Penalty for Not Declaring a Foreigner’s Temporary Residence in Vietnam
Failing to declare a foreigner’s temporary residence in Vietnam is fined 3 to 20 million VND depending on the number of guests, under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP (in force since 15 December 2025, replacing Decree 144/2021). 1–3 guests: 3–5 million VND; 4–8 guests: 10–15 million; 9 or more: 15–20 million; knowingly failing to report an illegally residing foreigner: 20–25 million. Hotels, homestays, landlords and host families must declare within 12 hours of the foreigner’s arrival (24 hours in remote areas).
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Fines for not declaring (Decree 282/2025/ND-CP, Art. 21)
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Not declaring 1–3 foreigners | 3–5 million VND |
| Not declaring 4–8 foreigners | 10–15 million VND |
| Not declaring 9 or more | 15–20 million VND |
| Knowing a foreigner resides illegally and not reporting | 20–25 million VND |
| Creating a declaration account with false information; accepting a foreigner without a valid passport | 3–5 million VND |
These amounts apply to individuals; organisations pay double under the general rules on administrative penalties. The old Decree 144/2021 had a single 4–6 million VND fine.
Who must declare and when
- The person managing the accommodation: hotels, guesthouses, homestays, rented homes, dormitories, families and companies hosting foreigners.
- Within 12 hours of arrival (24 hours in remote areas), to the ward or commune police.
How to declare
- Online: the shared system at tbltkbtt.bocongan.gov.vn or the TBLT KBTT app, officially launched on 25 May 2026 (see xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn).
- In person: declaration form NA17 (revised by Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA) at the commune police.
More: temporary residence declaration and who must declare.
Overstay fines for foreigners
| Overstay | Fine (Decree 282/2025/ND-CP) |
|---|---|
| Under 16 days | 0.5–2 million VND |
| 16 to under 30 days | 5–10 million VND |
| 30 to under 60 days | 10–15 million VND |
| 60 to under 90 days | 15–20 million VND |
| 90 to under 180 days | 20–25 million VND |
| 180 days to under 1 year | 25–30 million VND |
| 1 year or more | 30–40 million VND |
Deportation may also apply. Extend in time: Vietnam visa extension.
FAQ
Do landlords renting to foreigners need to declare?
Yes, within 12 hours of the foreigner moving in.
What is the fine for not declaring one foreign guest?
3–5 million VND for an individual under Decree 282/2025/ND-CP.
Is Decree 144/2021 still in force?
No. Decree 282/2025/ND-CP has applied since 15 December 2025.
Need help? Contact us or call +84 327 828 822.
Legal basis: Decree 282/2025/ND-CP; Art. 33, Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners. Sources: Tuoi Tre News, Vietnam Lawyers Magazine.
