If you’re planning to live and work in Vietnam, it’s important to know the difference between a Work Permit and a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Both documents are key for foreign nationals, but they serve different purposes.
What is a Work Permit?
A work permit in Vietnam is an official authorization granted by the Vietnamese government, allowing a foreign national to legally work in the country. It is a mandatory document for any foreigner who wishes to be employed in Vietnam for a duration longer than three months. The work permit ensures that the foreigner has met the necessary qualifications and legal requirements to perform work in the country.
The process of obtaining a work permit involves several steps, including submitting an application to the local Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (DOLISA). The application must be accompanied by various documents, such as:
- A signed labor contract
- Proof of qualifications (degree, certification)
- Health check report
- Criminal background check
- Passport and visa details
The work permit process can take several weeks, and the application must be completed before a foreigner begins working in Vietnam.
What is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC), on the other hand, is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to live in Vietnam for an extended period. The TRC serves as proof of legal residence in the country and is typically issued to foreigners who are staying for long-term purposes, such as employment or family reunification.
The TRC is essential for foreign nationals who wish to stay in Vietnam for an extended period without needing to renew their visa every three months. It provides convenience and legal assurance that the individual can reside in the country without interruptions.
To apply for a TRC, foreigners must first have a valid work permit or another qualifying document (such as a family reunification permit). The application process involves submitting documents to the Immigration Department, including:
- A valid passport
- A work permit or other proof of legal status in Vietnam
- Proof of address in Vietnam
- A visa with a validity of at least one year
After approval, the TRC is issued, and the holder will be allowed to reside in Vietnam legally for the duration of the card’s validity. A work permit is usually required prior to applying for a TRC, as the work permit is necessary to establish a foreigner’s legal status for residency purposes.
What Are The Differences Between Work Permit and TRC?
Here are the main differences between a work permit and a Temporary Residence TRC in Vietnam:
| Work Permit | Temporary Residence Card | |
| Purpose | Allows foreign nationals to work in Vietnam. | Permits foreign nationals to reside in Vietnam for extended periods. |
| Validity | Valid for 1 to 2 years, must be renewed periodically. | Valid for 1 to 3 years, renewable depending on visa status. |
| Eligibility | Requires a relevant university degree, professional experience, and proof of health and clean criminal record. | Requires a valid work permit or other qualifying status (e.g., family member or investor). |
| Types of Jobs | Required for managerial, executive, technical, or specialist roles. Some jobs, like journalists or diplomats, may be exempt. | Not job-specific; applies to any foreign national residing in Vietnam long-term, as long as the legal status is met. |
| Approval Process | Must be approved by the local Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DOLISA) before starting work. | Must be approved by the Immigration Department, often after a work permit is obtained. |
| Required Documents | Labor contract, degree, health check, criminal record check, passport, and visa. | Passport, work permit or family relationship proof, address proof, valid visa. |
| Renewal Process | Requires renewal every 1 to 2 years to continue working legally in Vietnam. | TRC can be renewed based on the length of stay and visa type. |
| Rights | Provides authorization to work in Vietnam legally. | Provides authorization to live in Vietnam legally for the duration of the card’s validity. |
Can You Have a Work Permit and a TRC Simultaneously?
Yes, it is possible to hold both a Work Permit and a Temporary Residence Card at the same time. In fact, it is common for foreign workers to have both documents. In most cases, obtaining a work permit is usually the first step before applying for a TRC. The work permit allows the foreigner to work legally, while the TRC permits them to stay in the country long-term.
In practice, many foreign employees will apply for both documents at the same time: the work permit for legal employment and the TRC for legal residency. Together, these two documents are essential for anyone looking to live and work in Vietnam long-term without having to constantly renew short-term visas.
When Do You Need Both a Work Permit and TRC?
In some situations, foreigners will need both a Work Permit and a Temporary TRC. This usually happens when someone plans to live in Vietnam for a long time and work there on a permanent basis. For instance, an expatriate in a managerial role at a Vietnamese company would typically need both documents to stay and work legally in Vietnam.
To clarify:
- A Work Permit is required for employment.
- A TRC is needed for long-term residency.
Having both documents ensures you’re complying with the law and makes your life in Vietnam a lot simpler when it comes to work and residency.
