Insights
Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam 2026: cost and process
By Nguyễn Quốc Trung — Deputy General Director · Updated
A foreign employee who will live in Vietnam for the length of an assignment usually applies for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) once the work permit is in hand. A TRC lets the holder reside in Vietnam without repeated visa renewals. This guide covers who qualifies, how long a TRC lasts for a worker, the documents and timeline, and the published all-in cost.
Key facts (2026):
- A TRC lets a foreign worker reside without repeated visa renewals; granted on a valid work permit.
- Term follows the work permit — up to 2 years, renewed with it; processed in about 5 working days.
- Nhân Kiệt service USD 450 per employee, all-in (incl. government fees), plus 8% VAT.
What is a Temporary Residence Card and who can get one?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a document issued by the immigration authority that lets a foreign national reside in Vietnam for a fixed period without renewing a visa each time. For foreign employees, the common route is a TRC granted on the basis of a valid work permit, sponsored by the Vietnamese entity that employs them. Other categories — investors, board members and chief representatives — can also qualify, but for an assigned worker the TRC follows the work permit.
How long is a TRC valid for a foreign worker?
For a work-permit holder, the TRC is granted in line with the work permit, up to 2 years, and is renewed together with it. This matters for planning: because a work permit is capped at 2 years and renewable once, the worker's TRC tracks the same horizon. Holding a TRC removes the need to apply for a new entry visa on each trip, which is the main practical benefit over a standard business visa.
What documents does a TRC application need?
The core of a TRC file is a valid passport, the granted work permit, and the sponsoring employer's documents, together with the temporary-residence registration at the local police. Passport photos and the immigration application forms complete the set. Because the TRC depends on the work permit, the practical sequence is to secure the work permit first, then apply for the TRC.
How much does a TRC cost in Vietnam?
The Nhân Kiệt TRC advisory and application service is USD 450 per employee, inclusive of government fees and exclusive only of 8% VAT. You pay one all-in fee rather than tracking separate line items. If you also need the work permit and entry visa, each is priced separately so you take only what you need — see the full service menu in PEO cost in Vietnam 2026.
How long does a TRC take?
Once the work permit is issued and the file is complete, a TRC is typically processed in around five working days. The realistic timeline therefore stacks after the work permit: several weeks for the permit, then the TRC on top. Planning both together — rather than treating the TRC as an afterthought — avoids a gap where the worker is in Vietnam on a short visa while the residence card is still pending.
TRC or a long visa: which does a worker need?
A TRC is the better fit for someone staying for the assignment, while a business visa suits short visits. A business visa must be renewed and does not confer residence, whereas a TRC gives a stable residence status aligned with the work permit. For a foreign employee working here for a year or more, the TRC plus work permit is the standard, lower-friction combination; for short trips, see our guide to the Vietnam work visa.
Why Nhân Kiệt
Nhân Kiệt Supplying Manpower Co., Ltd (tax code 0308022768, established 2009) holds a labour sub-leasing licence (No. 15/2019/SHCM) and an employment-services licence (No. 22139/2023/45/SLĐTBXH-VLATLĐ) issued in Ho Chi Minh City, and is certified to ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001. Under our PEO service, your Vietnamese entity stays the employer while we handle the work permit, TRC, visa and monthly compliance together. For a quotation, call +84 908 636 108 (Mr Trung) or +84 28 3505 4224. This is general information, not legal advice.
Call +84 908 636 108 or see labour compliance, payroll outsourcing, EOR Vietnam.