Overview
Under the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam and the Law on Residence 2020, every foreigner staying in Vietnam must be declared to the police of the ward or commune where they reside. The legal obligation sits with both the guest and the host, landlord or accommodation provider.
Declarations must be filed within 12–24 hours of arrival at the residence (exact local practice varies by province). Hotels and licensed accommodation providers normally file automatically; foreigners staying in private homes, serviced apartments or with friends and family are frequently undeclared — exposing both guest and host to administrative fines.
ImmiLaw.VN prepares and files the declaration with the competent ward police, or regularises late declarations before they complicate visa extensions, temporary residence cards or exit procedures.
Eligibility
- All foreign nationals staying in Vietnam on any visa type, visa exemption or residence card
- Applies to every address of stay — a new declaration is needed after each move
- Hosts can be Vietnamese citizens, foreign residents, hotels or licensed accommodation providers
- Children and dependents are declared together with the accompanying adult
Required documents & information
Passport bio-page copy (clear colour scan)
Current visa, e-Visa printout, visa exemption certificate or residence card
Latest entry stamp or immigration record
Full address of the place of stay, including ward and district
Host, landlord or hotel name, ID/registration details and phone number
Arrival date at the address and expected duration of stay
Frequently asked questions
Quick facts
A stamped declaration receipt is often required later — for visa extensions, temporary residence cards, work permits and some banking services. Keep it safe.
How we handle it
- 1Collect stay and host details
- 2Prepare the temporary residence declaration
- 3File with the ward/commune police
- 4Deliver the stamped confirmation receipt
Fees
Government fees are set by Vietnamese authorities and are separate from ImmiLaw.VN professional service fees.
Speak to a consultant
- info@immilaw-vn.com
- Hanoi Office+84 24 3825 7941
- Ho Chi Minh City Office+84 28 3920 2300
- Hanoi Office44–46 Tran Phu Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City Office333–337 Nguyen Trai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Start your police residence declaration today.
AI pre-check, secure payment and live tracking included with every application.