Residence & citizenship
Vietnamese Permanent Residence Card
Vietnam's settlement status for foreign nationals in defined categories, granting an open-ended right to reside without a temporary visa.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Vietnam government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Permanent Residence Card for foreigners (Thẻ thường trú)
- Route type
- Settlement / permanent residence
- Governing law
- Law No. 47/2014/QH13 as amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14
- Deciding authority
- Minister of Public Security
- Residence requirement (family route)
- At least 3 consecutive years of temporary residence
- Per the law.
- Processing time
- Within about 4 months, extendable by up to 2 months for verification
- Per the immigration procedure.
Who it is for
- Foreigners with meritorious service to Vietnam, or holders of a State order or honorary title
- Foreign scientists and experts residing in Vietnam
- Stateless persons who have continuously resided in Vietnam since 2000 or earlier
- Foreigners sponsored by a parent, spouse or child who is a Vietnamese citizen
Requirements
- Fall within one of the recognised permanent-residence categories
- Lawful place of habitation and stable income to support living in Vietnam
- For the family route: at least 3 consecutive years of temporary residence in Vietnam
- A guarantee from the qualifying Vietnamese-citizen relative where applicable
What you can do
- Reside in Vietnam permanently without holding a temporary-residence visa
- Hold a Permanent Residence Card in place of a temporary residence card
- Present the card as evidence of lawful residence in Vietnam
How to apply
- Confirm you fall within a permanent-residence category
- Prepare the application dossier with proof of eligibility, accommodation and income
- Submit to the Immigration Department for decision by the Minister of Public Security
- Collect the Permanent Residence Card once approved
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.