Working long-term in Vietnam and wanting your aging parents to live with you — for reunion and easier care. Vietnamese law has a dedicated visa/TRC category for this.
Family visit (TT) for parents
Under Articles 36–38 of Entry Law 47/2014/QH13 (amended by Law 118/2025/QH15), parents of a foreigner holding a TRC in Vietnam may receive a family visit visa/TRC (symbol TT) valid up to 03 years. The child acts as sponsor: proving the parent–child relationship and the ability to financially support and house the parents during their stay.
Document checklist
1. Parents’ valid passports. 2. Relationship proof: the child’s birth certificate (showing parents’ names) — if foreign-issued, consular-legalized + translated and notarized. 3. The child’s valid TRC + proof of income and housing. 4. Application for family visa/TRC. File at the immigration authority where the child resides.
Notes for elderly parents
Health: buy health insurance before they come (premiums are high at advanced age; many insurers cap first-enrollment age). Healthcare: TRC holders may join voluntary household BHYT (no age limit). Travel: meet frail parents at the airport; arrange wheelchairs if needed. Renewals: track the TT expiry and renew beforehand — never let parents overstay.
Frequently asked questions
1. How long can parents stay?
Up to 3 years on a TT family card, renewable if conditions continue.
2. What if parents have no income of their own?
Fine — the child sponsors them financially in full.
3. Is a foreign birth certificate accepted?
Yes, after consular legalization (or Apostille) and notarized Vietnamese translation.
4. Can parents take up work?
No. Family visit status doesn’t permit employment; working needs a separate work permit.
5. What if a parent falls ill and must return urgently?
Normal exit while documents are valid; keep Embassy contacts for assistance.
This article has been quality-reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council
This article provides general legal information and does not substitute advice for specific cases.