Understanding Vietnam's TRC Requirements for Remote Workers

Vietnam has tightened the path to long-term residency by restricting the direct issuance of Temporary Residence Cards (TRCs). The immigration department now only issues these cards directly to holders of LD2 (work) and TT (dependent) visas. Everyone else, including those on business visas or e-visas, must now navigate a mandatory visa conversion step before they can secure a TRC.

This shift primarily impacts expats who enter the country on a DN1 (business) visa or an e-visa before their work permit is finalized. In the past, you could jump straight from these categories to a long-term residence card. Now, you must first convert your entry visa to the appropriate category, a process that typically adds two weeks to the total processing time.

Who is affected by the change

The new workflow changes the timeline for several groups of foreign nationals:

• Expats on DN1 business visas waiting for work permit approval.
• Digital nomads who enter on e-visas and later secure local employment.
• Family members and dependents who entered on VR (visit) visas rather than the specific TT visa.
• Tourists attempting to transition to long-term residency after finding work.

Digital nomads working remotely for companies outside of Vietnam remain in a legal gray area. Since they do not hold a Vietnamese work permit, they are generally ineligible for a TRC and must continue using short-term visa options or nomad news updates to track policy shifts.

Costs and practical steps

If you need to convert your visa, expect to provide your original passport, Form NA5, and your work permit or exemption certificate. The conversion fees vary depending on the length of stay, ranging from $25 for a single-entry 1-month visa to $135 for a 12-month multiple-entry visa.

To avoid the extra two-week delay and the conversion fee, the most efficient strategy is to wait until your work permit is fully approved before applying for your entry visa. By entering Vietnam on an LD2 visa from the start, you remain eligible to apply for a TRC immediately upon arrival. Once secured, a TRC allows you to live in the country for two to five years without constant renewals.

Read our full Vietnam guide for the complete picture.