Trụ Sở 
Vietnam is increasingly becoming an ideal destination for foreigners seeking to live, work, and build a long-term life. Alongside this trend, family relationships between Vietnamese citizens and foreign nationals are also becoming more common, naturally driving a growing demand for Family Visit Visas (TT Visas) and Family Visit Temporary Residence Cards (TT TRCs).
However, in practice, applying for a family visit visa or temporary residence card isn’t always straightforward. Various immigration regulations govern these procedures and depend on multiple factors: the sponsoring relationship, the purpose of entry, the desired length of stay, and specific legal conditions in each particular case. We often see delays or even visa rejections due to incomplete documentation or applying under the wrong visa category.
With our practical experience in legal matters and a deep understanding of Vietnam’s immigration regulations, AZVLAW offers comprehensive consulting and legal support services for obtaining Family Visit Visas and Temporary Residence Cards for foreign nationals and their relatives living in Vietnam.
At AZVLAW, we understand that every case is unique, with distinct relationship details, intended length of stay, and legal circumstances. Therefore, meticulous preparation and correct procedural execution are the key factors for a swift and lawful application approval.
So, what conditions must the applicant or sponsor meet to obtain a family visit visa or temporary residence card? What documents do you need to prepare? Here’s the essential information you need to know before you start the process.
1. The Family Visit Visa (TT)
A Visa is a document issued by competent Vietnamese authorities, permitting a foreign national to enter Vietnam. The Family Visit Visa is specifically designated for family reunification.
Who is Eligible for a Family Visit Visa (TT)?
- Spouses, children under 18 years old of foreign nationals who hold visas with symbols: LV1, LV2, DT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD.
- Foreign nationals who are parents, spouses, or children of Vietnamese citizens.
Validity Period of a Family Visit Visa:
A Family Visit Visa is valid for a maximum of one year, but it cannot exceed the validity period of the passport by more than 30 days. There is no limit to the number of times this type of visa can be granted.
- Important Note: If a foreign national’s passport has less than 13 months remaining validity (making them ineligible for a Family Visit Temporary Residence Card), they may still be granted a Family Visit Visa for the remaining passport validity, but again, not exceeding 30 days beyond the passport’s expiration.
Conditions for Obtaining a Family Visit Visa:
Meeting these conditions is crucial for a successful application:
- Conditions for the Foreign National Applicant:
- Must fall into one of the eligible categories for a Family Visit Visa, as listed above (i.e., spouse/child under 18 of a specific visa holder, or parent/spouse/child of a Vietnamese citizen).
- Must hold a valid current visa (unless exempt from visa requirements).
- Must provide documents proving the legitimate family relationship with the sponsor in Vietnam. Examples include:
- Marriage Certificate (for spouse).
- Birth Certificate (for children of Vietnamese citizens or foreigners legally residing in Vietnam).
- Family Relationship Certificate or other legally recognized documents.
- Crucial Legalization Note: If these documents are issued by a foreign authority, they must be consular legalized and officially translated into Vietnamese in accordance with Vietnamese law before use.
- If the foreign national is already in Vietnam, they must have a valid temporary residence declaration. (If the foreign national has not yet entered Vietnam, an entry approval letter must be obtained first).
- Must not be on the list of individuals “prohibited from entering Vietnam” or “temporarily suspended from exiting Vietnam.”
- Conditions for the Sponsor:
- If the sponsor is a foreign national, they must be legally residing in Vietnam and hold a valid Vietnamese Temporary Residence Card or visa. In this case, the Family Visit Visa’s validity period will not exceed that of the sponsor’s TRC or visa.
- If the sponsor is a Vietnamese citizen, they must be a permanent resident in Vietnam and possess a Level 2 VNeID electronic identification account to perform the sponsorship procedures as per current regulations.
2. The Family Visit Temporary Residence Card (TT)
If your family member is a Vietnamese citizen or a foreign national legally living and working in Vietnam, you can apply for a Family Visit Temporary Residence Card (TT TRC). This allows you to reside in Vietnam long-term and legally, eliminating the need for continuous visa extensions.
