Late or expired TRC usage in Vietnam carries fines from VND 500,000 to VND 40 million under Decree 282/2025 (effective December 15, 2025), with penalties escalating by overstay duration: under 16 days (VND 500,000-2 million), 16-29 days (VND 5-10 million), 30+ days (up to VND 15 million), and 1+ years (up to VND 40 million). Both foreigners and accommodation providers face penalties—landlords/hotels failing to register guests within 12 hours (24 hours in remote areas) incur fines of VND 4-6 million (individuals) or VND 8-12 million (organizations) under Decree 144/2021, Article 9.4. Additional consequences include possible deportation for overstays exceeding 16 days, immigration blacklisting (1-5 years), and denial of visa/TRC extensions. To avoid penalties: renew TRCs 30-45 days before expiration, confirm landlord registration within 24 hours of moving in, set multiple phone reminders, and maintain digital copies of all registration documents.
Foreign teachers and expats in Vietnam face strict penalties for late Temporary Residence Card (TRC) registration or using expired TRCs. Vietnam’s new Decree 282/2025, effective December 15, 2025, significantly increases penalties compared to previous regulations, with maximum fines doubling from VND 20 million to VND 40 million. This comprehensive guide explains exact fine amounts, legal consequences, and step-by-step prevention strategies based on current Vietnamese immigration law.
How Much Is the Fine for Using an Expired TRC in Vietnam Under the New 2025 Decree?
Expired TRC usage in Vietnam results in fines of VND 500,000-2,000,000 for delays under 16 days, escalating to VND 40,000,000 for overstays exceeding one year under Decree 282/2025, which took effect December 15, 2025. This decree replaces Decree 144/2021 and introduces significantly higher penalties for longer overstays, with deportation possible for violations exceeding 16 days.
Complete TRC Overstay Fine Structure Under Decree 282/2025
According to Decree 282/2025, penalties for using expired TRCs or overstaying without authorization follow this escalating structure:
| Overstay Duration | Fine Amount (VND) | Fine Amount (USD) | Deportation Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 days | 500,000 – 2,000,000 | $19 – $76 | Low (rare) |
| 16 – under 30 days | 5,000,000 – 10,000,000 | $190 – $380 | Moderate (possible) |
| 30 days or more | Up to 15,000,000 | Up to $570 | High (likely) |
| 60 – under 90 days | Up to 20,000,000 | Up to $760 | Very High |
| 90 days – under 6 months | Up to 25,000,000 | Up to $950 | Very High |
| 6 months – under 1 year | Up to 30,000,000 | Up to $1,140 | Extremely High |
| 1 year or more | Up to 40,000,000 | Up to $1,520 | Mandatory (except medical emergencies) |
Legal Source: Decree 282/2025 on Administrative Penalties Related to Public Order and Security, Articles governing foreign residence violations (official government decree taking effect December 15, 2025).
Critical Change: The maximum fine doubled from VND 20,000,000 under the previous Decree 144/2021 to VND 40,000,000 under Decree 282/2025. This represents Vietnam’s strongest enforcement measure yet for immigration violations.
Foreign teachers must understand that TRC expiration is tracked automatically in Vietnam’s immigration database. Even a single day of overstay creates a violation record that can impact future visa applications, TRC renewals, and work permit eligibility.
What Is the Difference Between TRC Registration Violations and TRC Overstay Penalties?
TRC registration violations (failing to declare residence within 12-24 hours) carry different penalties than TRC overstay (using an expired card). Registration violations fall under Decree 167/2013, Article 17, while TRC overstay is governed by Decree 282/2025. Both foreigners and accommodation providers can be fined for registration failures.
Registration Declaration Penalties (Decree 167/2013, Article 17)
When foreigners fail to complete temporary residence registration through their landlord/hotel:
For Foreigners:
- Delay ≤15 days: Fine of VND 500,000-2,000,000
- Delay ≥16 days: Fine of VND 3,000,000-5,000,000
- Providing false information: Fine of VND 3,000,000-5,000,000 (Article 18.3(i) of Decree 144/2021)
Legal Source: Decree 167/2013/ND-CP, Article 17, Clause 2 (Point e) and Clause 3 (Point đ).
Key Distinctions
| Violation Type | Registration Failure | TRC Overstay |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Basis | Decree 167/2013, Art. 17 | Decree 282/2025 |
| Maximum Fine | VND 5,000,000 | VND 40,000,000 |
| Responsible Party | Both foreigner & landlord | Foreigner only |
| Deportation Risk | Rare | High (≥16 days) |
| Registration Deadline | 12 hours (urban) / 24 hours (remote) | N/A – based on TRC expiry date |
Critical for Teachers: When you move to a new apartment, you face potential registration violation penalties if your landlord delays registration, PLUS TRC overstay penalties if your card expires. These are cumulative—you can be fined for both violations simultaneously.
