VNeID for Foreigners in Vietnam | Step by step to Register

VNeID for Foreigners in Vietnam

VNeID for Foreigners in Vietnam

As Vietnam continues to digitize public services, understanding how to use VNeID for foreigners in Vietnam has become essential for long-term residents, travelers, and expatriates. VNeID, the official electronic identification app issued by the Ministry of Public Security, allows users to access various government services, prove identity, and travel more conveniently within the country. For foreigners, registering and activating VNeID can simplify daily activities such as checking into accommodations, accessing healthcare, or handling administrative procedures. The following article explains step-by-step process of obtaining and using VNeID for foreigners in Vietnam.

1. Are Foreigners in Vietnam Eligible for Electronic Identification (VNeID)? 

Based on Article 11 of Decree 59/2022/NĐ-CP, foreigners aged 14 and above entering Vietnam are eligible for a VNeID account. In cases where foreigners are under 14 or under guardianship, registration will be linked to the VNeID account of their parent or guardian. 

2. Why is VNeID Important to Foreigners in Vietnam?

VNeID for foreigners in Vietnam is increasingly important as Vietnam shifts toward digital governance and paperless identification. For foreigners living, working, or traveling in Vietnam, VNeID provides a secure and official way to verify identity, reducing the need to carry physical documents like passports or residence cards. The app is used for checking into hotels, booking domestic flights, accessing public services, and even during police checks or administrative procedures.

Also, VNeID integrates personal information such as visa status, address, and legal records, making interactions with Vietnamese authorities more efficient. As more services transition to digital platforms, having a VNeID becomes not just convenient but often required. Without VNeID, foreigners in Vietnam may get in troubles when accessing essential services. Overall, VNeID for foreigners in Vietnam plays a vital role in helping individuals stay compliant, access services easily, and navigate life with confidence.

3. How to Register for VNeID for Foreigners in Vietnam?

3.1 Procedure for Issuing Level 1 VNeID for Foreigners in Vietnam

VNeID Level 1

Step 1

Foreigners in Vietnam need to download and install the VNeID application on a digital device

Step 2

Select “Register for VNeID account” and fill in all the required information as prompted by the system.

The VNeID registration will require the following information:

  • Passport number or valid international travel document number
  • Registered email or phone number (if available)
  • Provide a portrait photo using a mobile device
  • Other information as required by the VNeID system

Following that, foreigners submit the request and verifies electronically via the VNeID application.

Step 3

Wait for the Electronic Identification and Authentication Management Authority to notify the VNeID registration result via:

  • VNeID application
  • Registered email
  • Verified phone number provided

Timeframe for issuing an Electronic Identity account to foreigners: Not more than one (01) working day for a level 1 identity account.

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3.2 Procedure for Issuing Level 2 VNeID for Foreigners in Vietnam

VNeID Level 2

Foreigners registering for a Level 2 VNeID account must visit in person the Immigration Management Authority under the Ministry of Public Security or provincial police departments. The process as follows:

Step 1

Provide information as required by the competent authority. Foreigners need to present their passport/international travel documents and provide accurate information on the VNeID account request form (Form TK01 – below) to the competent authority. Specifically, Foreigners must provide:

  • Email/phone number registered for subscriber information (if available)
  • Information foreigners request to integrate into the national VNeID application

Step 2

The competent authority collects foreigner’s facial photo and fingerprints for verification against the national immigration database.

Step 3

Wait for the Immigration Management Authority to submit the request for issuing a Level 2 VNeID account to the Electronic Identification and Authentication Management Authority.

Step 4

Wait for the successful registration result of the Level 2 identity account for FNs. The Electronic Identification and Authentication Management Authority notifies the registration result for the Level 2 identity account to FNs via:

  • VNeID application
  • Registered email
  • Verified mobile phone number

Timeframe for issuing a Level 2 VNeID account to foreigners:

  • Not more than three (03) working days for a Level 2 identity account if facial image and fingerprint data are already available in the National Immigration Database
  • Not more than seven (07) working days for a Level 2 identity account if facial image and fingerprint data are not yet available in the National Immigration Database

4. Conclusion

In summary, obtaining a VNeID for foreigners in Vietnam is now an essential step in complying with local regulations and accessing key services. From travel and accommodation to public administration, this digital ID plays a vital role.

