Foreign nationals who legally enter or reside in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be eligible to obtain an electronic identification account under Vietnam’s VNeID system from September 28, 2026, under new provisions expanding access to the digital platform, according to a report by Fragomen.
The change removes a key restriction that previously limited foreign nationals to those holding a Permanent Residence Card or Temporary Residence Card in Vietnam.
Who can apply for VNeID
Under the new rules, foreign nationals who legally enter Vietnam or legally reside in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City can request an electronic identification account.
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Applicants seeking a Level 2 electronic identification account may have to appear in person at an appointment. Authorities may verify their information and collect biometric data, including facial images and fingerprints.
The expanded eligibility is expected to help foreign nationals who face difficulties accessing Vietnam’s digital administrative system.
Earlier, some foreign legal representatives and company representatives could not obtain a personal electronic identification account because they did not hold the required residence documents.
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The latest change could help such foreign nationals complete digital administrative procedures that require VNeID access.
The eligibility is also expected to be expanded nationwide in the future.
Companies already required to use VNeID
Vietnam has been gradually shifting immigration and other administrative procedures to its VNeID platform.
Earlier, from June 1, 2026, companies were required to use organizational VNeID accounts for eligible immigration procedures. These include applications for entry approval letters for foreign nationals and their dependents, visa extensions, work visas, exit visas and temporary residence cards.
Employers have also been required to use the system for work permit and Work Permit Exemption Certificate applications since August 2025.
