APEC Card Renewal Application: What to Know about the Process

APEC cardholders are eligible for various benefits, including fast-track immigration lanes at participating airports in APEC member economies. To keep enjoying such benefits, keep an eye on your APEC card expiry date to apply for a new one in time.

In this article, Thao & Co. explains in depth about the APEC card renewal process, including:

1. • Requirements
2. • Necessary documents
3. • Latest fees

This guide covers everything you need to know about the APEC card renewal application.

Latest requirements for APEC card renewal

As of the latest update, your APEC business travel card (ABTC) is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance.

Then, can APEC cards be renewed, as in extending their duration of validity? Not really: for APEC cards, “renewal” means applying for a new issuance when your current card expires.

🎯 Make sure you meet these requirements:

1. • Your passport is valid and hasn’t expired.
2. • Your current APEC card should be at least 3 months before the expiry date, or has expired.
3. • Your field of work is not forbidden by local laws.
4. • Your business has a legitimate right to operate and complies with tax obligations.
5. • You have not been in any violations during the validity of your previous APEC card.

APEC cardholders can seamlessly enter and exit participating economies. This is achieved by the issuance of a temporary residency certificate per entry by the government of member countries or territories.

Check out: Vietnam Investment Visas

APEC card renewal application

Take note of your APEC card expiry date, then prepare these documents for the renewal process:

1. • Application for ABTC (Form TK06): Make sure to attach your photo to the application, then have it signed and stamped by your company’s legal representative.

1. • A passport-sized photo (3×4 cm): The photo must be taken within the last 6 months, eyes directly facing the camera, without glasses, and on a white background.

1. • A work confirmation letter: Entrepreneurs looking to renew their APEC cards must provide an additional document to confirm that their job title and position has not changed since the initial issuance of their cards.

1. • Your previous card: If you submit your application before your current card expires, you must submit it as well. Your current card have to be cancelled before you can receive a new one.

1. • Corporate legal documents: These documents should prove that the company is still legally under operation, and that the applicant is still working there.

APEC card renewal process

The process can be quite complex as there are several steps to walk through. Here’s a breakdown of the procedure:

Step 1: Once your application is ready, submit it to the Immigration Department, Ministry of Public Security.

Step 2: Within 3 working days, the Immigration Department will share your information with competent authorities of APEC member economies.

Step 3: Once your application is approved by at least one member economy, the state management agency will grant you a new card. Your application may take longer to process if there is delay in response among member economies.

Step 4: Submit your APEC card renewal fee. The fee is different for each member economy, so make sure to refer to your country’s regulations.

In Vietnam, for example, the current fee for renewal is 1,000,000 VND per APEC card (pursuant to Circular 15/2021/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance).

Check out: What is a Vietnam business visa?

How long will it take to get my renewed APEC card?

Current regulations specify that it will take a maximum of 27 working days to receive a new APEC card. However, it may take longer if other APEC member economies need more time to response.

For this reason, submit your APEC card renewal application as soon as possible to avoid interruption to your work schedule and important business trips.

What if my APEC card is lost or damaged?

If your APEC card is lost or damaged, refer to the following procedures:

1. • Lost card: Submit a Notification on Losing ABTC Card (form TK07) with your application. You will receive a Response to Notification on Losing ABTC Card (form CV04) by the Immigration Department.

1. • Damaged card: Submit the card with your application.

How can I choose a trustworthy APEC card renewal service?

To expedite your APEC card renewal process, consider these key criteria:

1. • High success rate: A reliable service provider helps your application go through smoothly and swiftly.

1. • Comprehensive service & reasonable price: It is advisable to choose a service provider that covers everything at a competitive price.

1. • Extensive experience of the process and in good relations with the authorities: These may allow for an efficient process and a faster turnaround time.

1. • Support for progress tracking: Ensure that the agency allows you to track your APEC card renewal status.

1. • After-sales service: Some service providers offer additional benefits to your APEC card issuance. These include annual reports on your APEC card usage and free consultation on your company’s brand and trademark.

If your application includes a document written in a foreign language, it must be translated and notarized.

Thao & Co. offers accurate translation and interpretation services, plus streamlined workflow and timely delivery. We also assist in certifying and notarizing documents required for immigration.

1. ⭐ Receive your translations within 24 hours (for standard documents).
2. ⭐ Translators with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in Linguistics.
3. ⭐ Transparent pricing with no hidden cost.

Get in touch today and experience a comprehensive translation service that will streamline your APEC card renewal process.

Key takeaways

APEC card renewal is a helpful procedure for businesspeople who regularly travel to APEC member economies. Make sure to prepare a complete application and select a reputable service to maximize your success rate without breaking the bank.

Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to contact us today and receive your complimentary consultation!