Navigating Vietnamese immigration paperwork is confusing enough without realizing you've downloaded the wrong form. For expats already living in Vietnam—whether on a work visa, business visa, or family visit—the process of extending your stay or obtaining a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) hinges on one critical document: Form NA5. If you're using an outdated template or filling out a field incorrectly, your entire application can be rejected at the counter, putting your legal stay at risk.
This guide breaks down Form NA5 (Tờ khai đề nghị cấp thị thực, gia hạn tạm trú)—the official application form for visa issuance and temporary stay extension—field by field, so you can submit with confidence.
Context & Official Legal Basis: What Is Form NA5 and Who Needs It?
Form NA5 is the official Vietnamese application form used by foreigners currently residing in Vietnam to request either a new visa or an extension of their temporary stay . This form is mandatory for expats who are already in the country and need to extend their legal status without leaving.
The form was most recently updated under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA, effective from July 1, 2026, which amended several immigration document templates originally issued under Circular No. 04/2015/TT-BCA . This new version replaced the previous NA5 form that had been in circulation .
Required Documents Checklist (Strictly from Official Data)
Before filling out Form NA5, make sure you have all supporting documents. The exact requirements vary depending on whether you are sponsored by an organization or a family member.
- Completed Form NA5 — 1 original copy per person, signed by both the applicant and sponsor
- Original passport — valid with remaining validity, and containing your current visa or temporary residence stamp
- Current visa or temporary residence certificate — the document you are seeking to extend
- Work permit or Business Registration Certificate — for work or business visa extensions
- Photo — 1 recent 4x6 cm photo with white background, bare head, no colored glasses (required for loose visa cases)
Official Form NA5 Field-by-Field Translation & Breakdown
Form NA5 is divided into four main sections (I, II, III, IV). Fill out in English or Vietnamese, using capital letters for your full name. Every field must match your passport and immigration records exactly .
| Field # | Vietnamese Original | English Translation | How to Fill |
|---|---|---|---|
| I.1 | Họ tên (chữ in hoa) | Full name (in capital letters) | Exactly as in passport, no abbreviations |
| I.2 | Giới tính: Nam / Nữ | Sex: Male / Female | Mark the correct box |
| I.3 | Sinh ngày... tháng... năm... | Date of birth (Day, Month, Year) | DD/MM/YYYY format, match passport |
| I.4 | Quốc tịch gốc | Nationality at birth | Your nationality when born |
| I.5 | Quốc tịch hiện nay | Current nationality | Your nationality on submitted passport |
| I.6 | Nghề nghiệp/chức vụ | Occupation/position | Your actual current job |
| I.7 | Hộ chiếu/Giấy tờ có giá trị đi lại quốc tế số... loại... cơ quan cấp... giá trị đến ngày... | Passport/Travel document number, type, issuing authority, expiry date | Copy exactly from passport; any discrepancy can cause rejection |
| I.8 | 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 the most recent entry stamp in your passport |
| I.9 | Được phép tạm trú đến ngày... Địa chỉ tạm trú tại Việt Nam | Permitted to stay until... Temporary residential address in Vietnam | Address must match your registered temporary residence |
| I.10 | Điện thoại liên hệ/Email | Contact phone/Email | Use a phone and email you actively check in Vietnam |
Section II: Hosting Organization or Family Relative
- II.1 (Organization sponsor): Full legal name of the organization, address, contact phone and email. Must match the Business Registration Certificate exactly .
- II.2 (Family sponsor): Full name, date of birth, ID/passport number, issuing date and authority, permanent/temporary residence card number (if applicable), relationship to the applicant, and their residential address in Vietnam .
Section III: Requests
- III.1: Visa issuance — mark Single or Multiple, and specify valid-to date .
- III.2: Temporary stay extension — specify the exact date you wish to extend to .
- III.3: Reason(s) — brief, honest explanation of why you need the extension .
Section IV: Additional Statements and Signatures
Use this section for any supplementary information. Then sign and date at "Làm tại... ngày... tháng... năm..." (Done at... date...). Both the applicant and the sponsor must sign .
Copyable Document Template / Cover Letter
When submitting Form NA5, a cover letter from the sponsoring organization or individual helps streamline processing. 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 VISA ISSUANCE / TEMPORARY STAY EXTENSION 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 [visa issuance / temporary stay extension] 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. Current stay permitted until: [DD/MM/YYYY]
7. Requested extension until: [DD/MM/YYYY]
8. Reason: [Brief reason for extension] Supporting documents enclosed:
- Form NA5 (signed)
- Passport (original)
- Current visa/temporary residence certificate
- [Work permit / Business Registration Certificate / Other relevant documents] 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 Form NA5 application :
- Step 1: Prepare your complete application package according to the checklist above.
- Step 2: Submit your application either:
- In person: At the Immigration Management Office of the Provincial Police where your sponsor's office is located or where your sponsor resides.
- 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 results at the Immigration Management Office. Bring your appointment slip and ID for verification, or receive by postal service if requested .
Common Mistakes & Rejection Warnings
- Using the outdated NA5 template: Since July 1, 2026, only the version issued under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA is accepted. Old templates will be refused .
- Passport number errors: Even a single digit discrepancy can cause rejection. Verify every character against your original passport .
- Address mismatch: Your temporary residential address on Form NA5 must match your registered temporary residence with local police .
- Missing sponsor signature: Form NA5 requires signatures from both the applicant and the sponsor. An unsigned form is incomplete .
- Wrong submission location: Submit at the Immigration Office where your sponsor's organization has its office or where your individual sponsor resides .
Official Form NA5 — Visa Extension & TRC Application (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 used for Temporary Residence Card (TRC) applications. They serve different immigration procedures .
Can I fill out Form NA5 myself or does my sponsor need to do it?
Either you or your sponsor can complete the form, but both parties must sign it. The sponsor (organization or individual) is legally responsible for the application .
What happens if I use an old NA5 template?
Applications using outdated templates will be refused. Since July 1, 2026, only the NA5 version under Circular No. 70/2026/TT-BCA is accepted .
Where do I submit Form NA5?
Submit at the Immigration Management Office of the Provincial Police where your sponsor's organization is based or where your individual sponsor resides. Online submission is also available through the National Public Service Portal .
What size photo do I need for Form NA5?
For visa issuance cases requiring a loose visa, attach one recent 4x6 cm photo with white background, bare head, and no colored glasses .