How to Get Permanent Residency in Vietnam

This article discusses how to acquire a permanent residency in Vietnam after obtaining a temporary residency.

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Introduction

Vietnam is a simple country to visit, and staying for a few months is not tough, but obtaining permanent resident status is more complicated. Expats looking for a little more stability might hunt for local employment, which varies in difficulty depending on your industry. Many businesses, particularly those in the IT sector, are looking for outside professionals, but they must first demonstrate that they have tried to hire Vietnamese workers before looking for candidates from other countries. If you do find work, all you’ll need is a letter from the employer, a health check, and a copy of your criminal record to get a one-year, and a renewable visa.

A permanent residency card (PRC) is the ideal choice for foreigners planning to stay in Vietnam for an extended period of time. Foreigners may apply for permanent residency in Vietnam under particular situations and under very strict requirements, according to Ordinance No. 24/2000 on Entry, Exit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam.

What is a Permanent Residency Card?

A permanent residency card (PRC) is a document issued by immigration officials to foreigners who are permitted to remain in Vietnam continuously and for a period of time longer than a visa. The conditions and dossiers for foreigners applying for permanent residency cards in Vietnam are varied.

Qualification for Permanent Residency in Vietnam

According to Article 13, item 1, a temporary resident of Vietnam who falls into one of the categories listed below is eligible for permanent residency:

1. A person who struggles for the Vietnamese race’s freedom and independence, socialism, democracy, peace, and science yet is persecuted.
2. A person who has rendered remarkable service in the work of constructing and defending the Vietnamese Fatherland.
3. A person who is the spouse, child, or parent of a Vietnamese citizen who lives in Vietnam permanently.

Application Process for Permanent Residency in Vietnam

Foreigners falling under the first and second categories must file their dossiers with the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security. These are examples of dossiers:

• The applicant’s photo and application for permanent residency authorization completed in accordance with the Ministry of Public Security’s guidelines;
• His/her curriculum vitae made by the applicant;
• A photocopy of his or her passport (if applicable);

The Ministry of Public Security must report to the Prime Minister within one month after receiving a decision on a foreigner’s application for permanent residency.

Foreigners falling under the third category must submit their dossiers to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security or the departure and entrance administration organizations of the provinces and centrally managed cities. A dossier of this type would include the following items:

• The applicant’s photograph and application for permanent residency, completed in accordance with the Ministry of Public Security’s forms;
• His/her court records confirmed by the relevant office of the country of his/her citizenship;
• Official letter from the relevant office of the country of his/her citizenship requesting that he/she be allowed to permanently stay in Vietnam;
• Documents demonstrating that the permanent residency applicant comes under the circumstances outlined in Point c, Clause 1, Article 13 of the ordinance;
• Copy of the passport of the applicant

In this case, the Immigration Department will rule on foreigners’ applications for permanent residency.

Processing Fee and Time

Within six months of receiving the complete dossiers, the Immigration Department must work with the relevant authorities to perform the examination and verification, and send the results to the Minister of Public Security for review and determination. If an extra examination is required, the time limit may be extended by up to three months. The PRC will be given within 5 days after the Immigration Department of Public Security’s approval. There is a $100 processing charge.

Validity Period of Permanent Residency in Vietnam

A PRC is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years at exit and entry management bodies under the provinces’ or cities’ public security offices. Otherwise, PRC may be revoked. Note that a ll of the aforementioned papers, with the exception of the permanent residency application, diplomatic note, visa, and passport, must be translated into Vietnamese and legalized or validated by a notary in accordance with current laws.

Conclusion

If you want to live in Vietnam, obtaining permanent residence status is excellent, but it’s not straightforward especially with the strict regulations in place. Talk to an expat advisor to start your journey.