In the context of international integration and expansion of foreign investment, Vietnam has increasingly become an attractive destination for foreign investors. However, in order to reside and conduct business lawfully, it is essential to thoroughly understand the provisions on temporary residence cards (TRC) for investors (DT1, DT2, DT3).
This article by DNP Viet Nam Law Firm provides an analysis of the regulations and entitlements applicable to foreign investors holding temporary residence cards (DT1, DT2, DT3) in Vietnam.
1. Definition of Temporary Residence Card for Foreign Investors
The Immigration Department of Vietnam issues temporary residence cards to foreigners investing in enterprises or projects. These cards replace visas, grant lawful long-term residence, and facilitate travel and business operations. They are classified into DT1, DT2, DT3, and DT4 based on capital contribution and investment sector.
2. Categories of Temporary Residence Cards (TRC) for Investors
- DT1: Granted to investors contributing capital of VND 100 billion or more, or investing in sectors, occupations, or geographical areas entitled to special investment incentives as decided by the Government.
Maximum validity: 10 years. - DT2: Granted to investors contributing capital of from VND 50 billion to under VND 100 billion, or investing in sectors, occupations, or geographical areas encouraged for development.
Maximum validity: 5 years. - DT3: Granted to investors contributing capital of from VND 3 billion to under VND 50 billion.
Maximum validity: 3 years. - DT4: Granted to investors contributing capital of less than VND 3 billion.
Maximum validity: 1 year.
(Pursuant to Article 9 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam 2014, as amended and supplemented in 2019 and 2023).
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3. Conditions for Issuance of Investor Temporary Residence Cards (TRC)
Pursuant to Article 10 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, foreigners applying for a temporary residence card under the investor category must satisfy the following conditions:
- Possess a valid passport or an international travel document of equivalent value.
- Be sponsored by a Vietnamese organization or individual, except in cases otherwise provided by law.
- Not fall under the cases of entry prohibition as stipulated in Article 21 of the Law.
- Provide documentary evidence of investment activities in Vietnam, in conformity with the Law on Investment.
4. Beneficial of Holders of Investor Temporary Residence Cards (TRC)
In addition to the lawful right of residence in Vietnam, foreigners granted temporary residence cards shall enjoy the following entitlements:
a) To enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the validity of the card without applying for a visa;
b) To freely travel, access, and participate in cultural, tourism, religious, and social activities in Vietnam;
c) To reduce costs by not having to apply for visas repeatedly;
d) To be facilitated in residing for the purpose of conducting business, marriage, or performing other legal procedures in Vietnam;
đ) To be guaranteed by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam the protection of life, honor, property, and other lawful rights and interests during their residence;
e) To sponsor grandparents, parents, spouse, and children to visit Vietnam; and to sponsor spouse and children under 18 years of age to reside together during the validity of the card, subject to the consent of the inviting or sponsoring organization/individual;
g) To travel within the territory of Vietnam, combining tourism, family visits, and medical treatment without prior authorization; provided that, when entering restricted or prohibited areas, compliance with legal provisions is required.
(See also Clause 1, Article 44 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam).
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