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) is a document issued by the Immigration Management Agency or the competent authority of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It permits foreign nationals to reside in Vietnam for a specified period and serves as a substitute for a visa.
Who is Eligible for a Family Visit Temporary Residence Card (TT TRC)?
Foreign nationals may be granted a Family Visit TRC if they fall into one of the following categories:
- Spouses, children under 18 years old of foreign nationals who are temporarily residing in Vietnam with visas bearing symbols: LV1, LV2, DT, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD.
- Parents, spouses, or children of Vietnamese citizens.
Validity Period of a Family Visit Temporary Residence Card:
A Family Visit TRC is valid for a maximum of 3 years, but it cannot exceed the validity period of the passport by more than 30 days. There is no limit to the number of times a TRC can be granted.
Conditions for Obtaining a Family Visit Temporary Residence Card:
- Conditions for the Foreign National Applicant:
- Must fall into one of the eligible categories for a Temporary Residence Card, as listed above.
- The passport must be valid for at least 13 months. (If passport validity is less than 13 months, consider applying for a Family Visit Visa instead).
- Must provide documents proving the legitimate family relationship with the sponsor in Vietnam. Examples include:
- Marriage Certificate (for spouse).
- Birth Certificate (for children of Vietnamese citizens or foreigners legally residing in Vietnam).
- Family Relationship Certificate or other legally recognized documents.
- Crucial Legalization Note: If these documents are issued by a foreign authority, they must be consular legalized and officially translated into Vietnamese in accordance with Vietnamese law before use.
- Must have completed temporary residence declarations during their stay in Vietnam.
- Conditions for the Sponsor:
- If the sponsor is a foreign national: They must be legally residing in Vietnam and hold a valid Vietnamese Temporary Residence Card with at least 12 months remaining validity. In this case, the Family Visit TRC’s validity will not exceed that of the sponsor’s TRC.
- If the sponsor is a Vietnamese citizen, they must be a permanent resident in Vietnam and possess a Level 2 VNeID electronic identification account to perform the sponsorship procedures as per current regulations.
Choosing the Right Path: Family Visit Visa (TT) vs. Temporary Residence Card (TT)
Understanding the distinction between the Family Visit Visa (TT) and the Family Visit Temporary Residence Card (TT) is key to planning your stay in Vietnam effectively:
- Family Visit Visa (TT):
- Maximum 1-year validity (or less based on passport).
- Good for shorter stays or when a TRC’s passport validity requirement (13+ months) isn’t met.
- Requires re-application upon expiry for continued stay.
- Family Visit Temporary Residence Card (TT TRC):
- Maximum 3-year validity (or less based on passport).
- Ideal for long-term residency in Vietnam.
- Functions as a substitute for a visa, allowing multiple entries without needing new visa applications.
- Provides more stability and less administrative burden over longer periods.
If your aim is truly long-term residency, pursuing a Family Visit Temporary Residence Card (TT TRC) is generally the more stable and convenient option, reducing the need for frequent renewals.
3. Expert Consulting and Execution for Family Visit Immigration Procedures at AZVLAW
In reality, despite being common procedures, applying for a family visit visa or temporary residence card still carries numerous risks if you’re not fully acquainted with the legal regulations and specific administrative requirements for each case. Even a small error in the application form, missing documents, or insufficient proof of relationship can lead to significant delays or even outright rejection.
With our extensive practical experience in immigration law, AZVLAW provides comprehensive consulting and end-to-end support for applying for, extending, or converting the purpose of a visa/temporary residence card under the family visit category. We tailor our services to each client’s specific situation. AZVLAW not only helps you review your dossier and complete all documents according to regulations, but we also act as your representative, working directly with the competent authorities to ensure a smooth process. Should your dossier contain documents issued by foreign authorities, AZVLAW also assists with the consular legalization procedures to ensure their validity for use in Vietnam.
Committed to providing comprehensive support, ensuring information security, and flexibly handling complex cases, AZVLAW is always ready to assist, making all procedures related to your family visit visa/temporary residence card straightforward, legal, and timely.
Contact AZVLAW today for detailed consultation and support!
- Hotline: 090.2348.865
- Email: cs@azvlaw.vn
- Website: www.azvlaw.vn
