As a foreign investor operating an FDI project in Vietnam, do you often face difficulties with short-term visas? Frequent entry and exit not only disrupts your work but also increases costs and affects long-term business management.
The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) offers a practical solution. It allows foreign investors to reside legally in Vietnam for an extended period, from 2 to 10 years, without repeatedly renewing short-term visas. The TRC provides flexible multiple-entry/exit privileges and supports essential procedures such as opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and proving residency.
This article delivers a detailed guide on eligibility, required documents, application process, processing time, fees, and key considerations for obtaining a TRC in Vietnam. It also explains how Vina TPT can support your company throughout the entire process.
1. What is a TRC Vietnam?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC Vietnam) is a residency document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department (under the Ministry of Public Security) to eligible foreigners. It replaces a visa and allows continuous legal residence in Vietnam for the period stated on the card (typically 2 to 10 years, depending on the visa category).
Important clarification: TRC (Temporary Residence Card) is completely different from a Tax Residency Certificate. The TRC relates to immigration and residency rights, while the Tax Residency Certificate is issued by tax authorities to apply double tax avoidance agreements (DTAs).
2. Benefits of obtaining a TRC Vietnam
Holding a TRC Vietnam delivers significant practical advantages for foreign investors:
- Business benefits: Stable residency enables you to focus on project management, operations, and oversight without visa-related interruptions.
- Personal benefits: Freedom to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times, plus easier sponsorship of family members.
- Legal and tax benefits: Helps prove residency duration when needed, especially for double taxation avoidance agreements.
- Cost benefits: Substantially reduces expenses and time compared to repeatedly renewing short-term visas.
In practice, many FDI investors report significantly improved operational efficiency and greater focus on long-term business development after obtaining their TRC.
3. Who can apply for a TRC Vietnam as a foreign investor?
Not every foreign investor qualifies for a TRC. To be eligible, you generally need to meet these conditions:
- Have capital contribution or investment in a Vietnamese enterprise
- Hold a valid DT visa (DT1, DT2, DT3, or DT4)
- Possess a passport valid for at least 13 months
- Provide legal documents of the company (Enterprise Registration Certificate – ERC and/or Investment Registration Certificate – IRC)
- Have valid temporary residence registration with local police
The table below compares DT visa types and corresponding TRC eligibility (updated according to the Law on Investment 2025):
|
DT Visa Type |
Minimum Capital Contribution | Maximum Visa Duration | Maximum TRC Duration |
Notes |
|
DT1 |
≥ 100 billion VND or incentivized sectors | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years | Highest priority for large-scale projects |
|
DT2 |
50 – under 100 billion VND or incentivized sectors | Up to 5 years | Up to 5 years | Applies to encouraged investment projects |
|
DT3 |
3 – under 50 billion VND | Up to 3 years | Up to 3 years | Most common for medium-sized investors |
|
DT4 |
Under 3 billion VND | 12 months | Not eligible | Short-term visa only |
Note on the Law on Investment 2025 (effective March 1, 2026): The new law allows greater flexibility. In many cases (especially non-restricted sectors), foreign investors can obtain the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) before the Investment Registration Certificate (IRC). This change helps investors prove capital contribution, business address, and investment status earlier, making the TRC application smoother and faster.
4. Step-by-step guide to apply for a TRC Vietnam
The application process for a TRC in Vietnam typically includes the following steps:
- Prepare eligibility: Ensure you hold a valid DT visa and your company has completed legal procedures (ERC and/or IRC), along with proof of capital contribution.
- Prepare documents: Gather all required paperwork. Foreign documents must be notarized, translated into Vietnamese, and consular legalized as needed.
- Submit the application: File in person or online at the Immigration Department office where your company is headquartered.
- Receive the result: Standard processing time is about 5 working days once the file is complete and valid. Additional time may be required if supplementary documents are needed.
- Renewal (if necessary): Apply for renewal before the TRC expires.
