Renting a house for foreigners in Hai Phong: paperwork and temporary residence registration.

This article summarizes the procedures foreigners and landlords need to follow when signing a lease agreement for an apartment in Hai Phong, according to current laws.

1. Documents tenants need to bring: - Passport (or other valid international travel document) and documents related to residence in Vietnam, such as a visa or temporary residence card.

- The law requires the accommodation provider to request these documents from the foreigner before granting temporary residence (Article 33, Clause 1, Law No. 47/2014/QH13, amended in 2023).

- In practice, K-Homes checks the validity of the visa or temporary residence card when signing the contract.

2. Who must declare temporary residence, and where? - According to Article 32, "accommodation establishments" include both private homes and other temporary residences of foreigners, so apartments rented for residential purposes must also be declared. Foreigners declare temporary residence through the property manager (landlord or management unit) with the commune/ward police where the apartment is located.

- Declaration can be done electronically or using a temporary residence declaration form. Forms must be submitted within 12 hours of the foreigner's arrival.

- A new declaration is required when the foreigner moves to a new residence or changes their passport information.

- Online declaration: From May 21, 2026, the website tbltkbtt.bocongan.gov.vn will be used for both temporary residence declarations for foreigners and notification of stay for Vietnamese citizens. Rental properties must declare using an account on this website.

3. Penalties for failure to declare - According to Decree 282/2025/ND-CP (effective from December 15, 2025), Article 21: failure to declare temporary residence for 1–3 foreigners will result in a fine of 3–5 million VND; 4–8 people: 10–15 million VND; 9 or more people: 15–20 million VND.

– Also according to this point, foreigners who do not present their passport or residence permit for accommodation will be fined 3–5 million VND.

– The above rates apply to individuals; organizations violating the regulations will be fined double (Article 5, Clause 2).

4. Renting through K-Homes

– K-Homes registers temporary residence with the ward police after the tenant moves in, prepares a bilingual contract, and provides instructions on electricity and water.

– The deposit is usually 1–2 months' rent; management fees, electricity, and water are paid separately monthly.

Note: Regulations regarding notarization of rental contracts and rental tax for landlords are not included in this article. Landlords should consult the tax authority where the apartment is located. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal advice.

Need to rent a house or inquire about procedures? Visit khomesvn.com · Zalo OA K-HOMES (zalo.me/1559334706712011413) · hotline 0559-588-688.