Fees Breakdown: How Much Does a TRC Cost in 2025?
If you’re considering living or working in Vietnam, one of the most important factors to consider is how much it will cost to obtain and maintain a Temporary Residence Card (TRC). A TRC provides you with the right to stay in the country for an extended period without worrying about visa renewals. Whether you’re a digital nomad, foreign investor, or an employee, understanding the full cost structure for obtaining and renewing a TRC is crucial. In this blog, we’ll break down the TRC fees in 2025, explaining the various costs involved, what’s included, and how to prepare your budget accordingly.
1. What is a Temporary Residence Card (TRC)?
A Temporary Residence Card (TRC) allows foreign nationals to stay in Vietnam for an extended period. Unlike a short-term E-Visa Vietnam, which is valid for up to 90 days, the TRC provides a much longer validity period (6 months to 3 years, depending on the type). It also offers multi-entry privileges, making it an ideal option for individuals planning to stay in Vietnam for work, business, or family reasons.
While the TRC is a convenient and cost-effective solution for long-term residency in Vietnam, it’s important to know the associated costs before you apply.
2. Factors Affecting TRC Fees
The cost of obtaining a TRC varies depending on a number of factors, including:
- Type of Sponsorship: Depending on whether you’re applying for a work-related TRC, an investor TRC, or a family-dependent TRC, the costs can differ.
- TRC Validity: The length of time your TRC will be valid for (6 months, 1 year, or 3 years) will also influence the total cost.
- Application Method: Fees may also vary depending on whether you are applying directly through the DOLISA e-portal or utilizing a corporate business visa services Vietnam company to assist with the process.
- Express Processing: If you need to expedite your application, there are additional fees for express processing.
3. TRC Costs in 2025: A Detailed Breakdown
In 2025, the cost structure for obtaining and renewing a TRC is relatively straightforward. Here’s an overview of the standard fees you can expect when applying for or renewing a TRC:
A. Standard TRC Application Fees
- Basic TRC Application Fee:
For a standard TRC application (Form NA7), the government fee is VND 200,000. This applies to the following TRC categories:- Employment-Based TRC (e.g., foreign workers, experts)
- Investor-Based TRC (e.g., foreign business owners)
- Family-Dependent TRC (for spouses and children of foreign residents)
- Multi-Entry Option:
A multi-entry TRC comes at the same base price but offers significant advantages, such as the ability to enter and exit Vietnam multiple times during the validity of the card. There is no extra fee for multi-entry, as long as it’s requested during the application process.
B. Express Processing Fee
If you’re in a hurry and need your TRC processed quickly, you can opt for express processing. This service ensures that your TRC application is processed within 3 days instead of the standard 7–10 business days. The express processing fee is VND 100,000.
C. Additional Fees for TRC Renewal
When renewing your TRC, the process is similar to the initial application, but you’ll only need to update certain documents (e.g., health check, criminal record). The renewal fee is as follows:
- Renewal Application Fee:
The standard fee for TRC renewal is also VND 200,000 for a one-year TRC. - Renewal for Multiple Years:
If you opt to renew your TRC for a multi-year period (up to 3 years), the government fees may increase slightly. For instance, renewing your TRC for two or three years could result in an additional processing charge, typically VND 300,000–500,000, depending on the region.
D. Additional Costs to Consider
While the government fees are relatively straightforward, there are other costs that you may encounter:
- Document Authentication & Notarization:
Certain documents, such as criminal record checks or health certificates, may need to be notarized or authenticated by the Vietnamese authorities. The cost for document notarization can range from VND 100,000 to 300,000 per document. - Legal & Translation Services:
For some individuals, it may be necessary to translate their foreign documents (e.g., criminal records or marriage certificates) into Vietnamese. Translation and notarization services typically cost between VND 150,000 and 500,000 per document, depending on the complexity. - Health & Medical Certificates:
A health certificate is a mandatory part of the TRC application process. You’ll need to visit an accredited medical facility to obtain this certificate, which usually costs around VND 500,000 to 1,000,000. - Criminal Record Check:
Depending on your home country, obtaining a criminal record check can be expensive. The fees vary based on the country and whether the document needs to be apostilled or legalized. Expect to pay anywhere from USD 50 to USD 150 for this service.
4. TRC vs E-Visa: A Cost Comparison
While both E-Visa Vietnam and TRC allow foreign nationals to stay in the country legally, there are significant differences in cost and convenience. Here’s a comparison of the costs:
| Feature | E-Visa Vietnam | TRC |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 30–90 days | 6 months–3 years |
| Processing Time | 3–5 business days | 7–10 business days (standard) |
| Government Fee | USD 25–50 | VND 200,000 |
| Multi-Entry | No | Yes |
| Renewal | Must apply for a new visa every 30–90 days | Can renew for 1–3 years |
| Cost for Express | N/A | VND 100,000 (optional for express processing) |
The TRC is a more cost-effective solution for long-term stays, providing multi-entry privileges and longer validity, whereas the E-Visa is better suited for short-term visitors.
5. Tips for Saving on TRC Application Costs
While the fees for obtaining a TRC are relatively low compared to other countries, there are still ways to save:
- Apply Early: Apply for your TRC well before your current visa expires to avoid the need for express processing.
- Use Professional Services: If you’re unsure about the process, corporate business visa services Vietnam, like 68Solutions, can help streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays or mistakes.
- Prepare Your Documents in Advance: Make sure your health and criminal records are up to date to avoid delays in processing.
6. Conclusion
While the TRC fees in 2025 are relatively straightforward, knowing what to expect can help you avoid surprises and plan ahead. Whether you’re applying for a TRC as a digital nomad, investor, or employee, understanding the costs involved is essential. With options for both standard and express processing, you can tailor the process to your needs.
If you’re ready to apply for your TRC and need expert assistance navigating the process, 68Solutions is here to help. We can assist with document preparation, express processing, and comprehensive visa services.
Contact us today to ensure a smooth, hassle-free TRC application experience!
📧 68s.marketing@gmail.com | ☎️ (+84) 98 2500 802
