What is temporary residence card?

According to Clause 13, Article 3 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended and supplemented 2019),
“Temporary residence card is a document issued by the immigration management agency or a competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to foreigners who are allowed to reside for a period of time in Vietnam and is valid in lieu of a visa.”

How long is the temporary residence card for foreigners in Vietnam?

Specifically, Article 38 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended and supplemented in 2019) regulates the duration of temporary residence cards for foreigners in Vietnam as follows: after:

• The duration of the temporary residence card issued is at least 30 days shorter than the remaining validity of the passport.
• Temporary residence card with symbol DT1 is valid for not more than 10 years.
• Temporary residence cards with symbols NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, DT2 and DH are valid for no more than 5 years.
• Temporary residence cards with symbols NN1, NN2, DT3, TT are valid for no more than 03 years.
• Temporary residence cards with symbols LD1, LD2 and PV1 are valid for no more than 02 years.
• Expired temporary residence card will be considered for a new card.

In what cases are temporary residence cards issued to foreigners in Vietnam?

Cases where temporary residence cards are granted to foreigners in Vietnam include:

• Foreigners who are members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations under the United Nations, intergovernmental organizations in Vietnam and their spouses, children under 18 years old, helping along with the term;
• Foreigners enter with visas with symbols LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, TT.

(Clause 1, Article 36 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended and supplemented 2019))

Rights and obligations of foreigners entering, exiting, transiting and residing in Vietnam
a. Foreigners’ rights

According to Clause 1, Article 44 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended and supplemented in 2019), foreigners entering, exiting, transiting, and residing in Vietnam Men have the following rights:

• Have your life, honor, property and legitimate rights and interests protected according to Vietnamese law while residing in the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam;
• Temporary residence card holders may sponsor their grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, wife, husband and children to visit Vietnam; can sponsor a spouse and children under 18 years old to stay with them during the temporary residence card term if the agency or organization inviting or sponsoring that person agrees;
• Permanent residence card holders may sponsor their grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, wife, husband and children to visit Vietnam;
• People who are legally residing in Vietnam are allowed to travel within Vietnam’s territory, travel, visit relatives, and seek medical treatment without having to ask for permission; in case of entering prohibited areas or restricted areas for travel and residence, comply with the provisions of law;
• Crew members on ships and boats entering Vietnam are allowed to go ashore within the provinces and centrally run cities where the ships and boats are anchored; In case of going outside the above scope or exiting the Vietnamese territory through other border gates, a visa will be considered;
• Spouses and children accompanying the term of office of members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations under the United Nations, and representative offices of intergovernmental organizations are entitled to work. if having a work permit, except for cases not subject to a work permit; be able to study if there is a written acceptance from the school or educational institution;
• People who are studying at schools or educational institutions under international treaties or international agreements are allowed to work together if there is written permission from the school or educational institution;
• Stateless people permanently residing abroad may enter Vietnam to travel or visit relatives;
• Stateless people residing in Vietnam who wish to leave the country will be considered by the Ministry of Public
• Security to issue valid international travel documents.

b. Obligations of foreigners

Foreigners entering, exiting and residing in Vietnam have the following obligations:

• Comply with Vietnamese law; respect the cultural traditions, customs and practices of Vietnam;
• Activities in Vietnam must be consistent with the purpose of entry;
• When traveling, you must bring your passport or documents valid for international travel, documents related to residence in Vietnam and must present them when requested by competent authorities;
• Permanent resident foreigners who leave the country to permanently reside in another country must return their permanent residence card to the immigration control unit at the border gate.

(Clause 2, Article 44 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (amended and supplemented 2019))

Above is information about issues related to temporary residence of foreigners in Vietnam that SLF informs readers/customers. If you have any questions, please contact SLF for the fastest support.

Contact Info:

• Office: L1.02.05 Landmark 1, Vinhomes Central Park, 720A Đien Bien Phu, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District,  Ho Chi Minh City.

• Mail: slflaw.vn@gmail.com
• Hotline: (+84) 938 6199 456