Temporary Residence Registration in Vietnam

Temporary residence registration Vietnam is a mandatory procedure for both foreigners and landlords to ensure legal living arrangements in Ho Chi Minh City and across the country. Under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14), every foreigner staying in Vietnam must be declared at the local police office or through the online system within a specific time frame. For expats renting an apartment in HCMC, understanding this process not only helps avoid penalties but also ensures a smooth stay and compliance with local regulations.

What is Temporary Residence Registration?

Temporary residence registration is the process of declaring the stay of foreigners at a specific address in Vietnam. This requirement is regulated under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14).

The purpose is to help authorities manage foreigners’ residence, ensure security, and protect legal rights for both expats and landlords. In Ho Chi Minh City, where the expat community is large, this declaration is strictly monitored to guarantee

Who Needs to Register?

According to Article 33 of the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners (Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended by Law No. 51/2019/QH14), every foreigner residing in Vietnam is required to register their temporary residence. This includes:

• Expats renting apartments or houses in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Foreign buyers staying at their owned properties.
• Visitors staying at hotels, serviced apartments, or homestays.

In addition, landlords, hotel operators, and property managers are legally obligated to declare their tenants’ or guests’ residence to the local police within 24 hours of check-in. Failure to do so may result in administrative fines under Decree 144/2021/NĐ-CP.

Legal Framework

The legal foundation for temporary residence registration in Vietnam is clearly stated in the following documents:

• Law No. 47/2014/QH13 on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam – regulates residence rights and obligations of foreigners.
• Law No. 51/2019/QH14 (amending and supplementing Law No. 47/2014/QH13) – updates procedures and strengthens state management.
• Decree No. 31/2021/NĐ-CP – provides detailed guidelines for implementing the law, including temporary residence declaration forms.
• Decree No. 144/2021/NĐ-CP – stipulates penalties for administrative violations in residence management, including fines for failure to declare temporary residence.

Together, these laws and decrees form the legal basis ensuring that foreigners living in Ho Chi Minh City comply with residence regulations, while also protecting their legitimate rights.

Required Documents

When applying for temporary residence registration in Vietnam, expats and landlords must prepare the following documents in accordance with Decree No. 31/2021/NĐ-CP:

• Valid passport (with visa or residence permit).
• Temporary Residence Declaration Form (Form NA17) – required for submission at the local police office.
• Lease contract (preferably bilingual in English and Vietnamese).
• Landlord’s documents: copy of house ownership certificate (if required).
• Other supporting papers such as proof of relationship (for family members) or company documents (for business stay).

Having these papers ready ensures a smooth registration process and avoids delays or rejection.

Registration Process

The process of temporary residence registration in Vietnam is guided by Law No. 47/2014/QH13 and Decree No. 31/2021/NĐ-CP. Expats and landlords must follow these steps:

• Step 1: Prepare documents – passport, visa/temporary residence card, lease contract, and Form NA17.
• Step 2: Submit registration – at the local police office (ward/commune) where the foreigner resides, or via the official online portal (if available in Ho Chi Minh City).
• Step 3: Receive confirmation – the police will check and confirm the declaration, usually within the same day.

Registration must be completed within 24 hours from the time the foreigner arrives at the residence.

Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants

Both landlords and tenants play an important role in ensuring proper temporary residence registration:

• Landlords must declare the stay of their foreign tenants to the local police, either directly at the office or through the online system. They should also provide supporting documents such as house ownership certificates if requested.
• Tenants (foreigners) need to provide valid documents including passport, visa, and lease contract to help landlords complete the declaration. They should also inform the landlord promptly if they change residence.

Clear communication between both sides helps avoid delays and ensures legal compliance.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with temporary residence registration may lead to administrative fines and other consequences:

• For landlords: fines for not declaring their foreign tenants on time.
• For tenants (foreigners): fines for not providing documents or failing to cooperate in the registration process.
• Consequences: difficulties in visa extension, rejection of temporary residence card applications, or being subject to stricter monitoring in future stays.

Staying compliant helps both expats and landlords avoid unnecessary legal issues.

Registration in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is home to one of the largest expat communities in Vietnam, especially in areas such as Thao Đien, An Phu, Binh An (Thu Duc City), District 1, District 3, and Binh Thanh. Because of this, local authorities strictly monitor temporary residence registration to ensure security and proper housing management.

In many districts, online registration systems are already in place, making the process faster for both landlords and tenants. Expats should always check with their landlords or agents to confirm whether the declaration has been properly completed.

Tips for Expats

For foreigners living in Ho Chi Minh City, following these tips can make temporary residence registration easier:

• Always keep copies of your passport, visa, and lease contract ready.
• Ask your landlord to prepare a bilingual lease agreement for smoother legal procedures.
• Confirm with your landlord or agent that the registration has been submitted within 24 hours of your move-in.
• Save a copy of the registration confirmation or online receipt for future visa or residence card extensions.
• Work with a trusted real estate agency to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Temporary residence registration in Vietnam is not only a legal requirement but also an essential step to ensure a smooth and secure stay for expats in Ho Chi Minh City. By preparing the right documents, cooperating with landlords, and following the registration process on time, foreigners can avoid penalties and enjoy peace of mind during their stay.

If you need professional support in renting, buying, or managing property in Ho Chi Minh City, VnRenthome is here to assist you. Contact us today via Hotline – WhatsApp – Email to get expert guidance and find your next home.