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TICA TrustLegal, Go Vap (2026)

05/06/2026

INVESTOR VISA VS. TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD IN VIETNAM: WHAT FOREIGN INVESTORS NEED TO KNOW

Many foreign investors entering Vietnam are unsure whether they should apply for an Investor Visa or a Temporary Residence Card (TRC).

While both options allow foreigners to stay in Vietnam legally, they serve different purposes and offer different benefits.

WHAT IS AN INVESTOR VISA?

An Investor Visa is issued to foreign investors who have legally invested in a Vietnamese company.

Depending on the investment structure and eligibility, investor visas may be granted for varying durations and allow multiple entries into Vietnam.

The Investor Visa is often the first immigration document obtained by foreign investors after establishing or acquiring ownership in a Vietnamese company.

WHAT IS A TEMPORARY RESIDENCE CARD (TRC)?

A Temporary Residence Card is a long-term residence document that allows eligible foreign nationals to reside in Vietnam without repeatedly applying for visas.

A TRC can offer several advantages:

• Long-term legal stay in Vietnam;
• Multiple entries and exits without obtaining new visas;
• Simplified immigration procedures;
• Greater convenience for business operations and personal travel.

For many investors, obtaining a TRC is the next step after satisfying the legal requirements for investment and immigration compliance.

KEY DIFFERENCES

Investor Visa

• Shorter validity period;
• Requires renewal when expired;
• Often used during the initial investment phase.

Temporary Residence Card

• Longer validity period;
• Reduces the need for frequent visa renewals;
• More convenient for investors who regularly live or conduct business in Vietnam.

COMMON QUESTIONS FROM FOREIGN INVESTORS

Can I apply for a TRC immediately after establishing a company?

The answer depends on several factors, including the company’s legal status, investment structure, capital contribution status, immigration history, and compliance with applicable regulations.

Does company ownership automatically guarantee a TRC?

Not necessarily. Immigration authorities may review various legal and practical factors before approving an application.

WHY PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE MATTERS

Vietnam’s investment and immigration regulations continue to evolve. Each investor’s situation is unique, and selecting the appropriate immigration pathway can help reduce delays, compliance risks, and unnecessary costs.

At TICA TRUSTLEGAL, we assist foreign investors with company incorporation, investment procedures, investor visas, work permits, temporary residence cards, and ongoing legal compliance matters throughout Vietnam.

TICA TRUSTLEGAL CONSULTING SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED

Your Trusted Partner for Business and Immigration Solutions in Vietnam

Website: www.ticatrustlegal.com
Email: [email protected]

05/06/2026

WORK PERMIT IN VIETNAM: WHO MUST APPLY AND WHO MAY BE EXEMPT?

For many foreign nationals planning to work, manage a business, or invest in Vietnam, understanding work permit requirements is essential.

One of the most common misconceptions is that all foreigners must obtain a Work Permit before working in Vietnam. In reality, Vietnam’s labor regulations provide several exemption categories, while many individuals are still required to obtain a valid Work Permit before commencing employment.

WHO GENERALLY REQUIRES A WORK PERMIT?

A Work Permit is typically required for foreign nationals who:

• Work under an employment contract with a Vietnamese company;
• Serve as managers, executives, experts, or technical workers;
• Receive compensation for their work activities in Vietnam;
• Are assigned by foreign companies to work in Vietnam for an extended period.

Working without the appropriate authorization may result in administrative penalties for both the employee and the employer.

WHO MAY QUALIFY FOR A WORK PERMIT EXEMPTION?

Depending on specific circumstances, certain foreign nationals may be exempt from obtaining a Work Permit, including:

• Owners or capital-contributing members of limited liability companies meeting statutory capital requirements;
• Members of the Board of Directors of joint stock companies meeting statutory capital requirements;
• Foreigners entering Vietnam for short-term professional assignments in specific situations;
• Internal transferees within multinational corporations operating in eligible service sectors;
• Individuals covered under international treaties to which Vietnam is a party;
• Certain experts, managers, and specialists under specific exemption provisions prescribed by law.