How Much Are Landlords and Hotels Fined for Failing to Register Foreign Tenants?
Accommodation providers who fail to register foreign guests’ temporary residence face fines of VND 4,000,000-6,000,000 for individuals (landlords) or VND 8,000,000-12,000,000 for organizations (hotels, guesthouses) under Decree 144/2021, Article 9.4. The registration must be completed within 12 hours in urban areas or 24 hours in remote areas from the time the foreigner arrives.
Accommodation Provider Penalty Structure
According to Decree 144/2021/ND-CP, Article 9.4:
Individual Landlords (Private Housing):
- Fine Amount: VND 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 ($152-$228)
- Registration Deadline: 12 hours (Hanoi, HCMC, Da Nang) or 24 hours (remote areas)
- Registration Method: Online portal (hanoi.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn) or ward police station
Hotels & Organizations:
- Fine Amount: VND 8,000,000 – 12,000,000 ($304-$456) —double individual penalty
- Registration Requirement: Must connect to Immigration Department’s electronic system
- Automatic Submission: Real-time electronic declaration upon guest check-in
Legal Source: Government Decree 144/2021/ND-CP, Article 9, Clause 4, Point dd (effective December 31, 2021).
Who Is Responsible for Registration?
According to Law No. 47/2014/QH13, Article 33 (as amended by Law No. 51/2019):
- Primary Responsibility: The accommodation owner/manager MUST register
- Foreigner’s Obligation: Provide accurate passport/visa information when requested
- Joint Liability: If registration fails due to foreigner refusing to provide documents, both parties may be fined
For Foreign Teachers: Even though landlords bear primary responsibility, YOU can still be fined VND 500,000-2,000,000 if you fail to provide required documents or registration is not completed. Always proactively confirm registration completion within 24 hours of moving in.
What Additional Legal Consequences Can You Face Besides Fines?
Beyond monetary penalties, late TRC registration can result in deportation (overstays ≥16 days under Decree 282/2025), entry bans (1-5 years for temporary bans, permanent for severe cases), immigration blacklisting preventing future visa/TRC applications, and denial of work permit renewals. These consequences are discretionary based on overstay duration, violation history, and cooperation with authorities.
Deportation Procedures Under Decree 282/2025
According to Decree 282/2025 and Immigration Department guidelines:
Deportation Triggers:
- Overstays ≥16 days: Immigration authorities may order deportation depending on case severity
- Repeated violations (2+ overstays): Deportation probability increases significantly
- Using false documents: Mandatory deportation with permanent entry ban
Deportation Timeline:
- Written Decision: Immigration Department issues deportation order within 3-7 days of violation discovery
- Exit Deadline: Typically 7-15 days to arrange departure
- Escort Procedure: For non-compliant foreigners, police-escorted deportation to airport
- Exit Costs: Violator pays all deportation costs, including police escort fees
Entry Ban Classifications
Temporary Entry Bans (1-5 years):
- First-time overstays 30-90 days: Typically 1-2 year ban
- Overstays 90 days – 6 months: Typically 2-3 year ban
- Overstays 6 months – 1 year: Typically 3-5 year ban
Permanent Entry Bans:
- Overstays ≥1 year with aggravating factors
- Using counterfeit TRC/visa documents
- Repeated deportations (2+ times)
- Criminal convictions while in Vietnam
For Foreign Teachers: A 2-year entry ban means losing your teaching position, apartment, and professional network in Vietnam. Schools cannot sponsor work permits for banned individuals. Most teachers with 1-2 year bans relocate permanently to other Southeast Asian countries (Thailand, Cambodia) where their Vietnam violation doesn’t affect employment.
How Can You Avoid Late TRC Registration Penalties?
Avoid penalties by setting phone reminders 60 and 30 days before TRC expiration, starting renewal applications 45 days early (processing takes 7-10 business days), confirming landlord registration within 24 hours of moving, and maintaining digital copies of all documents in cloud storage. Proactive monitoring prevents 100% of late registration violations.
5-Step Prevention Strategy
Step 1: Set Multiple Phone Alerts Immediately
Create three separate calendar alerts when you receive your TRC:
- Alert 1: 60 days before expiration – “TRC Renewal: Start gathering documents”
- Alert 2: 30 days before expiration – “TRC Renewal: URGENT – Submit application this week”
- Alert 3: 7 days before expiration – “TRC Renewal: EMERGENCY – Check application status”
Set alerts to repeat daily starting 30 days before expiration. Sync calendar across phone, computer, and tablet to ensure redundancy.
