Asia Pacific
Vietnam immigration and visa guide
Vietnam offers Temporary Residence Cards (TRC - Thẻ tạm trú) for corporate experts, Investor Visas (ĐT1/ĐT2/ĐT3/ĐT4), and standard Work Permits (Giấy phép lao động).
Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) & Ministry of Public Security
- Processing time
- 3 – 8 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- No
Visa options in Vietnam
Key requirements
- Approved Work Permit (Giấy phép lao động) issued by Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA)
- University bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of verified relevant managerial or specialist work experience
- Legalized and apostilled criminal record check and health check at authorized Vietnamese hospital
How to apply for a Vietnam visa: step by step
- 1
Labor Demand Approval & Work Permit Lodgement
Vietnamese employer submits foreign labor demand letter to provincial People’s Committee and applies for MOLISA Work Permit.
4 - 6 weeks
- 2
Immigration Approval Letter & LD Visa
Obtain immigration clearance letter to collect LD1/LD2 work visa at embassy or upon arrival.
1 - 2 weeks
- 3
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) Issuance
Submit passport and original Work Permit at the Immigration Department in Hanoi, Danang, or Ho Chi Minh City to obtain 2 to 3-year TRC card.
5 - 7 business days
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
What is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam?
A TRC is a plastic biometric card issued by the Vietnamese Immigration Department that acts as a multiple-entry visa and residence permit, exempting the holder from visa renewals for up to 2 to 5 years.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Vietnam. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) & Ministry of Public SecurityGeneral information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) & Ministry of Public Security on the official website before applying.