In the context of strong digital transformation in Vietnam, electronic identification (VNeID) has become an essential tool, supporting foreigners and foreign-invested enterprises (FDI) to conduct online transactions and administrative procedures effectively. In particular, for FDI enterprises, the director owning a personal electronic identification account is the first mandatory step to register identification for the organization. This article provides detailed information on legal regulations and procedures for registering electronic identification for foreigners, helping readers easily grasp and comply with regulations.
Overview of electronic identification
VNeID electronic identification is a system developed by the National Population Data Center (Ministry of Public Security), allowing online identity authentication through the VNeID application. For foreigners in Vietnam, electronic identification is an important tool to participate in online public services, from temporary residence registration to other administrative transactions.
Electronic identification is applicable to both Vietnamese citizens and foreigners legally residing in Vietnam. For foreigners, VNeID stores information from passports, residence cards, and other documents, replacing hard copies in many transactions. Decree 69 / 2024 / ND-CP, effective from July 01, 07, clearly stipulates the conditions, order and procedures for granting electronic identification accounts. According to Article 2024 of the Decree, VNeID includes two levels:
- Level 1: For basic transactions such as electronic payments or information lookups, online registration is possible.
- Level 2: For transactions requiring high security such as residence registration or banking transactions, biometric verification (portrait and fingerprint) is required at the police station.
For foreign-invested enterprises (FDI), the director (usually a foreigner) owning a personal electronic identification account is a prerequisite for the enterprise to be able to register for an organizational electronic identification, according to the provisions of Articles 6 and 7 of the Law. Decree 69 / 2024 / ND-CP.
📜 Conditions for registering electronic identification for foreigners
According to Clause 2, Article 7 of Decree 69 / 2024 / ND-CPForeigners residing in Vietnam are granted electronic identification accounts if they meet the following conditions:
| Object | Condition | Level |
| Aged 6 years and older | Have a temporary residence card or valid residence card |
Level 1, Level 2 (when needed) |
| Dưới 6 tuổi |
Have a temporary residence card or |
Level 1 (when needed) |
⚠️ Note: Temporary residence card or residence card is a mandatory condition to verify the identity of foreigners during the registration process.
Electronic identification registration process
Level 1 Electronic Identification
Level 1 e-ID allows foreigners to conduct basic online transactions and can be fully registered via the VNeID app. Here are the detailed steps:
➡️ Step 1: Download and install the VNeID application:
- Download the VNeID app from the app store (App Store or Google Play).
- Make sure your mobile device has a stable internet connection.
➡️ Step 2: Register an account:
- Open the VNeID app and select the “Register” option.
- Enter required information:
- Passport number or valid international travel document number.
- Email address or mobile phone number (if available).
- Take a portrait photo directly through the app (photo must be clear, no glasses, no face covering).
- Follow the instructions on the app to submit your request and complete the registration process.
➡️ Step 3: Get results:
- After submitting the application, the system will process it within 01 working days.
- The registration result (success or rejection) will be notified via:
- VNeID application.
- Registered mobile phone number.
- Email address provided.
⚠️ Note: For people under 14 years old, their guardian or representative must use a Level 2 electronic identification account and the owner's phone number to register on their behalf.
Level 2 Electronic Identification
Level 2 e-ID requires biometric authentication (portrait and fingerprint) and must be done directly at the competent authority. This level is necessary for important administrative transactions or when the foreigner is the legal representative of an FDI enterprise. The steps are as follows:
➡️ Step 1: Prepare documents:
- Passport, valid permanent/temporary resident card or valid international travel document.
- Contact information: Vietnamese SIM owner's mobile phone number and email address (to integrate with VNeID application).
➡️ Step 2: Submit application to competent authority:
- Go to one of the following locations:
- Administration of Immigration (Ministry of Public Security).
- Provincial/municipal police where foreigners reside
- Fill in Application form for electronic identification account (Form TK01) issued with Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP. 📥 Download Form TK01 here
➡️ Step 3: Verify information:
The receptionist will:
- Enter information from the profile into the electronic identification and authentication system.
- Take a portrait photo and collect fingerprints of the applicant.
- Check and verify information with national database.
- The system will send a request to the electronic identification management agency.
➡️ Step 4: Get results:
- Results will be announced via:
- VNeID application.
- Registered mobile phone number.
- Email address provided.
- Processing time:
- Maximum 3 business days if the information is already in the national database.
- Maximum 7 business days If there is no facial image or fingerprint information in the national database.
⚠️ NoteFor people under 14 years old:
- A guardian or representative must accompany you during the registration process.
- Use the main phone number of the Guardian or accompanying representative to declare and register.
VNeID electronic identification is an essential tool to help foreigners in Vietnam integrate into the digital system, from public services to financial transactions. For FDI enterprises, the director registering a personal VNeID is the first step to meet the organization identification requirements. By following the registration process according to Decree 69 / 2024 / ND-CP, foreigners and FDI business owners can ensure legal compliance, optimize operations, and take advantage of the benefits of digital transformation.
