A foreigner married to a Vietnamese citizen who wishes to reside long-term in Vietnam needs a temporary residence card. The correct category is TT — commonly called the family-visit/family-reunion residence card for spouses. This article explains the legal basis, conditions, file and procedure.
1. The correct category: TT
Article 8 of Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (consolidated text VBHN 62/VBHN-VPQH) provides that the TT symbol is granted to foreigners who are fathers, mothers, spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens. Marriage to a Vietnamese citizen falls under this category. Under Article 36, a person granted a TT visa is eligible for a TT temporary residence card.
Important note: the validity of a TT card is no more than 3 years (Article 38). Some secondary sources claim “TT cards last up to 5 years” — that is wrong; the 5-year maximum applies to NG3, LV1, LV2, LS, ĐT2 and DH symbols, not TT.
2. Conditions
- Valid passport: in practice, immigration authorities usually require at least 13 months of remaining validity — this is applied practice, not a statutory condition.
- Lawful temporary residence in Vietnam.
- Lawful marriage certificate: married in Vietnam — the marriage registration certificate; married abroad — complete the marriage notation procedure in Vietnam with consular legalization of the foreign marriage documents.
3. Application file (Clause 1, Article 37)
- Written request of the inviting/sponsoring individual (Form NA7 — sponsorship application for a temporary residence card);
- Temporary residence card application declaration with photo (Form NA8);
- The foreigner’s passport;
- Documents proving the spousal relationship with the Vietnamese citizen;
- Documents proving lawful accommodation and photos as prescribed.
Forms NA7 and NA8 were issued with Circular 04/2015/TT-BCA, amended by Circular 57/2020/TT-BCA and Circular 22/2023/TT-BCA (effective 15 August 2023). Applicants should check the latest version of the forms before filing.
4. Procedure and processing time (Clause 2, Article 37)
The Vietnamese spouse — as the sponsor — files the application in person with the immigration management authority of the place where the sponsor permanently or temporarily resides. Processing time: 5 working days from receipt of a complete and valid file.
5. Use value of the TT card
A valid TT temporary residence card replaces the visa for multiple entries into and exits from Vietnam, with no need to obtain a separate visa each time. When the card expires, the foreigner may be considered for a new card if the conditions are still met (Article 38).
6. Sponsor’s responsibilities (Article 45)
The Vietnamese spouse acting as sponsor must: complete sponsorship procedures as prescribed; guide the sponsored person to comply with the law; cooperate with authorities in managing the person according to the entry purpose and in temporary residence declaration. In particular, when no longer wishing to sponsor, the sponsor must notify the immigration management authority in writing (point e, Clause 2, Article 45).
FAQ
Q: Can cohabiting partners without marriage registration apply for a TT card?
A: No. The TT category requires a legally recognized spousal relationship — a marriage registration certificate (or completed marriage notation for marriages abroad) is mandatory.
Q: When the TT card expires, is it extended or re-applied from scratch?
A: The law provides that an expired card may be considered for a new card (Article 38); in practice immigration authorities handle it as a new application with a similar file.
Q: With a TT card, is a visa needed for each exit?
A: No. A valid residence card replaces the visa for entries and exits within the card’s validity.
Cited legal sources
- Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (VBHN 62/VBHN-VPQH) — Articles 8, 36, 37, 38, 45.
- Circular 04/2015/TT-BCA (amended by Circulars 57/2020 and 22/2023) — Forms NA7, NA8.
This information is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.
This content was prepared by AI and is pending review by the AI Legal Council; it has not been approved by a human lawyer.
See also: renewing and reissuing temporary residence cards for foreign workers.
Need help applying for a spousal residence card? Contact FLAT Law Firm.