Vietnam Expands VNeID Access for Foreigners from September 28

Vietnam is set to significantly expand access to its national electronic identification application, VNeID, for foreign nationals starting September 28, 2026. This move, driven by Decree No. 320/2026/ND-CP issued on August 13, 2026, abolishes the previous distinction in account levels for foreigners and introduces a unified in-person registration process. The changes are particularly relevant for foreign employees, executives, directors, and legal representatives utilizing Vietnam's National Identification Application (VNeID). They also affect organizations and users operating electronic transaction accounts in sectors such as banking, securities, telecommunications, e-commerce, electronic invoicing, and social media. Under the new decree, foreign nationals who lawfully enter or reside in Vietnam may request an electronic identification account, broadening the eligibility beyond the previous requirement of holding a valid temporary or permanent residence card. While eligibility is expanded, account issuance still requires a prescribed procedure and verification against the National Database on Immigration. Further operational guidance from the Ministry of Public Security may be needed for individuals with limited immigration data. Foreign applicants must complete the registration procedure in person at the immigration authority under the provincial-level police. Minors under 14 and those under guardianship must attend with their representative or guardian. The processing period for account issuance depends on whether the applicant’s biometric information (facial image and fingerprints) is already available in the National Database on Immigration, with statutory periods of two or five working days, respectively. Applicants should allow additional time for appointments and potential data discrepancies. A foreign electronic identification account can be used to access electronic identity information and other data integrated from national and specialized databases. While VNeID aims to facilitate access to services like banking, telecommunications, transport, and e-commerce, the practical availability of each function relies on the connectivity of relevant systems to the electronic identification and authentication system. Decree 320 also strengthens the legal use of information and documents integrated into VNeID. When handling administrative procedures or civil transactions, agencies and individuals will no longer be required to resubmit or present original documents if their information is already integrated and current within the application. This could reduce duplicate documentation, contingent on successful integration and up-to-date records. Businesses must ensure that their electronic transaction accounts in covered fields are linked and authenticated with electronic identification accounts. This requirement extends to sellers, livestream sellers, and affiliate marketers in e-commerce. Transitional deadlines are in place for existing covered electronic transaction accounts to comply by September 28, 2026. Source: Vietnam Briefing