With the open door policies, calling for FDI with many incentives of the Vietnamese government today, Vietnam is an attractive destination for foreign investors. In order to create favorable conditions for foreign investors to live and work in Vietnam, Vietnam has quite flexible policies, suitable for each investor in issuing temporary residence cards. Having a temporary residence card, foreigners do not need to extend their visa and enjoy many benefits while in Vietnam.

1. Concept of temporary residence card for foreign investors

Temporary residence card (TRC) for foreign investors (symbol: DT) issued by the Exit Authority to investors and shareholders contributing capital to enterprises in Vietnam. TRC (DT) allows foreign investors to reside in Vietnam for a period of time and is valid as an alternative to Visa.

To be granted this card, foreign investors need to prove through documents related to investment activities in Vietnam and enter with a visa for the right purpose.

2. Symbol and duration of foreign investor’s temporary residence card

AMPERSAND TRC	CONTENT	TIME (valid)
DT1	Grant to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with contributed capital of VND 100 billion or more or investing in industries and trades preferential for investment. geographical areas for investment incentives shall be decided by the Government.	No more than 10 years
DT2	Grant to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with contributed capital from VND 50 billion to less than VND 100 billion or investing in industries and trades encouraged for investment. development investment shall be decided by the Government.	No more than 05 years
DT3	Granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with contributed capital valued from VND 03 billion to less than VND 50 billion.	No more than 03 years
DT4	Granted to foreign investors in Vietnam and representatives of foreign organizations investing in Vietnam with contributed capital value of less than VND 03 billion.	No more than 12 months

3. Conditions for applying for a temporary residence card for foreign investors

– Foreigners’ passports are valid for at least 13 months;

– Foreign investor visa being used in Vietnam must be for the right purpose (DT symbol);

– Documents proving the capital contribution or capital investment of foreigners in the company in Vietnam.

4. Application dossier for temporary residence card for foreign investors

– A written request from agencies, organizations and individuals to carry out procedures for invitation and guarantee (Form NA6);

– Declaration/application for temporary residence card for foreigners (Form NA8);

– Original passport and original visa of foreigners applying for temporary residence cards; (passport valid for at least 13 months and passport entering Vietnam must be for the right purpose);

– Certificate of temporary residence registration or temporary residence registration of foreigners certified by the police of wards or communes where foreigners temporarily reside in Vietnam;

– 02 photos (2cm x 3cm);

Legal entity profile of the enterprise

• Notarized copy of business registration certificate, investment license, clearly showing the foreign investor’s capital contribution;
• Seal registration certificate or notarized copy announcing information about the enterprise’s seal sample on the National Business Registration Portal;
• Application for registration of seal and signature sample at the Immigration Department or Immigration Office (Form NA16);
• Letter of recommendation for Vietnamese employees applying for a temporary residence card at the Immigration Department + CCCD of the referring officer;

5. Procedures for applying for temporary residence cards for foreign investors

Step 1: Prepare the application for a temporary residence card in accordance with the law

Step 2: Apply for a temporary residence card at the Immigration Department.

• Immigration authorities receive dossiers to check the legality and content of dossiers. If the application is complete, valid, print and give the receipt, make an appointment to return the results.
• If the application is invalid, the officer receiving the application will instruct the applicant to supplement the application for completion.

Step 3: Pay the fee

Step 4: Get the result

Within 05 working days, the investor comes to receive the results of handing over receipts, identity cards or passports to officials returning the inspection and comparison results. Pay the fee, then sign and give the temporary residence card to the person who comes to receive the result (even if it is not processed).

Above is the content of KALF’s advice on Issues related to temporary residence for foreign investors. All of our above advice opinions are based on applicable legal provisions. If you have any questions or requests about legal issues, please contact us for timely answers.