Guide to Residency in Vietnam

Obtaining a residency visa in Vietnam is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Vietnam gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• 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.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Vietnam?

"To enter Vietnam, foreign visitors must apply for a visa prior to their travel. Citizens from certain countries can apply for a visa on arrival, while other nationalities must apply in advance for a visa through a Vietnamese embassy or consulate in their country of origin. To apply for a visa, travelers must submit the appropriate application form, valid passport, copies of their passport and a passport photo, and the necessary visa fee. To apply for residency in Vietnam, foreign nationals must submit a valid passport, a valid visa, proof of medical insurance, a medical certificate, notarized copies of educational documents, valid return flight tickets and proof of sufficient funds. Depending on the type of visa and residence permit, additional documents may be required. After the necessary documents are submitted and approved, the foreign national can receive a residency card that is valid for one year," commented one member living in Vietnam.