Permanent Residence Card — Vietnam

Vietnam permanent residence allows you to live in Vietnam long term through a Permanent Residence Card issued by the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh).

You apply directly with the Immigration Dept using the official permanent residence card form and current instructions published on its website.

What it covers

A Vietnam Permanent Residence Card confirms your long-term resident status in Vietnam.

You use the designated Permanent Residence Card form to request this status.

The Immigration Dept uses this form to review your eligibility and, if approved, to issue your permanent residence card.

Permanent residence differs from temporary statuses such as:

• Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
• Work Permit–based stay
• Family Visa (TT Symbol)
• Investor Visa (DT Symbol)
• Business Visa (DN Symbol)

Those documents allow temporary stay.

Permanent residence authorizes long-term residence under a separate approval process handled by the Immigration Dept.

You must download the current version of the permanent residence card form and its instructions from the official Immigration Dept website before filing.

Do not rely on outdated copies.

Who issues it

The Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) issues permanent residence cards.

You submit your application to the Immigration Dept.

The department reviews your file, determines eligibility, and issues the card if you qualify.

Only the Immigration Dept has authority to:

• Accept permanent residence applications
• Evaluate supporting documentation
• Approve or deny permanent residence status
• Issue the physical Permanent Residence Card

You should always confirm procedural details, required documents, and any applicable fees in VND (₫) through the official Immigration Dept source before submitting your application.

Program snapshot

Permanent residence in Vietnam is a formal status granted through an application filed with the Immigration Dept.

You must:

1. Obtain the official Permanent Residence Card form.

2. Complete the form according to the published instructions.

3. Submit the application to the Immigration Dept.

The Immigration Dept publishes the current form and instructions on its website.

You should verify that you are using the most recent version before filing.

Always follow the official instructions issued by the Immigration Dept to avoid rejection based on incorrect or outdated documentation.

You will pay a government filing fee and wait several months for a decision.

Timelines depend on your category and the office handling your file at the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh).

Fees

The permanent residence application fee is ₫ equivalent of 100 USD per applicant.

You pay in Vietnamese đồng (₫) at the rate applied by the Immigration Dept on the day of payment.

This fee applies to the permanent residence card itself.

It does not include costs you may already have paid for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), Work Permit, or visas such as the Business Visa (DN Symbol), Investor Visa (DT Symbol), or Family Visa (TT Symbol).

If you submit supporting forms such as Form NA5 or request related exit visas, separate government fees may apply.

Confirm current amounts directly with the Immigration Dept before you file.

If you bring foreign currency to Vietnam to cover expenses, you must declare it in line with customs rules.

Processing windows

Under the standard process, the permanent residence card typically takes 3 to 6 months from the date the Immigration Dept accepts a complete file.

Processing time starts only after you submit a complete application.

Missing documents, incorrect forms, or inconsistencies between your TRC, Work Permit, or visa status can delay acceptance.

If you must obtain an exit visa as part of your case, expect an additional one to two weeks in more complex situations.

Always verify current timelines with the Immigration Dept office handling your case, as processing can vary by location and category.

Variations and delays

processing times vary by category and filing location.

An application tied to long-term employment under a Work Permit may move at a different pace than one based on family sponsorship under a TT visa or investment under a DT visa.

Delays commonly occur when:

• Your documents do not match your current visa status (DN, DT, or TT symbol).
• Your TRC is close to expiry.
• You submit incomplete forms, including NA5.
• The Immigration Dept requests clarification or additional documents.

Local office workload also affects timing.

Larger cities may handle higher volumes, which can extend review periods.

You reduce delays by submitting a complete, consistent file and responding quickly to any written request from the Immigration Dept.

You must keep your Permanent Residence (PR) card valid and up to date with the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh).

Renewal requires a valid passport, complete forms, and supporting documents that match your current immigration basis.

When to renew

You should renew your PR card before it expires to avoid gaps in your legal status.

Check the expiration date printed on your card and begin preparing your application in advance.

Your passport must remain valid for at least six months at the time you file.

If your passport will expire soon, renew it first.

If your immigration basis has changed—such as moving from a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) linked to a Work Permit to permanent residence, or from a Business Visa (DN Symbol), Investor Visa (DT Symbol), or Family Visa (TT Symbol)—ensure your records with the Immigration Dept are consistent before submitting a renewal.