Although exempt from obtaining a Work Permit, many individuals are still required to complete a Work Permit Exemption Certificate procedure with the relevant authorities before commencing work.

COMMON MISTAKES MADE BY FOREIGNERS

Many foreign nationals mistakenly believe that:

• Holding an Investor Visa automatically allows employment;
• Owning shares in a company automatically qualifies for a Work Permit exemption;
• A Temporary Residence Card replaces the need for labor authorization;
• A business visa permits long-term employment.

In practice, each case must be assessed individually based on the foreigner’s position, ownership structure, investment amount, and intended activities in Vietnam.

WHY IS EARLY LEGAL REVIEW IMPORTANT?

Determining the correct immigration and labor compliance pathway at the beginning can help avoid:

• Delays in business operations;
• Immigration complications;
• Administrative penalties;
• Future difficulties when applying for visas or residence cards.

At TICA TRUSTLEGAL, we assist foreign investors, business owners, and professionals in assessing their eligibility, obtaining Work Permits, securing Work Permit Exemption Certificates, and applying for Temporary Residence Cards in Vietnam.

TICA TRUSTLEGAL CONSULTING SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED

Supporting Foreign Investors and Businesses in Vietnam

Website: www.ticatrustlegal.com

05/06/2026

5 COMMON MISTAKES THAT DELAY FOREIGN-OWNED COMPANY INCORPORATION IN VIETNAM

Many foreign investors assume that setting up a company in Vietnam is a straightforward process that can be completed within a few days. In reality, a significant number of applications are delayed due to avoidable mistakes made during the preparation stage.

Below are five of the most common reasons why foreign investment applications take longer than expected.

1. CHOOSING AN INAPPROPRIATE BUSINESS LINE

Not all business sectors are equally accessible to foreign investors in Vietnam. Certain industries are subject to market access conditions, ownership restrictions, or additional licensing requirements.

Selecting an unsuitable business activity at the beginning may result in multiple amendments to the application dossier and extended processing times.

2. USING AN INELIGIBLE BUSINESS LOCATION

The business location is one of the key factors reviewed by the authorities during the investment registration process.

Many applications encounter delays because the proposed office premises do not meet legal requirements or the lease documentation is incomplete.

3. INSUFFICIENT FINANCIAL CAPACITY DOCUMENTS

Foreign investors are generally required to demonstrate their financial capability to implement the proposed investment project.

Incomplete, inconsistent, or improperly prepared financial documents often lead to requests for clarification or additional submissions.

4. UNCLEAR BUSINESS PLAN AND PROJECT STRUCTURE

Authorities may assess the project’s objectives, scale of operation, staffing plan, and implementation schedule.

A poorly structured business plan or unclear investment proposal can result in additional review and extended approval timelines.

5. UNDERSTIMATING THE OVERALL COMPLIANCE PROCESS

Company incorporation is only one part of establishing a business presence in Vietnam.

Depending on the nature of the business, investors may also need to complete:

• Investment capital account procedures;
• Capital contribution requirements;
• Work permit applications;
• Temporary residence card applications;
• Industry-specific licenses and approvals.

Understanding the full compliance framework from the beginning can help investors avoid unexpected delays and operate more efficiently.

At TICA TRUSTLEGAL, we assist foreign investors throughout the entire process of establishing and operating businesses in Vietnam, including company incorporation, investment procedures, work permits, temporary residence cards, and ongoing legal compliance support.

TICA TRUSTLEGAL CONSULTING SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED

Tax Code: 0318968339

Address: MORE BUILDING, 36 Mac Dinh Chi Street, Tan Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Website: www.ticatrustlegal.com

05/06/2026

THÀNH LẬP CÔNG TY 100% VỐN NƯỚC NGOÀI TẠI VIỆT NAM – NHỮNG ĐIỀU NHÀ ĐẦU TƯ CẦN BIẾT

Trong những năm gần đây, Việt Nam tiếp tục là điểm đến hấp dẫn đối với các nhà đầu tư nước ngoài nhờ môi trường kinh doanh ổn định, chi phí vận hành hợp lý và nhiều cơ hội phát triển.

