With the increasing number of foreigners living, working, and settling in Vietnam, the demand for sponsoring family members (spouse, children) to reside legally has become more pressing than ever. Applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for family members is a mandatory requirement to ensure lawful residence rights. In 2025, the legal procedures related to this matter have been updated and supplemented with several new provisions.
This article, prepared by DNP Viet Nam Law Firm, aims to provide essential legal information and practical guidance on the procedures for sponsoring family members to obtain a temporary residence card in Vietnam in 2025.
I. General overview of the procedure for sponsoring family members to obtain a temporary residence card
1. What is family sponsorship?
- Family sponsorship is the act whereby an individual who is lawfully residing in Vietnam (a Vietnamese citizen or a foreigner holding a temporary or permanent residence card) carries out procedures for their relatives (spouse, children, parents, etc.) to be granted a visa or a temporary residence card to legally reside in Vietnam.
2. What is a TT temporary residence card?
- The TT temporary residence card is a type of residence card issued by the Vietnamese immigration authority that allows the spouse or children of a foreigner or a Vietnamese citizen to reside in Vietnam long-term without having to extend their visa multiple times.
3. Eligible beneficiaries of the TT temporary residence card
Legal basis: Article 45 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014.
Vietnamese citizens may sponsor:
- Biological parents;
- Foreign spouse;
- Children.
Foreigners holding a temporary or permanent residence card in Vietnam may sponsor:
- Foreign spouse;
- Foreign child under 18 years old.
4. Conditions for sponsoring foreigners for family reunification
4.1. Conditions for the sponsor:
- Vietnamese citizens must have a lawful blood or marital relationship with the foreigner;
- Foreigners must be lawfully residing in Vietnam with a valid temporary residence card;
- Must have a clear permanent or temporary address in Vietnam;
- Must provide documents proving family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, household registration, etc.).
4.2. Conditions for the sponsored person:
- Must be a direct relative;
- Must hold a passport valid for at least six months;
- Must not fall under cases of entry ban or exit suspension;
- Must not have criminal records or violations of Vietnamese law.
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II. Process, dossier, and procedures for applying for a TT temporary residence card
General legal basis: Subsection 5, Section B, Part II of Decision No. 5568/QD-BCA.
1. Application dossier for a TT temporary residence card
- Application form: Form NA6 (for organizations) or Form NA7 (for individuals);
- Application for issuance of a temporary residence card (Form NA8);
- Passport;
- Documents proving eligibility for a residence card (work permit, work permit exemption certificate, or other valid documents);
- Two photos (2×3 cm) (one affixed to the form, one separate).
In case of online submission: the passport must be sent via public postal service; other documents must be submitted in certified electronic copies, or if not certified, the paper copies must be sent via postal service.
2. Methods of submission
- Direct submission: Submit the dossier at the Immigration Division of the provincial police department.
- Online submission: Submit via the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal.
- Public postal service: Submit additional documents as requested by the Immigration Division via the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security’s Public Service Portal (if applicable).
3. Application process
Step 1: Prepare the dossier in accordance with legal requirements.
Step 2: Submit the dossier:
- Directly or online as prescribed in Section 2.
- Upon receipt, the officer will examine the dossier:
- Valid dossiers: an appointment slip is issued, fees are collected, or online payment is accepted.
- Incomplete or incorrect dossiers: instructions are provided for supplementation.
- Ineligible dossiers: refused with written or online notification.
- Reception hours: Monday to Saturday morning (except holidays and Tet).
Step 3: Receive results:
- Applicants receive the card directly at the Immigration Division or via postal service as registered;
- In case of refusal, written or online notification is issued, stating reasons.
- Result issuance hours: Monday to Friday (except holidays and Tet).
4. Processing time
- A maximum of 05 working days from the date the Immigration Division of the provincial police department receives a complete dossier and fee.
5. Validity of the TT temporary residence card
Legal basis: Article 38 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014 (as amended by clause 16 Article 1 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam amended 2019).
- The TT temporary residence card is valid for up to 03 years.
- The validity of the residence card must be at least 30 days shorter than that of the passport.
6. Fees for temporary residence cards in 2025
- Card valid for up to 2 years: 145 USD.
- Card valid for over 2 years to 5 years: 155 USD.
- Card valid for over 5 years to 10 years: 165 USD.
“The above content is provided by DNP Viet Nam Law Firm for reference purposes only. For detailed, accurate, and tailored legal advice that meets your specific needs, please contact us using the information provided below.”
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