Vietnam Eases Electronic Identification Rules for Foreigners

Foreigners who legally enter or reside in Vietnam will no longer need a temporary or permanent residence card to register for an electronic identification account when they want one. The change comes under Decree 320/2026, which takes effect on September 28, 2026.

The decree also removes the distinction between Level 1 and Level 2 accounts. Foreigners can register at a provincial immigration management authority by presenting a passport or other international travel document. For children under 14 and people under guardianship or representation, a representative or guardian must take part in the procedure.

Authorities will notify applicants of the result through the national identification app, a mobile number registered in the applicant’s name, or an email address, as required. Processing will take no more than two working days when facial-image and fingerprint data already exist, and no more than five working days when they do not.

The rules also expand the information and documents that can be updated, shared and used within the electronic identification and authentication system. Documents available for integration into the national identification app, VNeID, include ordinary passports, visas, visa-exemption certificates, permanent residence cards and temporary residence cards.

According to the police authorities, the changes should make administrative procedures, online public services and electronic transactions easier for foreigners. They also aim to improve immigration management and support Vietnam’s digital transformation by creating a more modern, convenient and transparent administrative environment.