Vietnam Eliminates Need for Residence Certificates with VNeID Information Access

Effective July 1st, 2024, Vietnam will no longer require citizens to submit or present residence certificates. This change is a result of the ability to verify residency information through the national population database and the electronic residence application, VNeID. The move is expected to reduce the administrative burden on citizens. However, citizens retain the right to request a residence information certificate when necessary. According to the new directive (Circular 116/2026), individuals can request a certificate from any residence registration agency nationwide, regardless of their current place of residence. Applications can be made via the National Public Service Portal, the VNeID app, or in person at registration agencies. Furthermore, the scope and subjects of verification have been expanded. Authorities can issue certificates to individuals as well as households. Notably, individuals can receive comprehensive information about their household, pertaining to the period they were a member, without the household head's explicit consent. Issuance for households requires an application from the household head, while individual requests may need authorization or consent from the head. In cases of the household head's death or disappearance, the opinions of other legally competent household members are required. The certificate will include current and previous residences, duration of stay, registration type, and other relevant details. The validity period of the certificate remains one year from the date of issuance, but it becomes invalid immediately if the residency information is changed or updated. Residence registration agencies are obligated to provide information upon citizen requests. If the required information is already in the database, processing will be completed within half a working day. In cases requiring verification, the timeframe is no more than three days. Additionally, starting July 1st, 15 new forms for residence registration and management will be implemented, replacing previous ones. The residence information certificate form (CT07) will also be revised. Source: VnExpress