From July 1, 2025, foreigners legally residing in Vietnam can apply for an electronic identification (eID) account. The account allows them to integrate essential documents, such as their passport and temporary residence card, into one digital platform. They can then use the eID account in place of these documents for various public services.
The new regulation, Decree No. 320/2026 which will take effect on September 28, 2026 makes the process much easier by eliminating some complicated procedures and requirements and introducing clear guidelines for foreigners applying for the eID account.
Here is what you need to know about this form of identification.
A One Place For All Documents In Vietnam
According to the Vietnamese government, an eID account allows foreigners to access Vietnam’s online public services through the national VNeID platform. It also allows them to store essential documents, including their passports, temporary residence cards, and driving licences, in one place and present them when accessing public services without having to carry the original documents.
Many public services, such as vehicle registration and temporary residence registration, can be completed using the eID account instead of physical documents. However, the account cannot replace physical documents for procedures at some banks or at immigration and border-control.
Visa or work permit applications still require applicants to register in person at a police office and have not yet been integrated into VNeID. However, an eID account can replace physical documents for identity verification during these procedures.
The account can also reduce the number of in-person visits to government offices simply to present physical documents. With electronic identity verification, some procedures can be processed more quickly, making administrative processes more convenient for foreigners.
Besides the convenience it offers, the eID system also provides the government with a way to manage foreigners’ activities in Vietnam beyond immigration and border control.
Foreigners Can Apply Without The Residence Card
Under Decree No. 320/2026, foreigners only need to enter or legally reside in Vietnam to register for an eID account if they wish to do so. They will no longer be required to hold a temporary or permanent residence card.
Following the new regulation, eID accounts will be available not only to foreigners working in Vietnam but also to tourists entering the country on an e-visa and staying in Vietnam legally.
For foreigners under the age of 14, as well as those under guardianship or representation, the relevant procedures must be carried out with the participation of their legal representative or guardian, as required by law.
Foreigners can also request to have their eID accounts locked if they are no longer in Vietnam or no longer wish to use the account. The request must be submitted through the VNeID app. Once received, the electronic identification and authentication system will automatically record, verify and authenticate the request before locking the account.
How Can A Foreigner Apply For An eID Account?
There is currently no online application process that allows foreigners to apply for an eID account remotely or from outside Vietnam. Those who wish to register must complete the process in person at the Immigration Management Authority of the provincial or municipal police in the area where they reside.
The application process involves the following steps:
1. Visit the Immigration Management Authority
Applicants must visit the Immigration Management Authority of the provincial or municipal police in person.
2. Present a valid travel document
Applicants must present their passport or another valid international travel document.
3. Complete the application form
Applicants must fill out the Application for an Electronic Identification Account (Form TK01), providing their phone number registered in Vietnam, an email address if available, and information on any other documents they wish to integrate into their VNeID account.
4. Provide biometric information
A police officer will enter the applicant’s information into the system and collect their facial image and fingerprints for verification against the national immigration database.
5. Set up the VNeID app
Applicants will be instructed to download and install the VNeID app and provide the required information according to the instructions on the app.
6. Receive the result
The competent authority will review the application and notify applicants of the result through the VNeID app, their registered phone number, or email address.
The processing time depends on whether the applicant’s biometric data is already available in the system. It can be processed within two working days if the applicant’s facial and fingerprint data is already available, or five working days if biometric data has not yet been collected.
There is no fee for registering for an eID account through the electronic identification and authentication system or for using the account in electronic transactions.
