When foreigners choose Viet Nam as a destination to work, invest or reside, the Visa, Temporary Residence Card (“TRC”) and Permanent Residence Card (“PRC”) are the key documents along their residence journey. Each instrument reflects a different level of connection with the host country. A clear understanding of the legal nature and issuance conditions of each category not only helps foreigners select the appropriate residence pathway, but also ensures proactive and effective compliance with the law.
1. Visa
– Legal bases
- Articles 7–19 of Consolidated Document No. 30/VBHN-VQH on the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Viet Nam.
- Articles 3 and 4 of Circular No. 04/2016/TT-BNG on competence to issue and guidance on procedures for issuance of visas, as amended and supplemented by Circular No. 04/2025.
- Article 3 of Circular No. 31/2015/TT-BCA, as amended and supplemented by Circular No. 57/2020/TT-BCA.
– Conditions for visa issuance (Article 10):
- Possess a passport or an international travel document valid for at least 06 months.
- Have an agency/organization/individual in Viet Nam inviting or sponsoring the visit (e.g., company, investment partner, etc.).
- Do not fall under the cases of prohibition from entry.
- Provide lawful documents evidencing the purpose of entry:
- Investment: documents relating to the investment.
- Employment: work permit.
- Study: letter of acceptance from a Vietnamese educational institution.
- Hold a passport and do not fall within the categories of invitees or members of foreign diplomatic missions, consular posts, or international organizations of the State specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of Article 8.
– Validity periods (Article 9):
| Category | Beneficiaries | Maximum validity |
|---|---|---|
| LĐ1 | Foreign workers exempt from a work permit | 2 years |
| LĐ2 | Foreign workers holding a work permit | 2 years |
| ĐT1 – ĐT4 | Foreign investors | 1–5 years (depending on investment capital) |
| TT | Dependants: spouse/children of foreigners residing in Viet Nam | 12 months |
| Electronic visa (EV / e-visa) | Citizens of all countries and territories | 90 days from 15 August 2023, multiple entry permitted |
- There are more than 27 visa categories, each corresponding to a specific purpose of entry: employment, investment, family reunion in Viet Nam, study, press, etc.
→ The classification is clear and tailored to each entry purpose. However, validity terms are relatively short, necessitating frequent extensions, and procedures may be complex for first-time applicants.
2. Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
– Legal bases
- Articles 31–38 of Consolidated Document No. 30/VBHN-VPQH regulating the issuance of temporary residence cards.
- Articles 3, 5 and 6 of Circular No. 04/2025/TT-BNG on competence and procedures for TRC issuance, as amended by Circular No. 04/2025.
- Article 4 of Circular No. 31/2015/TT-BCA, as amended by Circular No. 57/2020/TT-BCA.
– Conditions for TRC issuance:
- Hold a valid visa matching the declared purpose of entry (e.g., work, investment, etc.).
- Possess a work permit or valid investment certificate with a remaining term of at least 12 months.
- Have a passport valid for more than 12 months.
- Have a temporary residence registration at the local police (under the 2020 Law on Residence).
- Not under criminal investigation or subject to pending enforcement of a court judgment.
- Have fulfilled tax and financial obligations.
– Validity periods:
| TRC Type | Beneficiaries | Maximum validity |
|---|---|---|
| LĐ1, LĐ2 | Foreign workers | 2 years |
| ĐT1 | Foreign investors | 10 years |
| ĐT2, LS | Foreign investors / Foreign lawyers | 5 years |
| TT, ĐT3 | Dependants | 3 years |
→ The use of a TRC offers time-saving, cost – effective, and convenient benefits. It replaces the visa and is ideal for long – term workers, investors, and their family members seeking stable residence in Viet Nam.
3. Permanent Residence Card (PRC)
– Legal bases
- Articles 39–43 of Consolidated Document No. 30/VBHN-VPQH governing the issuance of permanent residence cards.
- Article 5 of Circular No. 31/2015/TT-BCA, as amended by Circular No. 57/2020/TT-BCA.
– Conditions for PRC issuance:
- Have resided continuously in Viet Nam for at least 03 years.
- Made meritorious contributions or have been honored for contributions to the cause of nation-building and defense (e.g., awarded medals, State honors).
- Be a scientist or expert currently residing in Viet Nam.
- Have a Vietnamese citizen sponsor (parents, spouse, children) who is permanently residing in Viet Nam.
- Be stateless and have lawful residence and stable income in Viet Nam.
– Validity: Indefinite, but holders must submit annual residency confirmation.
→ A PRC grants the privilege of stable, long-term residence without a time limit and visa exemption for entry into and exit from Viet Nam. It also allows the holder to sponsor relatives and engage in investment and business activities.
The legal framework for issuing visas, temporary residence cards, and permanent residence cards to foreigners working long-term in Viet Nam represents a core legal strategy aimed at effective immigration management while fostering an open environment to attract international talent. This demonstrates Viet Nam’s delicate balance between control and integration – a solid foundation for sustainable development in an increasingly globalized world.
📞 CONTACT LEGAL CONSULTANT:
TLA Law is a leading law firm with a team of highly experienced lawyers specializing in criminal, civil, corporate, marriage and family law, and more. We are committed to providing comprehensive legal support and answering all your legal questions. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
1. Lawyer Vu Thi Phuong Thanh, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: vtpthanh@tlalaw.vn
2. Lawyer Tran My Le, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: https://tlalaw.vn/
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