Residence Card for Foreign Spouse of Vietnamese Citizen 2026

A foreigner married to a Vietnamese citizen qualifies for a TT (family) visa and a TT temporary residence card valid for up to 3 years, sponsored directly by the Vietnamese spouse. The application goes to the Immigration Office where the sponsor lives, takes 5 working days, and the government fee is USD 155 for a card of more than 2 and up to 5 years. Info Travel handles the whole process, from checking your marriage documents to collecting the card – message us on WhatsApp +84327828822.

Contents

What is the TT residence card for spouses of Vietnamese citizens?

Under Vietnam’s Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners (as amended), the TT symbol is issued to foreigners who are the parent, spouse or child of a Vietnamese citizen, and to the spouse and under-18 children of certain foreign workers, investors and students. For a foreigner married to a Vietnamese national it is usually the best option because:

No work permit or company sponsor is needed – your Vietnamese spouse is the sponsor.
The card replaces a visa and allows multiple entries for its whole validity.
No more “visa runs” abroad.

For an overview of all card types see Vietnam temporary residence card; for the family category see family residence card (TT).

How long are the TT visa and TT card valid?

Document	Maximum validity	Note
TT visa	Up to 12 months	Used to enter or as the step before the card
TT residence card	Up to 3 years	Must expire at least 30 days before your passport

Because the card is capped by your passport, renew your passport first if it has only about a year left. When the card expires you apply for a new one in the same way – file before the old card runs out so you never overstay.

Eligibility

A valid passport and lawful stay in Vietnam. If you entered on an e-visa (EV) or visa exemption, get advice first on whether your status can be converted.
A lawful marriage: a Vietnamese marriage certificate, or a foreign certificate that has been consularly legalised and recorded (ghi chú kết hôn) with the Vietnamese civil registry.
A Vietnamese spouse acting as sponsor, with ID card and a registered residence.
Your temporary residence has been declared at the place you stay.

Documents checklist

Sponsor’s request form for individuals (form NA7), signed by the Vietnamese spouse.
Applicant’s TRC application form (form NA8) with photo.
Original passport with a valid visa/entry stamp.
2×3 cm photos, white background.
Marriage certificate (certified copy). If issued abroad: legalised, with a notarised Vietnamese translation and the marriage-recording confirmation.
Copy of the sponsor’s ID card.
Proof of temporary residence declaration.

Forms and confirmation requirements may be updated by the receiving office, so always double-check before filing. Need your foreign certificate legalised? See consular legalisation in Vietnam.

Documents for children and other family members

Foreign-national children of a Vietnamese citizen also fall under TT and can be sponsored by the Vietnamese parent. Add the birth certificate (legalised and translated if issued abroad) showing the parent–child relationship. Parents of Vietnamese citizens are also eligible for TT. If several family members apply, file together so the cards line up.

Where to apply, processing time and fees

Where: the provincial Immigration Office where your sponsor resides. Ho Chi Minh City has three points: 196 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai (Xuan Hoa ward), 17 N3 Street (Thu Dau Mot ward) and 15 Truong Chinh (Ba Ria ward).
Processing: 5 working days after a complete file is accepted.
Government fee: card up to 2 years USD 145; more than 2 up to 5 years USD 155 (applies to a 3-year TT card).

Living in HCMC, former Binh Duong or former Ba Ria – Vung Tau? See our temporary residence card service in Ho Chi Minh City.

Common reasons files are returned

Foreign marriage certificate not legalised or not recorded in Vietnam.
Names, dates of birth or passport numbers that do not match across documents.
No temporary residence declaration – see temporary residence declaration.
Visa already expired, which can lead to an overstay fine under Article 21 of Decree 282/2025/ND-CP (see Vietnam visa overstay fine). If your visa is about to expire, get a visa extension first.

After years of family life in Vietnam you may also qualify for a Vietnam permanent residence card.

Info Travel’s spouse residence card service

Free check of your passport, current visa and marriage documents; advice on legalisation and marriage recording.
Preparation of forms NA7 and NA8, residence declaration support, notarised translation.
Filing, follow-up and card collection on your behalf, including urgent or overstay cases.
Reminders before your card expires.

Service fees depend on your documents and timeline – message WhatsApp +84327828822 for a quote. More at our temporary residence card service.

FAQ

How long is a TT card for a spouse of a Vietnamese citizen?

Up to 3 years, and at least 30 days shorter than your passport validity. When it expires you apply for a new card.

Can I work with a TT card?

The TT card only covers residence. To work for an employer in Vietnam you still need a work permit or exemption confirmation under Decree 219/2025/ND-CP – see our work permit service.