- Work with authorities when required to supplement or edit documents.
- Receive results (temporary residence card) and hand over to customer.
d) Other support services (if needed):
Visa extension, visa conversion (if foreigners are in Vietnam with a visa type that is not suitable for applying for a temporary residence card).
Apply for a work permit or confirmation of exemption from a work permit (for workers).
Consulting on legal issues related to residence, tax, insurance for foreigners in Vietnam.
9. SERVICE PROCEDURE FOR MAKING TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD FOR FOREIGNERS IN VIETNAM
Step 1: Initial consultation
- Assess the status and purpose of stay of foreigners to determine the appropriate type of temporary residence card and necessary documents.
- What category of foreigner is this? (Worker, investor, visiting relatives, studying abroad, reporter, etc.). This determines the type of temporary residence card (LD, DT, TT, DH, PV, etc.) and the necessary additional documents.
- What is the purpose of your stay in Vietnam? (For example: work, investment, family reunion).
- How long is a foreigner's passport valid for? The temporary residence card will not be valid for at least 30 days longer than the remaining validity of the passport.
Step 2: Prepare documents according to regulations
- Guide and support foreigners to fully prepare documents as required by immigration authorities.
- The file will include general documents and additional documents depending on each case:
General documents (required for all cases):
- Original passport of foreigner: Valid according to regulations (usually at least 13 months from the expected date of temporary residence card issuance).
- Foreigner's ID photo (white background, clear face).
- Certificate of temporary residence registration or temporary residence registration book of foreigner: Confirmed by the police of the ward or commune where the foreigner is temporarily residing.
Additional documents (depending on each case):
- For employees: Work permit or document confirming that the employee is not subject to work permit issuance (certified copy). Documents proving the legal status of the sponsoring company (business registration, establishment decision, etc. - notarized copy).
- For investors: Investment registration certificate, Business registration certificate (notarized copy).
- For visiting relatives: Marriage certificate, birth certificate, or documents proving family relationship (notarized copy). Identity documents (ID card/CCCD/Passport) and Household registration book of the Vietnamese sponsor (notarized copy).
- For other cases: Documents proving the purpose of stay (for example: school confirmation, press license...).
Note on documents:
- Foreign documents often require consular legalization and notarized translation into Vietnamese.
- All copies must be notarized or certified.
Step 3: Submit application
Foreign representatives will submit their applications at:
- Immigration Department - Ministry of Public Security:
- Immigration Management Department of the Provincial or Central City Police: Where the sponsoring agency or organization is headquartered or the sponsoring individual resides.
Step 4: Monitor and supplement (if any):
Monitor the progress of application processing and support additional documents if requested by authorities.
Step 5: Get results
Receive temporary residence card and hand it over to foreigner.
Receiving location: At the place where the application was submitted.
10. WHY SHOULD YOU USE TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD SERVICES THROUGH A LAW FIRM?
a) Ensure compliance with legal regulations
The law firm has a team of lawyers and legal experts with in-depth knowledge of the Vietnamese legal system, ensuring that visa applications, temporary residence cards, and work permits are prepared in accordance with the law, validly and completely.
Vietnamese laws relating to immigration and residence for foreigners are quite complex and are constantly changing and being updated. Professional law firms are always updated with the latest regulations, ensuring that your documents comply with the law.
The process of applying for a temporary residence card involves many steps, requiring complete and accurate preparation of documents. An experienced law firm will guide you step by step, from collecting documents to submitting the application and tracking the results, avoiding unnecessary errors.
b) Save time and effort
Minimize administrative procedures: Doing the temporary residence card application process yourself can be time-consuming and laborious, especially if you are unfamiliar with the administrative process in Vietnam or do not have enough time to travel and wait.
Fast processing: Law firms often have experience working with authorities, helping to speed up the processing of documents and issue temporary residence cards in the shortest time possible.
c) Ensure accuracy and efficiency
Accurate profile: The law firm will check and complete your profile accurately, ensuring that there are no missing documents or information, thereby minimizing the possibility of the profile being rejected or requested for additional information.
Solving problems that arise: During the process of applying for a temporary residence card, many problems or additional requests from the authorities may arise. The law firm will have the experience to handle and resolve these problems professionally, ensuring your rights.
d) Accurate and specialized advice for each case
The law firm not only does paperwork but also:
- Assessment of investment capacity, purpose of entry and temporary residence;
- Consulting on the most suitable type of visa and temporary residence card;
- Propose suitable options for long-term residence plans or switching to temporary residence cards.
e) Handling complex and high-risk cases
For applications that are missing, unclear, or have a history of rejection, the law firm will:
- Prepare legal explanation documents;
- Consulting on proving investment capacity and legal residence purpose;
- Work with authorities according to prescribed procedures.
g) Legal responsibility, commitment to transparency
- Law firms operate under the supervision of the Department of Justice.
- Have a clear service contract, full financial invoice, and take legal responsibility for the consulting content.
- Helps customers feel more secure compared to brokerage services without legal status.
h) In-depth support for related procedures
In addition to applying for temporary residence cards, the law firm also supports:
- Establishing companies for foreign investors;
- Apply for Investment Certificate, Business Registration Certificate;
- Tax declaration and accounting services for businesses;
- Long-term legal advice for FDI enterprises.
