Police registration in Vietnam: what renters need to know

If you’ve only stayed in hotels in Vietnam, you may never have heard of temporary residence registration (khai báo tạm trú). The front desk takes your passport for a minute at check-in, and that’s it.

When you rent an apartment by the month, someone still has to do it. With us, that someone is us.

What it is

Vietnamese law says the place where a foreigner sleeps must tell the local ward police that they’re staying there. It applies to everyone with a foreign passport, whether you’re on an e-visa, a visa exemption or a residence card.

Who does it

The host. The Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners gives the accommodation 12 hours from your arrival to declare your stay. We file it online through the Ministry of Public Security’s immigration portal, so you don’t need to visit a police station.

What we need from you

• A clear photo of your passport photo page
• Your visa, e-visa approval, entry stamp or residence card
• Your arrival date and planned move-out date

We ask for these only after you’ve decided to book. We use them only for your registration and don’t share them with anyone else.

What it costs

Nothing. There’s no government fee, and we don’t charge for it.

When it needs updating

• You get a new visa or an extension. Send us a photo of the new one.
• You leave Vietnam and come back, for a visa run or a trip home. Tell us when you’re back and we’ll register you again.
• You travel inside Vietnam and sleep somewhere else. The hotel there registers you. Let us know when you’re home.

Why it matters

It’s not a formality you can skip. Police in the Da Nang area run regular checks, and hosts can be fined for guests who aren’t registered. It matters for you too: proof of registration is often asked for when you extend a visa or apply for a residence card.

If you’re a Vietnamese citizen

Different rules apply under the Law on Residence. Tell us, and we’ll help with the right paperwork for you as well.

Questions?

Ask us anything on the contact page, or see how booking works.