For any foreigner planning to live and work in Vietnam, two essential documents arethe Work Permit and the Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Though often used together, they serve different legal purposes.This guide explains what a Work Permit and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) are, their key differences, their requirements, and why most expats in Vietnam require both.
1. What is a Work Permit in Vietnam?
A Work Permit is an official document issued by either the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DOLISA) or Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOILISA)that allows foreign nationals to legally work in Vietnam. This document ensures that the foreign worker has met Vietnam’s legal requirements regarding qualifications, health, experience, and employer sponsorship. Without a Work Permit, foreign individuals are not legally authorized to work in Vietnam, regardless of visa or residence status.
1.1. Who is eligible for a Work Permit?
According to Article 2 and Article 3 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP amended by Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP, the following individuals must obtain a Work Permit before engaging in employment in Vietnam:
Foreign employees directly hired by Vietnamese enterprises, foreign-invested companies, representative offices, NGOs, or branches.
A foreign organization in Vietnam that has official permission from the Vietnamese government to operate in the country.
Vietnamese workers employed by foreign organizations or individuals in Vietnam
Employers of foreign workers in Vietnam include a wide range of entities such as businesses, contractors, representative offices, government agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, international organizations, law firms, cooperatives, and licensed individuals or households.
These workers must secure a Work Permit if they intend to work for more than 3 months in Vietnam.
1.2. Required documents for Work Permit application
As per Article 9 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP amended by Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP, the application dossier includes:
Application form (Form No. 11/PLI) as issued by the Ministry of Labor.
Documents proving the individual is a manager or executive director as defined in Clauses 4 and 5, Article 3 of this Decree
Proof of qualifications: degrees, diplomas, certificates (legalized and translated).
Confirmation from a foreign organization or company on the expert’s or technician’s years of experience
Health certificate issued by a Vietnam-approved clinic (valid within 12 months).
Criminal record certificate:
From the home country (for foreigners).
Vietnamese criminal record required if living in Vietnam over 6 months.
Copy of passport and valid visa (color copy, notarized).
Two passport-sized photos (4x6 cm) on a white background.
Employer’s Business Registration Certificate (certified copy).
All foreign-issued documents must be legalized, notarized, and translated into Vietnamese.
1.3. Work Permit application process
The application process involves several key steps:
Step 1: Approval of demand for foreign workers
Before applying for a Work Permit, employers must obtain approval from DOLISA to hire foreign nationals.
This request must be submitted at least 15 days prior to the intended start date of employment.
Reference: Article 4, Decree 152/2020/ND-CP amended by Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP.
Step 2: Work Permit application submission
Once approval is granted, the employer submits the full dossier to DOLISA.
Submission deadline: At least 15 working days before the foreigner starts working.
Reference: Article 4, Decree 152/2020/ND-CP amended by Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP.
Step 3: Processing time
DOLISA will process the application and issue the Work Permit within 5–7 working days, provided the documents are complete and valid.
1.4. Validity and renewal of Work Permit
Per Article 10 of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP amended by Decree 70/2023/NĐ-CP, Work Permits are issued:
For a maximum period of 2 years.
The validity is often aligned with the labor contract duration, project timeline, or business operation period.
Renewal:
A Work Permit can be renewed once for an additional 2 years.
Renewal applications must be submitted at least 45 days before the permit’s expiration.
Renewal dossiers include:
Updated labor contract.
Valid passport.
Health certificate (if required).
Valid business registration certificate.
If the employment relationship continues beyond 4 years, the foreigner must apply for a new Work Permit, as further renewals are not permitted.
2. What is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is an official document issued by the Vietnam Immigration Department that allows foreign nationals to legally reside in Vietnam for an extended period, typically from 1 to 3 years. It functions as a long-term visa, replacing the need for multiple visa renewals, and facilitates easy re-entry into Vietnam during its validity.
