Photo: Collected
Like in other countries such as South Korea and Japan, Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is an extremely important document for foreigners who plan to stay in Vietnam for more than a year. In some cases, foreigners are even required to present TRC to prove their identity living in Vietnam.
First, let’s read its full definition:
“TRC is a document issued by an immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, granted to foreigners who are allowed to reside for a certain period of time in Vietnam” (under Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014)
But, have you ever wondered why TRC is a must-have document and people often go out of their way to achieve one?
This card allows foreign nationals to stay in Vietnam for a period of time while their TRC is still valid without having to leave Vietnam.
TRC grants the convenience of multiple entries, meaning that they can enter and exit Vietnam as many times as they want within the duration of the card, without the necessity of visa applications or extensions.
When departing the country, they only need to carry the TRC along with a valid passport.
Possessing a TRC grants foreigners the ability to purchase property, register a business, engage in production, or enter into marriage. They can receive protection and rights safeguarded by the law.
It provides foreigners with advantages in navigating procedures and completing various documents.
Having a TRC facilitates sponsorship for relatives to visit or reside in Vietnam.
Basically, TRC has the same function as long-term visas, which many foreigners enjoy for the sake of cost and time efficiency. They don’t need to pay each time getting a visa stamp or apply for a visa/ visa extensions.
Foreigners also need to keep in mind these benefits above to protect their rights and understand why sometimes TRC granting is quite a complicated process.
When applying for one, the Vietnam TRC is offered in various categories, each with its designated validity period:
1-2 years: Tailored for foreign employees and their dependents, identified by symbols such as LD1, LD2, and TT.
2-5 years: Geared towards investors, diplomats, overseas students, and others, denoted by symbols including DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, and DH.
Less than 10 years: Specifically allocated for investors, indicated by the symbol DT1
You can refer to the required documents and procedures for TRC here
(Photo: tuvanluat.vn)
General:
A temporary residence card (TRC) is a document issued by an immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, granted to foreigners who are allowed to reside for a certain period of time in Vietnam (under Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014).
Benefits:
Foreigners holding TRC cards will be exempt from visas and can enter and exit multiple times according to the work needs within the duration of the card, thus it helps save time and money for Vietnam visa application as well as Vietnam visa extension during the entry, exit, and residence in Vietnam. Foreigners can stay in Vietnam for a period of time while their temporary residence card is still valid without having to leave Vietnam.
Requirements and conditions:
Foreigners must temporarily stay for 1 year or more in Vietnam
The passport is valid for at least 13 months.
Order and procedures:
Step 1: Preparing a dossier in accordance with the law.
Step 2: Submitting the dossier:
1. Agencies, organizations and individuals shall submit the dossier at the offices of the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security:
a) 44-46 Tran Phu, Ba Dinh, Hanoi.
b) 333-335-337 Nguyen Trai Str., District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Officers receiving the dossier shall check the legality and contents of the dossier:
+ If the dossier is appropriately completed, officers shall receive it, print and hand over a receipt with the date of receiving results.
+ If the dossier is not appropriately completed, officers shall guide the applicant to supplement the dossier.
Working time:
- From Monday to Saturday morning (except for New Year's days, public holidays and Sundays).
Step 3: Receiving the result:
a) The person who comes to receive the result shall present the receipt, the identity card or passport to the officers handing over the result for examination. If a temporary residence card is issued, the officers will ask that person to pay fees, sign for receipt and hand over the temporary residence card (informing that person of the result in case the temporary residence card is not issued)
b) Working time: from Monday to Friday (except for New Year's days, public holidays and Saturdays, Sundays).
- Contents, number of dossiers:
+ Contents of dossiers:
a) A written request for a temporary residence card (form NA6 for agencies, organizations, NA7 for individuals);
b) An information form for a temporary resident card for foreigners (NA8)
c) Documents proving the eligibility to be considered for temporary residence cards that include one of the documents: work permits, certificates of head of representative offices, member of the Board of Directors or other documents that prove the eligibility to be considered for temporary residence cards;
đ) 02 photos in size of 2x3 cm (01 photo glued to the information form, 01 separate photo);
+ Number of dossiers: 01 (one) set.
- Processing time: within 05 working days from the date of receipt of the dossier.
- Subjects of application: Vietnamese agencies, organizations and citizens.
- Competent authorities: Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security.
- Results of administrative procedures: temporary residence cards.
- Fees (if any):
+ Temporary residence cards valid from 1 to 2 years: US$145/card.
+ Temporary residence cards valid for 2 to 5 years: US$155/card.
