How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Vietnam

Summary: A primer on how to enroll in the public healthcare system in Vietnam.

If you're planning to enroll in the public healthcare system in Vietnam, this article covers the requirements for foreigners to be able enroll in the public healthcare system, the steps involved and more.

Understand the Types of Residence Status
- Temporary Residence Card (TRC): Valid for 3 to 5 years
- Permanent Residence Card (PRC): Valid indefinitely
Check Your Eligibility
- TRC: Foreigners who have valid passports and are currently residing in Vietnam for at least 1 year.
- PRC: Foreigners who have resided in Vietnam for 3 consecutive years and meet specific criteria such as investment, marriage to a Vietnamese citizen, or contribution to the country.
Prepare Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least 1 year remaining
- Visa (if applicable)
- Police clearance certificate from your home country
- Health certificate from a recognized medical facility in Vietnam
- Work permit or investment certificate (if applicable)
- Temporary/Permanent residence application form - Form N5 (for TRC) or Form N6 (for PRC)
Apply for a Tax Number
- Visit the General Department of Taxation website:
- Download and fill out the tax registration form
- Submit the form along with a copy of your passport and visa (if applicable) to the local tax office
Apply for Residence Status
- Submit the required documents to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security
- Address (Hanoi): 44-46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District
- Address (Ho Chi Minh City): 254 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1
Processing Time and Fees
- Processing time: About 5-7 working days for TRC and up to 6 months for PRC
- Fees: Vary depending on the type of residence status and duration
Renewal and Changes
- TRC: Must be renewed before expiration
- PRC: Does not require renewal but must be updated with any changes in personal information
Additional Resources
- Vietnam Immigration Department website:
- Vietnam National Web Portal:

Important Notes

Always consult the official websites or local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Consider hiring a reputable agency or lawyer to assist with the application process if needed.

All documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized or legalized by a competent authority.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.