From 28 September 2026, electronic identification accounts for foreigners are no longer classified as Level 1 or Level 2. Under Decree 320/2026/ND-CP, which amends Decree 69/2024/ND-CP, foreign nationals follow a single registration procedure.
The updated rules also broaden eligibility. Foreign nationals who have lawfully entered Vietnam can apply when needed, extending eligibility beyond those legally residing in the country.
This guide to VNeID for foreigners explains the benefits, eligibility requirements, documents to prepare, application steps and processing times.
1. Why Should Register VNeID for Foreigners?
VNeID is Vietnam’s national electronic identification application. It allows foreign nationals to manage their digital identity, access integrated information and documents, and use services connected to the electronic identification and authentication system.
The practical value of VNeID for foreigners lies in supporting everyday needs, including banking verification, online administrative procedures and access to electronic documents.
Identity Verification for Banking Services
At participating banks, VNeID supports identity verification and biometric matching. Completing these checks helps foreign customers meet the requirements for digital banking functions, including online transfers and payments.
Applicants must still satisfy the bank’s account opening requirements and provide the necessary documents. Having VNeID does not automatically allow a foreign customer to open an account entirely online at every bank.
Access to Online Public Services
Foreign nationals can use their electronic identification accounts to sign in, verify their identity and access procedures through public service systems that support VNeID.
This makes it easier to submit applications and receive notifications online, reducing the need to visit an authority for every stage of a procedure. Steps requiring physical attendance must still be completed as instructed.
Management of Electronic Documents
VNeID enables users to access information and documents integrated into their accounts, such as residence card information where integration and use are supported.
When handling procedures or transactions, receiving authorities and organisations use integrated information according to the applicable regulations. This helps reduce repeated declarations and requests to present original documents or copies already available through the application.
Registration of a Company’s Electronic Identification Account
For foreign investors who have established a company in Vietnam and also serve as its legal representative, a personal VNeID account supports registration of the company’s electronic identification account.
This helps the business verify its identity and access online public services available to organisations.
These benefits depend on the information integrated into the account and the systems supported by each bank, authority or service provider. Check the receiving organisation’s requirements before using VNeID for a particular transaction.
2. Who Can Apply for VNeID in Vietnam?
Foreign nationals can apply for an electronic identification account when needed if they:
- Have lawfully entered Vietnam; or
- Are legally residing in Vietnam.
Eligibility for VNeID for foreigners is not limited to employees or investors. Employment in Vietnam is therefore not stated as a prerequisite under this provision.
Foreign children under 14 and individuals under guardianship or representation can also register. They must follow the procedure involving their representative or guardian.
Do Foreigners Still Need a Level 2 Account?
From 28 September 2026, electronic identification accounts for foreign nationals are issued without a level classification.
Older guides may describe separate Level 1 and Level 2 procedures. Applicants should follow the updated registration requirements rather than rely on those earlier instructions.
3. What Should You Prepare Before Registration?
Preparing your documents and contact information before visiting the immigration authority can make the process easier. The following checklist covers the main requirements and practical preparations for VNeID for foreigners.
Passport or International Travel Document
- Applicants must present their passport or another document valid for international travel.
- Check your personal details before the visit so that the information you provide is consistent, particularly your full name, date of birth, nationality and document number.
Mobile Phone Number Registered in Your Name
- Foreign applicants must provide a mobile phone number registered in their own name.
- Check your subscription details with your mobile service provider. Using a number does not necessarily mean that the subscription is registered under your identity.
- For children under 14 and applicants under guardianship or representation, the representative or guardian uses a number registered in their own name.
Email Address, if Available
- Provide an email address if you have one. Email is one of the channels through which the registration result may be communicated.
- Choose an address you check regularly and confirm that it is entered correctly.
Information Required by Form TK01
- Applicants must provide complete and accurate information using Form TK01, the prescribed electronic identification account application form.
- This includes the registered mobile phone number, email address if available, and any additional information requested for integration into the national identification application.