Vina TPT Expat HR Services offers comprehensive consulting and support services for obtaining electronic identification (VNeID) for foreigners in Vietnam. From document preparation to application submission and process monitoring, our team ensure every step is handled with accuracy and efficiency.

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Work Permit in Vietnam 2025 | Step-by-Step Guide & Requirements

work permit step by step guidance

Work permit in vietnam 1

Work permit in Vietnam is a mandatory requirement for foreigners to legally work in the country. This article provides detailed information on the latest requirements, documents, and procedures for obtaining a work permit, while also covering exemption cases and relevant penalties. 

1/ What is a Work Permit in Vietnam?  

The work permit is an official legal document issued by a competent Vietnamese authority, allowing foreign nationals to work legally in Vietnam. It is a compulsory requirement for most foreigners employed in the country. 

The work permit in Vietnam is issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) or Department of Home Affairs at the provincial or municipal level. The permit contains key details such as the employee’s full name, nationality, job position, and the validity period. 

2/ Why do foreigners need a work permit in Vietnam?  

Holding a work permit offers several benefits and is a legal requirement:  

  • Compliance with Vietnamese law: This is a legal regulation. Working without a work permit is considered a violation of labor laws.  
  • Avoiding legal risks: Both the employee and the employer can avoid legal risks, including administrative penalties or deportation.  
  • Protection of legal rights: A work permit helps protect the foreign worker’s legal rights, including those related to salary, insurance, and other benefits.  

The current legal documents governing work permits in Vietnam include:  

3/ Eligible individuals and conditions for being granted a work permit in Vietnam  

To be granted a work permit, foreigners must meet specific conditions.  

Eligible for a work permit
Eligible for a work permit

Eligible individuals for a work permit: 

The individuals eligible for a work permit in Vietnam are clearly defined in Article 2 of Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP (as amended by Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP). Specifically, these are foreigners entering Vietnam to work under the following forms: 

Performing a labor contract: 

  • The foreign national signs a direct labor contract with a company or organization in Vietnam. 
  • They hold positions such as expert, technician, manager, or executive director.  

Intra-corporate transferee 

  • The foreign worker has been employed by the overseas parent company for at least 12 months.  
  • They are transferred to work at a branch or representative office of the same group/company in Vietnam.  

Executing contracts or agreements between Vietnamese enterprises and foreign organizations 

These may involve fields such as economics, trade, finance, banking, insurance, science and technology, culture, sports, education, healthcare, etc.  

Contract-based service provider 

The foreigner comes to Vietnam to fulfill obligations under a service contract signed between a foreign entity and a Vietnamese one. They do not have a commercial presence in Vietnam.  

Service sales representative 

The foreigner visits Vietnam to negotiate or introduce services to Vietnamese businesses but does not directly deliver the services.  

Foreign volunteer 

They must have an assignment letter from a licensed non-governmental or international organization operating in Vietnam.  

Person responsible for establishing a commercial presence 

They represent a foreign organization in setting up a representative office in Vietnam.  

Other cases 

As defined by regulations or international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory (e.g., WTO, CPTPP commitments).  

General conditions for work permit Viet Nam:  

Foreign workers must meet the following general conditions to be have work permit in Vietnam: 

  • Possess full civil act capacity.  
  • Be in good health suitable for the job. A valid health certificate is required.  
  • Be a manager, executive director, expert, or technical worker.  
  • Not have a criminal record or be under criminal prosecution.  
  • Obtain a written approval for the job position using a foreign worker. This document must be issued by a competent authority.  

Specific requirements for each category  

Each category has specific requirements in terms of qualifications and experience:  

  • Expert: Must hold a university degree or equivalent, and have at least 3 years of relevant work experience.  
  • Technical worker: Must have received at least 1 year of specialized training and have at least 3 years of experience in the trained field.  
  • Manager or executive director: Must have managerial experience. Supporting documents such as appointment decisions are required.  
  • Intra-corporate transferees: Must be assigned by the foreign enterprise. An appointment decision and proof of experience with the parent company are required.  

View more about service for Expats in Vietnam

4/ Application dossier for a new work permit in Vietnam  

Preparing a complete and accurate dossier is crucial. Required documents include: 

  • Health certificate valid for 12 months.   
  • Criminal record certificate issued within the last 6 months.   
  • Certificates, diplomas, or professional qualification documents.   
  • Document confirming work experience or a previous work permit.   
  • Two 4×6 cm photos with white background, taken within the last 6 months.   
  • Approval letter for the need to employ foreign workers.   
  • Certified copy of a valid passport.   
  • Additional documents depending on the specific case (e.g., contract, assignment letter, etc.).   
  • Foreign documents must be consular legalized and notarized translated.  

