Constantly renewing visas is not only costly but also incredibly time-consuming. If you have a foreign spouse or child and want them to freely enter and exit Vietnam for long-term visits or living, applying for a 5-year visa exemption (commonly referred to as a 5-year visa for foreigners) is the most optimal and cost-effective solution.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on the conditions, required dossiers, and crucial legal notes to help you navigate this procedure effortlessly.
1. What is the 5-Year Visa Exemption? Eligible Subjects and Conditions
What is the 5-Year Visa Exemption?
A 5-year visa exemption certificate is technically not a standard visa, but a document that serves as a substitute for a visa. Individuals holding this certificate are permitted to enter Vietnam multiple times within a 5-year period without needing to apply for a visa for each entry.
Eligible Subjects
Under current regulations, those eligible to apply for a 5-year visa exemption include:
- Vietnamese residing overseas.
- Foreigners who are spouses or children of Vietnamese citizens.
- Foreigners who are spouses or children of Vietnamese residing overseas.
Conditions for Issuance
- The passport or international travel document of the foreigner must be valid for at least 01 year (However, to receive a certificate valid for the full 5 years, the passport should be valid for more than 5 years and 6 months).
- Possess valid documents proving the marital or parental relationship with the Vietnamese citizen.
- Not fall into the categories of individuals suspended from entry or exit under Vietnamese law.
2. Comparing the 5-Year Visa Exemption and the Temporary Residence Card (TRC)
Many people are unsure whether to apply for a 5-year visa for foreigners or a Family-Sponsored Temporary Residence Card (TRC). Below is a detailed comparison to help you choose the right option:
| Criteria | 5-Year Visa Exemption | Temporary Residence Card (TRC) |
| Maximum Validity | Up to 5 years (depending on passport validity). | Up to 3 years (for spouses of Vietnamese citizens). |
| Duration of Stay/Entry | Maximum 180 days per entry. | Continuous stay in Vietnam until the card expires. |
| Primary Purpose | Ideal for those who travel frequently between countries for visits or tourism. | Ideal for those who intend to settle, live continuously, and work long-term in Vietnam. |
| Dossier & State Fees | Simpler dossier, lower state fee (approx. $10 USD). | More complex dossier, higher state fee (approx. $145 USD). |
3. Required Dossier and Application Process
To apply for a 5-year visa exemption, you need to prepare the following dossier:
- Application Form for Visa Exemption Certificate (Form NA9).
- 02 passport-sized photos (4×6 cm, white background, taken within the last 6 months).
- Foreign Passport (Original + copy).
- Documents proving the relationship:
- For spouses: Marriage Registration Certificate.
- For children: Birth Certificate, decision recognizing parent-child relationship.
- Note: If these documents were issued by foreign authorities, they must undergo Consular Legalization and be translated into Vietnamese with notarization.
- Sponsor’s Documents (Vietnamese citizen): Certified true copy of the Identity Card / Passport.
Where to submit the dossier:
- In Vietnam: The Vietnam Immigration Department (Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City) or the Immigration Office of the Provincial Police where the Vietnamese citizen permanently resides.
- Abroad: Vietnamese Embassies or Consulates in the host country.
Processing Time: Approximately 05 to 07 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid dossier.
4. Crucial Note: Maximum 180-Day Stay per Entry
This is the most critical point that many people misunderstand when acquiring a 5-year visa for foreigners.
Possessing a 5-year visa exemption certificate DOES NOT MEAN the foreigner can stay continuously in Vietnam for 5 years without exiting.
- The Law states: For each entry using this certificate, the foreigner is only permitted to stay for a maximum of 180 days (approx. 6 months).
- What to do when the 180 days expire:
- Exit and Re-enter (Visa Run): The foreigner can fly or travel across the border to a neighboring country (like Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, etc.) and return to Vietnam on the same day to receive a new 180-day stay stamp.
- Apply for a Temporary Residence Extension: If there is a legitimate reason and sponsorship from a relative in Vietnam, you can apply to extend the temporary residence for up to another 180 days at the Immigration Department without having to leave the country (Note: approval is subject to specific circumstances and current policies at the time of application).
📞 Contact DHH Law Firm Today
If you have any questions or require legal assistance regarding Work Permits, please contact DHH Law Firm:
🏢 Main Office: 2nd Floor, 829 Huynh Tan Phat Street, Phu Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
📞 Hotline:
- +84 89 9352 777 (Vietnamese)
- +84 89 9351 777 (English)
🌐 Website: www.dhhlawfirm.vn
📧 Email: contact@dhhlawfirm.vn
✨ DHH Law Firm – Your trusted legal partner for family and foreign-related civil procedures in Vietnam.
