Vietnam has become a popular destination for foreigners to work, live, and invest. However, to stay long-term legally, foreigners must comply with current regulations regarding visas, work permits, and temporary residence cards.

The following article summarizes common and lawful solutions for foreigners to extend their stay in Vietnam. It also provides detailed information for Vietnamese businesses employing foreign workers to help them track and prepare documents properly.

1. Visa Extension – A Short-Term Stay Solution
Foreigners can apply for a visa extension when their current visa is about to expire but they need to stay longer in Vietnam for work, personal reasons, or while waiting for other applications to be processed.

Conditions:

• Currently residing legally in Vietnam.

• Sponsored by a legal individual or organization.

• Have a valid reason for extension.

Required Documents:

• Visa extension application form (Form NA5).

• Original passport with valid expiry.

• Documents proving the purpose of continued stay.

• Legal documents of the sponsoring organization (if any).

Where to Apply:
Immigration Department in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang.

Processing Time:
5–7 working days.

2. Applying for a Work Permit – A Requirement for Legal Employment
Foreigners working in Vietnam for 30 days or more must have a Work Permit unless exempt under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP.

General Requirements:

• Full civil capacity.

• Suitable qualifications, skills, or work experience.

• No criminal record.

• Sponsored by a legally registered company in Vietnam.

Basic Documents:

• Request letter for a Work Permit.

• Degrees/certificates (translated and legalized if issued abroad).

• Work experience confirmation.

• Health check from a licensed Vietnamese clinic/hospital.

• Passport and photos.

• Official approval for using foreign labor.

Processing Authority:
Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs in the province/city where the foreigner will work.

Permit Validity:
Up to 2 years, renewable for another 2 years.

3. Applying for a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) – A Long-Term Stay Alternative to Visas
A TRC allows foreigners to stay in Vietnam from 1 to 5 years without the need to extend their visa.

Eligible Applicants:

• Foreign workers with valid work permits (LD1, LD2).

• Investors (DT1–DT4).

• Dependents of foreigners (spouses, children).

• Foreigners exempt from work permits.

Required Documents:

• Form NA6 (by sponsoring company).

• Form NA8 (by applicant).

• Valid work permit or investment certificate.

• Valid passport.

• 2x3 white-background photo.

• Temporary residence registration certified by local police.

Processing Time:
About 5–7 working days.

Notes:

• TRC validity must not exceed passport validity.

• Changing the sponsoring entity requires a new TRC.

4. Investment-Based Stay – A Solution for Investors and Business Owners

Foreigners who contribute capital or establish a company in Vietnam can apply for an investor TRC with a validity of 1 to 10 years, depending on the investment amount.

Investment Categories:

• DT1 (≥ VND 100 billion): TRC up to 10 years.

• DT2 (VND 50–<100 billion): TRC up to 5 years.

• DT3 (VND 3–<50 billion): TRC up to 3 years.

• DT4 (< VND 3 billion): Not eligible for TRC, only short-term visas.

Required Documents:

• Investment or enterprise registration certificate.

• Proof of actual capital contribution.

• Form NA8 (TRC application).

• Valid passport, photos, and legal residence documents.

Notes:

• The business must be active and comply with legal obligations.

• Ongoing compliance and regular reporting are necessary to maintain TRC validity.

5. Marriage-Based Stay – For Foreigners Married to Vietnamese Citizens
Foreigners married to Vietnamese nationals can apply for a dependent TRC (code TT), valid for up to 3 years.

Conditions:

• Legally registered marriage.

• Legal residence in Vietnam.

• Clear and verifiable residence address.

Required Documents:

• Marriage certificate.

• ID/Passport of the Vietnamese spouse.

• Valid passport of the foreign spouse.

• Form NA7 (sponsorship).

• Form NA8 (TRC application).

• Certified temporary residence registration

Notes:

• Marriage certificates issued abroad must be legalized and translated.

• After a stable period of residence, permanent residency may be applied for if eligible.

Conclusion
Staying longer in Vietnam is entirely possible if individuals and businesses understand the available legal options and prepare documents correctly. Each type of stay has specific requirements and procedures, so identifying the correct purpose of stay from the beginning is crucial to save time and avoid unnecessary complications.

Need support with consulting, document preparation, or application handling?
We provide full-service assistance for individuals and businesses with foreigners working, investing, or living in Vietnam.

📞 Contact us via hotline: 0868 25 75 32 or email: [email protected] for detailed consultation and the latest updates on legal requirements.