A Vietnam permanent residence card lets a foreigner live in Vietnam indefinitely without a visa or temporary residence card; the card itself is renewed every 10 years. The main eligible groups are people honoured for contributions to Vietnam, scientists and experts residing in Vietnam, and foreigners sponsored by a Vietnamese parent, spouse or child with permanent residence (after at least 3 years of continuous temporary residence). Files go to the Immigration Department, the Minister of Public Security decides within about 4 months, and the card fee is USD 100. Info Travel advises on and prepares permanent residence applications – WhatsApp +84327828822.
Permanent vs temporary residence card
| Temporary residence card | Permanent residence card | |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Depends on symbol, up to 10 years (ĐT1); TT up to 3 years | Indefinite stay; card renewed every 10 years |
| Tied to a sponsor | Yes (employer, spouse…) | No, once granted |
| Decision by | Immigration Office/Department | Minister of Public Security |
| Government fee | USD 145–165 by length | USD 100 |
Not yet eligible? A temporary residence card still lets you stay long term.
Who can apply (Article 39 of the Immigration Law)
Under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam, a foreigner residing lawfully in Vietnam may be granted permanent residence if they:
- Have contributed to building and defending Vietnam and received a Vietnamese order or honorary title;
- Are a scientist or expert currently residing in Vietnam;
- Are sponsored by a parent, spouse or child who is a Vietnamese citizen with permanent residence in Vietnam;
- Are stateless and have resided continuously in Vietnam since 2000 or earlier (separate procedure).
Additional conditions (Article 40)
- A lawful place to live and a stable income sufficient to live in Vietnam.
- Scientists and experts need a recommendation from the head of the relevant state agency.
- Family-sponsored applicants must have resided temporarily in Vietnam continuously for 3 years or more.
The most common applicants are foreigners married to Vietnamese citizens, who typically hold a residence card for a foreign spouse of a Vietnamese citizen for several years first. “Continuous residence” is shown through your card history, residence declarations and entry stamps, so keep all old documents.
Documents
- Application for permanent residence (Ministry of Public Security form).
- Criminal record certificate from your country of nationality (legalised and translated if issued abroad).
- Diplomatic note from your embassy asking Vietnam to grant you permanent residence.
- Copy of your passport.
- Proof of eligibility: lawful accommodation, stable income; agency recommendation (experts); proof of family relationship and the relative’s sponsorship letter (family cases).
Foreign documents need consular legalisation (unless exempt) and a notarised translation. Forms and checklists can change, so confirm with the receiving office before filing.
Where to apply, processing time and fee
- Where: the Immigration Department (Ministry of Public Security) under current rules; some steps, such as card collection, take place at the provincial Immigration Office where you apply to reside.
- Processing: the Minister of Public Security decides within about 4 months of a complete file; this may be extended if further verification is needed. After approval you collect the card within the stated time limit.
- Fee: USD 100 for the permanent residence card (Circular 28/2026/TT-BTC, from 1 April 2026).
Keep a valid residence status while you wait. If your card is about to expire, renew it or get a visa extension to avoid an overstay fine.
Renewing the card every 10 years
Permanent residence has no end date, but every 10 years holders must go to the Immigration Office where they reside to have the card renewed. The card is also reissued if lost, damaged or if your details change (e.g. new passport or nationality). Holders still have to follow residence declaration rules, and the card can be revoked in certain cases set by law – get advice before living abroad for long periods.
Info Travel’s permanent residence service
- Free eligibility review based on your residence history, family ties and income.
- Planning: keeping your temporary residence card continuous to reach 3 years; collecting documents from abroad.
- Criminal record, legalisation, translation and help obtaining the embassy note.
- Preparing and filing, tracking progress, card collection and later renewals.
Service fees vary by case – message WhatsApp +84327828822 for a quote.
FAQ
How long after marrying a Vietnamese citizen can I apply?
The law does not count years of marriage; it requires at least 3 years of continuous temporary residence in Vietnam, lawful accommodation, stable income, and a sponsor who is a Vietnamese citizen with permanent residence in Vietnam.
What is the government fee?
USD 100, excluding criminal record, legalisation and translation costs.
Do I still need a work permit?
Work permit rules follow Decree 219/2025/ND-CP; check your situation in Vietnam work permit rules 2026 or ask us.
Does the card need extending?
Not like a temporary card, but it must be renewed every 10 years.
Info Travel – visa solutions for foreigners in Vietnam
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