5/ VIETNAM WORK PERMIT PROCESS 

The process for obtaining a work permit includes the following steps:  

Step 1: Submit the application for a work permit in Vietnam 

Submission deadline: At least 15 days before the foreign worker is expected to start working in Vietnam. 

Receiving authority:   

  • Ministry of Home Affairs (for cases under its jurisdiction), 
  • Or Department of Home Affairs, where the foreigner is expected to work. 

Applicants:   

  • Employer: Applies to foreign workers working under labor contracts, intra-corporate transfers, execution of agreements, service providers, service sellers, or other applicable cases.  
  • Vietnamese or foreign entities operating in Vietnam: Applies when foreign workers are working under specific contracts or agreements.  
  • Foreign worker: Applies to those entering Vietnam to offer services or to establish a commercial presence.  

Step 2: Wait for the work permit issuance   

  1. Processing time: Within 5 working days from the date of receiving a complete and valid application. 
  1. Issuing authority: Ministry/ Department of Home Affairs where the foreigner will work.  
  1. Result:  If the application is valid and eligible, the foreign worker will be granted a work permit using Form No. 12/PLI – Appendix I of the Decree. của Nghị định.  

If not granted: The competent authority will issue a written response stating the reason for rejection.  

Step 3: Sign and submit the labor contract (applies to certain cases)   

Applicable to: Foreign workers working under labor contracts.  

Requirement: After the foreign worker is issued a work permit, the employer and the worker must sign a written labor contract in accordance with Vietnamese labor law. This must be done before the worker’s official start date. 

Employer’s obligation: The signed labor contract (original or certified copy) must be submitted to the authority that issued the work permit. 

Produre for abtaining a work permit in vietnam
Procedure for abtaining a work permit in viet nam

6/ Work Permit Fee in Vietnam 

The fee for obtaining a work permit is generally regulated by the Ministry of Finance. According to Circular No. 250/2016/TT-BTC, the fee for a new work permit is 400,000 VND per permit. However, this amount may vary slightly across provinces depending on local People’s Council regulations. 

Work Permit Validity: : The maximum validity period of a work permit is 2 years. 

7/ Exemptions from Work Permit Requirement  

In certain cases, foreigners working in Vietnam are not required to obtain a work permit:  

  • Being the owner or capital-contributing member of a company with contributed capital of at least VND 3 billion.  
  • Being a member of the Board of Directors of a joint-stock company with contributed capital of at least VND 3 billion.  
  • Entering Vietnam for work for less than 30 days and no more than 3 times per year.  
  • Performing duties under international agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory.  
  • Other cases as specified in Article 7 of Decree No. 152/2020/ND-CP (as amended by Decree No. 70/2023/ND-CP).  

You can find more detailed information on exemption work permit on the official Government Portal or in this article.  

8/ Penalty for without work permit in Viet Nam:  

Violations of work permit regulations are strictly penalized.  

In case of working without a permit (penalty for without work permit in Viet Nam)   

  • Foreign worker: May be fined from VND 15,000,000 to VND 25,000,000 and may be subject to deportation.  
  • Employing enterprise: May be fined from VND 30,000,000 to VND 75,000,000 depending on the number of violating workers.  
  • Administrative penalties: Detailed in Decree No. 12/2022/ND-CP on administrative sanctions in labor and social insurance. More information can be found at the Ministry of Home Affairs website: https://moha.gov.vn/ 
  • Other sanctions: : In addition to fines, workers may be deported and employers may face suspension of business activities.  

9/ Conclusion 

Applying for a work permit in Vietnam is a crucial legal procedure. It requires careful preparation and strict compliance with the regulations. To ensure a smooth process, you should: 

  • Prepare your application documents thoroughly and completely.  
  • Seek professional assistance if you are not familiar with the procedures. 
  • Comply with the law to avoid unnecessary legal risks.  

Vina TPT proudly offers full-package consulting and support services for obtaining work permits in Vietnam for foreigners. We assist clients with document preparation, application submission, and process follow-up. 

Our service saves you time and effort, ensuring the process is completed quickly and accurately.   

Contact us for detailed consultation.  

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