As Vietnam continues to attract international businesses and global talent, the demand for long-term immigration solutions for foreign employees is growing rapidly. One of the most important legal documents for foreigners working in Vietnam is the Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

A valid TRC allows foreign employees to stay and work in Vietnam legally without repeatedly renewing visas, helping both employers and employees save time and simplify administrative procedures.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam, including eligibility requirements, required documents, application procedures, processing time, and important compliance notes for businesses.

What is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam?

A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is an official immigration document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department that allows foreign nationals to legally reside in Vietnam for an extended period.

For foreign employees, the most common TRC categories include:

• LD1 – Foreign employees exempt from Work Permit requirements
• LD2 – Foreign employees holding a valid Work Permit

With a valid TRC, foreign employees can:

• Enter and exit Vietnam multiple times without applying for a new visa
• Stay in Vietnam long-term legally
• Reduce visa renewal procedures and costs
• Enjoy more convenience during employment in Vietnam

For many companies, obtaining a TRC is an essential step in onboarding and managing international employees.

Who Can Apply for a TRC in Vietnam?

Foreign employees may apply for a Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam if they meet the following conditions:

1. Valid Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption

Applicants must possess:

• A valid Vietnam Work Permit, or
• A valid Work Permit Exemption Certificate

The TRC validity period will generally not exceed the remaining validity of the Work Permit or exemption document.

2. Valid Passport

The foreign employee’s passport should typically remain valid for at least one year at the time of application.

3. Sponsorship by a Vietnam-Based Company

A registered company in Vietnam must sponsor the foreign employee and submit the TRC application to the immigration authorities.

Required Documents for TRC Application in Vietnam

Preparing accurate and complete documentation is critical for a smooth TRC approval process.

The standard TRC application dossier includes:

• Application form for organization sponsorship (Form NA6)
• TRC application form for foreigners (Form NA8)
• Original passport and valid visa
• Certified copy of Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption
• Passport-sized photos with white background
• Business Registration Certificate or Investment License of the sponsoring company
• Company seal and signature registration documents (if requested)

Depending on the specific case, immigration authorities may request additional supporting documents.

TRC Application Process in Vietnam

The TRC application process for foreign employees typically includes the following steps:

Step 1: Obtain Approval for Hiring Foreign Employees

Before applying for a Work Permit, the employer must obtain approval for the demand to hire foreign labor in accordance with Vietnam labor regulations.

Step 2: Apply for a Work Permit or Work Permit Exemption

Once approval is granted, the employer proceeds with:

• Work Permit application, or
• Work Permit Exemption confirmation

This is a mandatory step before applying for a labor-related TRC.

Step 3: Submit the TRC Application

After obtaining the required labor documents, the company submits the TRC application to:

• The Vietnam Immigration Department, or
• The Provincial Immigration Office

Some procedures may also be completed online through Vietnam’s public service portal.

Step 4: Receive the TRC

The processing time is usually around 5–7 working days from the date of submission of valid documents.

TRC Validity in Vietnam

For labor-related categories (LD1 and LD2), the Temporary Residence Card is typically issued for up to 2 years.

The TRC validity cannot exceed:

• The remaining validity of the Work Permit
• The expiration date of the passport

When the TRC expires, employers may proceed with renewal or reissuance procedures if the employee continues working in Vietnam legally.

TRC Fees in Vietnam

Government fees for TRC issuance may vary depending on the validity period and current immigration regulations.

For labor-related TRCs with validity under 2 years, the standard government fee is commonly around:

• USD 145 per card

Additional service fees may apply if companies use immigration or HR support providers.

Important Compliance Notes for Employers

Companies hiring foreign employees in Vietnam should pay attention to the following:

• A TRC becomes invalid if the employee changes employers
• A new sponsoring company must submit a new TRC application
• Passport validity should always be checked before submission
• Incomplete or inaccurate documents may lead to delays or rejection
• Employers should monitor Work Permit and TRC expiration dates carefully to maintain legal compliance

Proper immigration compliance helps businesses avoid administrative risks and ensures smoother workforce management.

Why Businesses Choose Professional TRC Support Services

Many companies choose to work with HR, immigration, or Employer of Record (EOR) service providers to simplify the TRC process in Vietnam.

Professional support can help:

• Reduce processing delays
• Ensure document accuracy
• Stay compliant with local labor and immigration regulations
• Save internal HR and administrative resources

For international businesses expanding into Vietnam, having local expertise is especially valuable.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam is an important step for foreign employees planning to work and stay in the country long-term.

With proper preparation and compliance, the TRC process can be completed efficiently and provide significant convenience for both employers and international staff.

If your company needs assistance with:

• Vietnam Work Permit applications
• Temporary Residence Card (TRC) services
• Business visa support
• HR & immigration compliance
• Employer of Record (EOR) services in Vietnam

working with an experienced local partner can help simplify the entire process.