Applying for a family-based temporary residence card (TT symbol) for a spouse or child — the hardest part is rarely the procedure itself, but proving the family relationship in a way the immigration authority accepts on the first filing. This article systematises the statutory dossier framework, the commonly used proof documents, consular legalization requirements, and the new mandatory forms from 01/7/2026.
Who qualifies for a family-based residence card?
Under Article 36.1(b) of the Law on entry, exit, transit and residence of foreigners in Vietnam (consolidated document 62/VBHN-VPQH; in force from 01/7/2026), foreigners temporarily residing in Vietnam who fall within the TT visa category may be considered for a temporary residence card; the card carries the same symbol as the visa (Article 36.2(b)). In other words: if you qualify for a TT visa, you qualify for a TT card.
The 4 dossier groups under Article 37.1
- A written request from the inviting/sponsoring agency, organisation or individual;
- An application form for a temporary residence card, with a photo attached;
- The applicant’s passport;
- Documents proving eligibility under Article 36.1 — i.e. documents proving the family relationship.
The law only sets the framework in Article 37.1(d) without a rigid list. In practice, commonly accepted documents include:
- Spouse → marriage certificate;
- Parent — child → the child’s birth certificate (showing the parent-child relationship);
- Other relationships (e.g. grandparent — grandchild under the new expanded scope) → a family-relationship confirmation issued by a competent authority.
These are common examples, not a statutory “mandatory list” — the deciding authority assesses the suitability of each document.
Consular legalization and translation: the top reason dossiers are returned
Family-tie documents issued by foreign authorities (foreign marriage or birth certificates, etc.) must be consular-legalized — unless the issuing country has a treaty with Vietnam on legalization exemption — and must be translated into Vietnamese with notarized translation. This is the most common reason for returned dossiers: submitting the original foreign-language document without a notarized translation, or forgetting consular legalization. Complete this step before filing in Vietnam.
Forms NA6, NA7, NA8: new versions mandatory from 01/7/2026
The current forms for temporary residence card procedures:
- NA6 — the agency/organisation’s official request for card issuance;
- NA7 — the individual’s sponsorship application for card issuance;
- NA8 — the foreigner’s information form for a temporary residence card.
These forms were issued under Circular 04/2015/TT-BCA (effective 25/02/2015, still in force) but amended by Circular 57/2020/TT-BCA, Circular 22/2023/TT-BCA and most recently Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA (issued 25/5/2026, effective 01/7/2026). From 01/7/2026 only the new forms may be used — dossiers on old forms are refused. Applicants should download the latest forms from the Ministry of Public Security’s public service portal, not reuse forms saved from previous years.
Where to file, processing time, card validity
- Where to file: the immigration management authority where the inviting/sponsoring agency or organisation is headquartered, or where the inviting/sponsoring individual resides (Article 37.2(b));
- Processing time: 05 working days from receipt of a complete, valid dossier (Article 37.2(c));
- Card validity: a TT temporary residence card is valid for no more than 03 years (Article 38.4), at least 30 days shorter than the remaining passport validity (Article 38.1).
New: fewer documents thanks to shared data (Article 6a)
Under Law 118/2025 (effective 01/7/2026), Article 6a provides that documents and information already available in national or specialised databases accessible to the deciding authority need not be re-submitted. This is a clear paperwork-reduction trend. However, practical implementation varies by locality — applicants should still prepare backup copies of key documents rather than expecting a “no documents needed” process.
A specific note for the new category: for the “parent-in-law” relationship (expanded sponsorship under Article 45.1(b)), there is no public guidance yet on which proof documents are accepted — contact the Immigration Management Division of your place of residence for specific instructions before preparing the dossier.
FAQs
Can a foreign-issued birth certificate be used?
Yes, but it must be consular-legalized (unless a treaty exemption applies) and translated into Vietnamese with notarized translation.
Can I still use the old NA8 form (pre-01/7/2026)?
No. From 01/7/2026 only the Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA forms are accepted; old forms are refused.
Where do I file if the sponsor is an individual?
At the immigration management authority of the inviting/sponsoring individual’s place of residence (Article 37.2(b)).
Need help with visa, residence or permanent residence procedures for foreigners in Vietnam? Reach us via the Contact page of FLAT Law Firm.
The information above is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.
For reference only, not legal advice. Content quality-checked by the AI Legal Council; not yet reviewed by a human lawyer.
