How do I get residence in Vietnam?

Obtaining Permanent Residency in Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide

Acquiring permanent residency in Vietnam is a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. The essential steps involved include:

Formal Application

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent residency, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

   • Being over 18 years of age
   • Residing in Vietnam for a minimum of five consecutive years on a valid visa
   • Maintaining a stable source of income or owning property in Vietnam

2. Application Form: Applicants must complete a formal application form provided by the Vietnamese Immigration Department. The form requires detailed personal information, employment history, and financial statements.

Verified Criminal Record

1. Certificate of No Criminal Record: Applicants must obtain a certified criminal record from their home country, which verifies that they have no criminal convictions.
2. Legalization and Translation: The certificate must be legalized by the Vietnamese embassy in the applicant’s home country and translated into Vietnamese by a certified translator.

Diplomatic Request from Embassy

1. Diplomatic Note: After the application and criminal record are complete, the applicant’s embassy in Vietnam must submit a diplomatic note to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting permanent residency.
2. Embassy Support: The embassy will review the applicant’s documents and provide support throughout the application process.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the above, applicants may also be required to provide the following documents:

• Passport and visa
• Medical certificate
• Proof of stable income or property ownership
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificate
• Educational transcripts

The Process

1. Submission of Application: The formal application, criminal record, and diplomatic note are submitted to the Vietnamese Immigration Department.
2. Review and Decision: The department will review the documents and make a decision on the application within 90 days.
3. Issuance of Residency Card: If approved, the applicant will be issued a permanent residency card, which is valid for five years and can be renewed indefinitely.

Importance of Each Component

Each component of the application process is essential for success. The formal application ensures that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria and provides accurate information. The verified criminal record proves the applicant’s good standing in their home country. And the diplomatic note from the embassy signifies the support of the applicant’s home government. By fulfilling all these requirements, applicants increase their chances of obtaining permanent residency in Vietnam.