2.1. Who is eligible for a TRC?
The Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners (Law 47/2014/QH13) clearly outlines that the following groups are eligible for a TRC:
Foreigners working in Vietnam with a valid Work Permit (visa type LĐ).
Foreigners who hold LV1, LV2, ĐT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1,LĐor TT visas.
Family members of TRC holders, including spouses, children under 18, and parents (visa type TT).
Foreigners working with international NGOs, embassies, or consulates (special visa types).
2.2. Documents required for TRC application
To apply for a TRC, foreign nationals must prepare a dossier containing:
The TRC application forms are NA6 (for companies), NA7 (for individuals), and NA8 (information sheet).
A certified copy of the Work Permit.
A valid passport (with at least 13 months remaining) and current visa.
Proof of temporary residence registration from local police.
The employer’s Business Registration Certificate.
Two recent passport-sized photos (2x3 cm).
In cases where family members are applying for dependent TRCs, additional documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates are required, duly legalized and translated into Vietnamese (as regulated by Circular 31/2015/TT-BCA, Article 10).
2.3. TRC application process
The application for a TRC must be submitted to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. Depending on the applicant's location, this is done at the Immigration office in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.
After submission, the processing time is typically 5–7 working days, as per Article 37, Law No. 47/2014/QH13. Once approved, the TRC is affixed inside the foreign national's passport and serves as their official residence document.
2.4. Validity and renewal of TRC
A TRC is granted for a period ranging from 1 to 3 years, depending on the validity of the applicant's Work Permit, investment certificate, or dependent status. Importantly, the TRC's validity must expire at least 30 days before the applicant’s passport expiry date, as outlined in Article 38, Law 47/2014/QH13.
Renewals must be initiatedat least 30 days prior to TRC expiration. The renewal process mirrors the initial application, requiring updated documents and residence proofs. Failure to renew on time may result in administrative penalties as regulated by Decree 144/2021/ND-CP on administrative sanctions in immigration matters.
3. Work Permit vs Temporary Residence Card (TRC): Key differences
Aspect | Work Permit | Temporary Residence Card (TRC) |
Purpose | Legal authorization to work in Vietnam | Legal authorization to reside long-term in Vietnam |
Eligibility | Requires a relevant university degree, professional experience, and proof of health and clean criminal record. | Requires a valid work permit or other qualifying status (e.g., family member or investor). |
Validity Period | Up to 2 years, renewable once for an additional 2 years | 1–3 years, depending on work permit, investment, or family status |
Approval Process | Must be approved by the local Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DOLISA) before starting work. | Must be approved by the Immigration Department, often after a work permit is obtained. |
Renewal Process | Must renew or apply for a new Work Permit after 2 years | Renewable before expiry, aligned with work permit or residency status |
4. Can a foreigner hold both a Work Permit and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam?
Yes, and in most cases, it's recommended.
Foreign employees working in Vietnam long-term typically hold both:
A Work Permit: Required to legally work.
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC): Allows visa-free, long-term stay and multiple entries without frequent renewals.
You will need both if:
You're working in Vietnam for over 3 months.
You hold a managerial, specialist, or technical position.
You want to avoid renewing short-term visas.
You travel frequently in and out of Vietnam.
Holding both is standard for long-term expatriates and streamlines both employment and residency procedures.
5. Expatriate Services by Manpower Vietnam: Hassle-free Work Permit & TRC solutions
Manpower Vietnam supports foreign professionals with a hassle-free process to live and work legally in Vietnam. With around 20 years of local experience and operations in Vietnam since 2008, we are fully licensed by the Ministry of Labor to provide trusted services in recruitment, staffing, outsourcing, and HR consulting.
Our expatriate services cover the entire process for Work Permits, Temporary Residence Cards (TRC), and visa applications, ensuring compliance and saving you valuable time. From document preparation to liaising with authorities, we handle the complexities so you can focus on your career.
Fill out the form below to get expert support for your Work Permit and TRC in Vietnam.