Vietnam Simplifies Electronic ID Rules for Foreigners

Key Change: Removal of Level 1 and Level 2 Distinctions

One of the most significant changes is the elimination of the previous distinction between Level 1 and Level 2 electronic identification accounts for foreign nationals.

Under the new framework:

• Foreigners who legally enter or reside in Vietnam may obtain an electronic identification account upon request.
• Electronic identification accounts will no longer be categorized by account level.
• Organizations established or registered to operate in Vietnam may also apply for electronic identification accounts.

This change is intended to simplify access to digital government services and streamline identity verification procedures.

Revised Registration Procedures for Foreigners

Foreign nationals seeking an electronic identification account must apply in person at the provincial-level police immigration management agency.

Applicants will be required to:

• Present a valid passport or other recognized international travel document.
• Complete the TK01 application form.
• Provide a Vietnamese mobile phone number.
• Provide an email address, if available.
• Submit any additional information they wish to integrate into the VNeID national identification application.

Immigration officers will:

• Input the applicant’s information into the electronic identification and authentication system.
• Capture facial images and fingerprints.
• Verify biometric information against Vietnam’s national immigration database.
• Assist applicants with downloading, installing, and activating the VNeID application.

Once verification is completed, the application is forwarded to the agency responsible for operating Vietnam’s electronic identification and authentication system.

Applicants will receive results through:

• The VNeID application;
• Their registered mobile phone number; or
• Their registered email address.

Reduced Documentation Requirements

The new decree also introduces a welcome administrative simplification.

Government agencies may no longer require individuals or organizations to submit documents that have already been integrated into the electronic identification system.

This is expected to:

• Reduce duplicate filings;
• Limit administrative burdens;
• Improve processing efficiency; and
• Support broader digitalization efforts across government services.

Stronger Account Security Measures

The new rules include enhanced safeguards designed to protect electronic identification accounts.

Most notably:

• An electronic identification account will be automatically locked if the registered mobile phone number is no longer registered under the account holder’s name according to telecommunications provider records.

This measure is intended to reduce fraud risks and strengthen identity verification controls.

New Procedures for Children Under 14

The decree also establishes a dedicated process for foreign children under 14 years of age.

Applications must be submitted together with the child’s:

• Parent;
• Legal guardian; or
• Authorized representative.

The representative’s mobile phone number will be used for registration purposes.

Children must still:

• Present a passport or other valid travel document;
• Complete the TK01 form; and
• Provide biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints, for verification.

Faster Processing Times

The new framework shortens application processing times for both individuals and organizations.

Individual Applicants

Electronic identification accounts must be issued:

• Within 2 working days if biometric information already exists in the national immigration database; or
• Within 5 working days if biometric information must be newly collected and verified.

Organizations

For organizations, processing will take:

• Up to 10 working days where additional verification is required and the relevant information is not available in national or specialized databases.

Comparison with Previous Timelines

The new decree reduces maximum processing times as follows:

Erickson Insights and Analysis

The reforms represent another step in Vietnam’s broader digital transformation efforts and should make it easier for foreign nationals and businesses to access government services through the VNeID ecosystem.

Employers sponsoring expatriates may benefit from:

• Faster registration processing;
• Reduced documentation requirements;
• Improved digital identity management; and
• Streamlined interaction with government platforms.

Foreign nationals should ensure that their registered mobile phone numbers remain properly linked to their identity records to avoid automatic account suspension.

Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.