Vietnam: eID Requirement for Foreign Nationals Holding Residence Cards Launched

Foreign nationals with a Temporary Residence Card (TRC) or Permanent Residence Card are now eligible to register for a VNeID, a digital identity system already in use by Vietnamese citizens that will eventually apply to all government processes. The VNeID is an online identification document linked to a mobile app that will be necessary for foreign nationals to access a broad range of administrative functions such as taxes, banking, household registration and corporate procedures. Foreign nationals, especially those serving as legal representatives of companies, are urged to register on the system soon.        

Applicants must register in person at the Immigration Department in the city where their TRC was issued, keeping in mind Vietnam's recent provincial reorganization. The process typically takes 30 minutes to two hours and involves biometric capture, form completion, and mobile number verification. Applicants must present their passport, TRC or Permanent Residence Card, and a personal Vietnamese mobile number registered under their name that is active and able to receive text messages. Corporate or unregistered numbers will not be accepted.        

Following registration, users must download the official VNeID app on their phone (available in English and Vietnamese) and activate it using a code sent via SMS within three to seven days. The app will store all personal data, so phone security is critical.

Long-Term Visa (LTV) holders are not currently eligible, though future inclusion is expected.        

There is currently no official procedure for de-registration upon permanent departure from Vietnam.        

We worked closely with Resident Vietnam in Vietnam to prepare this alert. This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].