File directly with the Immigration Dept.

For current processing times or fees in VND (₫), consult the Immigration Dept’s official guidance.

Documents for renewal

You must submit a complete application package.

Incomplete form submissions delay processing.

Prepare the following:

• Valid passport (minimum six months remaining)
• Completed Form NA5
• Current PR card
• Supporting documents that confirm your immigration basis (if requested by the Immigration Dept)

Ensure all information on Form NA5 matches your passport exactly, including your full name, passport number, and date of birth.

Even minor inconsistencies can cause delays.

If your PR status originated from employment, investment, or family sponsorship, your prior records—such as a Work Permit or visa category (DN, DT, TT)—must align with Immigration Dept records.

Check the Immigration Dept’s official instructions for any updated document requirements before filing.

Renewal pitfalls

Most renewal problems result from incomplete forms or passport validity issues.

You avoid delays by reviewing every field in Form NA5 before submission.

Do not submit your application with a passport that has less than six months remaining.

The Immigration Dept may refuse or suspend processing.

Ensure your personal details are consistent across:

• Passport
• PR card
• Form NA5
• Prior visa or residence documents

If your immigration history includes a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), Work Permit, or visa under the DN, DT, or TT symbols, confirm that your records remain accurate and unchanged.

Always verify current procedural updates directly with the Immigration Dept before filing your renewal.

Legal support is necessary when your permanent residence case involves sensitive civil records or situations where you're identified as a victim in a local or cross-border matter. These issues can affect how the Immigration Dept reviews your file, especially if your Temporary Residence Card (TRC), Work Permit, or visa history connects to an ongoing investigation.

Complicated civil documents

Seek help if your civil records link to a police investigation, court process, or formal complaint.

This can impact documents you must submit with your permanent residence application, including forms like Form NA5, copies of your Work Permit, or proof of status under a Family Visa (TT Symbol), Investor Visa (DT Symbol), or Business Visa (DN Symbol).

You need to clarify:

• Your role during a local investigation
• Whether you must provide official statements or certified records
• How the conclusion of the investigation affects your file

If you're identified as a victim, authorities may require confirmation of your participation or the final outcome before approving status changes.

Mistakes in these records can delay or suspend your permanent residence review.

Victim-related or cross-border issues

Advice is also important if your case involves conduct outside Vietnam or compensation claims abroad.

If you participated in a local investigation in Vietnam and later pursue compensation programs in the United States, your statements, timelines, and official findings must remain consistent across jurisdictions.

Key points to review with counsel:

• Your documented role in the investigation
• The official conclusion of the case
• Any compensation applications filed outside Vietnam
• Whether those filings disclose immigration status or residency history

Your immigration file must match official investigative records. Inconsistent information can trigger additional scrutiny or delay approval.

Your current visa status and supporting civil records determine whether the Immigration Department of Vietnam (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) will consider you for permanent residence. You must show lawful stay, a clear immigration history, and a documented purpose for residing in Vietnam.

Who qualifies

You need valid residency documents at the time you apply. Typically, this means you're staying in Vietnam under a recognized long‑term visa category and can prove ongoing legal residence.

Common qualifying statuses include:

• Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
• Work Permit holders with a corresponding visa
• Investor Visa (DT Symbol)
• Business Visa (DN Symbol)
• Family Visa (TT Symbol)

Eligibility depends on whether your current visa type supports long-term residence. The Immigration Dept will review your immigration record, including prior entries, exits, and extensions.

Use the table below to see how your current status affects eligibility:

If your visa category doesn't match your activities, you risk denial.

Required background details

You must submit civil and professional documentation that supports your legal presence and purpose in Vietnam.

Expect to provide:

• Passport and current visa documentation
• Proof of current residency status
• Civil records (such as family or marital documents, if applicable)
• Academic qualifications or professional credentials for employment or investment roles
• Completed Form NA5 application form, if required by the Immigration Dept

Your documents must align with your visa type. For employment-based cases, this means academic or professional records that justify your work position.

All records should accurately reflect your current circumstances. Inconsistent information between your visa, work authorization, or civil documents can delay or prevent approval.