- Legal advice related to the rights and obligations of foreigners in Vietnam, regulations on visas, work permits, investment, marriage, etc.
- Support other services for foreigners such as visa application, visa extension, work permit, criminal record, etc. This helps you solve many problems at the same time in one place.
Thus, using the temporary residence card application service through a law firm not only helps you prepare accurate and legal documents, but also ensures legality, avoids risks and receives comprehensive support for your investment plan - long-term residence in Vietnam.
11. WHY DO YOU CHOOSE THUY NGOC LAW FIRM'S LEGAL SERVICES?
a) In-depth legal expertise, ensuring compliance with the law
With deep understanding of the law and practical experience, Thuy Ngoc Law believes in helping clients solve all legal problems in the most optimal way.
The team of lawyers at Thuy Ngoc has many years of experience in the fields of investment consulting, immigration, and residence.
Understand the Vietnamese legal system, ensure that temporary residence card application documents are prepared in accordance with regulations, avoiding legal risks.
b) Dedicated consulting, solutions suitable for each case
Each profile is consulted and processed separately, suitable for the needs of each investor.
Support from company establishment, visa application, temporary residence card, long-term legal advice.
c) Fast, transparent and clear processing
Thuy Ngoc Law Firm adheres to the principles of honesty, transparency and ethics in all legal activities.
Clear working process, with contract, quotation and full invoice.
Committed to progress and results, always updating the status of the application for customers.
d) Full service, saving time and costs
Services include:
- Legal advice;
- Prepare documents, translate, notarize;
- Consular legalization;
- Submit and receive results
- Customers do not have to travel a lot or handle complicated procedures themselves.
e) Diverse legal services
In addition to residence-related services (such as temporary residence cards), the company also provides many other legal services such as reputable legal advice, contract advice, establishment of representative offices of foreign companies, investment procedures, company establishment, tax accounting, intellectual property, settlement of civil, criminal, real estate disputes, etc. This shows that they have extensive knowledge and experience in many areas of law.
g) Put customer interests first
The company always puts the interests of customers first, dedicated and thoughtful in all legal advice and support.
h) Commitment to long-term legal support
Not only applying for visas and temporary residence cards once, Thuy Ngoc Law aims to accompany customers long-term.
Support consulting on corporate legal issues, tax, accounting, contracts, labor, dispute resolution...
12. ANSWERS TO SOME QUESTIONS RELATED TO TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD SERVICES IN VIETNAM
1. What is a temporary residence card and what is its role?
Answer:
Temporary Residence Card is a document issued by the Vietnamese immigration authority to foreigners, allowing them to legally reside in Vietnam for a certain period of time without having to apply for a new visa for each entry. The main role of the temporary residence card is to facilitate foreigners to live, work, invest or visit relatives in Vietnam in a stable and long-term manner.
2. Which common subjects are eligible to apply for a temporary residence card?
Answer:
Common subjects include:
Foreigners with valid work permits.
Foreign investors have an Investment Registration Certificate or equivalent documents.
Head of representative office, project of foreign non-governmental organization in Vietnam.
Head of representative office, branch of foreign trader in Vietnam.
Spouses and children under 18 years old of the above subjects (people granted temporary residence cards with symbols LD, DT, TT, PV1, VR, NG3...).
Foreigners are exempt from work permits according to the law.
3. What are the general conditions for a foreigner to be granted a temporary residence card?
Answer:
Basic conditions include:
Have a valid passport, valid as prescribed (usually valid for at least 06 months from the expected duration of the temporary residence card).
Have a visa in use for the appropriate purpose (for example: labor visa LĐ, investment visa DT, family visit visa TT).
Have an organization, business, agency in Vietnam sponsoring or being a sponsored relative.
Not subject to entry ban or forced exit from Vietnam.
4. What are the symbols (purposes) of the temporary residence card and what do they mean?
Answer:
Common symbols and meanings:
LD: Issued to foreigners to work.
DT: Issued to foreign investors in Vietnam.
TT: Issued to spouses and children under 18 years old of foreigners granted visas with symbols LV1, LV2, LS, DT, LD, PV1, VR, NG3.
PV1: Issued to reporters and journalists residing in Vietnam.
VR: Issued to people visiting relatives or other purposes.
NG3: Issued to foreigners working with agencies of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State, socio-political organizations, and the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations.
5. What is the maximum duration of a temporary residence card for different types of subjects?
Answer:
LD, DT: Maximum 5 years.
PV1: Maximum 5 years.
NN3, NG4: Maximum 3 years.
TT, VR: Maximum 2 years.
Note: The validity of the temporary residence card must not exceed the remaining validity of the passport.
6. What are the basic documents required to apply for a temporary residence card?
Answer:
01 Application form for temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA8).
01 Application for temporary residence card from the sponsoring agency, organization or enterprise (Form NA7).
Original valid passport and notarized copy.
Copy of current visa.
02 2x3cm photos with white background, no glasses.
Work permit (for labor) or Investment registration certificate (for investment).
