Obtaining A Vietnam Permanent Resident Card

A Permanent Residence Card (PRC) offers a viable pathway for foreigners looking to establish long-term residency in Vietnam. As of 2025, the rules governing permanent residency for foreigners are encapsulated in the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam (2014) and its subsequent amendments, including provisions updated in the latest regulations.

Who Qualifies

Article 13, item 1 specifies that a temporary resident in Vietnam falling within one of the following categories may be considered for permanent residency:

1. A person who has fought for the freedom and independence of the Vietnamese people, for socialism, democracy, peace, and science but who has faced suppression.

2. A person with significant contributions to the construction and protection of the Vietnamese Fatherland.

3. A person who is the spouse, child, or parent of a Vietnamese citizen who is permanently residing in Vietnam.

Procedures

For categories 1 and 2: Foreigners must submit their applications to the Immigration Department under the Ministry of Public Security. Application materials include:

• The applicant's recent photograph and an application form for permanent residence as specified by the Ministry of Public Security.
• A detailed curriculum vitae authored by the applicant.
• A copy of the applicant's passport (if applicable).

The Immigration Department will review and report to the Prime Minister within one month regarding the application for permanent residence.

For category 3: Foreigners should submit their applications to the Immigration Department or to the exit and entry management offices of city or provincial public security authorities. Required documents include:

• The applicant's recent photograph and a permanent residence application filled out according to established forms.
• Judicial records certified by a competent authority in the applicant's country of citizenship.
• An official request from the relevant authority of the applicant's country asking Vietnamese authorities for permission to grant permanent residency.
• Documentation proving eligibility under the criteria outlined in Point c, Clause 1, Article 13 of the law.
• A copy of the applicant's passport.

The decision regarding the permanent residence application will be made by the Immigration Department.

Processing Time and Fees

Upon receiving the complete application, the Immigration Department will confer with relevant agencies and conduct required examinations and verifications within six months. If supplementary examination is needed, the processing time may extend for an additional period not exceeding three months. Once accepted, the PRC will be issued within five days. The processing fee for the application is currently set at $150.

Validity

The Permanent Residence Card is valid for a period of five years, after which it must be renewed through the exit and entry management offices of the provincial or centrally run city public security bodies. Failure to renew may result in the withdrawal of the PRC. Please note that all documents (excluding the permanent residence application, diplomatic note, visa, and passport) must be translated into Vietnamese and legalized or verified by a notary in accordance with current regulations.