Step 2: Begin Renewal Process 45-60 Days Early
Contact your school’s HR department 60 days before TRC expiration to initiate renewal. Processing takes 7-10 business days minimum, but delays occur frequently due to missing documents or Immigration Department backlogs.
Required Documents for TRC Renewal:
- Valid passport (must have ≥6 months validity beyond TRC expiration date)
- Current TRC card (original)
- Valid work permit (must have ≥1 year validity)
- Employer sponsorship letter (dated within 30 days of application)
- Temporary residence registration certificate (from current address)
- Health check certificate (if required by specific Immigration Department)
- 2 passport photos: 4x6cm, white background, taken within 6 months
- Application fee: USD $145 (1-2 years) or USD $155 (2-5 years)
Step 3: Verify Landlord Registration Within 24 Hours
On moving day, ask your landlord: “Have you registered my temporary residence with the ward police? May I see the registration confirmation certificate?”
If landlord hasn’t registered:
- Provide passport, TRC, and rental contract copies immediately
- Ask landlord to complete online registration at city immigration portal
- Request confirmation certificate by email/photo within 24 hours
- If landlord delays beyond 24 hours, visit ward police station yourself
Registration Portals by City:
- Hanoi: https://hanoi.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/
- Ho Chi Minh City: https://hochiminh.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/
- Da Nang: https://danang.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/
Step 4: Create Digital Document Archive
Set up organized digital storage:
- Create Google Drive/Dropbox folder: “Vietnam Legal Documents/TRC”
- Store: Passport scan (all pages), TRC front/back, registration certificates (all addresses), work permit, employment contract, visa history
- Share view-only access with trusted family member in home country
- Update folder each time you move or renew documents
Step 5: Handle Common Obstacles Proactively
Passport Expiring Soon?
- Renew passport first (TRC validity = passport validity – 30 days)
- Contact embassy 90 days before passport expiration
- Passport renewal takes 2-6 weeks depending on nationality
Changing Employers?
- New TRC required (cannot transfer between sponsors)
- Begin new TRC application before final day at old school
- Gap between jobs? Apply for tourist visa during transition
Traveling During Renewal Period?
- Do NOT travel while TRC application is processing
- Immigration Department may require in-person interview
- Missing interview = application rejection + late registration penalties
Discovered Expired TRC <15 Days Ago?
- Visit Immigration Department immediately (don’t wait)
- Bring: passport, expired TRC, cash for fine (VND 500,000-2,000,000)
- Honest disclosure reduces penalties—hiding violations increases deportation risk
- Request receipt for all payments
FAQ: Late TRC Registration in Vietnam
Can I Renew My TRC After It Has Already Expired?
No, you cannot renew an expired TRC—you must pay the overstay fine first (VND 500,000-40,000,000 depending on delay), then apply for a completely new TRC or exit Vietnam. The Immigration Department will not process renewal applications for expired cards. Visit the Immigration Department immediately with your passport, expired TRC, and fine payment. After paying the fine (amount determined by overstay duration under Decree 282/2025), you have two options: (1) Apply for new TRC if you have current employer sponsorship (requires valid work permit, sponsorship letter, and all standard TRC documents), or (2) Obtain exit visa and leave Vietnam within 7-15 days. Foreign teachers with overstays <30 days and supportive employers can usually secure new TRCs after fine payment. Overstays ≥30 days face high deportation risk and may be ineligible for new TRC regardless of employer support.
What Should I Do If My Landlord Refuses to Register My Temporary Residence?
Register yourself immediately at the ward police station using your passport, TRC/visa, and rental contract—do not wait for your landlord. Under Law No. 47/2014/QH13, Article 33, foreigners can complete registration directly if accommodation providers fail to fulfill their obligation. Visit the commune/ward police office (địa phương, phường, xã) with: (1) Valid passport, (2) Current TRC or visa, (3) Rental contract (if possible, signed lease agreement), (4) Landlord’s ID card copy (if available, but not required). Police will process Form NA17 (Temporary Residence Declaration for Foreigners) and issue a registration certificate within 12 hours. Keep this certificate for all future TRC renewals, visa extensions, and as evidence you fulfilled your legal obligation. Document your landlord’s refusal in writing (text message, email) as evidence—this shifts legal liability entirely to the landlord under Decree 144/2021, protecting you from the VND 500,000-2,000,000 foreigner penalty for late registration.
Will a Short TRC Overstay of 2-3 Days Affect My Future Visa Applications?