Certificate of Business Registration/License to establish a Representative Office of the guarantor unit.
Certificate of temporary residence registration from local police.
Documents proving relationship (for TT: Marriage certificate, Birth certificate).
Fee payment receipt.
Other documents required by immigration authorities depending on specific cases.
7. Where to apply for a temporary residence card and how long does it take to process?
Answer:
The application is submitted to the Immigration Department or the Immigration Department of the provincial or municipal police where the sponsoring unit is headquartered or where the foreigner is registered for temporary residence. The normal processing time is 05 - 07 working days from the date of receipt of a complete and valid application.
8. Is a temporary residence card valid as a visa? Does it allow multiple entries and exits?
Answer:
Yes, a temporary residence card is valid as a long-term visa and allows foreigners to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the validity period of the card without having to apply for a new visa each time.
9. Is a work permit a mandatory condition for applying for a temporary residence card?
Answer:
For foreigners working in Vietnam, a work permit (or a decision to exempt a work permit) is a mandatory condition to be granted a temporary residence card with the symbol LĐ. However, for other subjects such as investors, spouses, and children, they do not need a work permit to apply for a temporary residence card.
10. Can I change the type of temporary residence card? (For example, from visiting relatives to working)
Answer:
In principle, changing the purpose of a temporary residence card will require procedures corresponding to the new purpose. For example, if a foreigner has a temporary residence card for visiting relatives and wants to work, he/she must first apply for a work permit, and then can apply for a temporary residence card for working purposes.
11. Is the process of renewing a temporary residence card different from applying for a new one?
Answer:
The process of renewing a temporary residence card is similar to applying for a new one, with steps of preparing documents and submitting them to the immigration authority. However, in the renewal application, you need to provide the old temporary residence card and ensure the conditions for renewal (for example: valid work permit, business still operating).
12. In what cases can a temporary residence card be refused or revoked?
Answer:
A temporary residence card may be refused or revoked if:
* Foreigners violating Vietnamese law.
* Information in the profile is false or inaccurate.
* No longer eligible for a temporary residence card (for example: work permit revoked, sponsoring enterprise dissolved, bankrupt).
* Affects national security and social order.
13. Does a temporary residence card allow foreigners to work freely?
Answer:
No. A temporary residence card only legalizes the residence for the purpose granted (work, investment, visiting relatives, etc.). Foreigners are not allowed to work freelance or do work other than the purpose approved in the temporary residence card. All labor activities must be licensed in accordance with regulations.
14. If I change my passport, will my old temporary residence card still be valid?
Answer:
When you change to a new passport, the old temporary residence card on the old passport will no longer be valid. You need to complete the procedure to convert the temporary residence card to a new passport at the immigration authority. This is a mandatory procedure to ensure that you are still residing legally.
15. Can a temporary residence card replace a temporary residence registration certificate?
Answer:
No. A temporary residence card is a document that allows long-term residence and entry and exit, while a temporary residence registration certificate is a document confirming the foreigner's residence registration at the local police. These two types of documents have different functions and complement each other. Temporary residence registration is mandatory for foreigners residing in Vietnam.
16. What are the responsibilities of the agency sponsoring foreigners applying for temporary residence cards?
Answer:
The guarantor (enterprise, organization) is responsible for:
* Ensure the integrity of the records.
* Manage the activities of foreigners in Vietnam in accordance with the law.
* Promptly notify immigration authorities when foreigners change their residential address, terminate their labor/investment contracts, or have other arising issues.
* Support foreigners in residence related issues.
17. Is the temporary residence card valid in other provinces and cities?
Answer:
Temporary residence cards are valid throughout Vietnam. However, foreigners need to ensure temporary residence registration with the local police where they live.
18. Can I apply for a temporary residence card myself or should I use a service?
Answer:
You can do the application yourself if you understand the legal regulations and procedures. However, using the services of law firms or immigration units is recommended because they have experience, update new laws, help the application be accurate, save time and handle arising problems more effectively.
19. If my temporary residence card is lost or damaged, what should I do?
Answer:
When you lose or damage your temporary residence card, you need to:
* Report loss: Immediately notify the local police where the loss occurred to make a loss report (with police confirmation).
* Re-issuance: Prepare application for re-issuance of temporary residence card, including application form, passport, copy of lost report, photo and other relevant documents. Submit application to immigration authority.
20. Does a temporary residence card affect foreigners' purchase of property in Vietnam?
Answer:
A temporary residence card does not in itself directly allow foreigners to purchase property such as houses and land in Vietnam. Foreigners' property ownership rights are regulated by specific laws (e.g. the Housing Law for housing). However, having a temporary residence card shows that a foreigner is a legal resident, which is one of the necessary conditions for considering other rights related to property under the law.
Are you looking for temporary residence card service for foreigners in Vietnam?
For more information about our services and fees for temporary residence card services
Please contact Thuy Ngoc Law Firm Firm as follows:
Address, email and contact phone number (See details)
Thuy Ngoc Law will meet your requirements professionally, reliably and effectively.
Address: No. 9 Phan Ke Binh, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: 0942.050.407 - Email: ngocthu@thuyngoclaw.com
