Before you start

A valid work permit (or exemption certificate) with at least 12 months remaining
Passport valid 13+ months (the TRC can't exceed passport validity)
Temporary residence registered with your local (ward/commune) police

Step-by-step

1
Get your work permit first
The TRC is downstream of the work permit — you can't apply until you hold one valid for 12+ months. Your employer sponsors both; start the work permit immediately.
Via employerWho: Employer + youWork permit: weeks (separate process)Work-permit fees separate
2
Register temporary residence with local police
Your landlord (or you, via the online system) must register your stay with the ward/commune police. You need the stamped confirmation for the TRC dossier — and it's a legal requirement regardless.
In personWho: You / landlordOn arrival / when you moveUsually free
3
Employer files the TRC dossier
Forms NA6 (company) + NA8, your work permit, labour contract, company licence + seal/signature sample, photos (2×3 cm), and the police residence confirmation go to the Immigration Department.
In personWho: Your employer——
4
Collect your TRC
Submitted at the HCMC Immigration office (254 Nguyễn Trãi, District 1). About 5 working days.
In personWho: You / employer~5 working daysUS$145 (≤2 yr)

Documents you’ll need

Passport (valid 13+ months)
Valid work permit / exemption certificate (12+ months remaining)
Labour contract
Forms NA6 + NA8
2 photos (2×3 cm)
Company business licence + seal/signature sample
Police temporary-residence confirmation

Things most newcomers don’t know

The work permit gates the TRC — sequence matters.

You can't get a TRC without a work permit valid 12+ months. Start the work permit on day one; the TRC is the easy part that comes after.

Source: official (Immigration Dept)

The police 'temporary residence' registration is mandatory — and easy to miss.

Foreigners must be registered with the ward police where they live. You need the stamped confirmation for the TRC, and it's required by law anyway — make sure your landlord actually does it.

Source: official + provider consensus

A TRC ends the visa-run treadmill.

With a TRC you re-enter Vietnam freely without a new visa for its whole validity — a big cost and quality-of-life difference vs repeated business visas.

Source: provider consensus

Your TRC can't outlive your passport.

If your passport has under 2 years left, your TRC is capped to match. Renew the passport first if you want the full term.

Source: official

Common mistakes to avoid

Trying to apply before the work permit is issued and valid 12+ months
Skipping (or assuming the landlord did) the police residence registration
Letting your passport run short and capping your TRC term

Make it your personal checklist

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