Tuy nhiên, không phải mọi ngành nghề đều được phép thành lập công ty 100% vốn nước ngoài. Trước khi triển khai dự án đầu tư, nhà đầu tư cần xác định rõ:

• Ngành nghề kinh doanh dự kiến hoạt động;
• Điều kiện tiếp cận thị trường đối với nhà đầu tư nước ngoài;
• Tỷ lệ sở hữu vốn được phép;
• Địa điểm thực hiện dự án;
• Nhu cầu sử dụng lao động nước ngoài.

Thông thường, quy trình thành lập công ty 100% vốn nước ngoài tại Việt Nam bao gồm:

Bước 1: Xin cấp Giấy chứng nhận đăng ký đầu tư (IRC)

Đây là bước đánh giá tính phù hợp của dự án đầu tư, năng lực tài chính của nhà đầu tư và tính hợp pháp của địa điểm thực hiện dự án.

Bước 2: Xin cấp Giấy chứng nhận đăng ký doanh nghiệp (ERC)

Sau khi được cấp IRC, doanh nghiệp tiến hành đăng ký thành lập pháp nhân tại Việt Nam.

Bước 3: Hoàn tất các thủ tục sau thành lập

• Khắc dấu doanh nghiệp;
• Đăng ký chữ ký số;
• Đăng ký hóa đơn điện tử;
• Mở tài khoản ngân hàng;
• Thực hiện góp vốn đầu tư theo quy định.

Đối với một số ngành nghề đặc thù, doanh nghiệp có thể cần thêm giấy phép con trước khi chính thức hoạt động.

TICA TRUSTLEGAL hiện đang hỗ trợ các nhà đầu tư đến từ nhiều quốc gia trong quá trình thành lập doanh nghiệp, xin giấy phép lao động, thẻ tạm trú và các thủ tục pháp lý liên quan đến hoạt động đầu tư tại Việt Nam.

Website: www.ticatrustlegal.com

02/06/2026

Why can a TRC application be rejected or delayed in Vietnam?

A Temporary Residence Card, or TRC, is an important document for foreigners who want to stay in Vietnam legally for a longer period.

However, getting a TRC is not only about the foreigner’s personal documents.
In many cases, the company’s documents also play a very important role.

A TRC application may be delayed, requested for additional explanation, or not approved if the supporting documents are not complete or consistent.

Some common mistakes companies often overlook include:

✅ The sponsoring company’s legal documents are incomplete
✅ The company information does not match the employee’s documents
✅ The Work Permit or Work Permit exemption is missing, expired, or inconsistent
✅ The foreigner’s visa type does not match the TRC purpose
✅ The passport validity is not sufficient
✅ Temporary residence registration has not been properly completed
✅ The job title, position, or company information is inconsistent across documents
✅ The company has not prepared the required forms, signatures, or seals correctly

⚠️ For TRC applications, even a small inconsistency can create additional questions or delay the process.

For example, if the job title on the Work Permit does not match the company’s supporting documents, or if the visa purpose is not aligned with the TRC application, the file may need to be reviewed or adjusted before submission.

That is why companies should not prepare TRC documents separately from Work Permit, visa, and company records.

Before applying for a TRC, companies should carefully check:

✅ Company registration documents
✅ Work Permit or exemption documents
✅ Passport and visa validity
✅ Temporary residence registration
✅ Job title and position consistency
✅ Application forms, company seal, and signatures
✅ The legal basis for sponsoring the foreigner

A well-prepared TRC file can help reduce delays, avoid repeated corrections, and support the foreigner’s long-term legal residence in Vietnam.

Tica supports foreign employees and companies in reviewing TRC conditions, preparing documents, and checking the legal pathway before submission.

📩 Message Tica for legal guidance.

25/05/2026

📌 Business lines in an FDI company: What happens if you register them incorrectly?

When setting up an FDI company in Vietnam, choosing the right business lines is one of the most important steps.