Yes, even a 2-3 day overstay creates a permanent violation record in Vietnam’s immigration database that can impact future applications, though the immediate fine is minimal (VND 500,000-2,000,000 under Decree 282/2025). The violation remains in the system indefinitely and may: (1) Trigger additional scrutiny on future TRC/visa applications with detailed questioning about the violation, (2) Reduce approval probability for borderline applications (e.g., if other requirements are marginally met), (3) Require written explanation letters for subsequent work permit applications from new employers, and (4) Count as “prior violation history” if you commit future immigration violations, significantly increasing penalties and deportation risk. However, one isolated short overstay (≤15 days) rarely results in visa denial if all other requirements are met and you demonstrate 2+ years of clean record afterward. To minimize long-term impact: pay the fine immediately at Immigration Department, obtain and keep payment receipt permanently, maintain spotless immigration record for ≥2 years, and disclose the violation honestly on future applications (attempted concealment causes automatic denial).
Can Accommodation Providers Be Fined Even If I Provided My Documents Late?
Yes, accommodation providers remain primarily liable for registration under Law No. 47/2014/QH13, Article 33, unless they can prove the foreigner refused to provide required documents. Under Decree 144/2021, Article 9.4, landlords/hotels face fines of VND 4,000,000-6,000,000 (individuals) or VND 8,000,000-12,000,000 (organizations) for registration failures. However, if the foreigner deliberately refused to provide passport/documents, both parties may be fined: (1) Accommodation provider: VND 4-12 million for failing to complete registration, AND (2) Foreigner: VND 500,000-2,000,000 for obstructing registration process. To avoid disputes, establish clear documentation: landlords should request documents in writing (text/email: “Please provide passport copy for residence registration by [date]”), foreigners should respond in writing providing documents promptly (email/photo: “Attached: passport copy for registration”). If police investigate late registration, written evidence determines liability. Foreign teachers should provide all required documents immediately upon move-in (ideally same day) to eliminate any landlord excuse for delayed registration.
How Do Immigration Authorities Discover Expired TRCs?
Immigration authorities discover expired TRCs through: (1) routine hotel/accommodation inspections, (2) automated database alerts when TRCs expire, (3) work permit renewal applications requiring valid TRC, (4) random street checks requesting foreigner identification, and (5) reports from landlords or neighbors. Vietnam’s Immigration Department conducts surprise accommodation inspections in major expat areas (Hanoi’s Tay Ho, HCMC’s District 2/Binh Thanh, Da Nang’s beach areas) approximately 2-4 times per year. Hotels connected to the electronic immigration system trigger automatic alerts when foreign guests with expired TRCs check in. Work permit renewal applications automatically flag TRC expiration—employers cannot submit work permit renewals without valid TRC, forcing discovery. Random police checks occur more frequently near immigration offices, airports, and tourist areas. To avoid discovery leading to deportation: (1) Renew TRC proactively 30+ days before expiration, (2) If you discover expiration, visit Immigration Department immediately before they discover you—voluntary disclosure significantly reduces deportation risk, and (3) Never attempt to hide at unregistered accommodation—this compounds violations and results in permanent entry bans.
Vietnam’s immigration enforcement intensified significantly in 2025 with Decree 282/2025, doubling maximum penalties and increasing deportation frequency. Foreign teachers must maintain meticulous TRC tracking and proactive renewal practices to avoid career-ending consequences.
Critical 2025 Compliance Deadlines:
- Decree 282/2025 effective date: December 15, 2025 (NEW penalties already in effect)
- TRC renewal processing time: 7-10 business days minimum
- Registration deadline: 12 hours urban / 24 hours remote areas
- Recommended renewal start date: 45-60 days before TRC expiration
Understanding traffic and driving regulations is equally critical for foreign teachers. Learn about What Are the Exact Fines for Driving Without a License in Vietnam to avoid additional penalties. For comprehensive visa compliance guidance, see our detailed guide on Overstaying Visa in Vietnam: Fines and How to Avoid Them.
Need comprehensive guidance on long-term planning in Vietnam? Explore the UPDATES & LONG-TERM PLANNING category for the latest regulatory updates, work permit procedures, and legal requirement changes affecting foreign teachers in Vietnam.
Late TRC registration creates cascading problems: monetary fines, deportation risk, immigration blacklisting, and permanent career disruption in Vietnam. Prevention through early renewal and diligent registration confirmation costs nothing but saves your teaching career.
Legal References: This guide cites Decree 282/2025 (effective December 15, 2025), Decree 144/2021/ND-CP (Article 9.4), Decree 167/2013/ND-CP (Article 17), and Law No. 47/2014/QH13 (Article 33). All fine amounts and procedures current as of December 2025. For case-specific situations, consult the Vietnam Immigration Department or qualified immigration legal counsel.