5. Frequently asked questions about TRC Vietnam
Foreign investors often have many practical questions when preparing to apply for a TRC Vietnam (Temporary Residence Card). Below are the most common questions with clear, concise, and realistic answers.
5.1 How long does it take to obtain a TRC in Vietnam?
The official processing time for TRC application is 5 working days from the date the Immigration Department receives a complete and valid dossier.
In practice:
- If your dossier is perfect with no missing documents, you can typically receive the TRC within 5-7 working days.
- If additional documents are required, the process may take 10-15 working days.
5.2 What documents are required to apply for a TRC Vietnam?
The TRC application requires a detailed set of documents. Here is the standard list:
- Original passport valid for at least 13 months and a valid DT visa
- Application form NA6 (sponsored by organization) or NA8 (individual)
- Two 2×3 cm passport photos with white background
- Temporary residence confirmation issued by local police
- Notarized copies of ERC and/or IRC
- Documents proving capital contribution
- Company seal-related documents (if required)
- Sponsorship letter from the company
All foreign documents must be consular legalized, notarized, and officially translated into Vietnamese. Failure to meet these requirements is one of the most common reasons for application rejection or delays.
5.3 How much does a TRC Vietnam cost?
The fee for issuing a TRC depends on the validity period of the card (updated for 2026):
- Up to 2 years: approximately 145 USD
- From over 2 years to 5 years: approximately 155 USD
- From over 5 years to 10 years: approximately 165 USD
This fee is paid directly at the Immigration Department when submitting the application.
5.4 What are the most common mistakes to avoid when applying for a TRC Vietnam?
Submitting incomplete or invalid documents: Many applicants submit foreign documents that have not been consular legalized, translations that are not properly notarized, incorrectly completed NA6/NA8 forms, or photos that fail to meet the strict requirements (size, background, or recency).
- Consequence: The dossier is returned multiple times, turning a simple 5-day process into weeks or months of delay.
- How to avoid it: Create a detailed checklist and have your entire application reviewed by a professional before submission.
Using the wrong type of investment visa (DT visa)
- Consequence: The Immigration Department may reject the TRC application outright or require you to apply for a new visa, significantly delaying the entire process.
- How to avoid it: Determine the correct DT visa type (DT1, DT2, or DT3) from the very beginning based on your investment capital and industry.
Delays in obtaining temporary residence confirmation: Failing to secure the temporary residence confirmation (Form NA17) on time due to unclear lease agreements or lack of coordination with the landlord.
- Consequence: This step often becomes a major bottleneck, stalling the entire application.
- How to avoid it: Prepare a legally compliant office address early and work closely with the landlord to complete the temporary residence confirmation promptly.
Insufficient proof of capital contribution: Missing bank statements, capital contribution minutes, or discrepancies between the actual contributed amount and the registered capital in the ERC/IRC.
- Consequence: The application is either sent back for supplementation or rejected due to failure to prove financial capacity.
- How to avoid it: Keep complete and clear records of all capital transfers and contribution documents from the moment the investment is made.
Most mistakes stem from inadequate preparation or lack of familiarity with Vietnam’s immigration procedures. Working with an experienced consulting firm from the early stages can help you avoid these risks, minimize delays, and obtain your TRC smoothly and on time.
6. How Vina TPT can help you secure your TRC smoothly
With over 20 years of experience supporting FDI enterprises, Vina TPT provides a comprehensive approach to TRC applications, from initial advisory to final approval.
We support businesses in structuring their investment to meet visa and TRC requirements, while handling the entire documentation process, including notarization, translation, and consular legalization. Our team works directly with the Immigration Department to ensure smooth processing, while also integrating related services such as company establishment, work permit exemption, and finance and tax support. This end-to-end approach helps minimize risks, ensure compliance, and significantly reduce processing time for investors.
We are committed to accuracy, speed, and efficiency so you can focus on your business instead of administrative procedures.
Contact Vina TPT today for personalized advice and professional support tailored to your investment needs in Vietnam.