Residence in Vietnam: permits and requirements
Living legally in Vietnam is possible through 5 permit types: work, investment, family, study, permanent. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Temporary Resident Card (TRC) for Employment
Residence type #1 of 5
Temporary residence card for foreigners with a work permit in Vietnam. Issued by the Immigration Department.
Requirements
- Valid Work Permit issued in Vietnam
- Employment contract with a registered Vietnamese company
- Medical certificate
- Clean criminal record
- Valid LD1/LD2 entry visa
- The company must be registered and tax-compliant
Documentation
- Valid passport with entry visa
- Form NA5/NA6 application
- Original work permit
- Employment contract
- Medical certificate from a designated hospital in Vietnam
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Passport-size photos (4x6 cm)
- Letter from the Vietnamese employing company
Frequently asked questions about residence in Vietnam
How many types of residence permits are there in Vietnam?
Vietnam offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, investment, family, study, permanent. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Vietnam last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 to 2 years (matches the validity of the work permit; 2 years maximum per grant); Up to 5 years (DT1: 5 years; DT2-DT3: 1-3 years); 1 to 5 years renewable; 1 year renewable (until completing the studies). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Vietnam be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Vietnam (5 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Vietnam?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Formulario de solicitud; Certificado médico; Certificado de antecedentes penales; Valid passport; Passport-size photos. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Vietnam lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 years of legal residence. The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Vietnam.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Vietnam?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about residence pathways in Vietnam, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.