Many foreign investors think business lines are only a formality in the company registration process. However, in reality, they can directly affect what the company is legally allowed to do after establishment.

For an FDI company, business lines may influence:

✅ Licensing conditions
✅ Scope of permitted business activities
✅ Tax and accounting classification
✅ Sub-license requirements
✅ Bank account and transaction explanations
✅ Work Permit or TRC supporting documents
✅ Future business expansion or amendment procedures

⚠️ If the business lines are too broad, unclear, or not suitable for the actual operation, the company may face difficulties later.

Common issues include:

✅ The company cannot legally provide the intended service
✅ Additional licenses are required but were not planned in advance
✅ Contracts or invoices do not match the registered business activities
✅ The company needs to amend its license before expanding
✅ The investor may face delays when applying for other legal procedures

For FDI companies, some sectors may have specific market access conditions, foreign ownership limits, or additional approval requirements. That is why business lines should be reviewed carefully before submitting the application.

Choosing the right business lines from the beginning can help reduce legal risks, avoid unnecessary amendments, and support long-term business operation in Vietnam.

Tica helps foreign investors review business activities, check licensing conditions, and prepare the right legal pathway before setting up an FDI company in Vietnam.

📩 Message Tica for legal guidance.

22/05/2026

🏢 How important is the registered office address for an FDI company in Vietnam?

When setting up an FDI company in Vietnam, many foreign investors usually focus on business lines, investment capital, legal representatives, and licensing timelines.
However, one important detail is often overlooked: The registered office address.

For an FDI company, the registered office address is not just a formality. It is the company’s official legal address and may affect the licensing process, tax communication, banking procedures, and post-licensing compliance.

Before using an address for company registration, foreign investors should carefully check:

✅ Is the address clear and complete?
✅ Is there a valid lease agreement or supporting document?
✅ Is the address suitable for the intended business activity?
✅ Does the business require a specific office, warehouse, factory, or facility?
✅ Is the address suitable for long-term operation?
✅ Will changing the address later create additional procedures?

⚠️ Choosing an address only because it is quick or cheap may create problems later.

A suitable registered office address can help make the licensing process clearer, reduce unnecessary delays, and support the company’s legal operation after establishment.

Planning to set up an FDI company in Vietnam?

Tica helps foreign investors check company setup conditions, prepare legal documents, and choose the right legal pathway before submitting the application.

📩 Message Tica for legal guidance.

20/05/2026

Business opportunities in Asia are growing faster than ever.

From expanding markets to investor-friendly policies, Asia is becoming a key destination for global entrepreneurs and foreign investors.

Ready to explore your next business move in Vietnam and Asia?
Tica Trustlegal is here to support your legal setup and investment journey.

11/05/2026

Vietnam simplifies administrative procedures under the Ministry of Public Security

The Vietnamese Government has issued Resolution No. 22/2026/NQ-CP dated April 29, 2026, focusing on reducing, decentralizing, and simplifying administrative procedures and business conditions under the Ministry of Public Security.

📌 A notable update:
The Resolution removes 4 procedures related to electronic identification accounts, including:

✔️ Level 01 e-ID accounts for foreigners
✔️ Level 02 e-ID accounts for foreigners
✔️ Level 02 e-ID accounts and electronic ID cards for Vietnamese citizens
✔️ E-ID accounts for agencies and organizations

This reflects Vietnam’s continued effort to build a more transparent, efficient, and business-friendly administrative environment.

However, simplification does not mean compliance is removed. Foreigners and businesses should still follow the updated procedures and official guidance from competent authorities.

🤝 TICA TrustLegal continues to update legal and administrative changes affecting foreigners and foreign-invested companies in Vietnam.

07/05/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐛𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐑𝐂?

This is one of the most misunderstood topics in practice. Many people assume that once an investor receives a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), their whole family can automatically stay in Vietnam under that same status. Legally, it does not work that way. Under Vietnam’s immigration law, a foreigner holding a valid TRC may guarantee certain relatives to enter Vietnam, and may also guarantee their spouse and children under 18 to stay with them during the validity of that TRC, if the inviting or guaranteeing agency or organization agrees. In other words, the investor’s TRC is the legal foundation for family sponsorship, but it is not an automatic residence document for the family members themselves.