Smartphone for Using the Application
- The receiving officer guides applicants in downloading, installing and entering information in the application.
- Bringing a compatible smartphone with internet access is therefore useful. Make sure you can install the application and access the contact channels provided during registration.
| What to prepare | What to check |
|---|---|
| Passport or international travel document | Bring it to present to the receiving officer |
| Mobile phone number | Confirm that it is registered in the required person’s name |
| Email address | Prepare an accessible address, if available |
| Application information | Ensure your details match your travel document |
| Smartphone | Check that it can install and run the application |
Where Do Foreigners Register?
Applications for VNeID for foreigners are made in person at the immigration authority of the provincial-level police.
Before travelling, confirm the office address, opening hours and any local instructions concerning appointments or application reception.
This is particularly helpful if you need time away from work, must travel to the office, or will attend with a child or represented applicant.
4. How to Register for VNeID in Vietnam
The registration process involves presenting your identity document, providing application information and completing biometric collection.
Step 1: Present Your Travel Document
Visit the immigration authority, request an electronic identification account and present your passport or international travel document.
An in-person visit forms part of the registration procedure for VNeID for foreigners. Downloading the application alone does not complete the process.
Step 2: Provide Your Application Information
Provide complete and accurate information using Form TK01.
Give the receiving officer your registered mobile phone number, email address if available, and any additional information you wish to integrate into the application.
Review your details carefully. If you notice an incorrect name, passport number or contact detail, inform the officer before submission.
Step 3: Complete Biometric Collection
The receiving officer enters your information into the electronic identification and authentication system.
The officer also captures your facial photograph and collects your fingerprints to authenticate your information against the National Immigration Database.
Applicants must attend in person for these biometric steps.
Step 4: Follow the Application Instructions
The officer guides you in downloading and installing the national identification application and entering the required information.
If your device encounters a technical problem, explain it to the officer so that you can receive appropriate guidance.
Step 5: Receive Your Registration Result
After completing the necessary steps, the immigration authority sends the account issuance request to the authority managing and operating the electronic identification and authentication system.
The result is communicated through one of these channels:
- The national identification application;
- Your registered mobile phone number; or
- Your email address.
Keep these channels accessible and follow the instructions accompanying the notification.
5. How Long Does Registration Take?
The processing time for VNeID for foreigners depends on whether the applicant’s facial photograph and fingerprints are already available in the National Immigration Database.
| Database status | Statutory processing period |
|---|---|
| Facial photograph and fingerprints are already available | No more than 2 working days |
| Facial photograph and fingerprints are not yet available | No more than 5 working days |
These periods are measured in working days. Allow for weekends and public holidays when estimating when you may receive the result.
If no notification arrives after the applicable period, contact the receiving authority for guidance. First, check the application, phone messages and email.
6. Registration for Foreign Children Under 14
Foreign children under 14 must visit the immigration authority together with their representative or guardian.
The representative or guardian uses a mobile phone number registered in their own name to provide the information and register the child’s electronic identification account.
The same arrangements apply to foreign nationals under guardianship or representation.
Families should arrange for both the applicant and the representative or guardian to attend, rather than assume that the representative can complete the procedure alone.
7. Vina TPT’s Support with VNeID for Foreigners
Vina TPT helps foreign nationals understand the registration requirements and prepare the necessary documents and information. We guide clients through the process so they can plan their visit and reduce difficulties caused by incomplete or inconsistent details.
For foreign investors who also serve as the legal representative of a Vietnamese company, we provide guidance on registering the company’s electronic identification account after personal registration has been completed.
Applicants must still attend the relevant authority for verification and biometric collection as required.
Contact Vina TPT for support with VNeID for foreigners and guidance on the registration procedure applicable to your circumstances.
Legal basis: Decree 69/2024/ND-CP, as amended by Decree 320/2026/ND-CP. This article covers the registration procedure for foreign nationals effective from 28 September 2026.