Understanding the Similarities and Differences Between Visas and Temporary Residence Cards for Foreign Nationals Entering Vietnam

In this article, Move to Vietnam provides an in-depth comparison of visas and temporary residence cards, exploring their purposes, conditions, and more.

Main Content:

1. Definitions: What is a Visa? What is a Temporary Residence Card?
2. Similarities: Key similarities between visas and temporary residence cards for foreign nationals
3. Comparison: How do visas and temporary residence cards differ?
4. FAQs

What is a Visa? What is a Temporary Residence Card?

A clear understanding of the nature of visas (including entry and exit visas) and temporary residence cards can help distinguish their unique features. Here, Move to Vietnam provides a detailed comparison. Let’s start by defining each term:

• Visa (also known as a travel permit): This includes exit visas for Vietnamese nationals traveling abroad and entry visas for foreign nationals entering Vietnam. Currently, ASEAN countries are visa-exempt to promote tourism and economic cooperation.
• Temporary Residence Card: Seen as a long-term visa, it can serve as a visa substitute.

The relevant authorities issue visas or temporary residence cards based on the purpose and intended duration of stay in Vietnam.

Similarities Between Visas and Temporary Residence Cards for Foreign Nationals

Generally, visas and temporary residence cards share three main similarities:

1. Both are valid for a specific period only.
2. Issued to foreign nationals seeking entry into Vietnam.
3. To obtain either, foreign nationals must have a passport and other international travel documents.

Key Differences: Visa vs. Temporary Residence Card

Move to Vietnam breaks down the distinctions between visas and temporary residence cards below:

1. Eligible Individuals

Visa:

• Entry visas: Foreign nationals entering Vietnam for short-term visits
• Exit visas: Vietnamese nationals traveling abroad

Temporary Residence Card:

• Foreign nationals entering Vietnam for long-term stays
• Foreign nationals (along with their spouses, children under 18, and domestic workers) representing consulates, diplomatic agencies, or international organizations in Vietnam

2. Conditions for Issuance

Visa: Foreign nationals must not be subject to entry restrictions under Vietnam’s Immigration Law.

Temporary Residence Card: Requires a passport valid for at least 13 months and registration of temporary residence with local authorities, among other conditions.

3. Purpose

Visa: Short-term purposes such as tourism, business, labor collaboration, conferences, or visiting family.

Temporary Residence Card: Long-term purposes such as investment, long-term work contracts, study, or accompanying family members working in Vietnam.

4. Form of Issuance

Visa:

• Affixed in the passport (directly on a passport page)
• Separate (detached) visa
• E-visa (issued online)

Separate visas may be issued if the passport has no available pages, if the country lacks diplomatic relations with Vietnam, if the individual is stateless, or for special cases in diplomacy or defense.

5. Validity and Legal Status

Visa: Valid for 1 month to 5 years (*), with single or multiple entries allowed.

Temporary Residence Card: Valid for up to 2 years, ending at least 30 days before passport expiration.

(*) Max duration of 12 months for family visits and 5 years for investment visas.

The key advantage of a temporary residence card is that holders do not need to renew it frequently and can enter and exit Vietnam multiple times within its validity period.

6. Issuing Authority

Visa:

• Immigration authorities
• Vietnamese embassies and consulates abroad

Temporary Residence Card:

• Immigration authorities
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Note: If you lose your visa, it must be verified by a Vietnamese embassy before reissuance.

For more details on visa and temporary residence card application processes, please contact Move to Vietnam for further assistance.