- Application forms (if any):
+ A written request for temporary residence cards (form NA6 for agencies, organizations, NA7 for individuals);
+ An information form for a temporary resident card for foreigners (NA8);
Requirements and conditions for administrative procedures (if any):
1. When applying for a temporary residence card to a foreigner, agencies or organizations shall submit the dossier proving their legal person status at the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security.
a) A certified copy of the organization’s establishment license or decision issued by a competent authority
b) A certified copy of the organization's operation registration document issued by a competent authority of the People's Committee of provinces or centrally run cities;
c) A document introducing the seal and signature of the organization’s competent person;
The above application submission is only submitted once. When there is any change to the content in the dossier, the business must notify in writing the Immigration Department to supplement the dossier.
2. Foreigners who enter for the purpose of operation in accordance with the provisions of Vietnamese law, and are not subject to "suspension from exit" as specified in the law, may be considered for a temporary residence card valid for 1 year to 3 years. Temporary residence cards are not issued in the following cases:
a) Being examined for penal liability or being defendant in civil, economic, or labor disputes;
b) Being obliged to execute criminal judgments;
c) Being obliged to execute civil and economic judgments;
d) Being obliged to comply with decisions on administrative sanctions, tax obligations and other financial obligations.
- Legal basis of administrative procedures:
+ Law on foreigner’s entry into, exit from, transit through, and residence in Vietnam (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, dated June 16, 2014).
+ Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA, dated January 5, 2015 of the Ministry of Public Security, providing for forms related to entry, exit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam
+ Circular No. 219/2016/TT-BTC dated 10/11/2016 of the Ministry of Finance regulating collection, payment, management and use of fees and charges in the fields of exit, entry, transit and residence in Vietnam.
Vietnam TRC extension:
TRC can be extended when it expires. Following documents are required:
Application form for visa issuance, stay extension (Form NA5)
Passport
Procedures are the same as TRC application.
A US $10 fee is charged for Vietnam temporary residence card extension. The processing time takes 5 working days from the date of receipt of all valid documents.
You can refer Form NA6, NA7, NA8
Hanoi will simultaneously surprise, charm and chew you up. Founded along the Red River, Hanoi was named Thang Long (soaring dragon) by Emperor Ly Thai To in 1010. Over a thousand years of war, natural disasters and new administrations, the city grew from swamplands into the charismatic capital it is today. Take in details of the ancient architecture, battle the barrage of millennials on motorbikes and drink fresh bia hơi in the Old Quarter. Here are 11 must-see stops in Hanoi.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Soldiers stand guard the entrance of Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum.
This commanding construction was built from 1973 to 1975 to house the embalmed body of Vietnam’s greatest political leader, Hồ Chí Minh. Visitors and Vietnamese queue for hours every morning to pay their respects to the cadaver, dressed in a khaki wardrobe and encased in a glass sarcophagus.
Admission: 35,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 11am, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun (December to September) last entry at 10:15am
Address: So 1, Hung Vuong, Dien Bien, Ba Dinh
One Pillar Pagoda
The unique one pillar pagoda in the middle of a lotus pond.
This Buddhist wooden pagoda was built in the middle of a lotus pond on a single stone pillar by the Emperor Ly Thai To in 1049. Archives suggest it was built in honor of the Goddess of Mercy, who answered the Emperor's prayers for a male heir. The structure is designed to resemble a lotus flower blossoming from muddy waters, a symbol of purity in Buddhist philosophy.
Admission: 25,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 11:30am everyday, and 2pm - 4pm, Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun
Address: Chua Mot Cot, Doi Can, Ba Dinh
The Old Quarter
At the top of Hoan Kiem Lake, Dinh Tien Hoang 'roundabout' is a great starting point for exploring the alleys of the Old Quarter.
Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter is a single square kilometre comprised of 36 streets. Since the 15th century, each street has been home to artisans and craftsmen who traded in the specific merchandise for which their street was named. Today, the charm of these streets still remains. Prepare to marvel as you wander from silver street to bamboo street, silk street to decoration street, all within a stone's throw of each other.
TIP: At night, head down to bia hơi corner (the intersection between Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen) to sample sensational street food and bargain brews.
Admission: Free
Hours: 7am to midnight
Address: North of Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi Opera House
The Opera House is at the edge of Hanoi's French Quarter, where a few colonial buildings have been well preserved.
Constructed at the turn of the 20th century, this beautiful colonial building is the largest theater in Vietnam. After nearly 100 years of operation, the Opera House was carefully refurbished in 1997 and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Today the venue attracts renowned performers, productions and musicians.
