In the context of Vietnam's strong digital transformation, electronic identification (VNeID) has become an essential tool, supporting foreigners and foreign-invested enterprises (FDI) in conducting online transactions and administrative procedures efficiently. In particular, for FDI enterprises, having a director with a personal electronic identification account is the first mandatory step in registering identification for the organization.
This article provides detailed information on the legal regulations and procedures for registering electronic identity cards for foreigners, helping readers easily understand and comply with the regulations.
New update in Decree 320/2026/ND-CP
Decree 320/2026/ND-CP Amendments and additions dated August 13, 2026 Decree 69/2024/ND-CP and effective from September 28, 2026. The Decree introduces many new regulations on the issuance of VNeID electronic identification for foreigners: conditions for issuance, registration method, processing time, and validity of the account.
| Content | Decree 69/2024/ND-CP (OLD) | Decree 320/2026/ND-CP (NEW) |
| Eligibility requirements |
Foreign nationals who have been granted permanent residence or temporary residence permits in Vietnam. | Foreigners who legally enter or reside in Vietnam. |
| Account level | Level 01 and Level 02 have different usage values. | A single type, regardless of level. |
| Registration method | Level 01: Self-registration via application; Level 02: Direct submission. | Only one process: direct submission, with biometric data collection. |
| Where to submit the application | Immigration authorities under the Ministry of Public Security or provincial-level police departments. | Provincial Police Immigration Management Agency |
| Processing time |
01 day (level 01) 03-07 days (level 02) |
02 working days if biometric data is already in the database; 05 working days if it is not. |
| Authority to grant | Director of the Department of Administrative Police for Social Order | Head of the agency responsible for managing and operating the electronic identification and authentication system. |
| Utility value | Only level 02 accounts can use all features. | Foreign users' accounts can access all the features and benefits of the system. |
Compiled from Decree 69/2024/ND-CP and Decree 320/2026/ND-CP
Overview of Electronic Identification (VNeID)
VNeID electronic identification is a system developed by the National Population Data Center (Ministry of Public Security), allowing online identity verification through the VNeID application. For foreign-invested enterprises (FDI) with foreign directors, electronic identification is an important tool for participating in online public services, from temporary residence registration and electronic identification registration for organizations to other administrative transactions, replacing hard copies in many procedures.
VNeID stores information including the national identification number, full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport information or other valid international travel documents, facial image, and fingerprints.
According to the new regulations in Article 7 Decree 320/2026/ND-CP, foreigner legal entry into Vietnam or legal residence in Vietnam Eligible individuals will be granted electronic identity accounts regardless of their level of eligibility upon request. The age and permanent/temporary residence permit requirements of the old regulations have been abolished.
Electronic identity registration process
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Prepare documents
- A valid passport or other valid international travel document (original);
- Mobile phone number registered in Vietnam, email address (if any);
- List of documents you want to integrate into the application.
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Submit
- Go to the provincial-level immigration office, present your passport or other valid international travel document, and request an electronic identity verification account.
- Fill out the Electronic Identification Account Application Form (Form TK01) issued with Decree 69/2024/NĐ-CP. 📥 Download Form TK01 here
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Verify information
- The officer receives the application, enters the information into the system, takes a facial photograph, and collects fingerprints for verification against the National Immigration Database.
- Instructions and support for downloading and installing the VNeID national identification application and filling out the declaration form according to the instructions on the application are available at the information reception counter.
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Get results
- The immigration authorities forward the request to the agency responsible for managing and operating the electronic identification and authentication system.
- The results will be announced via the VNeID national identification application, the registered mobile phone number, or the email address provided (within a maximum of 05 working days).
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Activate your account within 07 days.
Within 07 days of receiving the notification of the results, the account must be activated on the application. After this deadline, you must contact the hotline of the electronic identity and authentication management agency to activate it.
⚠️For persons under 14 years of age, persons under guardianship, or persons represented by a representative.
A representative or guardian must be present during the registration process. The representative or guardian will use their own registered mobile phone number to fill out the form and register.
Q&A
I already had a level 1 or level 2 account issued before September 28, 2026. Do I need to re-register?
Decree 320/2026/ND-CP does not stipulate the revocation, renewal, or re-registration of already issued accounts, nor does it contain any transitional provisions for this matter. From September 28, 2026, accounts for foreigners will no longer be categorized by level. If the account is being used for important transactions, it is advisable to verify this directly with the immigration authority that issued the account.
I only entered the country on a short-term visa and do not yet have a temporary residence permit — is it still possible to obtain one?
✅ Yes. Article 7 (updated) stipulates that foreigners legally entering or residing in Vietnam are eligible for an account upon request. The requirement to possess a permanent or temporary residence card has been abolished.
Is it possible to register entirely online through the app?
❌ No. The registration process requires submitting documents and providing facial and fingerprint photos at the provincial-level police immigration office. Instructions on downloading and installing the National Identification Application are provided by officers during the registration process.
Is there a fee to register?
❌ No. According to Article 27 of Decree 69/2024/ND-CP (unamended), the subjects of electronic identity, whether foreigners, Vietnamese citizens, agencies, or organizations, are not required to pay registration fees for account issuance or account usage fees for electronic transactions.
What do FDI businesses need to review before December 31, 2026?
- Verify that the legal representative has a valid personal electronic identification account.
- Review all electronic transaction accounts of businesses on platforms under Clause 9 of Article 40 — especially electronic invoices and e-commerce — to ensure timely linking and verification;
- Keep track of the list of mandatory transactions that each ministry will issue for sectors not on this list.