Photo: Collected 

Like in other countries such as South Korea and Japan, Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is an extremely important document for foreigners who plan to stay in Vietnam for more than a year. In some cases, foreigners are even required to present TRC to prove their identity living in Vietnam. 

First, let’s read its full definition:

“TRC is a document issued by an immigration authority or a competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, granted to foreigners who are allowed to reside for a certain period of time in Vietnam” (under Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014)

But, have you ever wondered why TRC is a must-have document and people often go out of their way to achieve one? 

• This card allows foreign nationals to stay in Vietnam for a period of time while their TRC is still valid without having to leave Vietnam.

• TRC grants the convenience of multiple entries, meaning that they can enter and exit Vietnam as many times as they want within the duration of the card, without the necessity of visa applications or extensions.

• When departing the country, they only need to carry the TRC along with a valid passport. 

• Possessing a TRC grants foreigners the ability to purchase property, register a business, engage in production, or enter into marriage. They can receive protection and rights safeguarded by the law. 

• It provides foreigners with advantages in navigating procedures and completing various documents.

• Having a TRC facilitates sponsorship for relatives to visit or reside in Vietnam. 

Basically, TRC has the same function as long-term visas, which many foreigners enjoy for the sake of cost and time efficiency. They don’t need to pay each time getting a visa stamp or apply for a visa/ visa extensions.

Foreigners also need to keep in mind these benefits above to protect their rights and understand why sometimes TRC granting is quite a complicated process. 

When applying for one, the Vietnam TRC is offered in various categories, each with its designated validity period:

• 1-2 years: Tailored for foreign employees and their dependents, identified by symbols such as LD1, LD2, and TT.

• 2-5 years: Geared towards investors, diplomats, overseas students, and others, denoted by symbols including DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, and DH.

• Less than 10 years: Specifically allocated for investors, indicated by the symbol DT1

You can refer to the required documents and procedures for TRC here