Budgeting for a work permit and Temporary Residence Card (TRC) in Vietnam feels like chasing a moving target. The fees are not set nationally — they vary by province, change with policy updates, and in some cases are waived entirely if you submit online. If you're an expat or HR manager trying to plan costs for 2026, guessing the wrong number can throw off your entire relocation or onboarding budget. This guide breaks down the official fee structures for work permits and TRCs based on current provincial regulations and Ministry of Finance circulars.
Why Work Permit Fees Differ Across Vietnam
Unlike TRC fees, which are set at the national level in USD, work permit fees are determined by each provincial People's Council. This means the cost of a work permit in Quang Ninh can be dramatically different from the cost in Dong Nai or Lang Son. As a result, there is no single "national fee" for a work permit — the amount depends entirely on where your sponsoring enterprise is registered.
The legal basis for TRC fees is Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC, issued by the Ministry of Finance, effective April 1, 2026, which regulates fees for entry, exit, transit, and residence in Vietnam. For work permits, each province issues its own resolution.
Official TRC Fee Schedule for 2026 (Nationwide)
Temporary Residence Card fees are standardized across all provinces in Vietnam and are collected in US Dollars. The amount depends solely on the validity period of the card you request.
| TRC Validity Period | Fee (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 years | $145 | Most common for work permit holders |
| Over 2 years to 5 years | $155 | Typically for investors or long-term expats |
| Over 5 years to 10 years | $165 | Rare; usually for special cases |
These fees are confirmed across multiple official provincial police portals, including Dong Nai, Dien Bien, Can Tho, and An Giang.
Work Permit Fee Comparison by Province (2026)
Work permit fees vary widely. The table below shows the official fees in several provinces where data is available. Fees are listed in Vietnamese Dong (VND) per permit.
| Province | New Permit (VND) | Reissue/Extension (VND) | Online Discount? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quang Ninh | 240,000 | 180,000 | Yes — 0 VND for reissue/extension online |
| Lang Son | 600,000 (paper) / 0 (online) | 450,000 | Yes — 100% waiver for new permits online |
| Dong Nai | 600,000 | 450,000 | Yes — 0 VND for online submissions |
| Hanoi | 400,000 | Not specified in source data | Verify locally |
| Da Nang | 600,000 | Not specified in source data | Verify locally |
| Dien Bien | 500,000 | Not specified in source data | Verify locally |
Real-World Cost Scenario: Work Permit + TRC for One Year
Here's a practical breakdown of what a typical one-year work permit and TRC might cost in 2026, using the most common fee structures.
| Item | Typical Cost (VND) | Typical Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Work Permit (new, online, mid-range province) | 400,000 – 600,000 | $16 – $24 |
| TRC (up to 2 years, nationwide) | ~3,650,000 (at 25,200 VND/USD) | $145 |
| Government Fees Total | ~4,050,000 – 4,250,000 | $161 – $169 |
Important context: This total covers only government filing fees. It does not include costs for document translation, notarization, consular legalization, health certificates, judicial record certificates, or any service fees paid to a third-party agency assisting with the application.
Who Is Responsible for Paying the Fees?
Under Vietnamese labor law, the employer (the sponsoring enterprise) is responsible for paying the work permit fee. The employer is the entity that submits Form 11/PLI and receives the work permit. This is a common point of negotiation in employment contracts — some companies deduct the cost from salaries or bonuses, but the legal obligation rests with the employer.
For the TRC, the fee is typically also paid by the sponsoring organization or individual who submits the application. The foreign employee is usually not expected to cover the government filing fee directly, though this can vary by agreement.
Common Cost Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming one nationwide work permit fee: There is no single national work permit fee. Always check your specific province's current resolution.
- Forgetting the USD/VND exchange rate for TRC fees: TRC fees are set in USD but often collected in VND at the official exchange rate. Budget for potential currency fluctuations.
- Overlooking online submission discounts: Many provinces offer reduced or zero fees for online applications. Paper submissions are often more expensive.
- Not budgeting for supporting document costs: Health certificates, judicial record certificates, and consular legalization can add significant costs beyond the government filing fee.
- Forgetting translation and notarization costs: All foreign documents must be translated into Vietnamese and notarized. This is a separate cost from the permit fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Temporary Residence Card fee in Vietnam in 2026?
The TRC fee is standardized nationwide: $145 for a card valid up to 2 years, $155 for over 2 years to 5 years, and $165 for over 5 years to 10 years. These fees are set under Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC.
Is the work permit fee the same in every province?
No. Work permit fees are set individually by each provincial People's Council. Fees range from 0 VND (for some online submissions) to 600,000 VND or more, depending on the province and submission method.
Can I get a work permit for free in Vietnam?
In some provinces, yes. Lang Son offers 100% fee exemption for new work permits submitted online. Dong Nai offers 0 VND for online submissions. Quang Ninh has proposed waiving reissue and extension fees for 2026-2030. Check your specific province's policy.
Who pays the work permit and TRC fees — the employer or the employee?
Under Vietnamese law, the employer (sponsoring enterprise) is responsible for paying the work permit fee. For the TRC, the sponsoring organization or individual typically pays. This can be negotiated in employment contracts, but the legal obligation rests with the sponsor.
Do I need to pay TRC fees in USD or VND?
TRC fees are set in USD under Circular No. 28/2026/TT-BTC but can be collected in VND at the official exchange rate. Confirm the accepted payment method with the receiving immigration office.