TIP: Culture lovers should book tickets to see 'My Village' at the Opera House. This impressive showcase combines acrobatics, traditional dance and music.
Admission: 300,000 VND
Hours: Check the website for performances
Address: So 01, Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem
Vietnamese Women's Museum
This museum boasts a floor on textiles of ethnic groups, women's crucial role in wartimes and even their practices as mediums of the 'Mother Goddess' worship.
The Vietnamese Women’s Museum is one of the most modern museums in Vietnam. Housing a series of excellent exhibitions presenting artefacts, costumes, crafts, memoirs,and photographs from the past 100 years, the museum reveals the pivotal role of Vietnamese women in their country's history and society.
Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 5pm, Tue-Sun
Address: 36 Ly Thuong Kiet, Hang Bai Ward, Hoan Kiem
The Water Puppet Theatre
Live music is always performed alongside the puppeteering with traditional instruments and delicate vocals.
Dating back to the 11th century, water puppet performances are ideal for light entertainment and insight into Vietnamese folklore. Wading around in waist-deep water holding bamboo poles, puppeteers operate the lacquered wooden characters from behind a screen, reenacting scenes from rural village life.
Admission: 100,000 VND
Hours: 3:30pm, 5pm, 6:30pm, 8pm, 9:15pm every day, and an additional performance on Sundays at 9:30pm
Address: 57b Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan Kiem
Hoan Kiem Lake
Turtle Tower rests at the centre of 'the Lake of the Restored Sword.
Legend says Emperor Ly Thai To was gifted a magical sword by a giant golden turtle who lived in the lake in order to defeat the Ming dynasty. Once victorious, Ly Thai To gave the sword back to the turtle who dove down to return the sword to the gods. Hoan Kiem Lake is admired for its beauty as well as insight into the daily life of Hanoians. Watch locals practicing their daily exercise and Tai Chi routines in the gardens by the water's edge.
Admission: Free to the general public
Hours: Open all day
Ngoc Son Temple
The Ngoc Son Temple, or The Temple of the Jade Mountain, is situated on a small tree-sheltered island on the north side of Hoan Kiem Lake. Connected by a stunning scarlet bridge, this classic Vietnamese structure was built in honour of the intellectual scholar Saint Van Xuong, and national hero General Tran Hung Dao. In 1884, the Confucian scholar made a series of renovations to the site, including adding parallel sentences (câu đối) or word puzzles to the walls.
Admission: 20,000 VND
Hours: 7:30am - 5:30pm, every day
Address: Hoan Kiem Lake
Temple of Literature
The main gate of the nation's oldest university, be sure to visit during lunch time to avoid crowds.
Built by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong during the Ly dynasty, the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu in Vietnamese) was erected in honour of the philosopher Confucius and his disciples in 1070. In 1076, it became home to Hanoi’s first university, Quốc Tử Giám. The site is one of the oldest in Hanoi and a national symbol of Vietnamese education and architecture. Today, the temple houses five court yards, records of Vietnamese scholars, and statues of turtles which are said to bring students good luck in their exams.
Admission: 30,000 VND
Hours: 8am - 5pm, from November until March; 7:30am - 6pm for the rest of the year, Tue-Sun
Address: 58 Quoc Tu Giam, Dong Da
Museum of Ethnology
The gardens feature traditional structures, including the communal houses of the Bahnar or Giarai ethnic groups which can reach up to 30 metres high.
This amazing museum examines the everyday life of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities. Designed by ethnic Tay architect Ha Duc Linh and French architect Veronique Dolfus, the museum hosts three main exhibition areas. Exhibitions display cultural costumes, handicrafts, videos and artefacts; while the outdoor space showcases impressive life-size replicas of ethnic architecture.
Admission: 40,000 VND
Hours: 8:30am - 5:30pm, Tue-Sun
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Nghia Do, Cau Giay
Saint Joseph's Cathedral
The cafes by the Cathedral are a perfect spot to watch the bustle of Hanoi.
Saint Joseph’s Cathedral (also known as Hanoi Cathedral), was built on the site of the Bao Thien Tower, which was the most famous landmark in the capital during the Ly Dynasty. The architect was inspired by the Neo-Gothic style of the Notre Dame de Paris. When visiting, expect to see a multicultural crowd of worshippers and plenty of Vietnamese newlyweds having romantic photo shoots.
Admission: Free
Hours: 8am - noon, 2pm - 6pm, every day
Address: 40 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem
Source: Vietnam Tourism
Last update: Thursday October 09, 2025
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