How to Get a Vietnam Residence Permit in Vietnam: Expat Guide 2026

What is a Vietnam Residence Permit (TRC) and How Does it Differ from a Visa?

Before delving into the details, it’s important to understand the terminology. What is known as a residence permit in many countries is referred to in Vietnam as a Temporary Residence Card (Thẻ tạm trú, TRC). This is a plastic card issued by the immigration department of the Ministry of Public Security, which allows legal stay in the country for a long period without the need to regularly extend a visa or perform “visa runs.”

A TRC is not a visa. A visa is permission to enter the country for a specific period and purpose. A TRC, on the other hand, grants the right to multiple entries and exits from Vietnam during its validity period, as well as legal residence and work (if there is a corresponding ground).

The validity period of a TRC ranges from 1 to 10 years, depending on the grounds for its acquisition and its category. It is important to understand that a TRC is issued only if there is a clear ground, such as employment, investment, marriage to a Vietnamese citizen, or study.

Main Avenues for Getting a TRC (Vietnam Residence Permit) in Vietnam in 2026

For foreigners looking to get a Vietnam residence permit, there are several main categories. Let’s consider the most relevant and realistic ones:

1. Work TRC (Categories LD1, LD2)

This is one of the most common paths for expats to get Vietnam residence permit. If a Vietnamese company or a representative office of a foreign company hires you, they will process a Work Permit, and after that, the immigration service will issue a TRC for the duration of the permit, but not exceeding 2 years.

Requirements for foreign workers from August 7, 2025:

• Experts: University degree and a minimum of 2 years of professional experience.
• Technical specialists: Training lasting at least 1 year and a minimum of 2 years of experience.
• Managers: Assessed by their position in the company.

Important: From February 4, 2026, the Vietnam Immigration Department accepts applications for a Vietnam residence permit only from individuals with an LD2 category visa. If you entered on an e-visa or tourist visa, you will first need to convert it to an LD2, which can take about two weeks.

2. Investment TRC (Categories DT1, DT2, DT3)

This option is suitable for those ready to open their own company in Vietnam or invest in an existing one. The validity period of the TRC directly depends on the amount of invested capital:

For Russians and Kazakhs, the path through investment in their own company with a threshold of ~$115,000 (DT3) is one of the most realistic ways to get a Vietnam residence permit for 3 years. Business immigration can be a strategic move for wealthy individuals, and Vietnam offers interesting opportunities.

3. Family TRC (Category TT)

This category is for spouses, children under 18, and parents of Vietnamese citizens, as well as spouses and children under 18 of foreigners who already hold a TRC under other categories (e.g., work or investment). A family TRC is issued for up to 3 years.

Required documents: Marriage certificate or birth certificate, notarized and translated.

4. Study TRC (Category DH)

Foreign students enrolled in accredited Vietnamese educational institutions for long-term programs can get a TRC for up to 5 years. The application is usually submitted by the educational institution.

TRC Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

The procedure for getting a Vietnam residence permit (TRC) involves several stages and may vary depending on the chosen grounds. The general algorithm is as follows:

Step 1: Obtain the Grounds and Corresponding Visa

First and foremost, you must have a legal basis for staying in Vietnam. This could be:

• A job offer from a Vietnamese employer and obtaining a Work Permit.
• Registering your own company in Vietnam and investing in it.
• Marriage to a Vietnamese citizen or kinship with a TRC holder.
• Enrollment in an educational institution.

Depending on the grounds, you will need to obtain the appropriate visa. From February 2026, to apply for a work TRC, you must have an LD2 category visa. This is a crucial step for those looking for a long-term Vietnam visa.

Step 2: Document Collection

The document package for a TRC may differ depending on the category, but usually includes:

• Completed form NA8 (application for Vietnam residence permit).
• Original passport (valid for at least 13 months from the TRC issuance date).
• Notarized copy of the Work Permit (if applicable), with at least 12 months remaining validity.
• Company registration certificate (for investors).
• Marriage/birth certificate (for family TRC).
• Temporary residence registration (police registration; mandatory, updated within 24 hours after each move).
• Police clearance certificate with apostille (for Russians: Ministry of Internal Affairs + Ministry of Justice, takes 2–4 weeks to obtain. Recommended to order before departure).
• Two 3×4 cm photos with a white background.
• Sponsorship letter from the employer/inviting party (form NA6 or NA7).

Step 3: Application Submission

The application for a TRC is submitted to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security or the immigration management department of the police in the province where you actually reside. It is important that at the time of application, you are already legally in Vietnam and have temporary residence registration.

Processing time: According to regulations, it takes 5 working days from the date of receipt of the complete package of documents.

Step 4: Payment of Government Fees

The cost of processing a TRC depends on its validity period:

• Up to 2 years: 145 USD
• From 2 to 5 years: 155 USD
• 10 years (for DT1 category): 165 USD

Permanent Residence (PRC) in Vietnam

The Permanent Residence Card (Thường trú, PRC) is the equivalent of Vietnam permanent residence. It is significantly more difficult to obtain than a TRC. A PRC is issued for 10 years and is automatically renewed, which effectively makes the status permanent, although the physical card needs to be replaced.

Who Can Get a PRC?

The range of individuals eligible for a PRC is quite narrow:

• Spouses, children, and parents of Vietnamese citizens who reside permanently in the country.
• Scientists and experts who have made special contributions to Vietnam.
• Individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Vietnam.

The main condition for relatives of Vietnamese citizens is at least 3 years of continuous residence with a TRC, legal housing, and stable income. Continuous residence is a key point; long departures from the country may interrupt the count.

Processing time: 4–6 months. The government fee is 100 USD.

Benefits of a TRC (Vietnam Residence Permit)

Obtaining a TRC offers several significant advantages compared to staying on a visa:

• Freedom of movement: Ability to enter and exit Vietnam an unlimited number of times during the card’s validity without applying for a new visa. This is a key benefit for those seeking a long-term Vietnam visa.
• Stability: No need to extend your visa monthly or perform “visa runs.”
• Legal residence and work: Right to legally reside and (if there are corresponding grounds) work in the country.
• Access to services: Simplified access to banking services, housing rentals, and other services.

For wealthy expats considering relocation abroad, Vietnam can offer interesting opportunities for both business and comfortable living. Be aware that rules and requirements may change, so always check for current information before starting the process. For those interested in investments in real estate or business development, understanding the immigration processes is key.

Recommendations for Expats

• Plan ahead: The process of getting a Vietnam residence permit can be lengthy, especially considering the need to obtain certificates and permits.
• Cooperate with reliable partners: If you plan to seek employment or start a business, ensure the reliability of your employer or consultants.
• Study local laws: The Vietnamese legal system has its peculiarities, and understanding local norms will help avoid problems. These are important grounds for Vietnam residence permit applications.
• Be prepared for changes: Immigration laws can change, so it’s important to monitor current information.

Vietnam is a country with great potential, and obtaining a Vietnam residence permit here opens doors for long-term living and doing business. For those looking for opportunities for investments in real estate or business development, understanding the immigration processes is key.

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