Temporary residence card expiring, lost or changing employer: new cards, replacements and filing timeline

Many foreign nationals and HR departments only think about the temporary residence card when it has a few weeks left to run, when it has been lost, or when an employee moves to another company. At that point the usual questions are: should we renew or apply for a new card, how far in advance should we file, and can the holder travel abroad while waiting for the card?

This article answers each scenario under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (Law 47/2014/QH13, as amended by Law 51/2019/QH14, Law 23/2023/QH15 and Law 118/2025/QH15). Regulations and practice may change, so check with the immigration authority before filing.

There is no card renewal: on expiry you apply for a new card

The law does not provide for renewing a temporary residence card. Under Article 38 of the Law, when a card expires, the issue of a new card is considered. In other words, when the card is about to expire, the sponsor submits a fresh application for a card, much like the first time.

This should be distinguished from a temporary residence extension. That is a different procedure: the immigration authority stamps the passport to allow a further period of stay, typically used when the conditions for a card are not yet met or when time is needed to arrange departure.

The validity of the new card depends on three factors, so check them before filing:

• The maximum validity for the card code: for example, LĐ1 and LĐ2 up to 2 years; TT and ĐT3 up to 3 years; DH and ĐT2 up to 5 years; ĐT1 up to 10 years.
• The passport: the card must expire at least 30 days before the passport's remaining validity. In practice, many advise having around 13 months or more left on the passport to obtain a card of about 1 year. This is common practice, not the wording of the law.
• Supporting documents: the card is usually no longer than the work permit, the exemption confirmation or the sponsor's own card.
• If the passport is about to expire, renew the passport first and then apply for the new card, so the card is not issued for too short a period.

How far in advance to file

The law does not set a minimum number of days before expiry by which the application must be filed. The immigration authority's processing time is no more than 5 working days from receipt of a complete and valid application, but that is only the final part of the whole process.

For employees, the slowest step is usually the work permit. Under Decree 219/2025/NĐ-CP, the processing time for a work permit is 10 working days; confirmation of exemption from a work permit takes 5 working days. Without a new or extended work permit, you cannot obtain a card that runs longer than the old permit. Some providers recommend filing the card application 5 to 15 working days before expiry; this figure is based on practical experience only.

Suggested timeline for HR departments:

• About 2 months before the card expires: check the passport expiry date, the work permit expiry date and the employee's overseas travel schedule.
• If the work permit is also about to expire: apply to extend it or for a new permit first, as the card follows the permit.
• Once the new permit is issued: prepare the card application and update the temporary residence registration if the employee has moved.
• File the card application early, leaving time to provide additional documents if the authority requests them.
• Do not wait until the card has expired to file. Overstaying is subject to administrative penalties and may affect future applications.

Documents for a new card when the old one expires

The sponsor (a company, organisation or Vietnamese citizen) files the application with the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security or the Immigration Division of the provincial or municipal police where the organisation is headquartered or where the sponsor resides. Applications can also be made online via the Ministry of Public Security's public services portal.

The application usually includes:

• A request letter from the sponsoring organisation (form NA6), or from a Vietnamese citizen sponsoring a family member (form NA7) together with proof of relationship.
• The temporary residence card application form with photo attached (form NA8) and a 2x3 cm photo.
• The original valid passport, together with the current temporary residence card.
• Proof of purpose: a work permit or exemption confirmation, investment documents, a marriage certificate or a birth certificate.
• Confirmation of temporary residence registration at the place of stay.
• The company's letter of introduction for the person submitting the application.

Changing employer: the old card cannot continue to be used

A work-category card is tied to the sponsoring company. When the employee leaves the old company, the basis for the card no longer exists, so the old card cannot be used to work for the new company. The new company must obtain a work permit (or exemption confirmation) and apply for a new card in its own name.

According to guidance published in reply to readers on the Government Portal in 2024, when the old company no longer sponsors the employee, the employee should contact the immigration authority to surrender the old card and will be granted a temporary residence extension to arrange departure; the new company then applies for a visa or card. The employee may also apply for an e-visa themselves, stating the purpose and the name of the intended employer. In practice, there have been cases where the new company obtained a new work permit and secured a new card without the employee having to leave the country. Handling may differ depending on the case, so ask the immigration authority in advance.

Recommended steps when changing jobs:

• Before leaving the old company: check the card and passport expiry dates and agree a start date with the new company.
• The new company files the work permit or exemption application as early as possible.
• The old company cooperates by confirming termination of the contract and dealing with the old card as instructed by the immigration authority.
• Ask the immigration authority whether, in your case, you can apply for a new card in Vietnam or need a temporary residence extension, then leave and re-enter on a visa for the correct purpose.
• Once the new work permit is issued, the new company files the card application using the list in the section above.

Lost or damaged cards

If a card is lost, mislaid or damaged, apply for a replacement. The application is essentially the same as for a card, with an added explanation. Sources currently differ on whether confirmation of the loss from the police or local authorities is mandatory. Prepare it anyway and check the requirements on the Ministry of Public Security's public services portal before filing.

If you need to leave urgently before receiving the new card, in practice you will usually need to obtain a visa, as the passport must carry a valid visa or temporary residence card. In this situation, too, ask the immigration authority directly.

A replacement application usually includes:

• The sponsor's request letter (NA6 or NA7) and form NA8 with photo attached.
• The original passport and photos to specification.
• A written explanation of how the card was lost or damaged.
• The damaged card (original), if still available.
• Confirmation of the loss from the police or local authorities, if the receiving authority requires it.
• Confirmation of temporary residence registration and documents proving the basis for the card remains valid.

Can you leave Vietnam while waiting for the card?

No official document directly answers this question. The practical points to note can be summarised as follows, and you should confirm with the immigration authority before booking tickets:

• In-person applications usually require the original passport. During processing, the foreign national has no passport with which to leave the country.
• For online applications, it is unclear at what point the original passport must be submitted. Ask carefully when filing.
• If the old card has expired or been surrendered, you will need a visa or appropriate document to re-enter Vietnam when travelling abroad.
• The safest approach is to schedule trips so you return after the expected date of receiving the new card, or to file after the trip if the old card still has enough validity left.

How Gateway can help

Gateway handles temporary residence card procedures for employees, investors and family members. The decision to issue a card rests with the immigration authority. Government fees depend on the card's validity; service fees are quoted case by case. Contact: [email protected], +84367387309.

• Review your current visa or card and the basis for the card, and determine the card type and validity you can apply for.
• Prepare the application and forms and guide the sponsor through signing.
• File the application with the immigration authority, track it and provide additional documents when requested.
• Collect the card and hand it over together with the passport.