If you're a foreigner living and working in Vietnam on a long-term basis, constantly renewing a short-term visa gets exhausting fast. The Temporary Residence Card (TRC) solves that problem — but applying for one means wrestling with Vietnamese immigration forms that have recently changed. Form NA8 is the official application form for a Temporary Residence Card, and as of July 1, 2026, the old versions are no longer accepted. Using the wrong template means your application gets refused at the counter.
This guide breaks down Form NA8 field by field, explains exactly what documents you need, and shows you how to submit your TRC application without wasting a trip to the immigration office.
What Is Form NA8 and Why Does the July 2026 Update Matter?
Form NA8 (Tờ khai đề nghị cấp thẻ tạm trú cho người nước ngoài) is the official information form for a Temporary Resident Card, used by foreigners currently residing in Vietnam. It is the core personal declaration form that must be submitted as part of your TRC application package.
The form was most recently updated under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA, effective from July 1, 2026, which amended document templates originally issued under Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA. According to official notices from provincial police departments, applications using outdated NA8 templates will be refused for processing after this date.
Required Documents Checklist for a TRC Application
Your TRC application package must include all of the following documents. Submit one complete set per applicant.
- Form NA8 — completed, signed, and with one photo attached. Each person files one form.
- Sponsoring document: Form NA6 (for organizations) or Form NA7 (for individual family sponsors).
- Original passport — valid with remaining validity, containing your current visa or temporary residence stamp.
- Proof of eligibility — one of the following: work permit, written confirmation of work permit exemption, or other documents proving you qualify for a TRC.
- Two photos — 2cm x 3cm, white background, bare head, no colored glasses, recent photo. One photo is glued to the NA8 form; the second is submitted loose.
Form NA8 Field-by-Field Translation & Breakdown
Form NA8 contains 12 numbered sections. Fill out in capital letters for your name. Every field must match your passport and immigration records exactly.
| Field # | Vietnamese Original | English Translation | How to Fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Họ tên (chữ in hoa) | Full name (in capital letters) | Exactly as in passport |
| 2 | Giới tính: Nam / Nữ | Sex: Male / Female | Mark the correct box |
| 3 | Sinh ngày... tháng... năm... | Date of birth (Day, Month, Year) | DD/MM/YYYY format |
| 4 | Quốc tịch gốc | Nationality at birth | Your nationality when born |
| 5 | Quốc tịch hiện nay | Current nationality | Your nationality now |
| 6 | Nghề nghiệp/chức vụ | Occupation/position | Your actual current job |
| 7 | Hộ chiếu số... Loại: Phổ thông / Công vụ / Ngoại giao | Passport number... Type: Ordinary / Official / Diplomatic | Copy from passport; mark correct type |
| 7 (cont.) | Cơ quan cấp... có giá trị đến ngày... | Issuing authority... expiry date | From passport information page |
| 8 | Địa chỉ cư trú, nơi làm việc ở nước ngoài trước khi nhập cảnh Việt Nam | Residential and business address before entering Vietnam | Your home and work address abroad |
| 9 | Nhập cảnh Việt Nam gần nhất ngày... qua cửa khẩu... Mục đích nhập cảnh | Latest entry into Vietnam: date, border gate, purpose of entry | From your most recent entry stamp |
| 10 | Được phép tạm trú đến ngày... Địa chỉ tạm trú tại Việt Nam | Permitted to stay until... Temporary residential address in Vietnam | Match your current temporary residence registration |
| 11 | Điện thoại liên hệ/Email | Contact telephone number/Email | Use a phone and email you actively check |
| 12 | Nội dung đề nghị: Cấp thẻ tạm trú có giá trị đến ngày... Lý do | Requests: To issue a TRC valid until... Reason(s) | Specify requested validity date and reason |
Final section: Sign and date at "Làm tại... ngày... tháng... năm..." (Done at... date...). The declaration states: "Tôi xin cam đoan những nội dung trên là đúng sự thật" (I declare the above information is true).
Copyable Cover Letter Template for TRC Application
When submitting Form NA8, the sponsoring organization or individual typically includes a cover letter. Here is a copyable template:
SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM
Independence - Freedom - Happiness
--------------- [ORGANIZATION NAME / SPONSOR NAME]
[Address]
[Phone/Email] No: Date: [Submission Date] REQUEST FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENT CARD To: Immigration Department - Ministry of Public Security
[Provincial Immigration Office Address] Pursuant to Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA dated May 25, 2026, amending Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA; [ORGANIZATION NAME / SPONSOR NAME] respectfully submits the application for a Temporary Resident Card for the following foreigner: 1. Full name: [Applicant Name]
2. Date of birth: [DD/MM/YYYY]
3. Nationality: [Nationality]
4. Passport number: [Passport Number]
5. Current visa/temporary residence: [Visa Type/Number]
6. Requested TRC validity until: [DD/MM/YYYY]
7. Reason: [Employment/Investment/Family Visit] Supporting documents enclosed:
- Form NA8 (signed, with photo)
- Form NA6/NA7 (sponsoring document)
- Passport (original)
- Work permit / Proof of eligibility
- 02 photos (2cm x 3cm) We commit to ensuring compliance with Vietnamese laws regarding entry, exit, and residence. Respectfully, [Authorized Representative Name]
[Title]
[Signature and Seal]
Official Submission Step-by-Step Procedure
Follow this official process to submit your TRC application:
- Step 1: Prepare your complete application package according to the checklist above.
- Step 2: Submit your application via one of these methods:
- In person: At the Immigration Management Office of the Provincial Police where your sponsor is based, or at the Immigration Department (Cục Quản lý xuất nhập cảnh) in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
- Online: Through the National Public Service Portal or the Ministry of Public Security Public Service Portal, with supplementary documents sent via public postal service if notified.
- Step 3: The receiving officer checks the legality and completeness of your file. If complete, you receive an appointment slip and pay the fee. If incomplete, you are guided to complete it.
- Step 4: Receive your result at the Immigration Office. Bring your appointment slip, ID, and payment receipt. If you requested postal delivery, follow the postal service instructions.
Common Mistakes & Rejection Warnings
- Using the outdated NA8 template: Since July 1, 2026, only the version under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA is accepted. Old templates will be refused.
- Wrong photo size or format: Photos must be exactly 2cm x 3cm, white background, bare head, no colored glasses. One glued to the form, one loose.
- Passport number errors: Even a single character discrepancy causes rejection. Verify every digit against your original passport.
- Missing supporting documents: Without a work permit or proof of work permit exemption, your TRC application will not be processed.
- Address mismatch: Your temporary residential address on NA8 must match your registered temporary residence with local police.
Official Form NA8 — Declaration for TRC (Circular 70/2026/TT-BCA)
Download Official PDFFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Form NA5 and Form NA8?
Form NA5 is used for visa issuance and temporary stay extension. Form NA8 is specifically for Temporary Residence Card (TRC) applications. They serve different immigration procedures.
Can I use an old NA8 template?
No. Since July 1, 2026, only the NA8 version issued under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA is accepted. Applications using outdated templates will be refused for processing.
What photo size do I need for Form NA8?
You need 2cm x 3cm photos with a white background, bare head, no colored glasses. Submit two photos: one glued to the form and one loose.
Who can sponsor a Temporary Residence Card application?
An organization (using Form NA6) or an individual family member (using Form NA7) can sponsor your TRC application.
Where do I submit my Form NA8 application?
Submit at the Immigration Management Office of the Provincial Police where your sponsor is based, or at the Immigration Department in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. Online submission is also available through the National Public Service Portal.