Temporary &
Permanent Residence
Cards for Foreigners
Holding a residence card is the most important legal basis for a foreigner to settle and work long-term in Vietnam. VLIC works alongside you from assessing the file to receiving the result.
Challenges on the journey to a residence card
4 common barriers foreigners often encounter when carrying out residence procedures in Vietnam.
The file is returned because the foreign documents have not been consular- legalized or notarized into a proper translation.
Failing to report promptly when the sponsoring business changes or terminates leads to a status of residence in breach of the law.
Most files are delayed because applicants do not know the consular legalization procedure for documents issued abroad.
Clients who use professional advisory services find their files approved considerably faster and more on time.
Classification of residence cards
The categories and card types under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners.
Temporary Residence Card
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Who: Foreign investors in Vietnam
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Sub-groups: DT1, DT2, DT3, DT4 depending on the investment level
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Validity: Up to 05 years, renewed per the license
Temporary Residence Card
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Who: Foreign workers employed in Vietnam
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Sub-groups: LD1 (with a Work Permit), LD2 (Work-Permit-exempt)
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Validity: Per the remaining term of the work permit
Temporary Residence Card
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Who: Heads of representative offices and international projects in Vietnam
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Sub-groups: NN1 (non-governmental organizations), NN2 (commercial representative offices)
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Basis: Per the organization's operating license
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Who: The spouse and children under 18 of a TRC holder
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Condition: The sponsor must currently hold a valid temporary residence card
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Validity: Not exceeding the term of the sponsor's card
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Who: Scientists, experts, and persons sponsored by a Vietnamese citizen
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Value: Indefinite, with the card simply replaced every 10 years
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Note: Strict conditions, and very limited numbers issued
Comparing
TRC & PRC
Understand the difference between the two card types to choose the optimal residence option for your circumstances.
When the sponsoring business changes its information or ceases operations, the worker must report or convert the card promptly to avoid unlawful residence.
Although the permanent residence card (PRC) has an indefinite value, the foreigner must still replace the card periodically every 10 years to update personal information.
Foreign documents that have not been consular-legalized have no legal value before the Vietnamese managing authority — this is the most common bottleneck for files.
The VLIC
process
Determine the residence category (TRC or PRC) best suited to the client's legal status and purpose of stay.
Handling and notarizing the translation of documents from abroad: birth certificate, marriage certificate, diplomas, and judicial record.
Preparing the declaration form and the statement explaining the residence need in the latest form prescribed by the Immigration Department.
Filing the application on the client's behalf, working with the appraising officers, and receiving the result at the competent authority.
Service pricing
State fees per the regulations in force. VLIC service fees are indicative — contact us for an accurate quote.
Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Permanent Residence Card (PRC)
| Item | Price (VND) | Details |
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| State fee | ~VND 2,550,000 ≈ 100 USD | Applies to both new issuance and re-issuance. |
| Service fee | VND 15,000,000 – 30,000,000 | A complex file requiring many supporting documents. |
| Processing time | 4 – 6 months | Per the regulations of the Immigration Department. |
Why choose Vlicconsulting
4 reasons thousands of foreigners trust VLIC to accompany them on their residence journey.
Over 10 years of experience advising on the Law on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners to the VLICCONSULTING standard.
An optimized file process, with a committed turnaround and the fastest resolution of the consular-legalization bottleneck.
Always ready to listen and answer every question on residence procedures, even after the card has been issued.
A support team advising in English, Vietnamese, and many other languages, ensuring the most convenient communication.
