VNeID for Foreigners: New Rules Under Decree 320
Vietnam will expand VNeID access for foreigners from September 28, 2026. Under Decree No. 320/2026/ND-CP, foreigners who legally enter or live in Vietnam may request a VNeID account.
The new rule removes the former Level 1 and Level 2 system for foreign users. It also creates one in-person registration process. This change may help more foreign workers, investors and business travelers use online public services in Vietnam.
Key Takeaways
Decree 320 takes effect on September 28, 2026.
Foreigners who legally enter or live in Vietnam may apply.
A residence card is no longer the main condition stated in the rule.
Foreign applicants must register in person.
The process takes two or five working days in most cases.
Some digital accounts must connect to a verified digital ID.
Who Can Apply for VNeID?
From September 28, 2026, a foreigner may apply if they:
legally enter Vietnam; or
legally live in Vietnam.
The former rules mainly covered people with a temporary or permanent residence card. Decree 320 uses wider language. It may cover foreign employees, investors, experts, short-term assignees, business travelers and family members.
However, the government will not create an account automatically. Each person must apply and confirm their identity. The immigration office will check the applicant’s details in the national immigration database.
Short-term visitors should also wait for more practical guidance. Local offices may need extra information when a visitor has limited records in Vietnam.
What Has Changed?
Decree 320 introduces four main changes for foreign users:
Wider access: A person may apply after legally entering or living in Vietnam.
One account type: Foreign accounts no longer have Level 1 and Level 2 labels.
One registration method: Applicants must visit an immigration office.
Faster processing: The normal time is two or five working days.
The new system aims to make digital services easier to use. It may also reduce the need to submit the same papers many times.
How to Register VNeID for Foreigners
Foreign applicants must visit the immigration office under the provincial police. The process has five main steps.
1. Prepare your passport
Bring a valid passport or another accepted international travel document.
2. Complete Form TK01
Provide correct personal details, a registered phone number and an email address if available.
3. Provide biometric data
An officer will take a facial photo and fingerprints. The officer will use this data to check your identity.
4. Install VNeID
Follow the officer’s instructions to install the app and complete the required details.
5. Receive the result
The authority may send the result through the VNeID app, your phone number or your email.
Before the appointment, check that your name, passport number and date of birth match your immigration records. Different spellings may cause delays.
How Long Does Registration Take?
The processing time depends on the data already held by the immigration system:
Two working days if the system already has the applicant’s facial photo and fingerprints.
Five working days if the system does not have this data.
These time limits start after the system receives a complete application. An appointment or a record correction may take extra time.
What Can Foreigners Do With VNeID?
Foreign users may use VNeID to:
confirm their identity online;
access linked public services;
submit and receive government forms online;
store and share linked records; and
complete supported online transactions.
The app may hold records such as passports, visas, residence cards, work permits, driving licences and tax details. The government lists 66 record types for individuals and 140 for agencies and companies.
Users should not need to submit a paper copy when VNeID already shows a valid and current record. However, this only works when the relevant office or service has connected its system to VNeID.
Which Digital Accounts Must Connect to VNeID?
Decree 320 covers digital accounts in several fields. These include banking, securities, phone services, e-commerce, electronic invoices, education, transport, tourism, medicine, healthcare and social media in Vietnam.
The e-commerce rule also covers online sellers, livestream sellers and affiliate marketers. Businesses should check both the platforms they run and the accounts they give to employees.
The main deadlines for existing accounts are:
December 31, 2026: Most covered accounts outside banking.
December 31, 2026: National digital platforms that use digital ID for login and transactions.
June 30, 2027: Covered banking accounts.
Each platform may use a different connection process. Companies should ask their banks and service providers for clear instructions.
What Should Foreign-Invested Companies Do?
Companies should prepare before the new rules take effect:
List foreign employees, directors and legal representatives who may need VNeID.
Check that their passport and immigration records are correct.
Update old guides that mention Level 1 and Level 2 foreign accounts.
List business accounts used for banking, phone services, e-commerce and electronic invoices.
Record who owns and manages each account.
Separate personal VNeID access from the company’s digital ID account.
Ask banks and platforms about their connection steps.
Protect personal data and limit who can access it.
Companies should also follow new guidance from the Ministry of Public Security and local immigration offices. The legal rule is clear, but access to each feature will depend on local systems and technical links.
How VINEX Can Help
VINEX helps foreign investors manage company setup, legal compliance, accounting, tax, payroll, work permits and business records in Vietnam.
For Decree 320, VINEX can help companies review foreign staff records, identify affected business accounts and update internal procedures. Contact VINEX for support based on your workforce and business activities.
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