Services
Temporary residence card service for foreigners
A temporary residence card lets you live in Vietnam long term and travel in and out without applying for a visa each time. We handle new cards, renewals and cards for family members.
Overview
What is a temporary residence card
A temporary residence card (TRC) is issued by the immigration authority to foreigners permitted to reside in Vietnam for a fixed term, and it replaces a visa. It is also used in everyday matters such as opening a bank account, renting a home or registering a vehicle.
Common card types
| Code | Who it is for | Maximum validity |
|---|---|---|
| LĐ1, LĐ2 | Employees (work permit exempt or holding a work permit) | 2 years |
| ĐT1 | Investors contributing VND 100 billion or more | 10 years |
| ĐT2 | Investors contributing VND 50 to under 100 billion | 5 years |
| ĐT3 | Investors contributing VND 3 to under 50 billion | 3 years |
| TT | Spouses and children of foreign card holders, or relatives of Vietnamese citizens | 3 years |
| DH | Students and interns | 5 years |
Requirements and documents
What you need to prepare
Basic requirements
- A passport with enough remaining validity.
- Entry for the right purpose, on a visa that matches the card you are applying for.
- Supporting documents: work permit, investment certificate, marriage certificate or birth certificate.
- Your temporary residence has been registered at your address.
- A sponsoring organisation or individual.
What you need
- Your passport and current visa.
- The application form and sponsorship letter in the required format.
- Portrait photos in the required format.
- Documents supporting the grounds for the card.
- Confirmation of temporary residence registration.
- The sponsoring company's legal documents (if sponsored by a company).
What we do for you
- 1
We check your current visa and grounds, and confirm the card type and validity you can apply for.
- 2
We prepare the file and forms for the sponsor to sign.
- 3
We file with the immigration authority.
- 4
We track the application and supply anything further that is requested.
- 5
We collect the card and return it with your passport.
Costs
- Government fee: depends on the card's validity.
- Service fee: quoted case by case.
Important notes
- A card cannot outlast your passport or the document it is based on (for example your work permit).
- The visa you enter on decides whether you can apply for a TRC straight away. Get advice before you travel.
- Renew before the card expires. Overstaying leads to fines and affects later applications.
- A new passport, a new employer or new grounds for the card all mean a new procedure.
How is a TRC different from a visa?
A visa is shorter and limits your entries. A TRC lasts longer and allows unlimited entries while it is valid.
Can my family get cards too?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 can apply for family cards once you hold a TRC.
Is my card still valid if I leave my job?
An employment-based card is tied to the sponsoring employer. When the contract ends, you need the procedure that fits your new situation.
Quote
Get advice on your case
You get a document checklist, an expected timeline and a specific quote by email.
Gateway Visa is a private company providing advice and procedural support. It is not a government agency. Visas and related documents are issued at the decision of the competent Vietnamese authorities.