As Vietnam becomes an increasingly popular destination for foreign investors, workers, and tourists, compliance with immigration regulations has become more important than ever. One of the key legal requirements for foreigners staying in Vietnam—whether short-term or long-term—is the obligation to register temporary residence. This process not only helps authorities manage immigration effectively but also ensures legal security for foreigners during their stay. However, many individuals and even host organizations may find the procedure confusing due to varying requirements based on the type of visa, place of residence, or length of stay.
1. What is Temporary Residence Registration?
Temporary residence registration for foreigners in Vietnam is a mandatory procedure to authenticate the entry for foreigners, ensuring that they can stay continuously in Vietnam for a certain period of time. According to Clause 1, Article 33 of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam 2014:
“Foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam must, through the person directly managing and administering the operation of their accommodation, declare their temporary residence to the police of the commune, ward, town or police station where the accommodation is located”
2. Guidance for applying Temporary Residence Registration
2.1. Applying Online
| Step | Title | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Collect information from the host | You need to obtain the following details from the host: – Host’s full name – Host’s phone number – Host’s ID card or passport number |
| Step 2 | Access the online registration portal | Visit the immigration office’s online portal for the province where the accommodation is located. Website format: https://provincename.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn Examples: – Hanoi: https://hanoi.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ – Ho Chi Minh City: https://hochiminh.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/ |
| Step 3 | Create your account | If you don’t already have an account, click “Sign up” to register. Fill out the sign-up form with the following information: – Host’s full name – Host’s phone number – Host’s ID card/passport number – Accommodation address – Username and password A confirmation message will appear after successful registration. |
| Step 4 | Sign in and complete the registration | Log in with your username and password. Go to the FUNCTIONS section and complete the registration form with: – Room number – Passport number – Nationality – Full name – Gender – Date of birth – Date of moving in – Intended date of moving out => After filling out the form, click Save. A success message will confirm your registration. |
2.2. Register temporary residence at commune/district-level public security
| Step | Description | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | Collect information | The declarant receives information about the foreigner’s temporary residence. |
| Step 2A | Download and submit Form NA17 | – Download Form NA17 – Registration of Temporary Residence for Foreigners. – Complete the form and submit it in person to the public security agency of the commune, ward, or township where the accommodation is located. |
| Step 2B. Review by authorities | Form processing | – The officer on duty at the commune-level public security station reviews the dossier for eligibility and verifies the declared information. – If the information is sufficient, the form will be certified. – If not, the declarant must revise and supplement the form as required. |
| Step 3 | Receive confirmation | The declarant immediately receives the temporary residence declaration form certified by the officer, which serves as the temporary residence registration certificate. |
In summary, registering temporary residence is a legal obligation for all foreigners staying in Vietnam, regardless of the length or purpose of their stay. Whether completed online or directly at the local public security office, the process is essential for ensuring compliance with Vietnamese immigration law and avoiding potential penalties. Understanding the correct procedure, gathering the necessary information, and following the proper steps not only protects foreigners legally but also contributes to a well-regulated and secure living environment. Both foreign nationals and their hosts should stay informed and proactive in fulfilling this responsibility.
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1. Lawyer Vu Thi Phuong Thanh, Manager of TLA Law LLC, Ha Noi Bar Association
Email: vtpthanh@tlalaw.vn
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– Nguyen Huong Huyen-