📌 The first thing to understand is who qualifies most clearly as a dependent in this context. The law is clearest for the investor’s spouse and children under 18. It also says a TRC holder may guarantee grandparents and parents to enter Vietnam, but the specific “stay with the TRC holder during the TRC’s validity” wording is framed around the spouse and under-18 children. So if the question is “Who can accompany the investor as dependents in the strongest and clearest legal sense?”, the safest answer is: spouse and minor children first.

🔍 The second point is the route. In legal structure, the family-dependent route is usually tied to TT status. The law defines TT as the family/relative category, and foreigners who are already in Vietnam under eligible visa categories, including investor categories, may be granted a temporary residence card with the corresponding symbol if they meet the requirements. That is why, in practice, many families follow a two-step path:
Step 1: obtain entry to Vietnam on a family/dependent basis;
Step 2: after lawful entry and if long-term co-residence is needed, apply for a TT temporary residence card in Vietnam.
That two-step description is a practical inference from how the visa symbols and TRC eligibility are structured in the law.

🏢 The third point is that the sponsorship logic matters. If the investor is in Vietnam under a company-backed structure, the law expressly says the investor may guarantee the spouse and children under 18 to stay with them if the inviting or guaranteeing agency or organization agrees. This is a very important detail that many people miss. It means family sponsorship is not always only a private family matter; in some cases, the sponsor company’s legal role still matters in the background. On the procedural side, when an organization applies for immigration documents for a foreigner, the Ministry of Public Security’s service portal requires the organization to have filed its legal documents, including a certified copy of its establishment license/decision and the introduction of its seal and authorized signature; this filing is generally done once and must be updated if the information changes.

⏳ The fourth point is duration. Even when the dependent route is available, it should not be assumed that the dependent’s residence document will automatically mirror the investor’s TRC in every way. Under the law, a temporary residence card must be at least 30 days shorter than the holder’s passport validity, and TT temporary residence cards are capped at 3 years. Also, because the law links the spouse’s and under-18 child’s stay to the validity of the sponsor’s TRC, the dependent’s stay should be planned in line with the investor’s own valid residence status. So the practical question is not only “Can the family get a card?” but also “How long can that card realistically remain aligned with the investor’s status and the dependent’s passport?”

🧾 The fifth point is documents. The law requires a dossier for TRC issuance to include a written request from the inviting/guaranteeing agency, organization, or individual, a declaration form, the passport, and papers proving eligibility. In a dependent case, that usually means the legal basis of the sponsor must be clear, and the family relationship must be provable. The Ministry of Public Security’s public-service procedures also show that visa issuance in Vietnam and TRC issuance are both document-based processes with official forms and processing timelines, rather than a casual “add-on” to the investor’s file.

⚠️ One more misunderstanding should be cleared up: a dependent status is not the same as a work status. Vietnam’s immigration law requires foreigners to operate in accordance with the purpose of their entry. So if a spouse enters and stays under a family-dependent route, that should not automatically be treated as a labor or business-operating status. If that spouse later plans to work in Vietnam, the case usually needs to be reviewed separately under the appropriate labor and immigration framework. That point is partly legal rule and partly practical compliance inference, but it is very important.

✅ In simple terms, the clearest legal pathway is this:
an investor first secures a valid investor status in Vietnam, then the spouse and children under 18 may be sponsored under the family/dependent route, usually with TT status, provided the legal relationship is clear, the sponsor’s immigration status is valid, and any required company-backed sponsorship conditions are satisfied. The investor’s TRC opens the door — but the dependents still need their own proper immigration status.

🤝 TICA TrustLegal helps investors review the correct dependent pathway for spouses and children, so the family structure is aligned with the investor’s legal residence status in Vietnam.

TICA TrustLegal

05/06/2026

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