Residence permit renewal in Vietnam
Renewing a residence permit in Vietnam typically involves submitting an application with required documents to the immigration authorities before the current permit expires. The process aims to ensure continued legal residency in the country.
Most individuals are advised to begin the residence permit renewal process several weeks or months before their current permit's expiration date. This allows ample time for gathering necessary documents, scheduling appointments if required, and accounting for processing times which can vary.
Start 30 days ahead
This lead time accounts for preparing documents, submitting the application, and the standard processing period, which can be around 5-15 working days once submitted. Starting earlier is always recommended to avoid issues.
The process
- 1Confirm the specific requirements for renewal based on the type of residence permit and the applicant's circumstances (e.g., investor, worker, family member) with the Immigration Department or an authorized agency.
- 2Gather all necessary documents, which typically include the original valid passport, the current residence permit, and an application form.
- 3Obtain any additional supporting documents required for the specific permit type, such as updated business licenses, work permits, or marriage certificates.
- 4Submit the complete application package to the Immigration Department at the provincial/city level where the applicant resides.
- 5Pay the applicable renewal fees as determined by the Immigration Department.
- 6Await processing and approval of the renewed residence permit.
- 7Collect the new residence permit from the Immigration Department upon notification of approval.
What to bring
- Original valid passport with remaining validity beyond the requested permit duration.
- Original current residence permit (Temporary Residence Card - TRC).
- Application form for renewal of temporary residence card (usually NA8 form).
- One recent passport-sized photograph.
- Documents proving the purpose of stay (e.g., renewed work permit/work permit exemption certificate, investment certificate, business registration certificate, marriage certificate, proof of family relationship), as applicable.
- Official letter from the sponsoring organization or individual, if applicable.
Who handles it
Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh (Immigration Department of Vietnam)
Fees for residence permit renewal in Vietnam are set by the Ministry of Finance. The specific amount can vary based on the duration of the permit (e.g., 1-2 years, 2-5 years). Applicants should confirm the current fee schedule directly with the Immigration Department or on the official website.
What commonly goes wrong
- Ensure all supporting documents are valid and up-to-date according to the requirements for the specific permit type.
- Begin the process well in advance to avoid penalties for overstaying if the current permit expires during processing.
- Verify the correct application form and submission location, as requirements can sometimes differ slightly based on the type of permit and the applicant's location.
- All submitted documents in foreign languages typically need to be notarized and translated into Vietnamese by an authorized agency.
Sources
- Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh - Official Portal xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
- Thẻ tạm trú xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn
Other documents in Vietnam
Residence permit renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
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