Can an e-Visa be converted into a Temporary Residence Card?

According to regulations, in order to convert an e-Visa into a Temporary Residence Card (TRC), a foreigner must have entered Vietnam for the correct purpose stated on the e-Visa. Only then can the e-Visa be converted into the corresponding type of Temporary Residence Card.

For example:

·         An e-Visa for employment purposes can be converted into a Temporary Residence Card for work.

·         An e-Visa for visiting relatives can be converted into a Temporary Residence Card for family visit.

You should pay close attention to the validity period of your e-Visa. To be eligible for conversion, the e-Visa must remain valid for at least 20 days from the date the application is submitted.

Depending on the specific conversion case, the required documents and procedures may vary.

Therefore, if a foreigner enters Vietnam on an e-Visa with the intention of converting it into a Temporary Residence Card, they must prepare all necessary and valid documents in advance to ensure there is enough time to complete the TRC application process.

Please note that in certain special cases — for instance, converting from an e-Visa for work to a Temporary Residence Card for employment — the foreigner is required to obtain a Work Permit first. The process of applying for a work permit typically takes 20 to 30 days, provided that the documents are complete and valid from the beginning.

Procedure for Converting a Family-Visit E-Visa to a Temporary Residence Card for Family Reunion (TT Category)

1. Conversion of E-Visa for Family Reunion Purposes

For foreign nationals entering Vietnam under an E-Visa and possessing documents proving their family relationship — such as being the parent, spouse, or child of the sponsoring individual — the procedure for converting an E-Visa into a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) for family reunion is significantly simpler.

Required Documents:

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

·         Valid passport and valid E-Visa of the foreign national;

·         Identity card (CMND/CCCD) of the Vietnamese sponsor;

·         Marriage certificate or birth certificate (as proof of relationship);

·         Certificate of temporary residence registration or temporary residence book of the foreign national;

·         Sponsorship and TRC application form (Form NA7);

·         Application form for issuance of a TRC to a foreigner (Form NA8);

·         Two (02) recent passport-sized photos (2×3 cm).

Once the dossier is fully prepared, it must be submitted to one of the following competent authorities:

·         The Immigration Department – Ministry of Public Security, or

·         The Immigration Management Division under the provincial/municipal police department where the foreign national is residing.

2. Conversion of E-Visa in Other Cases

There are other situations where foreigners may seek to change their visa purposes — for example:

·         Converting from a tourist E-Visa to a business visa;

·         Converting from a business E-Visa to an investor visa, etc.

According to current Vietnamese immigration law, it is not permitted to change or convert an E-Visa that was issued for a specific entry purpose into another visa or a Temporary Residence Card of a different category, if such change constitutes a misuse of entry purpose.

3. Alternative Measures for Special Cases

However, for foreigners who wish to continue residing in Vietnam, Dai Minh Travel can provide practical solutions to facilitate lawful re-entry and extension of stay.
In special circumstances, the following steps can be taken:

Step 1: The foreign national must exit Vietnam and travel to a third country, such as Thailand, Singapore, Laos, or China.
Step 2: The individual then re-enters Vietnam under a new entry purpose that is compliant with Vietnamese immigration regulations, enabling subsequent TRC application.

For detailed guidance on converting or extending an E-Visa under these special circumstances, please contact us directly. Our team will provide full assistance and procedural support to help foreigners legally extend their stay in Vietnam.

Attractive promotion for you

Receive promotional information and special offers about the most interested flights and services you care!

Full name*

Email *

Phone Number

Flight or service you care

Get promotions